Senate: Natasha Remains Defiant, Will Not Apologise

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September 23, 2025

Following her resumption in the Senate on Tuesday, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central has remained defiant, saying she’s not prepared to apologise to the Nigerian Senate despite the pressure being mounted on her.

After six months of suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her duty at the Senate today after her office was unsealed by the National Assembly officials.

Speaking to journalists at the Senate Chamber, she explained that there are efforts to force her to apologise, saying this will not happen, as she’s prepared to continue with the battle until justice is achieved.

According to her, “I feel happy and vindicated by having access to my office today for resumption of legislative duties after six months of illegal and unjust suspension.

“I read in one of the national dailies today that the Senate met yesterday, where the Minority Leader was reportedly mandated to prevail on me on December 7, to tender an apology.

“If the report is true, it means the battle has just begun because I have no apology to tender to anybody for the wrong done to me and not me to anybody or the Senate.”

“I’m actually worried as to what apology they expect from me. You can’t apologise for an injustice.

“And may I remind the good people of Nigeria that the document that led to my illegal suspension, which is the recommendation made by the Senator Neda Imasuen-led committee, was actually written by the office of the Senate President.

Ondo Sanctions School Principals Over Illegal Fees Collection

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

As public primary and secondary schools in Ondo state resumed for the 2025/2026 academic session, the state government has vowed to ensure that the free education policy of government is implemented successfully, while unapproved fees are outlawed.

To this end, the State Government has sanctioned two secondary school principals for allegedly extorting students through illegal levies and unapproved charges.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure, warning that the era of exploiting parents and students was over.

According to him, concerned parents had petitioned the ministry over reports that some principals were collecting fees far above the state-approved levies, as well as demanding items not sanctioned by government.

“Two principals have already been sanctioned in the last few days. They were caught collecting illegal money from students, even before the new term resumed,” Ajibefun said.

He revealed that the two principals were summoned, confronted with evidence, and eventually confessed.

“They have been queried, and appropriate punishment will follow. This is to send a clear message that we are serious, and this era is different,” he stressed.

The commissioner cautioned head teachers and principals across the state to desist from illegal collections, assuring parents that the government remains committed to providing free and quality education in public schools.

Before the schools resumption, government had announced various measures to guide principals as regards approved and unapproved levies as well as specific textbooks to be used by various classes.

The state also outlawed any form of extravagant end of year activities, following complaints by parents that such programme is meant to extort them by the schools.

CBN Lowers Interest Rates, First Time In 5yrs

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James Orji

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September 23, 2025

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The Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, has reduced the benchmark interest rate, from 27.5 per cent to 27 per cent. It was the first time the committee has taken such decision in five years.

The MPC took the decision on Tuesday during its 302^nd meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The decision was unanimously supported by the 12 members of the committee.

In July, the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso announced that Committee had decided to maintain the interest rate at 27.5 percent, to further curtail inflation and stabilize the naira.

Cardoso, while announcing the decision of the MPC to cut the rate by 50 basic point disclosed that it was done because of declining inflation in the country, which he said has decelerated in the last five months.

This, he said, was due to the CBN policies including monetary policy tightening, exchange rate stability, foreign capital inflow into the country, among others.

MPC said: “Other factors that contributed to the deceleration include the continued moderation in the price of PMS and the notable increase in crude oil production.

“In the view of the committee, the stability in the macroeconomic environment offered some headroom for monetary policy to support economic growth and recovery.”

“Notwithstanding the consistent deceleration in inflation, the Committee said it observed the persistent reduction of excess liquidity in the banking system, resulting largely from fiscal releases emerging from improving revenues.

“Being mindful of the need to preserve the prevailing macroeconomic stability, the MPC noted the risk posed by the excess liquidity in the banking system.

“Members noted that the effective functioning of the inter-banking system is critical to enhance transmission of the monetary policy.

“This, therefore, informed the decision to adjust the width of the standing facilities corridor to boost inter-banking market transactions and the stability of the market.”

