9News Nigeria

..Says Youths have Mortgaged their future for Political crumbs

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

Human Rights Lawyer and Social Critic Sir Ifeanyichukwu Ejiofor Esq has in his article titled ‘THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW HAVE BECOME THE BEGGARS OF TODAY: A GENERATION THAT HAS MORTGAGED ITS FUTURE FOR POLITICAL CRUMBS, WHILE MORAL DECADENCE REIGNS SUPREME!’ lamented on moral decay in Nigeria saying that the adage ‘Youths are leaders of tomorrow’ was a mere rhetoric.

According to Ejiofor, from our earliest days in kindergarten, we were repeatedly reminded that we were the leaders of tomorrow. Those reassuring words instilled in us a sense of pride, responsibility, patriotism and an obligation to participate meaningfully in nation-building. We carried that message through secondary school and tertiary education. Interestingly, my daughter, who is on the verge of completing her university education, recently told me that the same message is still being drummed into their ears today: You are the leaders of tomorrow! One is therefore compelled to ask: when exactly will tomorrow arrive?

“Today, that supposedly promising generation, particularly millions of unemployed graduates roaming the streets in search of opportunities, has become so economically strangulated that many have constituted themselves into political praise-singing platforms, endorsing the political ambitions of men old enough to be their great-grandfathers. More tragically, some of these political beneficiaries occupied positions of authority when these same youths were still in kindergarten, being taught that they would one day inherit the responsibility of leadership.

They now appear on television, mount political platforms, issue endorsements and pass fanciful votes of confidence on political officeholders whose stewardship has brought the country to its present sorry pass—all for a miserable political handout. That is what hunger, unemployment and economic strangulation can reduce a generation to. The tragedy is that when the electoral circus is over, the hired applause will cease, the political benefactors will retreat into their privileged mansions, and these young people will return to the same poverty from which they temporarily escaped through a loaf of bread. They have sold tomorrow to the very people who mortgaged their today.

But that is only one dimension of our national tragedy. We are equally confronted with an alarming generation that increasingly celebrates, normalises and rewards moral decadence. Permit me a simple illustration: publish a thoughtful, intellectually stimulating and educative article capable of expanding the intellectual horizons of our youths, and you may struggle to attract a fraction of the attention it deserves. But post a young lady virtually unclothed, publicly exhibiting her most intimate attributes in the name of birthday celebration, and watch thousands of unemployed youths troop into the comment section, applauding the spectacle, celebrating the indecency and virtually crowning its subject a role model. What an inversion of values! Apparently, in this new social order, intellectual excellence struggles for attention, while public indecency enjoys a standing ovation. When a society begins to applaud what ought to provoke reflection, its moral compass is already in distress.

The situation is further compounded by the dangerous obsession with instant wealth, popularly exemplified by internet fraud, otherwise known as Yahoo Yahoo, and other fraudulent shortcuts to prosperity. Hard work, integrity, patience and enterprise are increasingly being displaced by the desperate pursuit of wealth without a corresponding investment of character or legitimate effort.

And so, I ask: WHO WILL RESCUE WHOM IN PRESENT-DAY NIGERIA? The youths, who appear to have surrendered their moral compass and political independence, or the political class, which has perfected the art of converting public office into an inheritance, passing political power from one family member to another while leaving the overwhelming majority of young people to scramble for crumbs? Is this the leadership succession we promised them, or merely a sophisticated arrangement for perpetuating political dynasties?

It is, however, important to acknowledge that those still seeking greener pastures beyond our shores are, in many instances, driven by the enduring belief that diligence, discipline, competence and hard work can still translate into a meaningful future. A nation that makes honest labour unrewarding should not be surprised when its most promising hands seek opportunities elsewhere.

Our tertiary institutions must equally undergo fundamental moral and intellectual rehabilitation. Universities should not merely award certificates; they must cultivate character, discipline, critical thinking, civic responsibility and ethical values. In our university days, we were taught the virtues of hard work, integrity, decency and responsible citizenship. How did we travel so far from those ideals?

The uncomfortable truth is that rescuing Nigeria requires more than changing political officeholders; it requires rescuing the Nigerian youth from economic enslavement, intellectual laziness, moral bankruptcy and the dangerous illusion that relevance is measured by wealth, indecency or proximity to political power.

As the elders say, when the foundation is destroyed, the house cannot stand. And when a generation sells its conscience for a loaf of bread, it should not be surprised when tomorrow is taken away from it.

May God help us recover our values, rescue our youths and reclaim the future we have so recklessly endangered. At this rate, it will take more than political promises to save us,” Ejiofor lamented.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Life is truly unpredictable. Earlier this year, he made headlines after reportedly marrying two wives on the same day. Sadly, news of his death has emerged within that same year.

Kogi socialite who sparked widespread reactions after marrying two women in a single wedding ceremony has reportedly died.

The deceased, identified as Jamilu and popularly known as Pharmacist, reportedly died in Okengwe Ehi community in Kogi State on Friday October 30, 2026.

Reports claimed he died while sleeping with with the two women, although circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently established.

His death was announced by a master of ceremony, identified as MC Ajina, who shared a tribute and videos from his funeral rites.

The deceased gained widespread attention on social media months ago after holding a joint wedding ceremony with his two brides on the same day.

The unusual wedding sparked massive reactions and conversations online, with some Nigerians applauding his decision while others questioned how he would manage the two marriages.

His sudden death has since triggered fresh reactions on social media, with many recalling his controversial double wedding.

However, no official medical report has confirmed the reported circumstances or established the cause of his death.

-9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

Labour Party (LP) Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central, Ven. Tochukwu Ikezue has decried high rate of youth unemployment and idleness in the district, describing it as threat to both the living and dead.

Ikezue stated this during the unveiling of his flagship program tagged, “MY 250,000 YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT AGENDA – THE SAGACIOUS PLAN”, as part of activities to mark All Souls’ Day.

He promised to take youths off the streets across the 7 LGAs of Anambra Central.

“The lesson of All Souls is that leadership must be about leaving a legacy that outlives us.

“High rate of youth unemployment and idleness in Anambra Central is a threat to both the living and the memory of the departed who laboured for a better Anambra.

“Our target is 250,000 Anambra Central Youths,” he declared.

Outlining the breakdown, the Senatorial candidate said, “As Senator, I will facilitate the empowerment of 250,000 youths across Anambra Central in 4 years – 62,500 per year.

“The areas of empowerment include Digital Economy, Trades & Enterprise, Land Banking & Real Estate and Agro & Value Chain.

“Every beneficiary will be registered under the Sagacious Youth Empowerment Data Bank (SYEDB) with LGA Coordinators in each of the 7 LGAs to ensure transparency, tracking and sustainability.

“We will not just empower, we will mentor, monitor and market them. Anambra Central youths and women will not be a nuisance to society, they will be the engine of our new economy.”

Ikezue prayed for the souls of all departed Anambra Central sons and daughters and called on Ndi Anambra Central to remember their loved ones by building a society where youths are gainfully engaged.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has approved the provision of brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has disclosed.

Wike said the vehicles would be delivered to the monarchs before December, describing the approval as recognition of their contributions to peace, security and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The minister made the announcement on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Rally and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director of Press in the FCT Minister’s Office, Rabi Umar, Wike said the approval followed the upgrading of traditional stools after 27 years without such an adjustment.

He explained that the provision of official vehicles would enhance the dignity and status of traditional rulers across the territory.

“Mr President has said that you cannot just answer royal fathers by mouth. You cannot just answer royal fathers by entering Keke Napep. You cannot answer royal fathers by entering Okada. All of you, by the grace of God, before December, you will go with your SUV cars,” Wike said.

He described the FCT traditional institution as deserving of greater recognition and empowerment.

Wike also announced that Tinubu had approved four buses for youths in the FCT to support their mobilisation ahead of the January 16, 2027 Area Council elections.

The minister scheduled November 10 for an interactive meeting with youths from the six area councils.

He also promised a separate engagement with persons with disabilities, insisting that physical disability does not diminish an individual’s capacity.

The rally attracted traditional rulers, area council chairmen, indigenous community leaders, youth and women groups, as well as political stakeholders from different parties, including the APC and PDP.

The gathering also featured a joint endorsement of President Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

Other candidates endorsed included former Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat, Hon. John Gabaya for Abuja North and Hon. Danladi Chiya for Abuja South Federal Constituency.

Wike urged political leaders and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation to secure victory for the endorsed candidates.

He challenged party stakeholders to take responsibility for delivering their polling units, wards and area councils.

“Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward, deliver your local government, deliver your state,” he charged.

The minister warned supporters against taking credit for electoral victories when they had failed to secure their own polling units.

“I don’t want to hear: I lost my polling unit, but we won. If you lose your polling unit, don’t say we won because you never contributed to the victory,” he said.

Wike also expressed confidence that Aduda would return to the Senate in 2027, arguing that the former lawmaker had maintained closer ties with his constituents.

He said the political mistakes made during the 2023 elections must be corrected ahead of the next polls.

“To God be the glory, come January 2027, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda will be elected because he identifies with you and cares about you,” Wike declared.

The minister subsequently questioned the performance of the incumbent FCT senator, asking whether he had convened meetings with constituents or sponsored legislation addressing issues affecting the territory.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communications to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Shaibu questioned Tinubu’s sincerity of faith, arguing that the President’s treatment of a fellow Muslim contradicted the religious values associated with his recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The Atiku aide made the remarks while reacting to Tinubu’s religious visit, accusing the President’s supporters of attempting to associate the pilgrimage with his political ambition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He insisted that religious activities should not be turned into political campaigns or presented as evidence of divine endorsement for a candidate seeking re-election.

“It does look like the president’s got some spiritual nod there, some kind of Saudi Arabia endorsement for a re-election,” Shaibu said.

He added that no presidential candidate could secure a second term through claims of spiritual backing.

“No second term can be given to anybody via a spiritual claim,” he declared.

Shaibu also argued that the Umrah pilgrimage could ordinarily be completed within a few hours, although worshippers were free to spend additional days performing the religious rites.

He contrasted Tinubu’s pilgrimage with Atiku’s religious activities, claiming that the former Vice-President had undertaken Umrah more than 32 times without turning the visits into political publicity.

According to him, Atiku also spent the entire 30 days of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia during the previous year’s fasting period.

Shaibu maintained that the former Vice-President had consistently treated his religious activities as private acts of worship rather than political opportunities.

The Atiku aide subsequently turned his criticism to El-Rufai’s detention, alleging that the former Kaduna governor was being held because of political disagreements with Tinubu’s camp.

“As for Bola Tinubu, does he have the sincerity of faith? If he had sincerity of faith, he would not keep a fellow Muslim, Nasir El-Rufai, in detention perpetually over minor political disagreement,” he said.

However, Shaibu’s claim that El-Rufai’s detention is politically motivated remains an allegation and should not be treated as an established fact.

The former Kaduna governor has been embroiled in legal and political controversies following the breakdown of his relationship with the President’s political camp.

Tinubu’s recent Umrah pilgrimage has attracted political attention amid growing discussions about his possible second-term ambition in 2027.

Shaibu’s remarks further highlight the escalating exchanges between supporters of Atiku, who is positioning himself for the next presidential contest, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

9News Nigeria

The Rivers State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack, has launched a massive empowerment initiative estimated at ₦350 million for constituents under the “Major for Major Impact Empowerment Programme.”

The empowerment package includes 20 Toyota Camry cars, six Keke buses, six canoes, 10 motorcycles, 15 SUMEC generators, 15 giant-size deep freezers and fishing nets, among other items.

As part of the programme, 23 widows are reportedly set to receive ₦500,000 each, while market women and other beneficiaries are also expected to receive cash support.

The initiative is designed to provide beneficiaries with means of transportation, support small businesses and strengthen economic activities within the constituency.

Hon. Major Jack is also being mentioned in political circles as a potential 2027 APC Deputy Governorship candidate in Rivers State.

The scale of the empowerment has generated considerable interest among constituents, with beneficiaries expected to receive the items and financial assistance under the programme.

9News Nigeria will continue to monitor the development and bring you further details.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Senator Ned Nwoko has appealed to the public, particularly fans, friends, bloggers and social media commentators, to give his estranged wife, Regina Daniels, space to recover from her reported health challenges.

Nwoko made the appeal in a statement expressing concern over what he described as the circulation of false, disturbing and fabricated reports about the actress.

He urged Nigerians to prioritise Regina’s well-being and consider the emotional welfare of their children, who, according to him, deserve to see their mother receive love, support and an opportunity to recover.

The senator said Regina had been through significant difficulties that many people might not fully understand.

He also referred to a birthday video recently shared by the actress, saying it offered the public a glimpse into some of the health challenges she had been experiencing.

According to him, the current situation calls for compassion rather than public criticism, judgment or further emotional pressure.

Nwoko maintained that despite the difficulties in their relationship, Regina’s welfare remained a major concern to him.

He said concern for her well-being was among the issues that brought aspects of their private relationship into the public domain.

The former lawmaker also expressed particular displeasure over fabricated death announcements, misleading health reports and other publications circulating on social media.

He warned that such reports were not harmless attempts to generate online engagement, insisting that they caused emotional distress to the actress.

Nwoko said Regina was aware of many of the publications and that their circulation could further worsen the burden she was already facing.

He therefore called on her fans and supporters to discourage the spread of false information instead of sharing or amplifying such content.

The senator further issued a strong warning to bloggers and social media users deliberately publishing fabricated stories about Regina’s death, health and personal circumstances.

He disclosed that the publications were being documented and warned that those responsible could face legal consequences through appropriate channels.

Nwoko insisted that Regina deserved privacy, compassion and an opportunity to recover without being subjected to repeated misinformation and online attacks.

He urged members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid turning the actress’s personal circumstances into an opportunity for social media engagement.

9News Nigeria

Tension has reportedly risen along the Sokoto–Zamfara axis following an alleged ambush on a vehicle conveying personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to information reaching our newsroom, the police vehicle was reportedly travelling towards Sokoto when it came under attack by armed gunmen suspected to be bandits or terrorists operating along the highway.

The attackers were said to have opened fire on the vehicle, forcing the officers into a dangerous confrontation with the assailants.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that some of the police officers may have been killed in the attack*, while details concerning the number of casualties remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

The exact location of the alleged incident, the identity of the affected officers and the circumstances surrounding the attack could not immediately be independently established.

The development comes amid continuing security concerns across the North-West, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted security personnel, travellers and communities.

Recent incidents have underscored the security challenges along major routes linking Sokoto and Zamfara. On October 27, 2026, troops reportedly came under a terrorist ambush along the Gusau–Sokoto Major Supply Route in Zamfara State but successfully repelled the attackers.

Similarly, the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, recently reported another terrorist ambush along the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara State, where troops engaged the attackers and restored movement along the affected route.

The latest alleged attack, if confirmed, would further raise concerns over the safety of security personnel operating and travelling through the increasingly volatile Sokoto–Zamfara corridor.

Residents and motorists using the route are expected to remain vigilant and exercise caution, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable to attacks.

9News Nigeria is monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as soon as credible information becomes available from the Nigeria Police Force, military authorities or other verified security sources.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections, declaring that electoral fraud would be resisted.

Melaye issued the warning in a post on his X handle on Sunday, accusing the commission of engaging in activities suggesting what he described as “anticipatory rigging”.

“The activities of INEC in recent times point at anticipatory rigging, which will be resisted,” he wrote.

The former lawmaker urged INEC to reform its operations ahead of the elections, warning those contemplating electoral manipulation against doing so.

“INEC must be born again this time because we will not allow rigging. Rig and say your final prayer,” he added.

Melaye, who recently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has repeatedly criticised INEC over its handling of electoral matters.

His latest warning comes amid growing concerns over suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs discovered during the commission’s preliminary voter registration exercise.

The controversy has also been accompanied by complaints from political parties over the omission of some candidates from INEC’s final list.

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged INEC to strictly adhere to its published timetable for the 2027 general elections.

The party also cautioned against any alteration of electoral deadlines capable of giving political parties undue advantages.

APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, made the position known while receiving a pre-election fact-finding mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Yilwatda, accompanied by members of the party’s National Working Committee, called for a fair, transparent and predictable electoral process.

He disclosed that the APC had inaugurated its campaign council, commenced campaign activities and uploaded its candidates to INEC’s portal.

The party chairman claimed that the APC had presented candidates for all the positions it was contesting, unlike some opposition parties allegedly experiencing difficulties completing their submissions.

Yilwatda further claimed that the APC had approximately 13 million registered members nationwide, with more than 261,000 executive members across ward, local government, state and national levels.

He said the party’s membership records could be verified through National Identification Numbers and voter identification details.

On its political strength, Yilwatda claimed that the APC controlled 31 states, with 88 senators and 208 members of the House of Representatives.

However, he maintained that the party’s numerical advantage should not translate into the suppression of opposition parties.

“Being the largest political party does not mean that we want to suppress anybody. We want a democratic environment in which every party can organise, campaign and seek the support of Nigerians without fear,” he said.

Yilwatda also assured the ECOWAS delegation that the APC would not exploit its ruling-party status to intimidate political opponents.

He insisted that all parties must enjoy equal access to the media, campaign venues and other legitimate platforms to communicate their programmes to Nigerians.

The competing positions come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with INEC facing increasing scrutiny over its preparedness, transparency and ability to guarantee a credible electoral process.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to order an independent investigation into suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and alleged manipulation of personal data in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) preliminary Register of Voters.

SERAP wants Tinubu to direct the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to investigate the reported irregularities, determine whether they violate the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and identify those responsible.

In a letter dated October 31, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that the allegations raise serious concerns about the protection of Nigerians’ personal information and the credibility of the voter register.

SERAP said the NDPC must exercise its statutory powers independently and without delay, stressing that INEC’s internal investigation cannot replace an independent data-protection inquiry.

The organisation warned that it would consider legal action and other lawful measures against the Federal Government, NDPC, INEC and other relevant authorities if its demands were not addressed within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter.

The demand followed concerns raised during INEC’s nationwide display of the preliminary Register of Voters between October 9 and 15, 2026.

Some Nigerians reportedly identified suspicious photographs, including images suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence, alongside questionable registration records.

In a statement issued on October 27, INEC acknowledged that questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination.

The commission also recognised concerns surrounding suspected AI-generated photographs published on its website.

According to SERAP, INEC said it had commenced an internal review and was taking corrective measures while investigating possible technical and procedural failures responsible for the irregularities.

The electoral commission reportedly maintained that the online publication did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities and emphasised that the preliminary register was not the final certified document.

INEC is expected to complete its verification, adjudication and data-cleanup exercises before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.

However, SERAP insists that an independent investigation by the NDPC is necessary to establish the full circumstances surrounding the suspected irregularities.

The organisation called for a comprehensive forensic examination of INEC’s voter database and information technology systems to determine whether Nigerians’ personal information had been unlawfully accessed, altered or manipulated.

It also wants investigators to establish the number and geographical distribution of affected registration records, determine when and how the questionable entries were created or modified, and identify the individuals or institutions responsible.

SERAP expressed concern that the incidents could involve unauthorised access to personal information, misuse of official access credentials and inadequate safeguards against data manipulation.

