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Jigawa Crash: Two Die, 11 Injured, Over 2 Million Recovered In Friday’s  Road Accident

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Road Safety Corps

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A tragic road mishap Friday morning, July 11, 2025, on Kano/Ringim road has left two persons dead, and 11 others seriously injured.

The accident which occurred at about 10.40.am, involved two Volkswagen Golf commercial vehicles coming from opposite directions colliding head-on just close to the former IGP’s farm in Ringim Emirate ,Jigawa state .

A statement from the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on Friday informed that 13 persons were involved in the mishap. Two are confirmed dead , while 11 others who sustained varying degrees of injures have been taken for medical attention .

The FRSC noted that its Medical and Rescue team in the course of rescue operation, recovered the sum of N 2 ,166 ,700 in cash from the scene of the accident .

Instructively, the retrieved cash which the agency   said  belong to the two dead passengers and a survivor has been handed over to their relations.

According to the FRSC, the handing over of the cash was witnessed by the Divisional Traffic Officer of the Ringim Division of the Nigeria Police.

This is as the Agency’s Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, condoled the families, relations and friends of the victims, while also praying for the quick recovery of the injured.

Mohammed also lauded operatives for their quick response to, and high  sense of commitment in  handling the situation.

He nevertheless emphasized the need for motorists and other road users in maintaining safe speeds, avoid night travels, as well as ensuring that their vehicles are roadworthy, particularly during this rainy season.

“They Have Finished Fighting Us, Now It Is Time To Look Into Edo Financial Records – Gov Okpebholo

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Monday Okpebholo - Edo State Governor
Monday Okpebholo - Edo State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely 24 hours after scaling through  the final judicial hurdle to cement his hold on governance, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Friday, July 11,  2025, signaled his readiness to probe his predecessor in office, Godwin Obaseki

Addressing All Progressive Congress APC supporters  civil servants, and other professional groups at the Government House, Benin, Governor Okpebholo accused the Peoples Democratic party, PDP,and its candidate Chief Asue Ighodalo of stashing a large part of the State’s funds for election purpose and legal battles.

He informed that he will open the books now that the PDP and Obaseki have exhausted all the arsenal at their disposable in their bid to unsettle his administration.

“I will open the books to check the financial dealings, and how Obaseki governed Edo state in the last eight years.

“A University in this state received N47 million as subvention under the Obaseki administration , while he paid a  consultant N51 million. This was the case in other areas through out the PDP era .

“They wanted to continue with this act ,but God helped us to push them out .

“Since I came into office, I have not sacked anybody but have rather continued with the civil servants I met on the ground.

The Head of Service HoS during Obaseki’s administration is still working with me .So also the case with a lot of Permanent Secretaries”  Okpebholo stated .

According to the Governor, the inquest will be wide ,as other Government officials will be investigated alongside their boss, Obaseki on how they managed the resources of the Edo people under their watch for eight years.

He explained that his action is in agreement with the views of an overwhelming majority of the people ,who are feeling a great sense of relief at the ouster of the PDP administration in the State.

“Edo people were tired of transactional people and thieves in Government and so decided to get rid of them.

So, having booted them out, it is, therefore, time to look into their records .I will take two years out of the eight years, and Edo people will see the difference” Governor Okpebholo stated.

He informed that a Commission of Inquiry will be established for the purpose of examining the records and all the transactions conducted by the immediate past administration.

“They have finished fighting us, and now I am ready to fight back, and ensure that all those who cheated Edo people in the last eight years are brought to book.

They siphoned and stashed a lot of Edo people’s money , using it to look for Judges to bribe ,or buy ,but unfortunately for them ,they could not succeed.

They kept money for the election ,as well as for Court cases, but God disappointed them .The people voted for me as their Governor ,and the various courts affirmed the mandate”, the Governor added.

Shettima To Represent Tinubu At Republic Of Sao Tome’s 50th Anniversary

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kashim Shettima and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu will be represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the 50th Independence Day celebration of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.

Shettima, will on Saturday, depart Abuja for the city of Sao Tome, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, to join other world leaders

across Africa and beyond at the grand finale of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the Central African Island nation’s independence.

The grand finale of the National Independence Day celebration will feature official speeches, parades, cultural performances, and traditional dances, all reflecting the nation’s rich heritage and unity.

Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe share a strong bilateral relationship, particularly on joint resource development in the Gulf of Guinea.

This partnership is formalised through the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA), which manages the Joint Development Zone (JDZ).

Beyond resource management, Nigeria has also provided various forms of assistance to São Tomé and Príncipe, including technical aid, donations, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Vice President is expected back in the country at the end of his engagement in Sao Tome.