Meanwhile, the MPC also reduced the Cash Reserve Requirement, CRR, for commercial banks to 45 percent, down from 50 percent, while retaining the CRR for merchant banks at 16 percent.

Also, the Committee introduced a 75 percent CRR on non-Treasury Single Account , TSA.

Gov Otti Reshuffles Cabinet, Warns Against Corruption

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The Source

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September 23, 2025

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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state Governor Dr Alex Otti on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, swore-in two new Commissioners with a charge to key into the transformational agenda of the administration.

The coming on board of the two Commissioners, also came with a minor cabinet reshuffle.

In the new arrangement, Dr Mrs Salome Obiukwu, one of the new Commissioners takes over from Kingsley Nwokocha as the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce.

Nwokocha, whose short tenure at the Trade and Commerce Ministry had been dogged by a series of avoidable controversies, was lucky to have escaped outright sack ,as he was reassigned to the Labour and Productivity Ministry.

His less than seven months in the saddle was hugely marked by an unprecedented surge in leadership instability and restlessness within most of the State’s established Markets

Chaka Chukwumerije, son of late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, is now the Commissioner for Lands, after his ministry was split into two.

Architect Chiemela Uzoijie, one of the newly appointed Commissioners is to man the Housing Ministry, carved out of from the Ministry of Lands.

Governor Otti informed that the decision to split the erstwhile Ministry for Lands and Housing into two was to promote efficiency and good service delivery.

He described the new appointments and reshuffling exercise as part of his administration’s continuous efforts at repositioning the State through improved service delivery.

The Governor charged the new Commissioners to hit the ground running, as well as enrich the system with fresh ideas.

Governor Otti emphasized that the new appointees were carefully selected after a rigorous process owing to their proven qualities.

“There is practically no time for honeymoon. We expect that you will quickly invite and welcome support from every available channel so that you can hit the ground running.

“You have been found to posses the import leadership qualities that we seek in our team ,and we are glad that you honour the call to serve your state at this moment in our history .Thank you for offering to be part of the new Abia Project”, Governor Otti noted.

He, however, warned against public officials compromising their positions , insisting that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption.

He further warned that he would not hesitate to wield the big stick should the occasion calls for it.

” Let me repeat a charge I will never get tired of giving at functions like this: Our administration has zero tolerance for corruption ,and practices that take away from the puy till.

“We shall not hesitate to do what has to be done whenever credible evidence of compromise and bad behavior is presented to us.

“You are all required to live above board as public officers with the understanding that this is a call to serve not an invitation to a banquet.

ASUU Promises Cooperation As Gov Okpebholo Names New VC For Ambrose Alli Varsity

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma Edo state, has expressed satisfaction over the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, assuring her of their unflinching support.

Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor had on Monday confirmed the appointment of Prof Omonzejie in a statement.

This is after almost a year the post of a vice Chancellor for the state University became vacant.

The distinguished scholar of French and Francophone African Literatures, was chosen amongst three names, which were not mentioned, recommended to the Governor by the Governing Council of the University, according to the statement.

The a long-serving academic in the Department of Modern Languages at the University, is a prolific researcher and editor, with contributions to African and Francophone literary studies, gender studies, and cultural studies.

ASUU’ s position was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the union, Ekpoma chapter, Dr. Cyril Onogbosele and Dr. William Odion, respectively,

‎The Union said that it received the news of the appointment of the substantive vice chancellor for the university by the Visitor to the University and the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo with great joy.

According to the union, the development is in tandem with the long standing agitation by the Union for a substantive vice chancellor and other principal officers for the university.

‎It added that, the current appointment of Prof. Eunice Omonzejie as substantive Vice Chancellor will strengthen the repositioning policy of the Governor of Edo State for the university.

ASUU’ also pointed out that ‎the Union’s confidence in this appointment is predicated on the vast knowledge and history of the numerous problems bedeviling the university by the newly appointed substantive vice chancellor.

“‎Being a tested activist, our union will commit unflinching support for this appointment in line with our union principles and ideals.