The organisation further urged the NDPC to determine whether the incidents constitute personal data breaches under Section 65 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

It also wants the commission to establish whether INEC fulfilled its statutory obligations concerning data-breach notifications, documentation and record-keeping.

Beyond investigating the allegations, SERAP called for stronger security measures and accessible procedures that would enable affected Nigerians to verify and correct their voter registration information.

It warned that eligible voters must not be disenfranchised because of errors, unauthorised alterations or suspicious entries in the electoral database.

The organisation also urged the NDPC to publish its investigation findings and recommendations, subject to applicable legal protections, and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

SERAP cited Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy, alongside Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

These legal provisions protect citizens’ privacy and their rights to participate in government and vote in genuine elections.

The organisation warned that any compromise of the voter register could undermine public confidence in INEC, threaten the accuracy of electoral records and expose eligible Nigerians to wrongful exclusion.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, SERAP maintained that the integrity of the voters’ register must be protected before INEC completes its final certification.

It argued that investigating the reported irregularities, identifying those responsible and correcting affected records are essential to safeguarding Nigerians’ democratic rights and ensuring confidence in the country’s electoral process.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promise to end estimated electricity billing and improve power supply, insisting that the commitment must be assessed alongside the administration’s policies and achievements since assuming office.

The council said public discussions about Tinubu’s electricity pledge had omitted an important part of his campaign statement in which he promised to provide Nigerians with adequate explanations if his administration failed to deliver before seeking a second term.

In a statement issued on November 1, 2026, and signed by Dele Alake, spokesperson of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, the ruling party maintained that Tinubu had not abandoned his commitment to fixing Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Tinubu made the promise during a meeting with members of the Organised Private Sector in Lagos ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

He had pledged that Nigerians would have access to electricity without the burden of estimated billing.

The President had also challenged Nigerians not to re-elect him if he failed to fulfil the promise without providing adequate reasons for the shortcomings.

According to the campaign council, the President’s electricity commitment should be evaluated against measurable improvements in electricity generation, distribution, metering, infrastructure and the financial stability of the power market.

Tinubu’s Electricity Sector Reforms

The APC campaign council identified the Electricity Act 2023 as one of the administration’s major interventions in the power sector.

It said Tinubu signed the legislation on June 9, 2023, barely two weeks after assuming office.

The law decentralised electricity regulation by allowing state governments to establish their own electricity markets and participate in generation, transmission and distribution.

The council listed Lagos, Enugu, Abia, Ekiti, Oyo, Kaduna and Niger among states that have begun taking advantage of the legislation by establishing electricity regulatory agencies and attracting private investments.

It also said the administration inherited more than N6 trillion in accumulated legacy debts in the electricity sector between 2015 and 2025.

To address the financial challenges, the Federal Government introduced a N4 trillion bond programme designed to settle verified debts owed to 21 electricity generation companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers.

The first two tranches of the programme have reportedly raised more than N1.2 trillion to begin settling the outstanding obligations.

According to the council, the intervention is intended to restore confidence among electricity operators and encourage fresh investments in power generation.

Over 1.5 Million Electricity Customers Metered

The APC campaign council also highlighted the Presidential Metering Initiative, introduced to address Nigeria’s electricity metering deficit.

It said more than 1.5 million electricity customers had been metered under the programme in the last three years.

The initiative is expected to reduce estimated billing and improve transparency in electricity consumption and payments.

The council added that the Rural Electrification Agency had connected universities, hospitals and rural communities to solar-powered electricity projects.

It also disclosed that the Federal Government was pursuing plans to modernise the Osogbo Grid Control Centre, which it described as more than 60 years old, alongside the development of an East-West super grid.

Government Defends Electricity Tariff Reforms

On electricity tariffs, the campaign council said Tinubu’s administration had introduced cost-reflective pricing measures to improve the financial sustainability of the electricity market.

It explained that the introduction of different electricity service bands was designed to improve revenue generation for distribution companies while reducing the government’s financial burden associated with electricity subsidies.

However, the council acknowledged the need to balance the financial requirements of electricity operators with the ability of ordinary Nigerians to afford power.

It said the administration would continue exploring measures to improve the commercial viability of the sector while protecting low-income households.

Transmission Projects Underway

The council further highlighted the continuation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), originally initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

It said Tinubu reviewed the existing agreement with German partners and signed an Acceleration Agreement in December 2023 to fast-track electricity transmission projects.

In December 2024, the Federal Executive Council approved the first batch of projects involving the upgrade of five Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) substations in major electricity load centres.

The campaign council said the projects were progressing and would be commissioned before the end of Tinubu’s first term.

It also disclosed that the Federal Executive Council approved another batch of electricity infrastructure projects in June 2026.

The second phase reportedly involves the construction of eight new substations and the upgrading of four existing facilities.

The council argued that electricity infrastructure projects require specialised equipment and long procurement periods, making immediate results difficult to achieve.

APC Promises Full Electricity Scorecard Ahead of 2027

The campaign council maintained that resolving Nigeria’s electricity challenges remained an ongoing process rather than a completed assignment.

It cited recent investment announcements by Geregu Power Plc, including plans to acquire new power transformers to improve operations at its Geregu 1 Power Plant, as evidence that confidence was gradually returning to the sector.

The council said other electricity companies were also making investments following the Federal Government’s interventions.

It insisted that Tinubu remained committed to fulfilling his 2023 campaign promises and would present his administration’s electricity sector scorecard to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to Alake, the President would explain the progress recorded, the challenges encountered and the outstanding work required to stabilise the country’s electricity supply.

However, the administration’s claims are expected to face scrutiny from electricity consumers and industry stakeholders, particularly over persistent power outages, estimated billing, tariff increases and the gap between installed generation capacity and electricity actually delivered to households and businesses.

Ultimately, Nigerians will judge the administration not only by the legislation, financial commitments and infrastructure projects announced, but also by measurable improvements in the reliability, affordability and accessibility of electricity.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a 10-year-old boy, identified as Chinecherem Onuwasoanya, who lost his way home after going out to play in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. The rescue was carried out by operatives attached to Okpoko Police Division in the afternoon of 1st November 2026.

Preliminary interaction with the child revealed that he had left home to play but subsequently became unable to find his way back or locate his family members. A concerned resident, who found the little boy wandering, promptly took him to Okpoko Police Division for assistance. The child also disclosed that he is from Ebenebe, Anambra State.

The Command has commenced efforts to establish contact with his parents or guardians and facilitate his safe reunion with his family.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, commends the Good Samaritan for his prompt intervention and responsible conduct. He also urges members of the public to remain vigilant and supportive of efforts aimed at protecting children and other vulnerable persons in society.

Parents and guardians are equally advised to ensure adequate supervision of their children and take necessary precautions to make them easily identifiable and traceable in situations of separation.

Anyone with useful information that could assist in identifying or locating the child’s parents or guardians is kindly requested to contact Okpoko Police Division or the Anambra State Police Command.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two male suspects, identified as Umeh Thankgod, aged 32, and Sunday Ozor, aged 24, and recovered a stolen blue Toyota Camry following a distress alert from operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during a routine vehicle registration verification exercise.

The suspects were arrested in the evening of 28th October 2026 by operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID) at the Old Spare Parts Market, Mgbuka, Obosi, following the FRSC alert. Preliminary information indicates that FRSC operatives in Awka detected irregularities during the verification of the vehicle’s registration particulars and promptly alerted the Police for necessary intervention.

Acting on the information, Police operatives swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of the two suspects and recovery of the vehicle. Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was reportedly stolen on 29th September 2026 from the residence of a 90-year-old retired Professor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.

The victim was subsequently contacted and has positively identified the recovered vehicle as his property. He further disclosed that the vehicle was allegedly stolen from his compound with the assistance of his gateman, identified as Bassey Etim, who is currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, commended the FRSC personnel for their vigilance and prompt reporting. He emphasised that effective inter-agency collaboration, timely information sharing and coordinated responses remain essential to preventing and detecting crime, recovering stolen property and ensuring public safety.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Jos — Gunmen have attacked troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) at Sopp Checkpoint in Ungwan Boka, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a soldier and stealing two weapons.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 8pm on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when the troop were keeping vigil at the checkpoint.

According to reports, the attackers opened fire from different directions, leading to a gun battle before fleeing into nearby bushes.

Confirming the incident, OPEP spokesperson, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked. He said troops had restored normalcy in the area and launched an aggression pursuit of the attackers to recover the stolen weapons.

“It was a deliberate and unprovoked attack on troops at Sopp Checkpoint, Ungwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area.

“Troops have restored normalcy in the area and are maintaining aggressive pursuit of the perpetrators in order to apprehend them and recover the carted-away weapons”, Oteh said.

The military said normalcy had since been restored in the area, while troops had intensified efforts to track down the attackers, apprehend those responsible and recover the stolen weapons.

The attack comes amid ongoing security concerns in parts of Plateau, particularly in communities where residents have continued to seek improved protection against armed attacks.

-9News Nigeria.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration will reimburse Dunamis International Gospel Centre for 50 per cent of the cost of constructing a pedestrian bridge along the busy Abuja Airport Road.

Wike made the announcement on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the commissioning of the bridge built near the church’s headquarters, the Glory Dome, in Abuja.

The project, funded entirely by Dunamis as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, was undertaken to improve pedestrian safety and reduce accidents along the busy expressway.

The minister commended the church’s Senior Pastor, Dr Paul Enenche, and his wife, Dr Becky Enenche, for investing church resources in infrastructure that serves the wider community.

He said government could not independently provide every public facility, stressing the importance of partnerships with private organisations and religious institutions in addressing societal needs.

Wike also disclosed that the church first applied for approval to construct the bridge in 2018. However, the application was only brought to his attention in February 2026, after which approval was granted within a month.

He subsequently directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Yunana Dauda, to liaise with the church to establish the project’s cost and facilitate the government’s 50 per cent contribution.

Speaking at the ceremony, Pastor Enenche explained that the church embarked on the project out of concern over frequent pedestrian accidents along the Airport Road corridor.

According to him, the initiative reflects the church’s belief that Christianity should be demonstrated through practical love, compassion and service to humanity.

Enenche disclosed that construction commenced on June 22, 2026, and was completed within four months and one week, despite the tight delivery schedule.

The church initially targeted three months for completion before agreeing with the construction company on a four-month timeline.

The project was executed by Dutum Construction Company Limited, whose Managing Director, Temitope Runshewe, commended the commitment of the workers who delivered the facility within the agreed period.

Runshewe disclosed that the Airport Road facility was the company’s fifth pedestrian bridge project in the FCT, following earlier constructions at Bannex, Sheraton, VIO and Setraco.

Meanwhile, Enenche revealed that the church had requested permission to install additional protective features, including transparent roofing, security lighting and side panels, to improve users’ comfort and encourage more pedestrians to use the bridge.

Also speaking, the FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe, described the project as an example of translating religious faith into practical service to humanity.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Sector Commander, Taminu Iliyasu, also welcomed the intervention, noting that Airport Road was among the major corridors where pedestrians frequently suffered road crashes.

He expressed optimism that the new facility would help reduce pedestrian-related accidents.

Wike urged residents to use the pedestrian bridge rather than risk their lives by crossing the expressway, emphasising that public safety infrastructure would only achieve its purpose when properly utilised.

The commissioning further highlighted the role of public-private and community partnerships in complementing government efforts to improve infrastructure and protect lives in the nation’s capital.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its ongoing security operations across identified flashpoints and suspected criminal hideouts in the State, leading joint security operatives in sustained bush-combing and clearance exercises aimed at flushing out criminal elements and dismantling their operational bases.

The operation, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo, involves personnel of other security agencies and Aguanachemba operatives. It forms part of the Command’s proactive, intelligence-driven strategy to deny criminal elements safe havens, disrupt their networks and prevent crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent activities.

During the exercise, security operatives are systematically combing identified forest areas, bushes and other suspected hideouts, while maintaining effective operational coordination to ensure comprehensive coverage and prevent criminal elements from regrouping or relocating to other areas.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the offensive against criminal elements through intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and continuous security operations across the State.

The CP emphasised that the operations are not a one-off exercise but part of a sustained security strategy aimed at consolidating existing gains, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that residents can go about their lawful activities without fear or intimidation. He further assured residents that the Command would maintain the operational momentum until criminal elements and their activities are effectively curtailed.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The House of Representatives Committee on South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has hailed the progress of work on the Commission’s headquarters in Enugu State, describing the facility as a critical institutional foundation for driving the socio-economic transformation of the South-East.

The Committee Chairman, Hon Chris Nkwonta spoke during an oversight visit by members of his committee to the Commission to inspect ongoing projects and assess the development of its infrastructure.

He said the establishment of the SEDC headquarters would provide the institutional framework needed to translate the philosophy of the Three Rs — Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation — formulated after the Nigerian Civil War, into concrete development programmes for the region.

According to him, the Commission’s mandate presents an opportunity to address the devastating effects of the civil war, decades of neglect and persistent infrastructural deficits across the five South-East states.

He added that through inclusive economic programmes and strategic interventions, the Commission would contribute to rebuilding critical infrastructure, including federal roads, public buildings and urban centres, while stimulating economic growth and development.

Speaking with journalists during the visit, the Managing Director of SEDC, Mr. Mark Okoye, said the Commission’s headquarters, a four-storey facility donated by the Enugu State Government, would significantly strengthen its operational capacity and institutional efficiency.

Okoye explained that the building would centralise the Commission’s operations by bringing its departments, executive management and staff under one roof, thereby improving coordination, strategic planning and project implementation.

He said the arrangement would eliminate administrative fragmentation, promote long-term planning and facilitate the implementation of the region’s development master plans.

The Managing Director also highlighted the financial benefits of the facility, noting that operating from a rent-free building would reduce overhead and real estate costs, allowing the Commission to direct more resources towards critical development projects, road construction and community-based interventions.

On regional cooperation and innovation, Okoye said the headquarters would serve as a hub for strengthening collaboration among the five South-East states and promoting initiatives to stimulate entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

He cited the South-East Venture Capital Programme, launched in May 2026, as one of the initiatives designed to provide funding for young technology innovators, establish innovation hubs and address youth migration from the region to major economic centres, particularly Lagos and Abuja.

Okoye further disclosed that the facility would strengthen the Commission’s capacity to attract investments through the proposed South-East Investment Company.

He explained that the initiative would provide an institutional platform for connecting private-sector investors, members of the diaspora and other funding sources with major development projects across the region.

The Managing Director expressed optimism that effective institutional coordination, strategic partnerships and sustained investments would accelerate development, create economic opportunities and reposition the South-East as a competitive investment destination.

The oversight visit was part of the National Assembly’s legislative responsibility to monitor the activities, projects and performance of the Commission in delivering on its mandate to promote the socio-economic development of the South-East.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed optimism that Nigeria could establish a state police system within one month, following the reported endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendment by about 30 state Houses of Assembly.

Akpabio made the disclosure on Wednesday while receiving members of a northern youth organisation, Arewa Revival Project, led by its coordinator, Mustafa Ibrahim, at his office.

The group visited the Senate President to present him with an award in recognition of his contributions to nation-building.

Speaking during the meeting, Akpabio said the level of support from state legislatures could accelerate the introduction of decentralised policing in the country.

“As I speak with you now, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, it may not take us a month before we have a State Police system, decentralised policing in the country, because about 30 states have endorsed the amendment to the Nigerian constitution to bring about a State Police system,” he said.

He expressed confidence that state policing would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the country’s response to growing security threats.

Akpabio also assured Nigerians that the country would eventually overcome its security challenges.

“I always tell them that the devil that you see today, you will soon see them no more. Very soon, we shall overcome the insecurity that we face today,” he added.

State Police Debate Gains Momentum

The establishment of state police has remained a major subject of debate in Nigeria, particularly amid persistent challenges involving terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Proponents argue that decentralising policing would allow state governments to respond more effectively to security threats within their territories.

However, introducing state police requires constitutional amendments and the establishment of an appropriate legal and institutional framework to define the responsibilities of federal and state-controlled police formations.

Akpabio’s statement comes amid ongoing constitutional reform discussions involving the National Assembly and state legislatures.

Akpabio Mobilises Northern Youths for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election

Beyond the state police proposal, Akpabio urged members of the Arewa Revival Project to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He maintained that the Tinubu administration’s economic policies were designed to stabilise the country and create a better future for younger generations.

The Senate President also alleged that some individuals attacking Tinubu and his supporters on social media were being paid to do so.

He challenged the northern youths to resist what he described as social media propaganda, insisting that those defending the administration were not receiving financial incentives.

“Whatever we are doing today, we are doing it to stabilise your future and ensure the survival of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

He also defended the President’s economic reforms, particularly the tax reforms, arguing that the administration was working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil revenue.

According to him, Tinubu has introduced innovations aimed at transforming the economy and reforming outdated laws.

Akpabio further gave the President a positive assessment, declaring that Tinubu deserved another four-year term.

“No President has achieved the level of development that he has done in this country today since independence,” he claimed.

He added that members of the National Assembly were proud of the administration’s performance and had endorsed Tinubu for a second term.

Economic Hardship and Insecurity Remain Major Concerns

Despite Akpabio’s commendation, the Tinubu administration continues to face criticism over rising living costs, inflation, unemployment and persistent insecurity.

The removal of the petrol subsidy and other economic reforms have also generated widespread debate over their impact on households and businesses.

Opposition politicians and other critics have repeatedly questioned the government’s handling of the economy and security situation.

Akpabio, however, urged the northern youths to take their mobilisation campaigns beyond social media and reach communities across the country.

The meeting comes as political parties, elected officials and supporters increasingly position themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

An Anambra High Court sitting at Nnewi and Presided over by Hon. Justice B.A. Ogbuli, has sacked Dr. Gregory Nwokaha from parading himself as the Oluoha (traditional ruler) of Mbosi. Ihiala Local Government Area.

The court also declared that the Oluoha stool of Mbosi is rotational among the three quarters of Mbosi and not a hereditary right of any quarters or village in Mbosi community

The judge further declared that, “I declare that it is the turn of Ihiteoha quarters of Mbosi comprising, Ubahinnaka, Ogwugwuekwe, Umuezike and Agunnaga villages to present the next Oluoha (traditional ruler) of Mbosi.

“The 1st defendant (Dr.Gregory Nwokaha) is hereby restrained from parading himself as Igwe Oluoha-elect or Igwe Oluoha of Mbosi on the basis of the purported election/selection made by Ichie Peter Okafor and Mr Cyril Mbachu respectively, (1st set of defendants), on 27/04/2023”.

However no cost was awarded to both the plaintiffs and defendants by the Presiding judge.

The judge handed down the judgment after hearing the submissions of counsels to the paintiffs/defendants and citing some legal authorities to back up his judgment.

Smart Obi Esq was for the plaintiffs, A.C. Obiajulu Esq (with C.M. Obijagwam Esq) for the 1st -4th defendants and A.C. Anaenugwu Esq. SAN (with N.D. Nnodum Esq and P.C. Afuba Esq), for the 5th and 6th defendants.

Recall that the 2nd set of defendants in the suit, Ozo Augustine Onyekwere and Mr Aloysius Eze, (for themselves and on behalf of members of Umueze village. Isu-Mbosi quarters. Mbosi), during the hearing of the suit, told the court that the Oluoha stool of Mbosi was hereditary and not rotational and only people of Umueze (descendants of Dara Ezenyi) are enthroned Oluoha of Mbosi.