Emirs Appeal For Calm, As Tension Mounts Over Bauchi’s Planned Creation Of Additional Emirates/Chiefdoms

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst  agitations and palpable tension over a purported planned creation of additional Emirate Councils and Chiefdoms by the Bauchi State Government, the State’s Traditional Rulers Council has sued for calm and understanding.

The Source reports that the socio-political temperature of the North East State has been boiling over in the last few days over the widespread speculations that the authorities are set  to  balkanize existing Emirates and Chiefdoms in the State.

While the planned creation  appears to be a welcome development to some otherwise marginalized sections of the State, especially the christian- dominated areas, it is, however, being  perceived by some  entrenched forces as an ingenious attempt at whittling down the  influence of some powerful Traditional Rulers by the State Government.

Those  opposed to the idea of creating additional Emirate Councils and Chiefdoms are said to be threatening fire and brimstone should the authorities proceed with the exercise.

But in a circular dated July 8, 2025, and sighted at the weekend by the media , the Chairman of the State’s Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, noted that there are no justifiably reasons to breach the peace and security of the State on account of the purported plan by the State Government to create new traditional stools.

According to the Monarch, going by available extant laws, the State Government reserves the prerogative in matters bordering on the administration of the State, including the powers to create traditional institutions.

“In the light of the recent publication regarding the above exercise ( Creation of Additional Emirate Councils/Chiefdoms) we have observed a range of comments both in support and against the initiative.

“It has come to our attention that there are allegations that some unpatriotic citizens are planning to incite civil unrest to disrupt the exercise.

“We, the Bauchi State Traditional Council of Emirs, wish to categorically state that the Government holds the prerogative in matters of state administration.

“It is imperative that all parties cooperate respect and adhere to the decisions made by the Government in the best interest of our State.

“We earnestly plead with everyone to maintain peace and order in all their actions. Any opinions, or concern, regarding the exercise should be submitted to the established Committee for consideration.

“It is through constructive dialogue and cooperation that we can achieve progress and harmony within our communities”, the circular reads in part.

Some of the existing Emirates and Chiefdoms include the Bauchi Emirate Misau Emirate, Katangun Emirate, Dass, and Darazo Chiefdoms, among others.

Edo: Gunmen Kill Security Operative, Abduct Three Seminarians

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

An Operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NDDC) in Edo state was killed, while three students were abducted during an invasion of a Catholic Seminary school in Edo State.

Unknown gunmen reportedly struck at Catholic’s Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, kidnapping three students in the process.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday night, at about 9 pm.

Report indicates that the hoodlums, who unleashed terror, killed an operative of the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), attached to the school, and injured a local vigilante before taking the students into their custody.

The Director of Social Communications of Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr Peter Egielewa, who confirmed the incident, noted that the latest incident would be the second in 10 months.

He expressed displeasure over the persistent attacks on the Catholic schools, personnel and facilities.

“This is the second time in 10 months that the school had been attacked. 10 Months ago, a priest was kidnapped. And now three seminarians were abducted and a Civil Defense Corps is killed, while a local vigilante sustained gun injuries

“We call on the government to protect the lives of all those who work in Catholic institutions and our Diocese.

“We hope the security agencies at the local, state and federal levels to take up the responsibility on that, so our people can be in peace and safety.”

A source in the community who asked not to be named, said recalled that some gunmen also kidnaped two brothers in area late last months, and collected ransom of ₦36 million.

“They refused to release the victims after the ransom payment and demanded additional ₦6 million from the family.”

Bauchi Facilitates $2.6 Billion Fertilizer Plant For Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bala Mohammed and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

In what looks like a relationship across Niger, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday hosted his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, in a move to strengthen the relationship between the states towards agricultural development and industrialization.

The meeting of the two governors has already attracted a major investment to Ondo State as plans are underway for the establishment of a fertilizer production and harmonial plant, as well as a petrochemical industry, all within the next 12 months.

The massive investment, valued at $2.6 billion, is expected to significantly boost the state’s economy, generate thousands of jobs, and enhance agricultural productivity and industrial development.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, revealed in a statement that this came to light after a meeting between the state government and the investor, Dr. Abbas Waziri, the Executive Director of the investment company, who accompanied Governor Muhammed to Akure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the Bauchi State Governor for facilitating the opportunity for Ondo State, stressing that this keys into his administration’s efforts to improve on the economy and provide jobs for the teeming youths in the State.

“I want to specially thank Governor Bala Mohammed for this development and for personally visiting us here. I have also watched what you are doing in Bauchi State; you’ve done so well for your people, partnering with local and international investors to develop your state and that is what we are doing here too.”

The Governor took the opportunity to outline concrete steps already being taken towards the actualization of the long-awaited Ondo Deep Seaport project, which he described as a game-changer for the state’s economic growth.