“We warmly congratulate the newly appointed substantive Vice Chancellor as well as the Governor of Edo State for this appointment, with the assurance of healthy collaboration for sustainable industrial harmony in the university.”

APC Screens Ekiti Governorship Aspirants

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2025

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Biodun Oyebanji at Ekiti APC governorship Screening

By Ayodele Oni

Incumbent Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is seeking the party ticket for second term, has expressed confidence in the ability of the seven-man screening committee to be fair in the assignment they have been saddled with.

Governor Oyebanji made the remarks on Tuesday after appearing before the Tunji Olawuyi-led team in Abuja.

The committee was inaugurated on Monday by the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru.

Other aspirants, among whom are two females are Engr Kayode Olubunmi Ojo (EKO), Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi (MEGA) and. Mrs Omolayo Oluremi.

The panel has Tuesday and Wednesday to screen the four aspirants in the race for the party ticket at a primary fixed for next month.

Governor Oyebanji after being screened by the panel, described the process as fair and transparent, noting that it would save the party from future crises.

He said, “I must commend the APC for putting this structure in place. It will save the party from a lot of problems. I have absolute confidence that the party will get it right.”

He appealed to other aspirants to have faith in the process.

“This is only the screening stage. Next comes the conference committee, then the election proper. Whoever emerges must be supported, because it is not just about the aspirants, it is about returning our party to power and serving the people.”

Nigerian Soldier Kidnaps Self, Demands N20m Ransom From Family

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 23, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of a serving soldier for staging his own kidnap.

Samuel Ekezie, a 38-year old soldier attached to the 302 Artillery Regiment of the Nigerian Army Onitsha, was said to have, on September 15 2025, faked his abduction, and demanded a whopping sum of N 20 million from his family members.

A statement by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the State Police Command, informed that Ekezie, who was arrested on same September 15 is presently in custody.

According to Ikenga, the arrest of the suspect in Port Harcourt where he was hiding, was sequel to the deployment of technology-driven intelligence.

The Police spokesperson stated that Ekezie had, after feigning abduction, sent a text message to his family members, demanding a ransom of N20 million for his release from supposed captivity.

The Police Command noted that going by the development, a thorough investigation has been launched to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.

“Wike Is My Principal, Tinubu To Guide Me Govern Rivers State” – Fubara

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 23, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Reinstated Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has submitted to two people in his governance of Rivers State. According to him, one is his Principal, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The other is President Bola Tinubu, who is to guide him on what to go about governance and avoid crisis.

Fubara disclosed this to State House Correspondents during his first visit, Monday, to the President on reinstatement after his six months suspension from office.

Answering questions from the Correspondents, Fubara said he came to see the President, first to report that he has resumed as Governor, and second to ask him for guidance on how to govern in order to avoid crisis in his State.

And, when asked about the genuineness of his peace pact with Wike, he acknowledged the FCT Minister as his Principal, and said the two of them are working together. He said he has agreed with his Principal to forge ahead for the unity of Rivers State.

Fubara: “I don’t know what you mean by if this is a paper peace. As far as I’m concerned, we have made peace. Fubara and his Principal (Wike) are working together.”

On his visit to the President, Fubara disclosed that aside from informing him of his resumption, it was also to be guided by the President on how to govern the State and avoid crisis.

Fubara: “You’re aware that suspension was lifted midnight September 17 and I came in on the 19th. Ideally, it’s proper for me to see Mr President and to tell him that I’m back and I’ve also resumed my responsibility as the Governor of Rivers State. It’s not much.

“It’s father-son discussion, telling him thank you, and the areas where, if at all, there should be any issue for him to guide me properly so we don’t be in any situation of crisis. That’s all.”

The Governor also said the President advised him “on what to do and how to go about it in the right direction.”

President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, and suspended the Governor, his Deputy and Members of the House of Assembly for six months.

He lifted it and reinstated all midnight of September 17, 2025.

First Lady’s Birthday Appeal: “We Are Finished” – Peter Obi

By

The Source

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September 23, 2025

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Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s priorities after First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, requested that well-wishers channel birthday gifts toward the completion of the National Library in Abuja.