They averred also that one late Okwereogu from Mkpo Ehihe village Mbosi, was never an Oluoha but a tax collector who was convicted in 1917 by the customary court Oguga Ihiala, over alleged misappropriation of tax collected by him and extortion.

The Presiding judge while reacting to the said imprisonment of Okwereogu in his judgment said. “No doubt. Okwereogu might have been a warrant chief and imprisoned by the government but that did not make him any less a traditional ruler of Mbosi.

“In exhibit D23, at the last page, he was referred to as ‘Head Chief’, who was imprisoned for extortion in April 1917,” the judge recalled.

The plaintiffs in the suit included, Chief P. C. Adione, Mr. Titus Afumire (for themselves and on behalf of members of Ubahinnaka village, Ihite quarters, Mbosi, Ihiala local Government Area),

Other plaintiffs were, Ichie Christopher Muoka Obijekwu, Mr Celestine Nwachukwu (for themselves and on behalf of members of Ogwugwuekwe village. Ihiteoha quarters. Mbosi. Ihiala Local Govt Area), Ichie Simon Udegbe and sir G.O.C. Obiwulu(for themselves and on behalf of members of Agwunnagu village. Ihiteoha quarters, Mbosi Ihiala local govt Area).

Fielding questions from newsmen outside the court hall shortly after the judge delivered his judgment, an indigene of Mbosi, Okeke Nwachukwu, said it was an abomination for the descendants of Okwereogu to organise remembrance ceremony for Okwereogu, having been a convict over criminal act.

“They can’t deceive the people of Mbosi and entire Ihiala people with their remembrance ceremony distraction because we know their history,” Okeke alleged.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

It was an outpouring of encomiums on October 29, 2026, at Igbariam during the Maiden Chidi Anyaegbu Annual Public Lecture Series as Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu marked his 70th birthday with a book launch and a 1 billion naira education endowment fund for the proposed Department of Transport Management and Chidi Anyaegbu Multi-purpose Auditorium at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam campus.

The event attracted Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State (Guest Lecturer), former Imo Governor (Occasion Chairman) Chief Achike Udenwa, former Aviation Minister Chief Osita Chidoka (Organizing Committee Chairman),COOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Kate Omenugha, COOU Pro-Chancellor Prof. Peter Onwualu, Veritas University VC Prof. Hyacinth Eme Ichoku (Book Reviewer), Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido (Ezechuamuagha Ogidi), Elite Progressive Club President Chief Charles Ezeagwu and other dignitaries who lauded the Chisco Group boss for his commitment to education and human capital development.

Governor Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, described the gesture as a perfect example of his administration’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) agenda. He said government alone cannot fix the enormous challenges in the education sector.

Dr. Ogugua explained that even if the entire state budget was devoted to education, it would still be insufficient to renovate old schools and build new ones to accommodate the growing population. He noted that Anambra currently has less than one percent out-of-school children due to the free education policy from primary to SS3, but called on parents and communities to report children still out of school.

He commended Chief Anyaegbu for investing in the future of young people and urged other well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and communities to emulate him, reaffirming government’s commitment to partnering with private investors to improve infrastructure and learning outcomes across the state.

Earlier in her address, Vice-Chancellor (COOU), Prof. Kate Omenugha also described the events of yesterday at Igbariam as historic milestones, marking four major developments in honour of transport magnate, Chief Dr. Chidi Anyegbu. She listed them as the formal endowment of 1 billion naira for the Department of Transportation Management, the groundbreaking for the departmental building and Chidi Anyegbu Auditorium, the maiden Chidi Anyegbu Annual Lecture delivered by the Governor of Abia State, and the public presentation of the book, ‘The Godfather of Transport: Chisco’.

Prof. Omenugha said the endowment represents a true partnership championed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Aku Luo Uno philosophy, noting that COOU worked to secure NUC approval for the department which is now admitting its first students.

She said beyond the building, the partnership brings practical learning to students from a man who started in 1978 with 120 naira as an apprentice spareparts trader and now employs over 4,000 people across transportation, logistics, oil and gas, real estate and hospitality.

Omenugha said that the book and annual lecture series commissioned by the university will preserve Anyegbu’s entrepreneurial legacy and inspire students with lessons on hardwork, integrity and service. Describing Chief Anyegbu as Okeiyi Ndigbo and a global Lord Mayor of Peace Ambassador with a Midas touch, the VC lauded his generosity, vision and philanthropy, saying the initiatives will benefit generations of scholars, entrepreneurs and leaders.

Chief Charles Ezeagwu Ichie Enyi of Nnokwa commended Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu for his large heart and generosity, using the wealth God has blessed him with to support others and improve the lives of the masses. “His kindness, good character and willingness to share his blessings are worthy of emulation. We have been learning from him and we help others in our own little ways”.

According to Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido (Ezechuamuagha Ogidi) just like celebrator, Chisco’ Anyaegbu is doing now I have invested heavily in the Department of Pharmacy, COOU Igbariam. Today, I also gave 9 of the book launched today to the Pharmacy department with my own donation. Let Igbos think home and invest in the education of our youths.

I advised young entrepreneurs, making money must go hand in hand with good character and the fear of God. Becoming successful comes with challenges and obstacles, so young people must be patient, hardworking and persevering in their ventures,” said Igwe Onyido.

One of the event organizers and Chief Anyaegbu’s mentee Ofodeme Daniel Scott described the Godfather of Transportation as a humble man despite his wealth saying that Chisco Boss only accepted to celebrate his 70th birthday lavishly because he wanted to give back to the society through the endowment fund and human capital development.

“Naturally My Boss is a quiet type who doesn’t accept lavishing money or partying. He often observes his birthdays with the less privileged orphans and disabled, putting smiles on the face of the abandoned. Okeiyi has impacted so many lives and we are happy to celebrate him today. We wish him longer life with good health to remain a blessing to this generation,” he said.

However, the elated celebrator thanked all who came to felicitate with him saying that he is no longer retiring but would start all over, investing in education and human capital development.

Anyaegbu advised young entrepreneurs to be humble. ” Firstly, you must be an obedient and deligient apprentice. When you become a boss, you must not cheat, exploit or humiliate others because of wealth or position. Treat people with respect and conduct business with honesty and integrity. Success does not come overnight, but with good character, commitment and trust in God, you may build successful businesses and become a blessing to others,” said Anyaegbu.

Highlights of the quadruple event was the decoration of Chief Dr Chidi Anyaegbu and his wife with chieftaincy Regalia and an award presentation spearheaded by the Pro -Chancellor and Chairman Council COOU Igbariam, Prof. Peter Onwualu and subsequent unveiling of the book ‘The Godfather of Transport Chisco’ Platinum Footprints of Enterprise: The Life, Leadership and Legacies of Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has performed the lesser Hajj (Umrah) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, praying for sustainable peace, national unity and harmony in Nigeria.

Tinubu undertook the spiritual exercise early Friday morning at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, where he circumambulated the Holy Ka’abah in worship and thanksgiving.

The President said the pilgrimage was significant to his commitment to Nigeria, its people and the will of Almighty Allah.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, Tinubu expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to perform Umrah.

He said his prayers centred on the wellbeing of Nigerians, national stability and the country’s continued progress.

According to him, he prayed for Nigerians to live together in peace, happiness and harmony, irrespective of their religious and other differences.

Tinubu also sought divine guidance for the country’s leaders, asking Allah to grant them the wisdom to address Nigeria’s challenges.

He expressed hope that the nation would overcome insecurity and other difficulties confronting its people.

The President further prayed for sustained economic prosperity, social development and a more secure future for Nigerians.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous country where citizens can enjoy safety, dignity and equal opportunities, regardless of their faith or background.

The presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

It was a moment of joy, pride and nostalgia at Great Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School (CIDS), Obosi, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State as the school held its Valedictory/Send Forth Ceremony and Prize Giving Day 2026 for the graduating Class of 2026.

In his farewell message, the Director of the school, Engr. Solormy Ochokwu, popularly known as Uncle Solor, described the class as one of his favourites, recalling their six-year journey from JSS1 to SSS3.

He said while some will proceed to higher institutions and others explore different ventures, they should remember the values of honesty, discipline, integrity, service, excellence, hardwork and godly character instilled in them that Great CIDS represents.

Quoting Matthew 23:11 and Matthew 20:26, Uncle Solor urged the graduands not to measure success by wealth or titles, but by the positive difference they make in the lives of others.

“True greatness is not in how many people who serve you, but in how many lives you touch. Remain focused, respectful, teachable and not be afraid to start small. May your future be bright, your character remain noble, and your impact on humanity be unforgettable,” said Ochokwu.

The ceremony also celebrated academic excellence, with two students emerging as overall best graduating students. Miss Favour Adaeze Okafor from Obosi, Anambra State, emerged overall best in Arts/Management, sweeping prizes in English Language, Government, Civic Education, Biology and Igbo Language, as well as Neatest Student award. Okafor also helped the school win three external quiz competitions.

Moreso, Attabor Mohammed from Kogi State emerged overall best in Science/Commerce, clinching awards in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics and Marketing, alongside Best Behaved Male student.

Uncle Solor congratulated the Class of 2026, assuring them of the school’s continued support and guidance, and charged them to go forth and do exploits as worthy ambassadors of CIDS.

The duo who won lots of gift items and cash prizes with other best graduating students of CIDS pledged to stay focused, uphold the values cum principles they imbibed in CIDS and impact their society positively.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has ruled out any affiliation with the alleged Rainbow Coalition, declaring that Imo State remains a stronghold of the APC.

The position was contained in resolutions reached at a strategic meeting of the APC youth leadership held in Owerri,which was presided over by the state Youth Leader, Franklin Chukwuemeka Ibeh.

The group said the APC remains the sole political platform it recognises in the state and cautioned members against any political alignment that could undermine party unity and its electoral objectives.

It reaffirmed its loyalty to Governor Hope Uzodimma and President Bola Tinubu, rejecting any political alignment outside the APC and pledging commitment to the party’s progressive ideals and the Renewed Hope agenda.

Ibeh said the youth wing resolved to strengthen supervision across party structures to ensure strict compliance with grassroots mobilisation plans and to fully integrate young members into decision-making and mobilisation activities.

He said the group would anchor its mobilisation strategy on unity, grassroots engagement and coordinated efforts across the 27 local government areas of the state, with a view to ensuring total victory for the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.

The youth wing attributed Governor Uzodimma’s infrastructural development efforts to the party’s growing political prospects in the state, saying the projects provide a basis for engaging voters.

On the 2027 polls, the group declared that apart from President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma, who is eyeing a senatorial seat, other APC candidates for legislative and executive positions will win their elections in the state. It also warned against diversion of funds allocated for mobilisation, insisting that party chairmen and other officials entrusted with such funds must account for their use.

The leadership further dismissed reports alleging that state youth leaders received luxury sports utility vehicles (SUVs) from the National Youth Leader, describing the reports as false, baseless, and misleading.

The meeting ended with a renewed call for unity, discipline, transparency, and effective grassroots mobilisation to consolidate the APC’s political strength in Imo.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has paid a congratulatory visit to former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha following a Federal High Court judgment recognising him as the party’s candidate for Imo West Senatorial District.

Ganduje reportedly expressed excitement over the judgment, which nullified Governor Hope Uzodinma’s emergence as the APC’s senatorial candidate and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Okorocha’s name.

The judgment was delivered on Thursday, October 29, 2026, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court held that evidence before it established that Okorocha won the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, contrary to the party’s recognition of Uzodinma as its candidate.

Justice Egwuatu consequently ordered the APC to forward Okorocha’s name to INEC and restrained Uzodimma from continuing to present himself as the party’s candidate for the January 16, 2027 senatorial election.

The ruling represents a major development in the political contest between the two Imo politicians, whose relationship has been marked by tensions.

Okorocha governed Imo State from 2011 to 2019 and subsequently represented Imo West in the Senate from 2019 to 2023. 

Uzodinma, who is serving his second term as governor, is seeking to represent the senatorial district in the next National Assembly.

However, the Imo State chapter of the APC has rejected the judgment, insisting that Uzodimma remains its authentic candidate and indicating that it would study the ruling and pursue available legal remedies.

The legal dispute is therefore likely to remain a significant issue within the APC in Imo State.

9News Nigeria

Fresh controversy has erupted in Edo State following claims that the number of registered voters at the polling unit reportedly associated with Governor Monday Okpebholo has risen dramatically from 397 in 2024 to 4,783 in 2026

The alleged increase, representing a rise of more than 1,000 per cent, has triggered questions among political observers and members of the public who are demanding clarification on how such a significant change could occur within a relatively short period.

The development comes at a time when the credibility, transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s voter registration process are again attracting intense public attention ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the figures circulating in political and social media circles, the polling unit reportedly had approximately 397 registered voters in 2024, but the number is now being presented as 4,783 registered voters in 2026.

If the figures are confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the difference would amount to an increase of 4,386 registered voters*, raising legitimate questions about the circumstances surrounding the dramatic growth.

However, it is important to establish whether the figures being compared relate to exactly the same polling unit, ward and registration area, and whether the 2026 figure represents the final voter register or a preliminary/current registration figure.

INEC has continued voter registration and related processes in Edo State. Reports in 2026 indicated that 131,165 new voters were registered in Edo, demonstrating that the state’s voter population has been expanding.

But the central question being raised by critics is whether the reported increase at the governor’s particular polling location can be explained by legitimate voter transfers, newly registered voters, polling-unit adjustments, or other administrative changes.

The development has inevitably taken on political significance because Governor Okpebholo is one of the state’s most prominent political figures and is expected to remain a major player in Edo politics ahead of 2027.

Political opponents and concerned citizens are therefore asking for greater transparency.

Some are asking:

How did the number move from 397 to 4,783?

Were thousands of voters transferred into the polling unit?

Was the polling unit merged with another unit, or were polling boundaries altered?

Does the 4,783 figure represent registered voters, eligible voters, or another category in INEC’s database?

These questions do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing. Rather, they underscore the need for the electoral authorities to provide clear information capable of dispelling speculation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission remains the appropriate institution to clarify the matter.

INEC’s records should be able to establish the historical and current number of registered voters attached to the polling unit, the number of transfers into and out of the unit, new registrations, deletions, corrections, and any changes resulting from polling-unit reorganisation.

The commission has previously warned Nigerians against multiple registration, while allowing eligible voters to register and transfer their registration in accordance with electoral regulations.

Consequently, any dramatic increase in a particular polling unit should be capable of being explained through the commission’s voter-registration records.

No Evidence Yet Linking Governor to Any Irregularity

It is also important to stress that the reported figures do not constitute evidence that Governor Monday Okpebholo personally manipulated the voter register or committed any electoral offence.

There is currently no verified evidence establishing that the governor caused or authorised any irregularity in the alleged increase.

The controversy is primarily about the figures themselves and whether they are accurate, properly contextualised and genuinely refer to the same polling unit.

That distinction is crucial in responsible journalism.

Transparency Needed Ahead of 2027

With Nigeria already entering a politically sensitive period ahead of the 2027 elections, unexplained discrepancies in voter-registration figures can easily fuel suspicion and political tension.

The best way to address the controversy is therefore not through political accusations but through verifiable electoral data.

INEC could settle the matter by publishing or confirming the relevant polling-unit details, including the previous voter population, new registrations, transfers, deletions, and the current number of registered voters.

Until such clarification is obtained, the reported jump from 397 to 4,783 should be treated as a claim requiring verification rather than a proven case of electoral manipulation.

Beyond Governor Okpebholo’s polling unit, the controversy raises a broader question about Nigeria’s voter-registration system:

Can Nigerians trust the accuracy and transparency of the voter register ahead of the 2027 elections?

As political parties intensify preparations for the next general election, every unexplained figure has the potential to become a political flashpoint.

For now, all eyes are on INEC to explain whether the astonishing figure of 4,783 registered voters is genuine, how it was arrived at, and what administrative changes, if any, account for the reported increase from 397 voters in 2024.

9News Nigeria

The battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket in Imo West has entered a critical stage as Governor Hope Uzodinma and former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, remain locked in a legal contest over who should represent the party in the 2027 senatorial election.

The dispute has attracted considerable political attention in Imo State and beyond, with the Federal High Court in Abuja scheduled to deliver judgment in a suit filed by Okorocha challenging the nomination and publication of Uzodinma as the APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026, was instituted by Okorocha against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC and Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Okorocha is asking the court to invalidate INEC’s publication of Uzodinma as the APC candidate and recognise him as the legitimate candidate of the party for the 2027 election.

The controversy centres on the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026.

Okorocha has maintained that he won the primary, alleging that he secured 150,780 votes, while Uzodinma scored 102,158 votes.

Based on that claim, the former governor argues that he, rather than Uzodinma, should have been presented to INEC as the APC’s candidate for Imo West.

However, the APC’s declared result presented a different outcome, with Uzodinma recognised as the winner. INEC subsequently published his name as the party’s candidate.

That development prompted Okorocha to approach the Federal High Court, asking the judiciary to determine which result and nomination process should be recognised under the law.

Beyond the disputed primary election result, Okorocha’s legal challenge also raises a constitutional question concerning Uzodinma’s status as a sitting governor.

The former governor argues that Uzodinma’s second term in office runs until January 2028, while the next Senate is expected to be inaugurated in 2027.

Okorocha therefore asked the court to determine whether Uzodinma could validly contest and be nominated for the Senate while still serving as governor.

He relied, among other provisions, on Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, in presenting his argument before the court. :

Among the reliefs sought by the former governor is an order setting aside INEC’s publication of Uzodinma’s name as the APC candidate.

He is also asking the court to direct INEC to recognise and publish his name as the duly nominated APC candidate for Imo West.

Okorocha further wants an order restraining Uzodinma, the APC or anyone acting on their behalf from presenting the governor as the party’s candidate for the senatorial election.

The legal battle has taken another turn following INEC’s recent response to controversy surrounding documents allegedly showing Okorocha as the winner of the APC primary.

In October, INEC petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force over what it described as a fictitious APC primary result document* circulating on social media.

According to INEC, its authentic report of the May 18 primary identified Hope Odidika Uzodinma as the winner and duly elected APC candidate for Imo West, while the disputed document circulating online allegedly named Okorocha as the winner.

The electoral commission asked security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the circulation of the disputed document.

The Federal High Court subsequently fixed October 29, 2026, for judgment after lawyers representing the parties adopted their legal arguments and processes before the court.

The judgment is expected to provide significant clarity on the disputed APC ticket and could have major implications for the political contest in Imo West ahead of the 2027 general elections.

If the court rules in Okorocha’s favour, the APC’s existing arrangement could face a major shake-up, potentially requiring INEC to review the candidate published for the senatorial district.

If the court upholds Uzodinma’s nomination, however, the governor’s candidacy would receive significant legal backing and the APC would be positioned to proceed with him as its candidate, subject to any further appeal.

The dispute goes beyond a conventional intra-party disagreement. Both Uzodinma and Okorocha are former and current political heavyweights in Imo State, and the outcome could reshape the political equation surrounding the Imo West Senatorial District.

