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President Tinubu Charges Governors On Peace, Good Government

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has warned state governors to guard against things that could alter atmosphere of peace and good government in their respective states.

In an address to announce the end of emergency rule in Rivers state on Wednesday, the president charged that “I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.

“As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level.

“The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.”

Governor Fubara, his deputy and members of the House of Assembly in Rivers state are expected to return to their duty posts on Thursday as the emergency rule ends at midnight on Wednesday.

NECO Releases SSCE Results, Records Reduction In Malpractices

By
Ayodele Oni
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Students in Examination Hall

By Ayodele Oni

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

The results show that 60.26 per cent secure credit passes in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Announcing the results at NECO’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on Wednesday, the Registrar, Prof Dantani Wushishi, stated that a total of 1,367,210 candidates registered for the examination. Of this number, 685,514 were male and 681,696 were female.

However, 1,358,339 candidates actually sat for the examination, comprising 680,292 males and 678,047 females.

According to Wushishi, out of the candidates who sat for the exam, a total of 818,492—representing 60.26 per cent—obtained credit passes in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

“In Nigeria, gaining admission into tertiary institutions requires a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

“Over the past four years, candidate performance has remained relatively stable, with 60 per cent achieving this benchmark in 2022, 61.60 per cent in 2023, and 60.55 per cent in 2024.”

The registrar also revealed that 1,622 candidates with special needs participated in the 2025 examinations.

Of these, 941 had hearing impairments, 191 had visual impairments, 100 had albinism, 95 had autism, 110 had low vision, and 185 had Adermatoglyphia.

NECO reported that 3,878 candidates were involved in examination malpractice in 2025—a significant reduction from the 10,094 recorded in 2024, representing a 61.5 per cent decrease. In 2023 and 2022, the figures stood at 12,030 and 13,595 respectively.

Wushishi commended NECO officials and various stakeholders, including supervisors, school proprietors, and state education ministries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, for their cooperation and support before, during, and after the conduct of the examinations.

There Is A New Spirit Of Understanding In Rivers State

By
The Source
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Bola Tinubu and Simi Fubara

By Bola Tinubu

Statement by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the cessation of the State of Emergency in Rivers State

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs. That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State.

My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

It, therefore, became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency.

The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.

I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.

I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security.

Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy.

However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I, therefore, do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today.

The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.

I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.

I thank you all.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Breaking: Tinubu Lifts Emergency Rule In Rivers

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the Emergency Rule imposed on the state in March this year.

According to the Presidency, the president’s directive takes effect from 12 midnight of Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Recall that the president, had six months ago,  imposed the Emergency Rule, suspended Governor Simi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.

He later appointed Vice Admiral, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the Administrator for a period of six months.

The six months ended today.

More to come….

EFCC: Activities Of ‘Yahoo Boys’ Fuelling Tough Visa Restrictions For Law Abiding Nigerians

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ola Olukoyede - EFCC Chairman
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman

By Akinwale Kasali

The activities of internet fraudsters, popular as ‘Yahoo Boys’ is responsible for the worsening Visa Restrictions faced by  Nigerians, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has disclosed.

The EFCC said the growing menace of internet fraud is worsening visa restrictions for law-abiding Nigerians seeking to travel abroad, stressing that this needs urgent attention.

Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman, warned that cybercrime not only jeopardizes the future of those directly involved, but also tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage, leading to stricter travel conditions for innocent citizens.

Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, delivered the warning during an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs.

The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of Naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities. Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.

The anti graft Boss urged young Nigerians to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry rather than cybercrime.

He was quoted as saying, “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”

He also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to intensifying sensitisation campaigns, enforcement efforts, and collaboration with local communities to curb cybercrime and related offences.

These developments follow the July announcement by the United States of a revised visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, which reduced the validity of certain non-immigrant visas—such as B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) visas—to three months and limited them to single entry.

“There Is A Poisonous Media Narrative To Run Down Dangote” – Senator Ndume

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Senator Ali Ndume

By Akinwale Kasali

Urges NUPENG, DAPPMAN to support him instead of Demonising Him

Senator Ali Ndume has urged major players in Nigeria’s Downstream Oil Sector to support one another, especially the Management of Dangote Refinery, rather than engage in a war of attrition.

Ndume said attacking each other has the potential of destroying the nation’s economy.

He made the appeal following the face-off between the Management of Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, as well as the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN.

Recall that NUPENG recently embarked on an industrial action which led to a shutdown of oil depots.

The Union cited the alleged refusal of the Management of Dangote Refinery to allow its truck drivers join the Union. This, the unionists argued, contravened sections of the Trade Union Act.