“We have the longest coastline in Nigeria with the deepest draft. It has always been there but for some reasons it has not been tapped but this time around, the last administration started the process which am trying to complete it now to build a deep seaport, a first in Nigeria that can take a modern vessel.”

On the planned establishment of “Residents Group Cement and Petrochemical Plant” in Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa confirmed that more investors are already indicating interest to tap into the state’s vast natural resources.

The Governor added: “We are ready and we are building the necessary infrastructure already. I just flagged off the dualization of Igbokoda to Okitipupa road and the 2nd phase will be from Okitipupa to Ore. So, before you finish building your plant the roads would have been completed.

“The typography is beautiful. Anything petrochemical, refinery, seaport in that axis, we have the space and it is also a free trade zone.

“All of this will be of benefit to investors and also to us as a people. So, I want to thank you for choosing Ondo State for this major investment.”

After a meeting with the investor and his team, the Governor said all is set for the smooth take-off of operations.

He assured them of a business-friendly environment, promising a serene atmosphere and maximum security of lives and property across the state.

Earlier, the Governor Bala Mohammed, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for taking bold steps to reposition Ondo as a preferred destination for investors.

He lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s efforts in unbundling alternative sources of revenue beyond the federation account, describing it as a model worthy of emulation.

Mohammed stated that both states, under a peer review mechanism, are committed to attracting investors for the benefit of their people.

“Far away in Bauchi, we have been watching you with keen interest. What you are doing here, there is a lot of similarity between us, providing our people with leverages and latitude to exploit their capabilities and find alternatives to earn a living to actualize their aspirations.”

The Bauchi Governor revealed that in his quest to drive development in his state, Residents Group Cement has already establish a 1.5 Billion Dollars cement factory in the State and therefore expressed interest in replicating the same investment in Ondo State.

Also, the Investor, Dr. Abbas Waziri, said his company will invest in fertilizer production and harmonial plant as well as other petrol chemical outlets in Ondo State.

“We are looking at investing 2.6 Billion Dollars in the State and within 12 months it would be ready”, Dr. Waziri said, while commending the working relationship between the Ondo and Bauchi State Governors.

Attack On Rivers Council Boss: Suspects Finally Surrender To The Police

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hector Ekikita and Aloni Olodi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hector Ekeakita and Aloni Olodi, Chief Security Officer, CSO, and Chief of Staff, COS, respectively,  to the Ahoada East Local Government Chairman, earlier declared wanted by the Rivers state Police Authorities, have voluntarily turned-in, the police informed on Friday July 11, 2025 .

They were, a few days ago, declared wanted for their refusal to honour police invitation in connection with the assault on the Council boss, Goodluck Iheamnacho by a mob.

The Source reports that some thugs numbering over 30, allegedly, led by the duo of Ekeakita and Aloni had on Friday June 20,2025 invaded the Council Secretariat, brutalized the Chairman, and made away with his personal effects and vital official documents after forcing him to sign a resignation letter which they came with.

A statement issued  by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Irenge-Koko, accused the wanted twosome of masterminding the attack on the Chairman.

Consequently, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, advised the suspects to report themselves immediately to the State Police headquarters or face  dare consequences.

A statement from the Command on Friday, however, informed that the wanted persons presented themselves to the Police on Thursday July 10 ,2025, at about 3pm.

Irenge-Koko ,said that upon surrendering themselves, the suspects were interrogated by the CP and his Management Team.

They were later handed over  to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID   for further investigation, the Police spokesperson added.

This is as the Service appealed to the general public to volunteer any useful information that may aid the investigation.

The Command, while underscoring the importance of public cooperation and support, assured that the investigation will be transparent, and findings made public.

VP Shettima’s  Office Explains His  Remarks At Book Launch

By
Ayodele Oni
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VP Kashim Shettima
VP Kashim Shettima

By Ayodele Oni

The Office of the Vice President has shed more light on his at a recent book launch. It said those remarks were historical references to events that occurred during the former President Goodluck  Jonathan’s administration.

It explained that the remarks constituted nothing more than an intellectual discourse on Nigeria’s constitutional evolution.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), said in a statement on Friday that: “This rare moment of retrospection was purely illustrative, intended to demonstrate how our constitutional democracy has matured within the capacity to resolve complex federal-state tensions through established legal mechanisms.

“For the avoidance of doubt, President Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office. The constitutional action taken was suspension, and not outright removal.

“It was part of the measures implemented, including the state of emergency declared, in response to the grave circumstances surrounding the polity in Rivers State at the time.

“It is more so considering the unprecedented situation where the State House of Assembly complex was under demolition and the Governor was facing a looming threat of impeachment (outright removal from office) from the embattled members of the state legislature.