Okorocha governed Imo State from 2011 to 2019 and later represented Imo West in the Senate from 2019 to 2023. Uzodinma, meanwhile, is the incumbent governor and a major figure within the APC’s political structure in the state.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the struggle over the Imo West ticket has therefore become one of the most closely watched political and legal battles in the state.

For now, claims circulating that the Federal High Court has already sacked Governor Hope Uzodinma as the APC’s 2027 Imo West senatorial candidate and ordered INEC to immediately replace him with Rochas Okorocha should be treated with caution until the court’s certified judgment or an authoritative court report confirms the outcome.*

9NEWS NIGERIA will continue to monitor the proceedings and provide updates as the court’s decision becomes officially available.

9News Nigeria

The political battle ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election has taken a sharper turn, following a war of words between Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Anyanwu has dismissed Uzodimma’s warning against APC members associating with the emerging Rainbow Coalition, describing the governor and the APC leadership in Imo as “jittery” and allegedly afraid of the growing opposition alliance.

The PDP National Secretary said the alignment between the PDP and the Rainbow Coalition would play a decisive role in ending the APC’s hold on Imo State in the 2027 governorship election.

The latest confrontation followed remarks by Uzodimma on Tuesday, October 27, during the inauguration of the Imo chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Owerri.

The governor told members of the movement, who are mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, that they must remain loyal to the APC and should not participate in political activities outside the party.

Uzodimma declared that there was “no Rainbow Coalition in Imo State” and warned that campaign vehicles distributed to supporters would be withdrawn from anyone found working outside the APC.

He also urged APC members to support the party’s candidates across the various elective positions in the 2027 elections, insisting that the APC remained the dominant political platform in the state.

Anyanwu Fires Back

Reacting to the governor’s position, Anyanwu, through his media adviser, Ikenna Onuoha, accused the APC leadership in Imo of being worried about the growing opposition alliance.

According to Anyanwu, the rejection of the Rainbow Coalition by Uzodimma during the unveiling of the door-to-door mobilisation initiative was evidence that the APC was concerned about the potential impact of the coalition on the 2027 elections.

“The APC in Imo State and its leaders are afraid of PDP and the Rainbow Coalition,” Anyanwu said, according to the statement.

He argued that the coalition represented an opportunity for opposition forces to work together to challenge the APC’s dominance in the state.

Anyanwu further alleged that Imo residents were dissatisfied with the APC-led administration and were looking for an alternative political platform ahead of the next governorship election.

He criticised the Uzodimma administration over infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic conditions in the state, while also calling for greater attention to the welfare of residents.

The PDP chieftain particularly raised concerns about the alleged prolonged strike involving lecturers at Imo State University (IMSU), calling on the state government to address the situation.

He accused the administration of making promises without adequately addressing what he described as the hardship confronting residents.

Uzodimma Insists: Face APC

Uzodimma, however, has maintained that APC members in Imo must remain within the party’s political structure.

During the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement event, the governor told campaign coordinators that they were empowered to work for President Tinubu and the APC.

“If I see you work outside APC, I will collect the vehicle from you,” he warned.

The governor’s position reflects the wider disagreement between APC governors and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the Rainbow Coalition.

Wike, a PDP member serving in the APC-led Federal Government, has defended the coalition as a multi-party arrangement designed primarily to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election while allowing participating political parties to field candidates for other positions.

APC governors, however, have expressed concern that such an arrangement could weaken the party’s candidates in governorship and legislative elections.

Tinubu Support Versus State-Level Elections

The dispute has created an unusual political situation ahead of 2027.

While Wike and his allies say their support for Tinubu should not prevent the PDP from contesting other elective positions, APC leaders argue that supporting a presidential candidate while simultaneously campaigning against APC candidates at the state level could weaken the ruling party’s electoral structure.

Wike has repeatedly maintained that his support for Tinubu is separate from the contest for governorship and legislative seats.

The minister has also argued that Nigerian voters can vote for a presidential candidate from one political platform and candidates from another party in the same election, pointing to voting patterns recorded during the 2023 elections. ([Punch Newspapers][3])

A Fresh Political Battle in Imo State

The exchange between Anyanwu and Uzodimma is significant because both politicians have strong stakes in Imo’s political landscape.

Anyanwu was the PDP candidate in the 2023 Imo governorship election, while Uzodimma secured a second term under the APC.

According to results cited by TheCable, Uzodimma polled 540,308 votes against Anyanwu’s 71,503 votes and won across all 27 local government areas of the state.

The 2027 contest, however, is expected to present a different political landscape, particularly with new alliances and realignments taking shape across the country.

The emergence of the Rainbow Coalition has added another dimension to the contest, with its supporters seeking to bring together politicians from different parties around common political objectives.

For the APC, the challenge is to maintain party cohesion and protect its candidates at all levels while simultaneously pursuing President Tinubu’s re-election.

For the PDP and its allies, the objective is to convert the emerging political realignment into electoral gains and challenge the APC’s dominance in states such as Imo.

Battle Lines Drawn

With the 2027 elections approaching, the exchange between Anyanwu and Uzodimma suggests that the political contest in Imo could become increasingly intense.

While Uzodimma insists that APC members should “face APC” and reject the Rainbow Coalition, Anyanwu believes the governor’s opposition to the coalition is evidence of concern over its potential electoral impact.

The coming months are therefore likely to witness further political realignments, defections, coalition-building and intensified grassroots mobilisation as the major parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.

For now, the message from both camps is unmistakable: Uzodimma is determined to defend the APC’s dominance in Imo, while Anyanwu and his allies are promising to build a coalition capable of challenging and ultimately removing the ruling party from power in the state.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged creation and circulation of misleading video content and inflammatory claims capable of escalating the communal misunderstanding involving Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities and unnecessarily drawing the peaceful Umueri community into the dispute.

The suspects, identified as Chimezie Peter, aged 17, and Sunday Offordile, were arrested in the early hours of 26th October 2026 following community intervention and were subsequently handed over to the Police.

Preliminary information indicates that the suspects were allegedly intercepted while recording a video featuring some indigenes of Umueri returning lawfully from their farms. The video was reportedly accompanied by claims portraying the individuals as armed persons from Aguleri allegedly lying in wait to attack and kill anyone from Umuoba Anam passing through the route.

The circumstances surrounding the recording and circulation of the video, including the authenticity, origin and intended purpose of the accompanying claims, are being investigated. The Command is particularly concerned that misleading information of this nature, if deliberately circulated, could provoke reprisals, heighten communal tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly made statements relevant to the allegations. However, the Command emphasises that the investigation remains ongoing and that the full circumstances of the incident must be established before any definitive conclusion is reached.

The suspects are being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, reiterates the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, preserving public order and preventing the escalation of communal disputes through timely, intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration with community stakeholders.

The Commissioner strongly cautions members of the public against recording, publishing or circulating unverified content and provocative narratives that could misrepresent events, incite hostility or trigger violence between neighbouring communities. Residents are urged to verify information before sharing it and to report credible security concerns through appropriate channels rather than resorting to speculation or inflammatory publications.

The Command further appeals to the people of Aguleri, Umuoba Anam and Umueri to remain calm, exercise restraint and support ongoing peace initiatives. No individual or group should take the law into their own hands or engage in retaliatory actions based on unverified information.

The Anambra State Police Command will continue to engage traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders to sustain peace, promote mutual understanding and ensure that anyone found culpable of criminal conduct is dealt with in accordance with the law.

9News Nigeria

By Jeffery Wobodo
Media Strategist

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State* — In an age when information travels faster than evidence, social media has increasingly become a powerful platform for public advocacy, accountability and the exposure of alleged wrongdoing.

However, the same platform can also become a dangerous arena where allegations are treated as facts, reputations are damaged before investigations are concluded, and disputes are reduced to competing narratives.

The controversy involving Odibola Properties Limited* and Chimezie Princewill Onwuka, popularly known as Mezie, over a disputed property at Mbodo-Aluu in Rivers State has brought this issue into sharp focus.

At the centre of the dispute are allegations concerning land ownership and acquisition, the role of various parties in the transaction, and the legal documents said to underpin Odibola Properties’ involvement.

While the allegations deserve scrutiny, so too does the response of the company. The central question should therefore not be which side has the louder social-media presence, but what the available documentary and legal evidence actually establishes.

Odibola Properties: A Company Defending Its Reputation

Odibola Properties Limited has presented itself as a real estate development company focused on property investment, legitimate acquisition and the protection of investors’ interests.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Oshobukola Sunny Isaac, has also publicly positioned himself as an advocate against land grabbing and unlawful interference with property interests in Rivers State.

The company’s public profile received recognition on October 24, 2026, when Oshobukola was reportedly honoured with the Anti-Land Grabbing Advocate of the Year 2026 Award* at the Niger Delta Advancement Honours.

An award, by itself, cannot establish the legality of a particular property transaction. Nevertheless, it provides context to the company’s stated public position that legitimate property transactions and investor protection should be encouraged in the state.

The current controversy therefore presents an opportunity for the company’s claims, as well as the allegations against it, to be subjected to proper scrutiny.

The Mbodo-Aluu Dispute and the Need for Documentary Verification

One of the major issues raised in the controversy concerns the circumstances under which Odibola Properties became involved in the disputed land at Mbodo-Aluu.

According to the account presented by Odibola Properties, the company did not simply purchase the property directly from Fabulous Amaewhule, as has allegedly been suggested.

The company says its involvement arose through a Power of Attorney granted by an association of medical doctors following an out-of-court settlement involving Fabulous Amaewhule, whom the company identifies as a judgment creditor in earlier proceedings involving the doctors.

If that account is supported by the relevant court records, settlement documents and Power of Attorney, it could materially alter the way the transaction should be understood.

However, it is equally important to stress that the existence of a Power of Attorney does not, by itself, conclusively establish ownership or extinguish competing claims.

The legal effect of such a document depends on the authority of the grantor, the underlying title, the terms of the settlement, applicable court decisions, and other relevant property documents.

That is precisely why the matter should be determined through evidence rather than social-media conclusions.

Questions About Mezie’s Allegations

Mezie has publicly raised questions concerning Odibola Properties’ alleged involvement in the Mbodo-Aluu land dispute.

Such allegations, particularly where they concern land ownership and alleged land grabbing, are matters of public interest.

However, public interest also demands responsible journalism and advocacy.

Before an individual or organisation is publicly labelled a land grabber, the relevant title documents, court judgments, settlement agreements, Powers of Attorney and other supporting records should be examined.

The public deserves to know whether the allegations accurately reflect the documentary record and whether all sides were given a fair opportunity to respond.

The fundamental principle should be simple: an allegation is not the same thing as proof.

A Previous ABSU Disciplinary Report

There has also been public discussion of a disciplinary matter involving a person identified as Onwuka Chimezie Princewill.

Vanguard reported in March 2022 that Abia State University, Uturu, had rusticated a 500-level law student named Onwuka Chimezie Princewill for one academic session following a university disciplinary process concerning alleged falsification of an academic transcript. The report said the university acted after accepting the findings and recommendations of a panel established to investigate the matter.

That report is part of the public record.

However, caution is necessary in connecting that report to the present controversy. The fact that the names are the same does not, on its own, conclusively establish that the individual reported by Vanguard is the same person currently known publicly as Mezie.

Even if the identities are independently established, the 2022 university disciplinary matter should not automatically be used to determine the truth or otherwise of allegations concerning the present land dispute.

A person’s past should not substitute for evidence in a separate dispute.

What it does demonstrate, however, is the importance of applying the same standard of scrutiny to everyone involved in a public controversy.

Public Advocacy Must Be Accompanied by Accountability

There is nothing inherently wrong with using social media to raise concerns about alleged land grabbing, property disputes, or possible injustice.

Indeed, social media can help draw attention to issues that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

The danger arises when advocacy moves from raising questions to issuing definitive judgments without sufficient verification.

A person who publicly challenges the integrity of another individual or company assumes a corresponding responsibility to ensure that the information being disseminated is accurate, balanced, and properly supported.

Similarly, companies facing allegations must be prepared to submit their own claims to independent verification.

This principle should apply equally to Odibola Properties and Mezie.

Key Questions That Require Answers

Rather than allowing the controversy to become another social-media battle, several questions should be answered through documentary evidence:

1. What do the relevant court judgments say about the disputed property and the parties involved?
2. What were the terms of the alleged out-of-court settlement involving the association of medical doctors and Fabulous Amaewhule?
3. Was a valid Power of Attorney granted to Odibola Properties or its representatives, and what precisely did that document authorise?
4. What title documents exist in respect of the disputed land?*
5. Were the claims made against Odibola Properties based on an examination of the relevant legal documents?
6. Did all parties whose interests are affected have an opportunity to present their side of the matter?
7. Are there court proceedings or orders that have a direct bearing on the current dispute?

These questions cannot properly be answered by social-media commentary alone.

Trial by Social Media Is Not a Substitute for the Courts

Land disputes are often legally and factually complex.

They may involve family interests, historical ownership, survey plans, allocations, assignments, judgments, settlements, Powers of attorney, and competing claims.

Reducing such matters to a simple social-media accusation can create a distorted picture.

The public should therefore resist the temptation to pronounce individuals or companies guilty merely because an allegation has been repeated many times online.

Repetition does not turn an allegation into evidence.

Likewise, a company’s denial does not automatically prove that the company is right.

The proper approach is to examine the evidence presented by all sides.

Odibola’s Position Also Requires Verification

Odibola Properties has maintained that it has no involvement in unlawful land grabbing and that its activities are based on legitimate transactions and legal documentation.

The company has challenged the allegations against it and insisted that its position should be evaluated through verifiable documents.

That position deserves to be heard.

But responsible reporting requires an additional step: the company’s claims should also be independently examined.

If the company’s documents establish its authority to act, that evidence should speak for itself.

If competing documents establish otherwise, those documents should equally be brought into the public domain.

This is how a serious property dispute should be handled.

Protecting the Integrity of Real Estate Investment in Rivers

The wider implications of the controversy go beyond Odibola Properties and Mezie.

Rivers State has a growing real estate market, and confidence in land transactions is essential for investors, developers, families and communities.

Allegations of land grabbing can seriously damage businesses and individuals.

At the same time, genuine victims of unlawful acquisition must have the freedom to speak out and seek redress.

The solution is therefore neither silence nor unchecked accusation.

The solution is evidence, due process, independent verification and access to justice.

The Odibola Properties-Mezie controversy presents an important lesson for the public: social-media influence must never replace evidence.

Those making allegations should be prepared to substantiate them.

Those being accused should be prepared to produce documents supporting their defence.

And members of the public should resist the pressure to reach conclusions before the relevant evidence has been properly examined.

The reputation of a company should not be destroyed by an allegation that has not been tested.

Equally, allegations of wrongdoing should not be dismissed simply because the accused has denied them.

The appropriate standard is the same for everyone: show the documents, examine the evidence and allow the facts to prevail.

For the real estate sector in Rivers State, this is more than a dispute between individuals or organisations. It is a reminder that property investment depends on confidence, transparency, lawful transactions and respect for due process.

In the final analysis, credibility is not established by the volume of social-media attention an allegation receives. It is established by evidence that can withstand independent scrutiny.

ODIBOLA PROPERTIES LIMITED — BUILT ON INTEGRITY. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE. COMMITTED TO PROTECTING INVESTMENTS.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Abuja — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a monthly transport support of N70,000 for public service workers across all levels, as the four-day deadline issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to shit down the economy over fuel price hike and minimum wage dispute ends on Tuesday, October 27.

The resolution was reached on Tuesday after a meeting between the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the leadership of the NLC, led by Joe Ajaero.

The payment will commence from November 2026. The payment is part of efforts by the federal government to cushion the impact of rising living costs in the country and support workers’ welfare.

The government also approved the payment of peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026, in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November.

The resolutions follow the federal government and leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The approvals were contained in a memorandum of understanding signed at the end of a conciliation meeting attended by the Director-General of Budget, Timi Yakubu, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC( President Joe Ajaero, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Garba Abdul S.U, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.

According to Federal Government, the transport support, which is expected to commence on November 5, 2026, will last for six months to cushion the impact of raising living costs.

The government stated, “That transport intervention of seventy thousand naira (N70,000), commencing from November 2026, would be paid across al levels for b the period of six months”

Similarly, the Federal Government and the NLC agreed to constitute a negotiation committee that would commence meetings immediately to determine an effective date for implementing a new national minimum wage.

-9News Nigeria.

9News Nigeria

The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has warned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state against associating with the Rainbow Coalition, insisting that party members must remain focused on the APC’s political activities and the campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.*

Governor Uzodinma issued the warning during a door-to-door campaign organised in support of President Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027, an event associated with the campaign efforts of billionaire businessman and oil magnate, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The governor reportedly made it clear that the APC in Imo State was not part of the Rainbow Coalition, warning party members against participating in the movement or using campaign resources provided for the President’s re-election campaign to advance its activities.

Uzodinma maintained that the APC remained the political platform through which its members should pursue their political objectives, stressing that party supporters must not use the campaign vehicles distributed for Tinubu’s re-election campaign for activities associated with the Rainbow Coalition.

He reportedly warned that anyone found using vehicles provided for the President’s campaign to promote the coalition would face his displeasure.

“There is nothing like Rainbow Coalition in Imo State. We are not part of Rainbow Coalition. Face APC,” the governor declared, according to the account of his remarks.

The governor’s warning also focused on the use of vehicles distributed to support the campaign for President Tinubu’s re-election.

He cautioned that such vehicles must be used for their intended campaign purpose and not diverted to support another political movement.

Uzodinma reportedly stated that he would not tolerate anyone using the vehicles provided for the Tinubu campaign to promote the Rainbow Coalition, reiterating that those involved would face consequences.

His remarks appeared aimed at reinforcing party discipline among APC members in Imo State and discouraging activities that could create confusion over the party’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor’s position comes as political alignments and mobilisation efforts gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with different groups and political stakeholders working to consolidate their influence.

His remarks signal an insistence that APC members in Imo State should remain aligned with the party’s structures and campaign activities rather than participate in a movement he says the state chapter does not support.

However, further details regarding the Rainbow Coalition’s leadership, its objectives, and any response from the group to Uzodinma’s remarks were not provided in the account of the event.

The governor’s statement underscores the importance of party identity, internal discipline and the management of campaign resources as political activities surrounding the 2027 elections continue to develop.

9News Nigeria will continue to follow developments surrounding the Rainbow Coalition, the APC in Imo State and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

9News Nigeria

Port Harcourt, Rivers State* — The Chief Executive Officer of Odibola Properties Limited, Mr. Sunny Bolaji Oshobukola, has strongly denied allegations linking his company to land grabbing activities in Rivers State, insisting that the real estate firm operates within the bounds of the law and deals directly with legitimate property owners.

Oshobukola made the clarification when the 9News Nigeria Bureau Chief, South-South, Ambassador Emmalex David Atseyinku, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer at the company’s office.

During the visit, the 9News Nigeria reporter sought clarification from Oshobukola concerning allegations circulating over disputed land located behind the OPM Church area in Aluu, Rivers State, and claims on social media suggesting that Odibola Properties Limited may have been connected to the disputed property.

Responding to the allegations, Oshobukola maintained that he has never engaged in land grabbing and would not participate in any activity capable of damaging the reputation and credibility he has built over the years.