DAPPMAN, which is an umbrella body of fuel importers, on its part, accused Dangote Refinery of plotting to stifle competition by selling its products cheaper to international traders compared to what they sold to local marketers.

This development prompted the Department of State Service, DSS, to intervene, brokering a truce to forestall what the service considered a threat to national security.

In addressing this issue, the Federal Lawmaker, in a statement, expressed concerns over what he called “a poisonous media narrative to paint Dangote in bad light in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community.”

Senator Ndume said: “Before Dangote took the risk to build his refinery, previous administrations had granted licenses to many Nigerians. What did they do with it.? Some of them only cashed on the incentives of crude oil allocation.

“If my memory serves me right, licenses were granted to 12 private operators as far back as 2002 to build refineries and reduce dependence on imported fuel.

“The second round of licenses was done in 2007 by the then Department of Petroleum Resouces ( DPR) after revoking the first batch and granted nine new licenses to private investors.

“Those parading themselves as fuel importers today didn’t seize the initiative to come together to build refineries.

“Again, during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, licenses were granted to private investors to build modular refineries.”

He further said: “How many of them actually scratched the surface but they are ganging up to falsely accuse Dangote of monopolizing the market.

“It is wrong to talk about monopoly in a deregulated industry. There are no deliberate bottlenecks against anyone and no player has been accorded special concession to the detriment of others.”

The Lawmaker urged regulatory agencies in the industry, the Ministry of Petroleum Resouces and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, ( NMDPRA), to intervene to prevent an all-out feud among the players.

Ndume further said, “I urge NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and all concerned stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue with Dangote rather than inciting division and undue sensationalism in the media.

“Our common goal should be to balance labour rights with the imperatives of national development and not put ordinary citizens at the receiving end of a needless power tussle.”

Governor Otti Receives Panel Reports On Recovery Of Stolen Public Assets… Vows Action

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has vowed to act swiftly and decisively on the findings of the Asset Recovery Panel of Inquiry set up by. the state Government.

The Source reports that retired Justice Florence Duruoha Igwe-led panel was constituted by the State in 2023  to carry out an  inquest into alleged cases of diversion and illegal acquisitions of public properties, including public schools, health facilities and other public infrastructures by some Government officials and cronies in the past few years.

Receiving the final report of the panel on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Governor Otti affirmed that the establishment of the investigative committee was not borne out of the desire to witch hunt any one.

According to him, the over riding interest is for the Government to have an adequate knowledge of the people’s assets illegally acquired and diverted into private uses.

In a statement from his media aide, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia State Governor assured that his administration will accord the panel’s report all the attention it deserves.

Governor Otti  informed that already, a white paper drafting committee has began work on the first part of the panel’s report submitted some months ago.

“Setting up this Judicial Panel of Inquiry has nothing to do with vendetta ,nor anything to do with scapegoating anyone.

“We just needed to know what happened. Like we have always insisted,  there was no proper handover process by the immediate past administration in the State.

“So, we find ourselves at a very tight position, groping and trying to get information. Happily, that is in the past now as we  have decided to move on, having done two years out of our four-year mandate.

” However, a lot of people had a lot of concerns over some issues, and we felt that in a democracy, they needed to be heard and possibly have their concerns addressed.

“So, the Committee on White Paper, I can attest, has been doing a lot of job on the first phase of the report submitted by the panel.

“This second and final report will also be forwarded to the Committee so that they can put all the issues in proper perspective for us as a  Government to act on”, Governor Otti stated.

He appreciated the members of the  panel for their dedication and commitment to duty  even in the face of some challenges, particularly the increased number of petitions and memoranda received from the members of the public.

Earlier in her address, the Chairperson of the Panel Justice Duruoha-Igwe rtd, informed that out of a total of 350 petitions and memoranda received, the panel heard and concluded on 278 during the first phase of its  sitting.

“Your Excellency, however, graciously directed that we return to work on the remaining 72 petitions and memoranda initially left unattended to.

She expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity given to her and other members of the Panel to serve the State.

Ondo Gov. Election: Gov’s Victory Sealed As PDP’s Ajayi Withdraws Appeal From Supreme Court

By
Ayodele Oni
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Agboola Ajayi and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The legal battle over 2024 Ondo State Governorship election has ended. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa can now relax. He has secured a final victory at the Supreme Court, and this time, without any noise,  a trip to Abuja or a sponsor of his supporters to the Supreme Court.

On his own, the Governor’s challenger, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Agboola Ajayi, formally withdrew his appeal before the Supreme Court.