“This cannot be compared with the situation in the North East region under the Jonathan administration, where violent non-state actors were challenging the sovereignty of the Nigerian state and required collective action from the central government and subnationals to eliminate the terrorists.

“President Tinubu’s actions were taken within the constitutional framework and in consultation with relevant stakeholders to preserve democratic institutions and maintain peace in Rivers State.”

The statement added that there is no comparison between what happened during Jonathan’s era and that of the present administration of President Tinubu.

“The Vice President’s speech was focused on the importance of public officials documenting their stewardship and the eternal nature of accountability in public service.

“His historical references were made to illustrate the principled positions taken by public servants in the past, not a criticism of government policies.”

Dangote: Why Refineries Will Not  Work After Gulping $18bn

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Aliko Dangote

Africa’s Richest Man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, says the three refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and kaduna may never work again despite gulping over $18 billion in turn around maintenance.

Dangote is the owner of the $20 billion Petroleum refinery in Lagos, which has the capacity to refine 650,000 barrel of crude oil per day.

He recently said the refinery will soon be the only buyer of Nigeria’s crude oil as the company ramp up its capacity to provide energy security for the country.

The business mogul who spoke on Thursday while hosting members of the Global CEO Africa from the Lagos Business School, on a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, lamenting his frustration after some federal government officials stopped his acquisition of the refineries over 18 years ago.

Recall that the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration had sold the refineries to the business man, but his successor, Umaru Yar’adua reversed the deal.

He said the reason why President Yar’adua reversed the sale was because some people in his administration convinced him that the refineries will work again.

The said officials, he claimed also told late President Yaradua that the refineries were sold to him by former President Obasanjo too cheaply, as a parting gift to the businessman.

The refineries have been struggling to produce since then, Dangote said.

Dangote described the refineries as a 40 years old car, noting that no turn-around-maintenance will make them bounce back to life because they are old and outdated.

Dangote: “The refineries that we bought before, which were owned by Nigeria, were doing about 22 per cent of PMS. We bought the refineries in January 2007. Then we had to return them to the government because there was a change of government.

“And the managing director at that time convinced Yar’adua that the refineries would work. They said they just gave them to us as a parting gift or so. And as of today, they have spent about $18bn on those refineries, and they are still not working. And I don’t think, and I doubt very much if they will work.

“(The turnaround maintenance) is like you trying to modernise a car that was built 40 years ago, when technology and everything have changed. Even if you change the engine, the body will not be able to take the shock of that new technology engine.”

Reno Omokri Should Not Talk When Real Men Are Talking –  Rochas

By
The Source
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Architect Uche Rochas and Reno Omokri

By Charles Igbo

Omokri: “Before Tinubu, Nigerians were living in a fool’s paradise”

Architect Uche Rochas, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has tackled Reno Omokri, a former strong critic of President Bola Tinubu who suddenly turned round and became his very strong admirer and defender.

Rochas’ tackle on Omokri followed the latter’s defence of Tinubu’s economic policies which not a few Nigerians say have reduced them to paupers.

Responding to Omokri In a post  on his official X  handle on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Rochas pointed out  his “hypocrisy and cowardice.”

He reminded the Omokri that he was on a self-imposed exile during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Rochas: “During President Buhari’s 8-year rule as a democratically elected leader, Reno Omokri was in exile the entire time. He shouldn’t speak when real men are talking. Coward,”

Omokri attracted this rebuke from Rochas when he spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.

He had posited that Nigeria’s economy is presently on a more sustainable path under Tinubu compared to the Buhari years.

He also described Tinubu’s  predecessor as  being on an “economic illusion,” and insisted that Nigerians were living in a “fool’s paradise.”

Omokri: “We were living beyond our means. Tinubu has taken that away, and we are now living within our means. Borrowing to fund consumption was unsustainable.

“Under Buhari, the government borrowed excessively”, he said. As example, Omokri pointed at the ₦28 trillion in loans allegedly taken by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele without National Assembly approval.

“They were using that money to artificially inflate the value of the Naira. We cannot keep borrowing just to give people food. We need to produce. That’s why exports are going up, and imports are coming down”

Omokri also said that Nigeria’s debt stock has dropped under Tinubu — from $113 billion at the end of Buhari’s tenure to $97 billion.

His word: “As of 2015, Nigeria owed $63 billion. When Buhari left, it stood at $113 billion. Under Tinubu, it’s now $97 billion. That’s a reduction of over $14 billion. We should appreciate this man.”

Explaining the hardship in the land, Omokri said:

“The impression people have is that things are worse, but we have to look inward. Everything Tinubu is doing are the same things Peter Obi and Atiku promised they would done.”

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