According to him, Odibola Properties Limited has built its brand around integrity, transparency and legitimate real estate transactions. stressing that the company conducts its business by dealing with property owners and ensuring that transactions are properly established.

“I can never get into land-grabbing activities. I have integrity, and I have laboured for a long time to build my brand as Odibola Properties,” Oshobukola stated.

He said the company has worked consistently to establish itself as a legitimate real estate brand in Rivers State and Nigeria, adding that he would not jeopardise the reputation of the organisation through involvement in unlawful acquisition or appropriation of other people’s property.

The Odibola Properties CEO further explained that the company does not take possession of properties belonging to individuals without legitimate transactions with the rightful owners.

According to him, the company’s approach is to identify properties and engage directly with those who have legitimate ownership or authority over the properties before entering into transactions.

He said allegations suggesting otherwise were misleading and capable of creating unnecessary damage to the company’s reputation.

Oshobukola also alleged that some individuals were unhappy with the progress recorded by Odibola Properties in the real estate sector and had allegedly resorted to social media campaigns against the company.

He questioned the motive behind some of the online publications, claiming that certain individuals had presented themselves as bloggers while allegedly being paid to attack the reputation of his company.

However, he maintained that the company was not worried by such allegations, saying that its records and transactions could speak for themselves.

Addressing a specific claim concerning the disputed property behind OPM Church in Aluu, Oshobukola categorically denied having any business transaction with the family of Amaewhule.

“I didn’t do any business with Amaewhule’s family, and they never sold any land to me,” he said.

The CEO maintained that Odibola Properties should not be associated with the alleged transaction, insisting that the company’s position on the matter was clear.

He further called on members of the public to examine the available facts and the company’s track record rather than relying solely on claims circulating on social media.

Oshobukola reiterated that integrity remains central to the identity of Odibola Properties Limited.

He said the company would continue to avoid transactions that do not meet its standards of legitimacy and proper ownership documentation.

“Odibola Properties is a brand that has never been involved in land grabbing, and we can’t because we so much believe in integrity. That’s our motto,” he said.

He added: “If it is not genuine, we don’t get involved.”

The CEO’s comments come amid continuing public discussions and allegations surrounding disputed land transactions in parts of Rivers State, including the Aluu axis.

While Oshobukola has rejected the allegations against his company, any claims concerning ownership or title to the disputed property remain matters that may ultimately be determined by the relevant documents, authorities or courts with jurisdiction.

The interview was conducted during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Emmalex David Atseyinku, 9News Nigeria Bureau Chief, South-South, as part of efforts to obtain the company’s response to the allegations and present its position to the public.

9News Nigeria

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his supporters and political associates to stop referring to him as the “leader” of the state’s political class, declaring that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, remains the political leader of Rivers State.

Fubara made the declaration during a gathering of the Rainbow Coalition at Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while reacting to the ongoing debate over who should be regarded as the leader of the Rivers State political family.

The governor said he had been hearing various comments and arguments surrounding the issue of political leadership in the state, stressing that he was not interested in creating another source of disagreement among members of the political family.

According to him, while he could be addressed as an “Oga,” he would not want his supporters to describe him as the political leader of Rivers State.

Fubara reportedly said that, as far as he was concerned, Wike remains the leader of the Rivers political family.

The governor’s remarks come against the backdrop of years of political disagreements and competing claims of influence within the Rivers State political space.

Fubara also used the occasion to emphasize the importance of the reconciliation that has taken place among the various political tendencies in the state.

He said that following the settlement of their differences, members of the political family should avoid statements or actions capable of reopening old wounds.

The governor stressed that they are now operating under the same political umbrella and should therefore concentrate on maintaining unity rather than engaging in arguments over who occupies the position of political leadership.

He urged his supporters to understand that the current political arrangement is based on reconciliation and unity, adding that there should be no fresh issues capable of causing division among them.

The governor’s position is significant given the history of political disagreements between his camp and that of Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as FCT Minister.

Fubara’s statement appears to be an attempt to draw a line under the controversy surrounding political supremacy in Rivers State and reinforce the message of reconciliation among members of the state’s political establishment.

By publicly acknowledging Wike as the political leader, the governor signalled his preference for maintaining the current political understanding rather than allowing the question of leadership to become another source of confrontation.

He therefore called on his supporters to refrain from addressing him as “Leader,” saying that such descriptions could create unnecessary political tension.

The governor’s remarks are expected to generate considerable discussion within Rivers State political circles, particularly among supporters of the different political blocs that have emerged in the state over the years.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Imo Forum for Good Governance (IFGG) has advised people of the South East geopolitical zone to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by INEC on the review of the voters registration to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) or shut up forever.

In a press conference in Owerrri, the IFGG, through its national coordinator, Dr Ralph Chikodi, noted that the PVC was the only power every Nigerian adult must use in sending the ruling APC out in the January 16,2027 general elections.

According to him, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) nationwide. We at IFGG there use this medium to call on Ndigbo allover Nigeria particularly those residing in the South East to go and collect their PVCs in readiness for the 2027 General Elections”.

Chikodi urged Ndigbo never to complain again if they fail to use their PVCs appropriately, insisting that PVC is mightier than complaints.

He said, “One beautiful aspect of democracy is its provision of periodic elections. In Nigeria, it is held in four years. The last General Elections was in 2023. Thus, the next election is in 2027. Do not be deceived, you can complain from Aba to Enugu, back to Abakaliki, to Owerri or Enugu without any success.

“But the moment you grab your PVC on election day, cast your vote for any credible candidate of your choice, you would have made a revolutionary statement that could change the course of history for better. Therefore, no matter how you look at it, PVC can do in one volume what complaints cannot do in four years. In other words, PVC is mightier than complaints”.

The IFGG national coordinator recalled that Nigerians had at one point or the other in the past demonstrated courage and capacity by taking the bulls by horn when it mattered most.

“Nigerians boldly confronted the then ruling PDP in 2015 by using their votes. We had since known that if PDP was bad, the APC has been worse. Having spent 12 years, we are now convinced that the PDP days were paradise compared to the hell we are in currently.

“It goes to say that we are duty bound to invoke the same strategy we adopted and employed on PDP against APC in 2027. This is so because in 2003, the people of Anambra rejected PDP and voted for APGA in the governorship election.

“Imo electorate returned Chief Rochas Okorocha by voting out then governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim. The most recent was in Abia State in 2023 where the masses said no to slavery by electing Dr Alex Otti as their governor. Today, they are reaping the fruits of their beautiful choice. The generality of Ndigbo can do the same and get freedom, prosperity and absolute happiness”, Chikodi expressed.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reportedly raided Orchid Road in Lekki, Lagos, arresting suspects and recovering vehicles.

The operation, which commenced on  Monday, according to a reliable source, resulted in the arrest of suspected offenders and the recovery of cars.

Further details, including the number of suspects arrested, the number of vehicles recovered and the specific allegations against those arrested, were not immediately available.

The EFCC has yet to publicly confirm the operation or issue an official statement detailing the arrests and recoveries.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A fresh legal action has been instituted before the Federal High Court in Owerri over the proposed investigation into the management of a ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, under its Chairman, Mazi Udegbulem.

The development follows a decision on 20, October 2026 by the High Court of Imo State sitting in Aboh Mbaise to decline an application seeking an interim order restraining an NBA committee in Owerri from investigating the management of the funds.

In a statement commenting on the latest development, a critic of the court action questioned the decision to approach the Federal High Court in Owerri after the application was declined by the state High Court.

The statement also alleged that the NBA chairman and his team had deliberately avoided the High Court of Imo State sitting in Owerri, which was initially the appropriate court to hear the matter.

Mazi Udegbulem filed a fresh suit at the Federal High Court in Owerri, challenging the legality of the meeting and the five-member committee.

The latest development places the dispute over the ₦100 million government gift and its management before another court, with the question of jurisdiction likely to be central to any further proceedings.

9News Nigeria

The Federal Government is moving to evacuate Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola patient abroad for further medical treatment as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the disease after identifying 53 primary contacts linked to the case.

The development comes amid heightened surveillance across the country, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirming that Nigeria currently has one confirmed Ebola case. Suspected cases reported in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State have tested negative.

The patient, whose infection was confirmed on October 20, is currently receiving care in isolation. The NCDC’s latest situation report said she had improved remarkably.

The NCDC said the number of primary contacts linked to the confirmed case has risen from the initial 44 to 53.

NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed during a briefing in Abuja that 44 of the contacts were associated with the health facility where the patient was treated, while nine others were identified through further investigation.

The additional contacts include members of the patient’s household, her husband, driver and chef, healthcare workers who attended to her at another medical facility, as well as members of the team involved in collecting samples from her.

The contacts have been listed, categorised according to their level of exposure and placed under public health monitoring.

Importantly, the NCDC said none of the 53 identified contacts had tested positive for Ebola at the time of its latest update.

Health officials are also working to identify possible secondary contacts—people who may have interacted with the primary contacts—so that the chain of potential exposure can be fully established.

Patient Contracted Ebola After Returning From Uganda

The confirmed patient is a 42-year-old woman*who travelled from Uganda through Addis Ababa and arrived in Abuja on October 3, 2026.

According to the NCDC situation report, she developed symptoms several days after her arrival and subsequently sought medical attention at private healthcare facilities.

She reportedly presented with symptoms including fever, diarrhoea, generalised body aches and sore throat. She was later tested after the NCDC was notified, with the National Reference Laboratory confirming Ebola infection on October 20.

The NCDC identified the infection as Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo species.

The Ebola scare has also reached Rivers State after health authorities recorded a suspected case on October 23.

However, the NCDC said laboratory testing returned a negative result for Ebola, and that the result had been communicated to the Rivers State authorities.

The development has nevertheless prompted continued vigilance, particularly because Rivers is home to major international and domestic travel routes, ports and other points of entry.

The NCDC has continued to stress that a suspected case does not automatically mean that an individual has Ebola.

As the government works to prevent further transmission, authorities are also examining and strengthening the country’s capacity to manage possible Ebola cases.

The Federal Government is planning to identify and optimise treatment centres in states with designated ports of entry.

The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital has undergone a needs assessment and optimisation for isolation and treatment, while an infection-prevention and control assessment is also planned for Karu General Hospital in Abuja.

Authorities are equally working on referral mechanisms to ensure that suspected cases detected at ports of entry or other locations can be transferred quickly and safely to designated treatment centres.

The Federal Government is also considering financial support for people placed under quarantine.

The NCDC said the government was considering an emergency payment of ₦100,000 per person per week to help contacts who are required to remain in quarantine meet their feeding, accommodation and family-related expenses.

The measure is intended to encourage people under surveillance to comply with public-health requirements without suffering severe financial hardship during the monitoring period.

The Federal Government has also stepped up surveillance at the country’s international airports and other points of entry.

Port Health Services has been working with aviation stakeholders to strengthen screening and investigation procedures, while authorities are expanding surveillance to help identify passengers who may have been exposed to Ebola.

The NCDC has also moved to strengthen laboratory capacity and infection-prevention measures in healthcare facilities.

Officials have urged Nigerians to cooperate with health workers, particularly those involved in contact tracing and monitoring.

The NCDC has repeatedly appealed to Nigerians not to stigmatise people identified as contacts.

Being identified as an Ebola contact does not mean that the person has Ebola. Instead, it means that public-health authorities believe the individual may have been exposed and therefore needs to be monitored for symptoms during the incubation period.

The agency has urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from the NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare rather than rumours circulating on social media.

As of the latest NCDC situation report dated October 24, Nigeria had recorded one confirmed Ebola case, 53 identified contacts and zero deaths.

The patient remains the country’s only confirmed case, while the suspected case reported in Rivers State tested negative.

The Federal Government’s decision to consider overseas evacuation of the confirmed patient, alongside the expansion of contact tracing, airport surveillance and treatment-centre preparedness, underscores the authorities’ determination to prevent the disease from spreading beyond the index case.

Health authorities are expected to continue monitoring the 53 contacts while investigating additional possible exposures.

For now, officials are urging Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, observe good hand hygiene, avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids of suspected patients, and immediately report concerning symptoms to health authorities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of nine suspects in Nigeria and the seizure of 53 electronic devices during its Operation Blackout.

The operation targeted international cybercriminal networks accused of defrauding Americans.

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed the development, stating that the operation also led to the identification of $11 million in potentially freezable funds across multiple countries.

Patel said the operation targeted scam centres that exploit victims, steal their life savings and operate across international borders in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

“These scam centres exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement,” he said.

He added that the operation demonstrated the commitment of law enforcement agencies to pursuing cybercriminals regardless of their location.

Patel commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation in the operation.

He also issued a warning to cybercriminals targeting Americans from overseas, declaring that they would be brought to justice.

“JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU,” the FBI director said.

Operation Blackout emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime, particularly schemes that cross national borders and target victims in the United States.

9News Nigeria

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State — A fresh twist has emerged in the growing land controversy surrounding the property located behind Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Church along the Airport Road axis of Port Harcourt, as Odibola Properties has publicly rejected allegations that it bought the disputed land from the Amaewhule family.

The company, through its solicitors, E. V. William & Co., said it did not purchase the property directly from Fabulous Amaewhule or any other member of the Amaewhule family, insisting that its interest in the property arose from separate legal arrangements involving parties connected to previous litigation over the land.

The development has added another layer to an already contentious ownership dispute involving the property identified as Ada Oru Farm Land in Mbodo-Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The controversy intensified after representatives of the Amaewhule family warned the public and prospective investors against buying or dealing in the disputed property, alleging that the family had not authorised Odibola Properties or its representatives to sell portions of the land.

Odibola Properties has now come out to challenge.

Odibola: ‘We Did Not Buy This Land From Amaewhule Family’

In its response, Odibola Properties categorically denied the allegation that it acquired the disputed property from Fabulous Amaewhule.

The company maintained that its interest in the property should not be presented as a direct purchase from the Amaewhule family.

According to the company’s legal representatives, the history of the property is tied to earlier court proceedings involving the Mbodo-Aluu Community, members of the Rumuawhoechor family of Rumuekini Community and other parties.

The company referred to Suit No. PHC/1461/2017, which it said was determined by the Rivers State High Court.

It further cited subsequent appellate proceedings and settlements which, according to the company, form part of the legal foundation for its interest in the property.

Odibola Properties therefore urged the public to consider the complete history of the litigation and subsequent legal arrangements before reaching conclusions about how the company came to have an interest in the property.

The Amaewhule family, however, has maintained a completely different position.

Representatives of the family have described the property as ancestral family land, identified as Ada Oru Farm Land, situated behind OPM Church along Airport Road.

The family has warned prospective buyers and investors to exercise extreme caution, insisting that it did not authorise the sale of the property.

The family has also pointed to ongoing proceedings before the Rivers State High Court, Isiokpo Judicial Division, concerning the ownership and dealings associated with the disputed land.

The matter reportedly involves Chief Green Amaewhule v. Fabulous Amaewhule, Odibola Properties and Mr. Bolaji Oshobukola, among other issues.

The family’s position is that the dispute has not been finally resolved and that members of the public should not enter into transactions concerning the property without first establishing the legal status of the land.

At the centre of the dispute is not merely the question of who is marketing the land, but the more fundamental question of who has the legal authority to sell, transfer or otherwise deal with the property.

Odibola Properties says its interest is supported by previous court proceedings, settlements and legal arrangements.

The Amaewhule family disputes the company’s position and continues to assert its ownership claim.

The competing positions mean that the controversy could ultimately depend on the interpretation of court judgments, appeal records, settlement agreements, title documents and other evidence presented before the court.

The company has also taken issue with reports suggesting that it purchased the disputed land directly from Fabulous Amaewhule.

Through its solicitors, Odibola Properties demanded clarification and correction of what it considers inaccurate representations of its position.

The company maintained that allegations suggesting that it unlawfully acquired or marketed the land should not be treated as facts while the ownership dispute remains subject to judicial determination.

It further indicated that it reserves its legal rights over statements that it considers defamatory or damaging to its reputation.

The controversy has attracted considerable attention because of the location of the property, which is situated within a rapidly developing part of the Port Harcourt–Ikwerre axis.

Odibola Properties has publicly advertised real estate projects within the broader Obiri-Ikwerre/Mbodo-Aluu area, including Peace Park Estate. located on Obiri-Ikwerre Road behind OPM Church.

The proximity of the company’s property activities to the disputed area has heightened public interest in the ownership controversy.

However, Odibola Properties has insisted that its legitimate business activities should not be confused with the allegations being made concerning the specific disputed property.

With both sides maintaining opposing positions, prospective land buyers have been placed in a difficult position.

Legal practitioners and property experts generally advise buyers involved in disputed properties to conduct comprehensive title searches and obtain independent legal advice before making payments or signing agreements.

In the present case, the competing claims make verification particularly important.

A buyer who proceeds without properly establishing the ownership and authority to sell could potentially become entangled in lengthy litigation.

For now, the land controversy remains a clash of competing claims.

The Amaewhule family insists that the property is family land and has warned the public against transactions involving it. Odibola Properties strongly denies purchasing the land from the family and maintains that its interest arose through separate legal arrangements connected to previous proceedings.

The next major development is expected to come through the ongoing legal process, where the parties will have the opportunity to place their documents and arguments before the court.

Until the issues are finally resolved, the disputed property behind OPM Church remains at the centre of a growing legal and property battle in Rivers State.

9NEWS NIGERIA will continue to monitor the proceedings and report developments as they emerge.

9News Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a stern warning to police officers who demand money from suspects or their relatives as a condition for granting bail, declaring that officers found engaging in such practices risk prosecution.

The warning underscores the need for greater discipline, transparency and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in the handling of suspects in police custody.

Bail is a legal process designed to allow eligible suspects to regain their freedom while awaiting further investigation or trial, subject to applicable laws and conditions. It is not intended to be turned into an avenue for extortion, personal enrichment or the exploitation of citizens who find themselves in police custody.

Under the law, police officers must act within their lawful powers when dealing with suspects and must not use their positions to demand unauthorised payments. Any allegation of extortion or abuse of authority should be investigated in accordance with established procedures.

The IGP’s warning also sends a message to members of the public who may be tempted to offer money to police officers to secure the release of suspects. Such payments could expose those involved to legal consequences, depending on the circumstances and the applicable law.

However, lawful bail requirements must be distinguished from illegal demands for money. Where bail is granted subject to lawful conditions, those conditions must be respected. The issue is the demand, offer or payment of money to improperly influence police duties or secure an unlawful advantage.

The warning places responsibility on both police personnel and members of the public to reject corrupt practices and support lawful procedures in the administration of justice.

For citizens who encounter alleged demands for illegal bail payments, reporting the incident through appropriate police complaint channels can help authorities investigate and identify officers who may have abused their positions.

The effectiveness of the warning will ultimately depend on consistent enforcement, credible investigations and appropriate sanctions against anyone found culpable.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Accord Party is facing a legal challenge at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a party member is seeking the disqualification of all its candidates for the 2027 general elections over an alleged breach of electoral laws and party procedures.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2524/2026, was filed on October 21, 2026, by Adebukola Ajaja, who claims to be the party’s National Secretary. She is represented by her lawyer, Edmund Biriomoni.

Ajaja accused the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, and National Organising Secretary, ThankGod Kenechukwu, of allegedly usurping her responsibilities in submitting the party’s candidates’ lists and nomination documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC, Accord Party, Mgbudem and Kenechukwu are listed as the first, second, third and fourth respondents, respectively.