Ajayi and the PDP had earlier approached the tribunal to challenge the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who secured wins across all 18 local government areas of the state.

After the tribunal ruling which upheld Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory, Ajayi and PDP moved the the Court of Appeal which also endorsed the tribunal ‘s judgement.

In a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the apex court, Agboola acknowledged that he was aware of the appeal filed on his behalf against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others.

Explaining his decision, Ajayi said the withdrawal came after wide consultations with stakeholders and members of the PDP.

‎However, after what he described as “thoughtful discussions with family, party members, associates, and legal advisers,” he resolved to discontinue the case.

Agboola, who served as former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, contested under the PDP platform in the 2024 election, but lost to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‎His withdrawal marks the end of one of the most keenly contested post-election disputes in recent history.

In his statement, Agboola said his decision was guided by principles of good governance and peaceful coexistence, stressing his commitment to contributing positively to the state and national development.

The former Deputy Governor extended his heartfelt congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa, pledging his readiness to support initiatives that will drive the growth and development of Ondo State.

Dangote Mocks Tinubu’s Plans To Revive Ajaokuta

By
James Orji
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Aliko Dangote and Bola Tinubu

Oil mogul, Aliko Dangote has poopooed the ongoing plan by the federal government to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, located in Kogi state. He said the efforts will end up in a fruitless exercise.

The Africa’s Richest Man and owner of the $20 billion Petrochemical Refinery in Lagos made the remark while speaking to some journalists on Tuesday, saying the Ajaokuta Steel reviving project is a big joke.

The business man spoke barely two months after the Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said the efforts to revive the moribund Steel Mill has reached an advanced stage.

Dangote, however, disagreed with him, saying the efforts will end in futility, saying the Mill is no ,onger in tune with current global technology.

“The steel we are talking about, we will definitely look at the opportunities of doing that. There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry. And honestly, between us here, Ajaokuta will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves. We can keep being passionate about this. It’s not possible,” Dangote declared.

Speaking in July, Audu had noted that  the federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the plant, as part of the plan to bring it back to life.

The minister added that the government has extended the search for private investors to China to invest in the steel plant, marking it a significant step forward towards its resuscitation finally.

“We are doing a tremendous job. The journey has started, and we will be able to turn Ajaokuta and deliver results very quickly”, Audu said.

Built in1979 by the Russians, the Mill, an integrated Steel Complex was conceived to revolutionize Nigeria’s technological advancement. Unfortunately, it has become moribund for years with no hope of revival, after gulping billions of naira from successive administration in the country.

Cardoso: CBN Has Strengthened Financial System, Stopped Forex Racket

By
James Orji
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso has stated that the policies rolled out by the apex bank since he came into office have started yielding positive results.

According to the apex bank governor, the policies include, the ongoing bank recapitalisation exercise,  exchange rate unification, , Nigeria Payments System Vision and Unified Complaints Tracking System, UCTS among others.

Cardoso spoke in Kano state during a sensitisation programme to educate Nigerians on how the fiscal policies being implemented can benefit them. He was represented at the event by the CBN  Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Ms Hakama Ali.

The CBN governor said other achievements of the apex bank under him include the minimization of arbitrage opportunities and reduction of volatility in the foreign exchange market and the clearing of  over $7 billion verified backlog of forex forwards.

Cardoso: “The Management of the Bank, under the leadership of Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, is committed to stimulating productivity and financial inclusiveness, as well as delivering on its core mandate of monetary and price stability. These efforts have already started yielding positive results, which include increases of inflows of foreign investments, positive trade balances and remarkable progress in financial inclusion.

“Since assuming office, two years ago, the Governor has spearheaded several key policies to strengthen the financial system. These include exchange rate unification. To minimize arbitrage opportunities and reduce volatility in the foreign exchange market and cleared over $7bn verified backlog of FX forwards.

“Bank Recapitalisation to strengthen the resilience and global competitiveness of the banking sector, positioning it to support the $1trillion economy.

“Similarly, the bank launched the non-resident BVN to connect Nigerians abroad with home banking and unveiled the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028) to accelerate digital transformation, deepen financial inclusion, and position Nigeria more strongly in global payments.

“To further protect banks’ customers and strengthen consumer confidence, the CBN launched the Unified Complaints Tracking System (UCTS) to streamline the management of consumer complaints against financial institutions. Alongside this, USSD code (*959#) was also introduced for verifying licensed institutions, and enhancing transparency in the Nigerian financial sector.”

Cardoso was appointed in July 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  as replacement for Godwin Emefiele, who’s now being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for alleged fraud.

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