In a statement on Sunday, Obi congratulated Mrs. Tinubu on her birthday, describing her appeal as noble but simultaneously a stark indictment of Nigeria’s governance.

“I join millions of Nigerians in wishing Her Excellency, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, a happy birthday. May God’s grace continue to guide her,” Obi stated. “Yet I was struck by irony when I read her request: that instead of cakes or newspaper adverts, well-wishers should donate toward completing the National Library in Abuja. On the surface, it is noble and selfless. But beneath it lies an indictment of our nation.”

Drawing from his experience as governor, Obi noted that he once encouraged supporters to redirect resources for newspaper adverts into providing computers for schools and building classroom blocks. However, he stressed that such gestures were meant to complement—not replace—the responsibility of government.

He faulted the Nigerian state for allowing the nation’s premier library to depend on charitable donations despite lavish spending by political leaders.

“It is shocking that, in our present circumstance, while billions are easily found for private jets, yachts, holidaying abroad, and frivolities, the nation must rely on birthday donations to complete its own National Library,” he said.

Obi further questioned the priorities of Nigerian leaders, lamenting: “What kind of country must beg for charity to build the very temple of knowledge? Serious nations treat libraries as sacred; we reduce them to afterthoughts, begging bowls, or birthday tokens.”

He commended Mrs. Tinubu for highlighting the importance of education, describing it as the most enduring legacy a nation can give its people. However, he warned that knowing this truth while still prioritising vanity projects was “both shocking and tragic.”

Concluding his remarks, Obi reiterated that Nigeria’s future depends not on ostentatious displays of wealth but on investing in knowledge and education.

“If Nigeria will rise, it will not be on the wings of jets or the splendour of mansions, but on the strength of minds formed in classrooms and nourished in libraries. Until then, the lament remains true—we are finished.”

Ondo Police Nabs Suspect Over Assault, Death Of Teenage For Stealing Cocoa Pod

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command, has warned the people against jungle Justice as the Command arrested a man for beating a boy to death for allegedly stealing cocoa pod.

The incident, according to police report, happened at Akunmi Quarters, Akungba.

Command spokesman, Olusola Ayanlade in a statement, disclosed that “At about 1430hrs, the Police received a report of a young boy, who had been severely assaulted, after being accused of plucking cocoa pods from a farm.

“He was brought to the station in an unconscious state, and officers immediately directed that he be taken for urgent medical attention. Regrettably, at about 1736hrs, he was confirmed dead at the hospital.

“The complainant was promptly arrested, while the deceased’s remains were deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy.

“The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Akure, for discreet investigation with a view to ensuring that justice is served.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemns this tragic development and once again cautions members of the public against resorting to self-help or jungle justice under any circumstance.

“Citizens are urged to resist the temptation of taking laws into their own hands, but rather report all infractions, disputes, or criminal acts to the Police and allow due process of the law to prevail.”

In another incident, the command nabbed a female suspect for unlawful possession and distribution of illicit drugs at Ode Aye, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Report revealed that “on 22nd September, 2025, at about 1730hrs, acting on credible intelligence, Police operatives stormed the residence of one Mrs. Ibikun Segun ‘f’ of No. 16 Ikoloma Street, Ode Aye.

“Upon thorough search of the premises, large quantities of a white crystal substance suspected to be crystal methamphetamine and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa were recovered.

“In addition, the sum of ₦25,000, believed to be proceeds from the illicit trade, was also found in her possession.

“The suspect was immediately arrested and taken into custody, while investigation has since commenced to trace the source of the drugs, identify possible accomplices, and dismantle any distribution network linked to her activities. She will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

“Drug abuse and distribution remain one of the greatest threats to public safety as they fuel crime and criminality, endanger the lives of users, and destabilize communities.

“Many violent crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, robbery, cultism, and homicide are often linked to the influence of hard drugs. It is for this reason that the Ondo State Police Command has continued to intensify its crackdown on drug traffickers, peddlers, and distributors.”