In the suit, the claimant is asking the court to determine whether the party’s chairman and organising secretary could lawfully submit the candidates’ documents without the participation and joint signature of the National Secretary.

She relied on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, the Accord Party constitution and INEC’s 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

Ajaja argued that the party constitution is binding on all members and organs of the organisation, insisting that the submission of candidates’ nomination documents must comply with the prescribed legal and administrative procedures.

The court filings refer to letters dated June 30, July 19 and August 5, 2026, alongside Forms EC9(A), EC9(B), EC9(C), EC9(D) and EC9(E), which were allegedly submitted to INEC and jointly signed by Mgbudem and Kenechukwu.

The claimant wants the court to declare the documents invalid on the grounds that their submission allegedly violated the relevant electoral provisions, party rules and INEC guidelines.

She is also seeking orders setting aside and nullifying the disputed letters and nomination forms, as well as a perpetual injunction against their validity.

The suit could have far-reaching implications for Accord Party’s participation in the 2027 elections if the court grants the requested reliefs. However, the filing of the case does not automatically disqualify the party’s candidates.

The legal dispute centres on whether the alleged procedural irregularities are sufficient to invalidate the submissions and what remedies the court may lawfully grant.

As of the information contained in the court filings cited in the report, no ruling on the suit has been established. The respondents’ positions and any subsequent court developments would need to be verified before publication.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a male suspect, Chima Ofoeke, in connection with the suspected murder of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The arrest followed a report by the victim’s mother to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Umuchu Division, that her daughter had been missing since 16th October 2026, despite efforts to establish her whereabouts.

Acting on intelligence-led information, police operatives, in collaboration with members of the Agunechemba security outfit in Uga, arrested the suspect, who was identified as the deceased’s alleged former boyfriend.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to killing the victim following the breakdown of their relationship. He subsequently led detectives to the location where the remains of the deceased were discovered and recovered.

In view of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a comprehensive and diligent investigation, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.

The Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to promptly report cases of missing persons and other suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Twenty-four of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly have approved a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police, meeting the required two-thirds threshold for constitutional alteration.

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The approval clears a major legislative hurdle for the proposed dual policing system, which would comprise the Federal Police Service and state police services.

According to the statement, the approval satisfies the requirement under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, for the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.

The Presidential Working Group commended the state assemblies for their decisions and the National Assembly for passing the amendment in both chambers.

“In line with Section 9 of the Constitution, the amendment can now be returned to the National Assembly for transmission to Mr President for assent,” the statement said.

The proposed amendment is expected to provide constitutional backing for the policing framework outlined in the draft National Policing Bill, 2026.

National Policing Bill Nears Completion

The Working Group disclosed that the draft policing bills were undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The documents are expected to be returned to the group on or before Friday, October 30, 2026, for final consideration before being presented to President Tinubu.

The group urged stakeholders to support a smooth transition to the proposed dual policing system, saying the initiative is aimed at improving public safety across the country.

The development follows the transmission of the constitutional amendment to the 36 state assemblies by the National Assembly on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.

The state legislatures were given an expected administrative timeframe of 30 days to communicate their decisions.

Approval Numbers Rise

On October 9, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman Yemi Adaramodu expressed confidence that the amendment would secure the necessary state approvals.

At the time, he identified Edo, Oyo, Osun and Rivers as the states that had approved the proposal.

A report published on October 16 subsequently listed five approving states: Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara.

By October 21, five additional states — Ogun, Delta, Plateau, Kwara and Adamawa — had reportedly approved the amendment, bringing the number to 10.

Gbajabiamila’s latest disclosure puts the number of approving state assemblies at 24, crossing the constitutional threshold required for the amendment to proceed.

The proposed reform is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to restructure Nigeria’s policing system by allowing states to establish their own police services alongside the federal force.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Two suspected political thugs have reportedly been killed after allegedly attacking the convoy of Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as Nwali and his team returned from Amazekewe community, according to security sources cited by SaharaReporters.

The suspected attackers were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns when they opened fire on the candidate’s convoy.

Security operatives attached to Nwali reportedly returned fire after securing the candidate and other members of his team.

One of the suspected attackers was reportedly killed at the scene, while another died later in hospital.

A source identified the suspect killed at the scene as Jude Nwamgbada. However, the identity of the second reported fatality could not be independently verified.

Nwali confirmed the attack in a statement posted on Facebook, disclosing that his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely destroyed.

He expressed gratitude to security personnel for protecting him and his team, confirming that everyone in the convoy escaped unharmed.

The NDC candidate also expressed regret over the reported loss of life, urging young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians pursuing power without genuine plans for their future.

“No political ambition is worth the life of any young person,” Nwali warned, insisting that the attack would not deter him from pursuing his political ambition.

A source also alleged that some of the suspected attackers were connected to an earlier incident involving journalists in September. The allegation could not be independently verified.

SaharaReporters said it was unable to independently establish the identities and political affiliations of the attackers.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over reported attacks on NDC members and supporters in Nigeria’s South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In neighbouring Enugu State, NDC supporters were reportedly attacked on October 10, 2026, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene while waiting for the arrival of the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

Video footage obtained by Premium Times reportedly showed supporters fleeing amid sporadic gunfire. One suspected attacker was also seen striking an NDC supporter with a plank in the presence of an army officer.

Amnesty International condemned the incident, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of violence against opposition members.

Another attack was reportedly recorded at the NDC secretariat in Enugu’s Government Reserved Area, where armed assailants allegedly opened fire during preparations for the party’s campaign flag-off.

The shooting reportedly left a man repairing a vehicle with a gunshot injury and damaged five parked cars.

The Enugu State Police Command subsequently ordered an investigation into the incident.

An NDC member, Nworie Christopher, from Affa in Udi Local Government Area, reportedly died from injuries sustained during the attack on the party’s campaign office.

The party described his death as a dangerous escalation of political violence, while Ohaa vowed that the NDC would not be intimidated into silence.

The NDC also alleged that armed attackers invaded a ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on September 12, leaving eight members with gunshot injuries.

The Obidient Movement subsequently accused the APC of political violence in Enugu and called for action against those responsible.

However, the Enugu State Government denied involvement in the attacks. Governor Peter Mbah pledged to ensure that those responsible for the incidents at the airport and party secretariat were prosecuted.

The NDC has continued to demand a thorough and independent investigation by the Inspector-General of Police into the reported attacks.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦10 billion in emergency funding to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats, appointing his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to chair a presidential task force.

The approval, announced by the Presidency on June 9, 2026, was intended to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and improve the country’s ability to detect and contain potential outbreaks.

However, the situation has since escalated. Nigeria confirmed its first case of Ebola disease on October 20, following an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its spread to other countries.

The development has heightened concerns about the country’s preparedness, particularly its capacity to prevent further transmission and rapidly identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

According to international health authorities, the confirmed Nigerian case involves a woman who travelled from Uganda to Nigeria. She developed symptoms on October 7, sought medical attention in Abuja on October 11, and tested positive on October 20.

As of October 22, health authorities had identified 44 close contacts who were being monitored, while investigations into the source of infection and possible exposure continued.

The presidential task force was established to coordinate preparations across federal and state institutions, following a high-level meeting involving relevant ministries, government agencies and representatives of states with international airports and border corridors.

Tinubu directed the affected states and relevant agencies to submit detailed response plans, budgets and operational requirements to support a coordinated national strategy.

The measures announced in June included intensified passenger screening at international airports, enhanced temperature checks and improved crowd-control procedures.

The government also ordered the activation of referral and isolation centres at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with similar arrangements planned for other international airports.

Additional measures included a QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration system for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries.

Airport authorities were also directed to disinfect departure halls, cargo facilities, baggage-handling areas and other critical sections as part of preventive measures.

The task force was further instructed to consider designating specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights and adjusting flight schedules to reduce contact between potentially exposed passengers and other travellers.

Following confirmation of the Nigerian case, Gbajabiamila said the task force had been working with health authorities and relevant agencies since June to strengthen surveillance and response arrangements.

The Presidency said the early identification of the case demonstrated the importance of the protocols introduced to detect and contain the disease.

The latest development places greater emphasis on contact tracing, isolation, laboratory testing, infection prevention and public communication to limit the risk of further transmission.

Ebola is a severe illness that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or through contaminated materials.

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a species for which there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, making early detection, supportive medical care and effective infection-control measures particularly important.

The effectiveness of Nigeria’s response will depend on how quickly authorities trace and monitor contacts, maintain surveillance at points of entry, protect healthcare workers and ensure that adequate resources reach frontline response teams.

Although the ₦10 billion intervention was approved to strengthen preparedness, its impact will ultimately be measured by the transparency of its deployment, the effectiveness of emergency operations and the government’s ability to prevent further spread.

9News Nigeria

Former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has issued a blunt warning to politicians in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that his camp will not simply accept what it considers electoral manipulation and then retreat to the courts.

Omo-Agege delivered the warning during a political visit to Orogun, where he was accompanied by Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.

Speaking to supporters, the former Deputy Senate President stressed that the 2027 election must be decided by the votes of the people and not by political manipulation, intimidation, or any attempt to undermine the electoral process.

According to him, politicians who contemplate rigging or otherwise subverting the people’s mandate should be prepared for the political consequences of such actions.

The former senator’s message was direct: the era of allegedly manipulating elections and expecting opponents to simply proceed to court afterwards must end.

Omo-Agege maintained that the votes of Deltans must count and that whoever wins an election should emerge through the genuine mandate of the electorate.

He warned that any attempt to frustrate the democratic choice of the people could trigger a strong political response, insisting that the people of Delta State deserve an electoral process in which their votes determine the outcome.

The former Deputy Senate President’s remarks come as political activities and realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major political actors positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election in Delta State.

Omo-Agege’s warning appeared targeted at politicians who may be tempted to use political influence or other means to manipulate the electoral process.

His position was that elections should not become a process where voters cast their ballots only for the outcome to allegedly be determined elsewhere.

For him, the fundamental issue is simple: Deltans must be allowed to choose their leaders, and their votes must count.

He also made it clear that political actors should not assume that every electoral dispute will automatically end with the opposition quietly accepting the result and seeking judicial intervention.

The former senator’s comments have added fresh heat to the political atmosphere ahead of 2027, particularly as political parties and politicians begin to mobilise their structures across the state.

His warning is likely to generate reactions from rival political camps, especially those who may interpret his remarks as a direct challenge to the existing political establishment in Delta.

However, the central message from Omo-Agege remained that the ballot box must be respected.

He insisted that democracy cannot survive when the will of the electorate is deliberately undermined and called on political actors to allow the people to freely determine who governs them.

The former Deputy Senate President’s position effectively puts politicians on notice ahead of 2027: contest the election, mobilise the people, win their votes and accept the result — but do not attempt to steal the people’s mandate.

As the 2027 political battle gradually gathers momentum, Omo-Agege’s warning has further raised the stakes in Delta State, where political actors are already preparing for what could become one of the most fiercely contested electoral battles in the state’s recent history.

The message was unmistakably raw: Deltans will vote, Deltans’ votes must count, and anyone who attempts to subvert the people’s mandate should be prepared for the political consequences.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Twenty-four state Houses of Assembly have reportedly approved the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police in Nigeria, meeting the two-thirds threshold required.

The states are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

According to the latest breakdown, Kano State is scheduled to consider the proposal during plenary, while Bauchi and Katsina states are at the committee review stage.

Six states; Abia, Borno, Ebonyi, Kogi, Ondo and Sokoto have received the proposal, but their approval status remains unclear. 

No public update has been reported for Jigawa, Lagos and Niger states.

The reported approvals mark a significant step in the proposed restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system, which would provide a constitutional framework for state police services alongside the federal police.

The next stage involves completing the constitutional amendment process, passing the necessary national legislation and establishing the regulatory framework for state police operations.

Following the state assemblies’ resolutions, the National Assembly will need to confirm that the constitutional amendment has secured the required support before the process can proceed to presidential assent, in accordance with the applicable constitutional requirements.

A proposed National Policing Bill, alongside related consequential amendments, is also reportedly under review by the Federal Ministry of Justice. 

Once the review and validation processes are completed, the legislation is expected to be presented to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

The proposed legislation is expected to establish national standards for state police services, including certification requirements, oversight mechanisms, funding arrangements and operational guidelines.

9News Nigeria

A political disagreement over who should be regarded as the leader of Rivers State has sparked a heated confrontation between Chijioke Ihunwo, popularly known as Dimgba, and Representative Kingsley Chinda during an Obio/Akpor reconciliation meeting.

The clash, which reportedly occurred in the presence of political stakeholders and supporters, exposed the continuing political tension surrounding the leadership structure of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Trouble started when Ihunwo took the microphone during the reconciliation gathering and openly recognized Governor Siminalayi Fubara as his political leader.

Ihunwo’s declaration immediately drew a strong reaction from Chinda, who appeared visibly displeased by the statement and rejected the microphone before launching into an unscripted response.

Chinda reportedly made his position clear, insisting that Governor Fubara should not be described as the leader of Rivers politics.

According to Chinda, former Governor Nyesom Wike remains the state’s political leader, and he challenged Ihunwo over his understanding of the political reality.

“Is Fubara the leader?” Chinda was said to have questioned, insisting that Wike remains the only person who should be addressed as the political leader of Rivers State.

The exchange quickly became one of the major talking points from the reconciliation meeting, highlighting the big political differences that continue to exist within the state’s political family despite efforts to promote unity ahead of 2027.

The confrontation is significant because both Fubara and Wike remain influential figures in Rivers politics, while their political differences have continued to shape alliances and alignments across the state.

Ihunwo has been identified with the camp loyal to Governor Fubara, while Chinda has remained politically associated with the structure linked to former Governor Wike.

The disagreement therefore goes beyond a personal exchange, as the question of who controls the political structure and who should be recognized as the ultimate leader could become increasingly important as political parties and aspirants position themselves for the 2027 elections.

The Obio/Akpor meeting was reportedly convened as part of efforts to reconcile political interests and strengthen unity among stakeholders. However, the public disagreement demonstrated that significant differences remain unresolved.

With preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensifying, the confrontation has further exposed the competing political loyalties within Rivers State.

The situation is particularly noteworthy given the political significance of Obio/Akpor, one of the state’s most politically influential local government areas and a major battleground for competing political interests.

Observers are likely to interpret the confrontation as another indication that the battle for political influence in Rivers State will not only involve political parties but also competing structures and personalities within the state’s political establishment.

While reconciliation meetings are being organized to promote unity, the exchange between Ihunwo and Chinda suggests that questions surrounding loyalty, leadership, and political control remain highly sensitive.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the question of whether the Rivers political structure will rally around Governor Fubara, continue to recognize Wike’s influence, or develop a new centre of political authority is expected to remain a major issue.

For now, the heated exchange at the Obio/Akpor reconciliation meeting has brought that leadership question into the open, providing a glimpse into the political battles that could define Rivers State’s road to 2027.

9News Nigeria

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duruhas died at 57, sending shockwaves across Nigeria’s entertainment industry and leaving colleagues, fans, and admirers mourning the loss of one of the country’s respected screen personalities.

Duru’s deathHis family announced Duru’s death hours ago, on Friday, October 23, 2026, through a statement published on his official Instagram account.

The family disclosed that the actor died following a brief illness but did not reveal the specific nature of the illness.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the family stated.

The development was also confirmed by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). Its National President, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, paid tribute to the late actor, describing his death as the loss of another great thespian.

Francis Duru was one of the actors who contributed significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry.

He began his acting career in 1989 and became widely recognised in the 1990s following his memorable performance as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s acclaimed 1995 movie Rattlesnake.

The role helped establish Duru as a household name and earned him recognition among Nigerian movie audiences.

Over the years, he featured in numerous Nollywood productions and remained active in the industry for more than three decades.

Beyond acting, Duru was also involved in other aspects of filmmaking and was recognised for his contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

He was also a recipient of the United Nations Ambassador of Peace recognition for his positive influence on young people and won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

The actor’s death came only about four months after he publicly dismissed reports circulating on social media that he was suffering from a serious or terminal illness.

In June 2026, a video showing Duru looking frail had circulated online, generating widespread concern among fans and colleagues.

Duru subsequently addressed the reports, insisting that the claims were false and assuring his fans that he was well.

His death on Friday has therefore come as a major shock to many who had followed his earlier clarification.

Duru’s death comes approximately two years after he suffered another devastating family tragedy—the death of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.

The actor had publicly mourned his son at the time, describing him affectionately while expressing his grief and faith.

Tributes have begun to emerge from members of the Nigerian entertainment industry as colleagues and fans remember Duru’s contribution to Nollywood.

His death represents another significant loss to a Nigerian film industry that has, in recent years, continued to bid farewell to several veteran actors and filmmakers.

For many Nigerians who grew up watching Nollywood during its formative years, Francis Duru will remain particularly remembered for his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake and for his distinctive presence on screen.

As of the time of filing this report, the family had not announced funeral arrangements or disclosed further details concerning the circumstances surrounding his illness.

** Francisuru was 57.*

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

The death has been confirmed by the family and corroborated by the Actors Guild of Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed a 90-day economic action plan aimed at reducing the cost of living, improving food affordability, attracting investments that directly benefit Nigerians.

The plan, proposed by the Federal Ministry of Finance, was endorsed on Thursday during NEC’s 161st meeting, held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The development comes as the Federal Government seeks to consolidate the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and translate macroeconomic improvements into better living conditions for citizens.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, in presenting the plan, identified five priority areas: food affordability, tax harmonization, completion of high-impact projects, resolution of investment bottlenecks and regulated household support.

The Council also approved the establishment of a national dashboard to monitor ongoing projects across the country.

Oyedele expressed optimism about the progress of the administration’s economic reforms, identifying the reduction of headline inflation and interest rates to single digits by 2027 as key policy objectives.

He stressed the need for coordinated implementation across federal and state institutions to ensure that economic improvements translate into measurable benefits for households and businesses.

In Shettima’s address to the members of the Council, he urged state governors and relevant government institutions to ensure that the gains of the reforms result in affordable transportation, improved healthcare, employment opportunities and greater financial security for Nigerians.

He maintained that the success of government policies should be measured by their impact on citizens’ daily lives rather than announcements of reforms alone.

“The first dividend of prosperity should be the confidence to plan a life. Our task is to make such confidence less dependent on fortune,” the Vice President said.

Shettima said the Council’s deliberations on transportation, healthcare, police reform and livestock development were critical to determining the quality of life Nigerians should expect from economic progress.

He called for stronger cooperation between the federal and state governments, stressing that their respective responsibilities should promote the common good rather than hinder the delivery of essential services.

On the National Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Initiative, the Vice President urged state governments to support affordable transportation systems that would ease the financial burden on commuters.

He said the programme’s success should be measured by affordability and accessibility, rather than the number of vehicles deployed.

“The cost of reaching a livelihood should never consume the livelihood itself,” he said, adding that the passenger’s experience should guide the government’s transportation ambitions.

Shettima also urged governors to incorporate local realities into national policy decisions, stressing that effective implementation required clearly defined responsibilities and practical agreements among the different tiers of government.

Meanwhile, the Council received an update from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, on the reported Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory.

Pate reassured members of the Council about Nigeria’s capacity to respond to the situation, outlining measures being developed by the ministry in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

He identified coordination and governance, surveillance at points of entry, laboratory testing, the provision of essential medical supplies and personal protective equipment, and effective public communication as critical components of the national response.

The minister said 21 state governments had updated their response plans and urged the remaining 15 states to expedite the establishment of appropriate preparedness and response mechanisms.

The Council also considered the report of its Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

It resolved that states should conduct post-campaign reviews, particularly in communities where children were missed during immunisation exercises and in areas affected by insecurity.

NEC further emphasised the need for timely release of counterpart funds, stronger routine immunisation programmes, improved coordination with security agencies and increased cooperation among states to improve vaccination coverage.

The Council said sustained commitment from governors, traditional rulers and security agencies remained essential to eradicating polio in Nigeria.

On livestock development, NEC received a report from its Ad Hoc Committee on Livestock Development, chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.

The Council acknowledged the sector’s potential to stimulate economic growth, generate employment and improve livelihoods.

It noted that all states had expressed interest in supporting the Federal Government’s livestock development initiatives and resolved to strengthen collaboration between the federal and state governments to accelerate reforms and unlock the sector’s economic potential.

In another resolution, NEC agreed to establish a joint financing framework between the federal and state governments to accelerate the deployment of compressed natural gas and electric vehicles across the country.

The decision followed a presentation on the National Affordable Compressed Natural Gas Transit Programme by the Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed.

The Council directed that the programme should deliver tangible benefits to citizens by reducing transportation costs rather than merely increasing the number of alternative-energy vehicles on the roads.

It also called on relevant authorities to engage transport unions and operators to ensure that savings from the adoption of CNG and electric vehicles are passed on to commuters through lower fares.

NEC in a bid to implement the decision, agreed to constitute a committee to coordinate the arrangement, engage stakeholders and develop practical measures to make transportation more affordable, accessible and sustainable for Nigerians.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary in Imo State, Dr Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, said the party has formed the “Broom Coalition” to consolidate support for the APC ahead of the elections.

He said the arrangement was designed to protect voters’ choices and keep the interests of Imo people a priority.

Jones made this known in a press statement.

He also said a few opposition parties in the state had indicated their willingness to join the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also claimed that some opposition candidates had already abandoned their party tickets and were working with the ruling party.

The statement added that the APC was preparing to formally welcome opposition leaders and candidates at campaign rallies scheduled across the state.

It specifically urged candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Action Peoples Party (APP), who had reportedly approached it for collaboration, to abandon their existing platforms and join the APC in their respective wards.

“The only coalition recognised in Imo State is the ‘Broom Coalition’, which guarantees that all participants in the coalition arrangement shall work for and deliver only APC candidates across their constituencies,” Jones said.

The party expressed confidence that it would secure at least 80 per cent of the votes cast in the state, attributing its optimism to growing support from politicians across different political parties.

“The APC in Imo State boasts of and is confident of securing at least 80 per cent of the votes of the Imo electorate in the coming elections,” the statement said.

However, the party said any politician seeking to participate in its proposed coalition must formally defect to the APC and support its candidates across all constituencies in the state.

The announcement comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the APC’s proposed coalition raising questions about the extent of opposition realignment and its implications for electoral competition across Imo State’s constituencies.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of politicising Nigeria’s Ebola health challenge.

The council made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Dele Alake.

It criticised a statement attributed to Atiku concerning the Ebola situation, particularly its headline linking Tinubu’s first name to the deadly virus and questioning the utilisation of the ₦10 billion approved for the emergency response.

According to the council, the wordplay was disrespectful to the office of the President and risked turning a serious public health concern into an opportunity for political ridicule.

The council also faulted what it described as a misunderstanding of Ebola transmission.

The PCC explained that the virus has an incubation period of between two and 21 days, with symptoms typically appearing eight to 10 days after exposure.

It maintained that an infected person cannot transmit Ebola before developing symptoms, arguing that this explained why the Nigerian patient was not detected upon arrival at Abuja airport.

The APC council said the infected individual sought medical attention days later, when tests reportedly confirmed the infection.

On the controversy surrounding the ₦10 billion emergency allocation, the council claimed that the funds approved by Tinubu in June remained untouched, adding that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other surveillance agencies had deployed other available resources.

It commended the agencies for strengthening surveillance at entry points and conducting contact tracing involving 44 people linked to the patient.

The council argued that the response demonstrated the importance of effective public health surveillance and called on the opposition to acknowledge the efforts of the authorities.

It also rejected an allegation attributed to Atiku that a ministerial briefing on the health emergency was intended to discourage Nigerians from attending political rallies or voting.

In describing the allegation as speculative, the council challenged the former vice president to provide verifiable evidence, insisting that the briefing did not raise any such issue but appealed to Nigerians to comply with the health protocols announced by the task force.

The statement urged Atiku and his supporters to refrain from politicising public health emergencies, warning that misinformation and irresponsible communication could undermine efforts to contain the disease.

“Nigerians deserve, first of all, protection from the deadly disease,” the council said.

9News Nigeria

Former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has issued a stern warning to politicians in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning against any attempt to manipulate or rig the electoral process.

Omo-Agege, who spoke while addressing supporters during his political campaign in Delta State, reportedly warned politicians that any attempt to subvert the will of the people through electoral manipulation would have serious consequences.

The former senator was quoted as saying, “Rig and die,” in what appeared to be a strong warning against politicians who may contemplate rigging the 2027 elections.

According to the remarks attributed to him, Omo-Agege stressed that the people of Delta State deserve a free, fair and credible electoral process, insisting that political actors should allow voters to freely choose their preferred candidates.

He reportedly told his supporters that anyone seeking peace and stability in the state should support an election conducted transparently and without intimidation, manipulation or electoral malpractice.

The former Deputy Senate President further warned that politicians should not assume that they could manipulate the electoral process without resistance, urging all political actors to respect the democratic rights of the electorate.

His comments have generated attention as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political parties already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.

The statement has also raised concerns over the language being used in political campaigns, particularly the reference to violence and death in connection with electoral disputes.

As the 2027 elections approach, stakeholders are expected to encourage issue-based campaigns, peaceful participation and respect for the rule of law, while electoral authorities and security agencies remain responsible for ensuring that voters can exercise their rights without intimidation or violence.

Omo-Agege’s warning comes amid growing political manoeuvring in Delta State, where rival political interests are expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the elections.

9NEWS NIGERIA* will continue to monitor political developments in Delta State and report verified statements and events as the 2027 electoral season approaches.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed a 90-day economic action plan aimed at easing the cost of living, improving food affordability, attracting investment and accelerating projects that directly benefit Nigerians.

The plan was endorsed on Thursday during NEC’s 161st meeting, held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, presented the proposal.

The initiative comes amid persistent concerns over high food prices, transportation costs and the pressure of economic reforms on household incomes.

NEC said the plan would focus on five priority areas: affordable food, tax harmonisation, completion of high-impact projects, removal of investment bottlenecks and regulated household support.

However, the practical impact will depend on how quickly the federal and state governments implement the measures and whether Nigerians experience measurable reductions in their daily expenses.

Shettima Tasks Governors on Cost-of-Living Relief

Shettima urged state governors and relevant government institutions to translate the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

He said the success of economic policies should be measured by their impact on employment, healthcare, transportation and the financial security of households.

“The first dividend of prosperity should be the confidence to plan a life,” the Vice President said, stressing that economic progress must give Nigerians greater certainty about their future.

He called for stronger coordination between federal and state governments, warning that differences in their responsibilities should not obstruct the delivery of essential services.

According to him, governors must bring their knowledge of local economic conditions into national policy decisions to ensure that interventions address the realities facing their communities.

Government Targets Cheaper Transport

The Council also resolved to establish a joint financing framework between the federal and state governments to accelerate the deployment of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and electric vehicles.

The framework is expected to support the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme and expand access to alternative-energy public transportation.

NEC directed the relevant authorities to engage transport unions and operators to ensure that savings from cheaper vehicle energy and operating costs are passed on to passengers through lower fares.

Shettima warned that the programme should not be judged by the number of buses deployed but by whether commuters can afford to use them.

“The cost of reaching a livelihood should never consume the livelihood itself,” he said.

The Council also agreed to establish a committee to coordinate financing arrangements, consult stakeholders and develop measures to make the programme affordable and sustainable.

NEC Approves National Projects Dashboard

NEC approved the establishment of a national dashboard to monitor ongoing projects across the country.

The platform is intended to improve transparency, accountability and public access to information about project implementation.

It will also track how funds released from the removal of petrol subsidies are being utilised, an issue that has attracted public scrutiny since the policy change.

Oyedele expressed optimism about the prospects for economic recovery, identifying a reduction in headline inflation and interest rates to single-digit levels by 2027 as key policy objectives.

He emphasised that achieving these targets would require coordinated implementation of reforms across federal and state institutions.

The 90-day plan also seeks to remove obstacles to investment and improve the translation of economic gains into benefits for households and businesses.

FG Assures Nigerians Over Ebola Response

At the meeting, Health and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, briefed NEC on the reported Ebola situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Pate sought to reassure the Council about Nigeria’s capacity to manage the situation, outlining measures to strengthen surveillance, laboratory testing, logistics and public communication.

He said preparedness efforts also included screening at points of entry and ensuring the availability of essential response supplies, including personal protective equipment.

According to the briefing, 21 states had updated their response plans, while the remaining 15 were urged to establish or strengthen their preparedness arrangements.

The Ebola briefing formed part of broader discussions on national health security. The minister’s assurances, however, should not be interpreted as proof that all risks have been eliminated.

States Directed to Intensify Polio Eradication

NEC also considered a report from its Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The Council directed states to review their immunisation campaigns, particularly in communities where children were missed or insecurity disrupted vaccination exercises.

It called for timely release of counterpart funding, stronger routine immunisation and improved coordination with security agencies.

Governors, traditional rulers and other community leaders were also urged to strengthen public participation in vaccination campaigns.

NEC said sustained cooperation would be essential to closing immunisation gaps and achieving the complete eradication of polio in Nigeria.

NEC Seeks to Unlock Livestock Sector

The Council further examined recommendations from its Ad Hoc Committee on Livestock Development, chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.

NEC acknowledged the sector’s potential to generate employment, stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods.

It noted that all states had expressed interest in supporting the Federal Government’s livestock development initiatives.

The Council consequently called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to accelerate reforms and unlock opportunities across the livestock value chain.

Implementation Remains the Key Test

The 90-day action plan represents another attempt by the Tinubu administration to connect economic reforms with improvements in household welfare.

Its five priority areas cover food affordability, tax coordination, project delivery, investment and targeted household support. The transport initiative adds a specific commitment to reducing commuting costs.

However, NEC’s endorsement is not, by itself, evidence that food prices, fares or other household expenses have already fallen.

The effectiveness of the plan will depend on clear implementation deadlines, adequate funding, transparent monitoring and cooperation among the different levels of government.

For millions of Nigerians facing economic pressures, the decisive measure of success will be whether the next 90 days produce visible improvements in the cost of food, access to affordable transport, employment opportunities and essential public services.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, has issued a violent warning against anyone attempting to rig the 2027 general elections, declaring that electoral fraud would be met with deadly consequences.

The former Deputy Senate President reportedly made the remarks during a political campaign, warning prospective election manipulators against tampering with the votes of Nigerians.

“Anybody who rig election that day, we will kill him. Rig and die. If you don’t value your life, come and rig election,” Omo-Agege declared.

He accused those who manipulate election results of stealing the future of Nigerians and their children, insisting that electoral fraud would not be tolerated.

“They are rigging your future, they are rigging the future of your children. We are waiting for them. Let them try. Rig and die,” he said.

Omo-Agege also criticised the advice often given to aggrieved candidates to seek redress in court after disputed elections, arguing that electoral manipulation undermines the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.

The remarks come amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with Omo-Agege seeking a return to the Senate after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the NDC.

He formally joined the NDC in May 2026 after losing the APC ticket for Delta Central to the incumbent senator, Ede Dafinone. He subsequently announced his intention to contest the seat under his new party.

The contest is expected to be closely watched as political alignments and rivalries intensify in Delta State ahead of the polls. Omo-Agege and Dafinone are emerging from competing political camps in the battle for influence in Delta Central.

However, Omo-Agege’s threat has raised concerns about the language of political campaigns and the risk of violence during elections.

While electoral fraud is a serious offence, threatening to kill alleged offenders is not a lawful substitute for investigation, arrest and prosecution.

Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 provides a legal framework for addressing electoral offences, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published regulations governing voting, result collation and election administration.

Political candidates and their supporters are expected to pursue complaints through lawful channels, including reporting suspected malpractice to the relevant authorities and seeking judicial redress where appropriate.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, attention will remain on whether political leaders can protect the integrity of the ballot without encouraging intimidation or violence.

Editor’s note: The quoted threat is attributed to Omo-Agege in the supplied account. I could not independently verify the original campaign footage or establish its precise date and venue from the sources located.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has cautioned political leaders against misleading Nigerians, urging the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be truthful about the country’s challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The monarch reportedly gave the warning to Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, who was identified in the report as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He stressed that politics should not be driven by dishonesty, hatred, envy or attempts to destroy political opponents for personal gain.

“Politics is not madness,” the Emir declared, emphasising the need for decency, responsibility and truthfulness in political engagement.

The monarch urged political leaders to prioritise the security and economic welfare of Nigerians, particularly ordinary citizens struggling with the rising cost of living and other socioeconomic challenges.

He also called on the APC and other political actors to focus on addressing the concerns of the people rather than making misleading claims or engaging in divisive political campaigns.

The intervention comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties and their supporters preparing to mobilise voters across the country.

President Tinubu’s administration is expected to face scrutiny over its handling of economic reforms, inflation, insecurity, employment and living standards as the next election approaches.

The Emir’s reported remarks underscore the importance of issue-based campaigning, honest communication and accountability in a democratic society.

However, the specific occasion on which the monarch made the remarks, the full context of his exchange with Yari and any response from the senator were not established in the material provided.

The central message of the reported warning is that political ambition should not take precedence over the welfare of citizens, and that politicians must be prepared to tell Nigerians the truth about the country’s condition and the solutions they intend to offer.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding a complaint involving a missing wristwatch valued at $500 and allegations of unlawful detention and a purported demand for ₦100,000 at Abagana Police Division.

On 17th October 2026, the complainant reported that a wristwatch valued at $500, sent from abroad by a relative for delivery to their uncle in Nwafia, had gone missing.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the wristwatch had been entrusted to the complainant’s brother for onward delivery to the intended recipient. Acting on the description that a tyre was usually parked in front of his uncle’s shop, the brother arrived at a vulcanising workshop, where he met one Igwe Arinze, whom he mistakenly believed to be his uncle’s employee.

Upon inquiry, Arinze reportedly informed him that his master was away. Consequently, the brother handed the wristwatch to him for onward delivery, unaware that he had arrived at the wrong premises.

When the intended recipient subsequently denied receiving the wristwatch, Arinze was invited to the Division for questioning. During the interview, he explained that the wristwatch had been handed over to him for safekeeping and that he later gave it to his master, identified as Simon Tochukwu, upon his return.

Efforts to reach Simon were initially unsuccessful, as he was reportedly away. He eventually returned on 20th October 2026 and admitted receiving the wristwatch from his employee. However, he claimed that he subsequently returned it to the employee and instructed him to discard it, believing it to be an old wristwatch.

Further questioning indicated that the wristwatch had allegedly been thrown into a pile of discarded tyres, where subsequent efforts to locate it proved unsuccessful.

In view of the conflicting accounts and the need to establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the property, the parties were questioned to clarify their respective roles. Following the interviews, the suspect was released and directed to return to the Division on 23rd October 2026 for further clarification and follow-up on efforts to establish the whereabouts of the missing wristwatch.

ON THE ALLEGATION OF A ₦100,000 DEMAND

The Command denied the allegation that ₦100,000 was demanded in connection with the case. The handling of the matter was directed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the receipt, transfer and alleged disposal of the missing wristwatch.

The Command reiterated that its officers are expected to discharge their duties professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law. According to the Command, “Any allegation of misconduct brought to the attention of the Command will be treated with the seriousness it deserves”.

The case remains under investigation, and the Command will take appropriate lawful steps upon the conclusion of the necessary investigative processes.

The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public of its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of the rights of all persons. Members of the public are encouraged to report any genuine concerns regarding police conduct through the appropriate channels.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its sustained efforts to combat crime and recover stolen property following the recovery of a Toyota Highlander Jeep allegedly stolen in Anambra State and subsequently traced to Calabar, Cross River State, through credible intelligence.

The recovery was made on 16th October 2026 by operatives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Onitsha, who acted on credible intelligence regarding the vehicle’s whereabouts. During the operation, the operatives also arrested a male suspect, identified as Muonago Chibuze, in connection with the incident.

Preliminary information indicates that the Toyota Highlander Jeep, with registration number ENU 387 BB, was reportedly stolen on 9th October 2026. Following the incident, intelligence-led efforts by the Police culminated in the successful tracing and recovery of the vehicle in Calabar, Cross River State, demonstrating the importance of timely information gathering, proactive policing and effective inter-state collaboration in tackling vehicle theft and other forms of criminal activity.

The recovery underscores the Command’s commitment to ensuring that criminal activities are thoroughly investigated and that stolen property is recovered, irrespective of where such items may be taken. It also highlights the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated police operations in identifying and responding to criminal activities that may extend beyond state boundaries.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has directed that the recovered vehicle be transferred to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, for further investigation and necessary action. The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, determine the suspect’s level of involvement and identify any other persons who may be connected to the incident.

The Command assures members of the public that it will continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing, enhance operational coordination among relevant police formations and collaborate with other security agencies where necessary to prevent and investigate crimes. These efforts remain part of the Command’s broader strategy to protect lives and property, disrupt criminal networks and improve public confidence in policing across Anambra State.

The Commissioner of Police further encourages members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or information relating to stolen vehicles and other criminal acts to the nearest police station or through established police communication channels. The Command emphasises that credible information from members of the public remains a valuable component of effective crime prevention and detection.

The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its resolve to pursue all legitimate leads, recover stolen property and ensure that suspects are subjected to thorough investigation in accordance with the law. Members of the public are also urged to cooperate with the Police as the investigation progresses.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Government has requested N70 billion from the Federal Government’s Stabilisation Fund to tackle insecurity, erosion, and other infrastructure challenges that threaten economic activities and public services across the state.

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission received the request during a technical session at its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the commission’s Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Maryam Yusuf, the proposed intervention would support security operations, environmental protection, healthcare, education and other development priorities.

“The Indices and Disbursement Committee of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission has received Anambra State’s presentation on the request for N70bn from the Stabilisation Fund to finance its priority projects and other proposed investments across critical sectors of the state’s economy,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Chiamaka Nnake, who led the presentation, “said the proposed assistance would complement existing government investments, sustain essential public services, protect livelihoods, improve investor confidence and promote a more diversified and resilient economy.”

Nnake identified insecurity, erosion, flooding, inflation and the rising cost of public services as major pressures on the state’s finances.

She explained that sit-at-home orders and restrictions on movement had disrupted commercial activities, reduced government revenue and weakened investor confidence, particularly in major economic centres such as Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi.

The SSG disclosed that the state had introduced a Homeland Security Law, established a security outfit and strengthened collaboration through a joint task force.

She said additional funding would support the procurement of operational vehicles, surveillance and communication equipment, personnel training and improved coordination among security agencies.

On environmental challenges, Nnake disclosed that Anambra had more than 1,000 erosion sites, affecting 146 communities to varying degrees.

She estimated that addressing the identified critical erosion sites would require approximately N170bn, more than twice the amount being requested from the Stabilisation Fund.

The state government, she explained, was already undertaking erosion-control projects, flood management, road rehabilitation, land reclamation, waterway clearance and tree planting, alongside restrictions on sand mining in vulnerable areas.

Nnake also presented the state’s economic profile, putting its estimated population at 8.9 million across 21 local government areas and 179 communities.

She reported a gross domestic product of approximately $12.7bn and a projected 2026 budget of N766bn.

According to her, Anambra’s internally generated revenue had increased from about N2.2bn to N7.2bn, although the statement did not specify the periods covered by the figures.

On social services, she said the state’s free antenatal care and delivery programme had supported more than 206,000 deliveries, including 642 Caesarean sections, without charges to beneficiaries.

She added that the government had recruited 8,415 teachers and introduced free education from nursery school to Senior Secondary School Three.

However, she said the programmes had increased demand for healthcare workers, medicines, medical equipment, classrooms and learning materials.

Nnake further identified agriculture, solid minerals and tourism as areas requiring investment to expand economic opportunities.

She disclosed that the state had distributed more than 2.3 million coconut and oil-palm seedlings, while seeking support for processing facilities, irrigation, storage, cold-chain infrastructure and improved market access.

She also highlighted deposits of kaolin, bentonite, lignite, silica sand, gypsum and laterite, alongside petroleum-related opportunities, as potential sources of investment.

For tourism, she identified Agulu Lake and other attractions requiring better access roads and visitor facilities.

Responding, the Chairman of RMAFC’s Indices and Disbursement Committee, Prof. Olusegun Adekunle Wright, said the request would undergo further scrutiny before any recommendation could be made.

Wright, who represents Lagos State on the commission, explained that the Stabilisation Fund was intended to provide financial assistance in deserving circumstances, subject to established guidelines, resource availability and the appropriate approval processes.

He said the committee would examine the state’s financial records, project costs, feasibility, implementation requirements and expected socioeconomic benefits.

The committee chairman stressed that the technical presentation did not amount to approval of the N70bn request.

He explained that the commission’s procedures required states seeking assistance to make formal presentations before officials conducted on-the-spot assessments of proposed projects.

Wright added that the outcome of the review could be forwarded to the commission’s plenary for further consideration, subject to verification and compliance with the relevant procedures.

In his closing remarks, the RMAFC commissioner representing Anambra State, Dr Enefe Ekene, thanked the committee for its observations and said the feedback would help the state delegation strengthen its submission ahead of the proposed assessment visit.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Chinedum Anayo | 9News Nigeria Exclusive 

The African Action Congress (AAC), led by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate its commitment to multiparty democracy by granting the opposition party access to the State House Conference Centre for its political activities.

The request, reportedly contained in a letter that has attracted national attention, comes days after Tinubu inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre on October 14, 2026.

Through this action, the AAC has raised a question that goes beyond the choice of location: can a President who leads a ruling party demonstrate the same openness towards political opponents ?

Omoyele Sowore and the African Action Congress (AAC) have every right to ask President Bola Tinubu to grant them access to the State House Conference Centre for their political activities. 

Whether the President will agree is an entirely different question, and that is where politics comes in.

Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including through political parties. 

Section 39 also protects freedom of expression. 

These provisions support the right of Sowore and the AAC to express their demands, petition the President and challenge what they perceive as unequal treatment.

However, having the right to make a request does not automatically create a legal entitlement to have it granted. 

The Presidential Villa is a restricted government complex, and the authorities retain discretion over access to its facilities.

The AAC’s request reportedly follows the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre.

Nevertheless, should anyone expect Tinubu to make things easier for his political opponents?

That is where the reality of politics must be understood.

Tinubu is the leader of the ruling APC, while Sowore leads a party that challenges the political establishment. 

Although the President has constitutional responsibilities that extend beyond his party, politics is also a contest for influence, power and political advantage.

There is, therefore, a difference between what the law permits an opposition party to request and what a sitting President has a political incentive to provide.

Tinubu is not automatically obligated to grant Sowore access to the State House Conference Centre simply because the APC held an event there. 

Equally, the fact that Sowore is an opposition figure would not, by itself, justify discrimination if applicable rules require fair treatment.

Ultimately, the AAC can make its demand, defend it publicly and use the Presidency’s response to advance its argument about political inclusiveness. 

Tinubu, in turn, can consider the request in light of security, administrative rules and other legitimate factors.

Whether he approves or rejects it, the episode illustrates a familiar tension in democratic politics: opposition parties demand equal treatment, while those in power must balance their public responsibilities with the realities of partisan competition.

Sowore has the right to ask. Whether Tinubu will oblige him is another matter entirely. And that is politics.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Government has confirmed Nigeria’s first Ebola case in more than a decade, raising concerns about the potential spread of the deadly disease following an imported infection in Abuja.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, that laboratory tests confirmed the infection in a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.

The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further transmission.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the case involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which is responsible for the ongoing outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2026.

Patient Arrived in Nigeria on October 5

Reports indicate that the woman arrived in Nigeria on October 5 and developed symptoms on October 7.

She sought treatment at a private hospital in Abuja on October 11 after experiencing symptoms initially associated with common illnesses.

Following investigations into her recent travel history, health officials conducted Ebola tests, which returned positive on October 20.

Authorities are still investigating where she contracted the virus. Her travel through Uganda does not, by itself, establish that the infection originated there.

44 Contacts Under Surveillance

The Federal Government said 44 contacts had been identified following the confirmation of the case.

The contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and other people who may have been exposed to the infected woman.

Contact tracing is ongoing to determine whether anyone else may have contracted the virus.

The government is also strengthening surveillance at points of entry and supporting the hospital where the patient received treatment to improve infection prevention and control.

Government Places Hospitals on High Alert

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has called on public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant.

Healthcare workers have been urged to promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection-prevention procedures and immediately report suspected infections to public health authorities.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is working with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Capital Territory health authorities and international partners to contain the infection.

Nigeria had previously demonstrated its capacity to contain Ebola during the 2014 outbreak, when coordinated surveillance, contact tracing and isolation measures helped prevent widespread transmission.

Ebola Outbreak Spreads Across Countries

The confirmed Nigerian case comes amid a major Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus, which was first detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2026.

The WHO’s October 21 update reported 9,552 confirmed cases and 4,602 confirmed deaths in the DRC, alongside cases in other countries, including Kenya and Uganda.

The Bundibugyo strain is particularly concerning because there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the disease. Early diagnosis, supportive medical care and effective public-health measures are therefore critical.

Symptoms and How Ebola Spreads

Ebola is a serious viral disease that can cause fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, bleeding.

The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, or through contaminated materials such as clothing and medical equipment.

It is not ordinarily spread through casual contact with someone who has no symptoms.

Nigerians are advised to avoid contact with suspected cases and contaminated materials, practise good hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if they develop compatible symptoms after a possible exposure.

People who suspect exposure should contact public health authorities and avoid exposing others while awaiting professional guidance.

Nigerians Urged to Remain Calm and Vigilant

The Federal Government has urged healthcare facilities to maintain a high level of preparedness and members of the public to rely on verified information rather than rumours.

Although the confirmation of an imported case is a significant public-health development, the number of identified contacts should not be mistaken for confirmed infections.

The immediate priority is to establish the extent of possible exposure, monitor contacts, identify any additional cases quickly and prevent further transmission.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State
Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with religious leaders, traditional institutions, community stakeholders and other critical partners as part of efforts to strengthen public trust, enhance community relations and promote a safer environment across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, reaffirmed this commitment on Wednesday, 21st October 2026, while receiving the Spiritual Director of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Odùmẹjẹ, during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Awka.

The Commissioner of Police emphasised that effective policing depends on public cooperation, mutual trust and strong partnerships between the Police and the communities they serve. He noted that religious leaders occupy an influential position in society and can contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, responsible conduct and the promotion of public safety.

CP Nnanna reiterated that the Command remains open to further constructive engagements with religious organisations and other community-based institutions, stressing that such partnerships are essential to encouraging credible intelligence sharing, peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law.

He assured the visiting cleric that the Command would continue to uphold professionalism, accountability and people-oriented policing. He also encouraged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to assist the Police in preventing crime, identifying security threats and responding effectively to emerging challenges.

The CP further explained that the Command’s approach to security extends beyond law enforcement to include dialogue, stakeholder collaboration and proactive engagement with the public. According to him, these measures are vital to addressing community concerns, strengthening public confidence and building a sustainable foundation for effective policing.

The visit featured prayers offered by the cleric and provided an opportunity to strengthen relations between the Police and the religious community in the collective pursuit of peace, security and harmonious coexistence throughout Anambra State.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The African Action Congress (AAC) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the use of the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, for the inauguration of its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The party proposed November 11, 2026, for the event, which is expected to mark a key step in its presidential campaign for activist and politician Omoyele Sowore.

In a letter dated October 21, 2026, the AAC also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for participants attending the inauguration.

The letter was signed by the party’s National Secretary, Oshiokhue Philip Ikpe ioghena.

The AAC said its request was anchored on the principles of multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness, fairness and equal treatment of political parties.

It also cited arrangements reportedly extended to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for a similar political engagement.

According to the party, public institutions should serve all Nigerians and political parties without partisan discrimination.

The AAC’s request raises questions about equal access to public facilities by political parties as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

As of the information contained in the letter, the Presidency had yet to respond to the request.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sunusi Khalil, has warned President Bola Tinubu against campaigning for his re-election in northern Nigeria without first addressing widespread public anger over economic hardship.

Khalil, in a recorded sermon circulating on social media, cautioned that campaigners would encounter the reality of popular discontent if they ventured into the region to canvass support for the president.

He argued that even personal loyalty to Tinubu would not shield his supporters from the anger of ordinary Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.

The cleric’s warning comes as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

President Tinubu inaugurated the party’s Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on October 14, charging members to work together and mobilise voters across their respective wards.

The campaign council’s inauguration signals the ruling party’s move to strengthen its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

Khalil has previously criticised the administration’s policies and expressed concerns about efforts to secure the support of Islamic scholars and traditional rulers for Tinubu’s second term.

According to the account accompanying his latest remarks, the cleric had earlier alleged that money was being earmarked to mobilise influential religious and traditional leaders for the president’s re-election campaign. He reportedly said he declined an approach to participate in the effort.

These allegations have not been independently verified.

The cleric has also questioned the administration’s handling of electricity supply and insecurity, issues that remain politically sensitive in parts of northern Nigeria.

His latest intervention comes amid continuing public debate over the effects of the federal government’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the naira’s depreciation.

Although official figures indicate that inflation is slowing, many households continue to face pressure from food and transport costs.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 14.63 per cent in September 2026, from 15.39 per cent in August. However, food inflation remained high at 19.59 per cent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Fuel prices have also remained a major concern. A September report by Reuters noted that petrol prices had reached about ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja, and as much as ₦1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria.

The economic pressures could become a major issue in the 2027 campaign, as opposition parties and critics challenge the administration’s record while the APC seeks another mandate.

Khalil’s warning underscores the political challenge facing Tinubu’s campaign team: persuading voters to support the president’s re-election while many households remain concerned about the cost of living, insecurity and access to essential services.

However, the cleric’s comments should not be taken as proof that northern voters hold a uniform position on Tinubu. The region is politically diverse, and voters’ views may differ across states, communities and socioeconomic groups.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Architect Ezekiel Nya-Etok, the Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, has announced plans to support about 2,000 students across five tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State to acquire shares in the Dangote Refinery initial public offering (IPO), in addition to his earlier pledge to support 1,000 students of Akwa Ibom origin.

Nya-Etok disclosed this while announcing plans to visit the state for political engagements and interact with students in selected institutions.

“I will also use the opportunity to visit some five institutions to get about 200 students each to support to own shares in the Dangote Refinery IPO, in addition to my earlier offer to 1,000 students of Akwa Ibom origin in any institution, and anyone schooling in any of the tertiary institutions in the state,” he said.

The initiative could extend investment opportunities to as many as 3,000 students, subject to the implementation of the proposed support and the eligibility of beneficiaries.

The Federal Housing Authority Executive Director said the intervention would provide young people with an opportunity to participate in investment in one of Nigeria’s major industrial ventures.

Nya-Etok’s announcement comes amid broader discussions about expanding financial inclusion and encouraging young Nigerians to explore investment opportunities beyond conventional savings.

C54 News to Boost Akwa Ibom’s Investment Prospects

In a related development, Nya-Etok has highlighted the economic and employment opportunities expected from the establishment of C54 News, an intercontinental television channel unveiled in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The media organisation, designed to tell Africa’s stories through African perspectives, has production hubs in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.

The unveiling attracted former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and other dignitaries.

Speaking during a media interaction ahead of the unveiling, Nya-Etok said C54 News would increase Akwa Ibom’s visibility across Africa and help attract investors, tourists and business opportunities to the state.

He said the channel would create opportunities for young people, local entrepreneurs, artisans and hospitality operators.

According to him, the platform would also showcase Akwa Ibom’s tourism potential, cultural heritage and natural attractions, including the raffia industry in Ikot Ekpene and the beaches of Uruan and Ibeno.

Nya-Etok explained that the station’s programming would extend beyond political reporting to documentaries and other content capable of presenting the state’s economic and cultural assets to international audiences.

He also challenged prominent individuals in Akwa Ibom to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development rather than engage in distractions.

Nya-Etok Advocates Gradual Approach to Fighting Corruption

At the C54 News unveiling, the architect also argued that corruption in Nigeria could not be eliminated overnight, insisting that the fight required systematic reforms and collective commitment.

He criticised the position he attributed to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on tackling corruption, arguing that abrupt pronouncements would not adequately address a problem deeply rooted in the country’s institutions and everyday practices.

Nya-Etok also expressed opposition to Obi’s possible emergence as president in 2027, describing it as a potential disaster for Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that the removal of the petrol subsidy had dealt a significant blow to corruption and entrenched interests.

His comments reflected his position that tackling corruption requires sustained institutional changes rather than quick fixes.

C54 News Promises Professional Standards

Nya-Etok further said C54 News was being developed as a major African news platform, with ambitions to compete with established international broadcasters in covering the continent.

He stressed that the organisation would prioritise professionalism, integrity and global broadcasting standards in its recruitment and operations.

He urged journalists in Akwa Ibom to improve their skills and professional competence to meet the standards expected by the new media organisation.

The channel, he said, would recruit qualified and dedicated professionals without compromising its operational standards.

Nya-Etok expressed optimism that the media platform would contribute to job creation, strengthen journalism practice and give African stories greater international exposure.

The proposed student investment initiative and the launch of C54 News form part of his broader emphasis on expanding opportunities for young people and improving Akwa Ibom State’s economic visibility.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Police Command has reinforced its operational priorities and internal accountability framework following an emergency security briefing convened today, 20th October 2026, by the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, at the Command Headquarters, Awka.

The briefing, attended by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Tactical Commanders, focused on the prevailing security situation in the State, operational readiness, supervisory responsibility and the need for sustained professionalism in the discharge of police duties.

Addressing the officers, CP Nnanna charged them to remain disciplined, accountable, vigilant and fully committed to their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property. He stressed that every officer must demonstrate integrity, respect for the fundamental rights of citizens and a strong sense of responsibility in the execution of assigned duties.

The Commissioner made it clear that misconduct, abuse of authority, extortion and other forms of unprofessional behaviour would not be tolerated. He emphasised that command responsibility must translate into effective supervision, measurable operational performance and prompt action against identified lapses.

He further directed officers and tactical teams to strengthen intelligence-led policing, sustain operational alertness, improve response to distress calls and enhance collaboration with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders to prevent and combat crime across the State.

CP Nnanna also tasked supervisory officers with ensuring strict compliance with operational directives, proper monitoring of personnel and timely reporting of security developments within their respective areas of responsibility. He warned against complacency and underscored the importance of proactive policing, coordinated operations and effective leadership at every level of command.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that the Command would continue to assess the performance and conduct of personnel across its formations, with a view to strengthening discipline, closing operational gaps and ensuring that policing services remain responsive to the security needs of residents.

While commending officers who have continued to demonstrate courage, dedication and professionalism, CP Nnanna urged all personnel to sustain their commitment and work collectively towards maintaining peace, public confidence and security throughout Anambra State.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to respond to a suit seeking the release of records relating to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service.

Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the directive on Monday, ordering the minister to file and serve his response before the next hearing on November 18, 2026.

The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation, seeks to compel the NYSC to release documents confirming whether Tunji-Ojo completed his mandatory one-year national service.

The foundation is also asking the court to direct the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to produce records showing that the minister served his primary assignment there.

It wants the NYSC to release his mobilisation and posting letters, remobilisation approval, allowance payment records, Community Development Service records, “book of life” and discharge certificate.

The foundation is similarly demanding his attendance records, posting documents and other relevant service records from the FCTA.

The action was brought under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and relevant provisions of the Federal High Court Act and its Civil Procedure Rules.

The court had granted the foundation leave to commence the suit on October 5, 2026.

At Monday’s proceedings, the foundation’s counsel, Chief Solomon Akuma (SAN), said he was ready to proceed with the hearing.

However, Abiola Olaniji, counsel to Tunji-Ojo, told the court that the minister had applied to be joined as the third respondent.

Olaniji said the foundation had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the application and that he needed time to respond to issues raised in the document.

The foundation opposed the minister’s request, arguing that he was not a necessary party because the suit sought to compel the NYSC and FCTA to release records allegedly held by the institutions.

Justice Ibrahim nevertheless directed the minister to file his response before adjourning the matter until November 18.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, the foundation’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Uchenna Ejimafor, described the organisation as a non-governmental body involved in exposing corruption, bribery and abuse of office.

Ejimafor alleged that the foundation’s investigation found that Tunji-Ojo did not serve with the FCTA in 2006 or any other year, despite claims that he completed his national service.

He said the foundation subsequently requested relevant documents through its solicitors to verify its findings, but the respondents allegedly failed to provide them.

The foundation argued that the Freedom of Information Act requires public institutions to respond to such requests within seven days and asked the court to compel the release of the records.

The controversy previously attracted a response from the NYSC in a letter dated August 8, 2023, signed by an official identified as Fasakin B.A. on behalf of the Director-General.

According to the letter, Tunji-Ojo was mobilised in 2006 and deployed to the Federal Capital Territory but later absconded from the scheme.

The NYSC stated that he resurfaced in 2019, was remobilised and posted to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for his primary assignment.

The agency explained that his certificate was unavailable at the passing-out parade because his name had been omitted from the certificate-printing application.

It added that Tunji-Ojo applied for the certificate through the FCT State Coordinator on October 18, 2022, and the request was forwarded to the NYSC headquarters.

The NYSC said certificate number A004523631 was produced on February 28, 2023, and made available for collection.

The court is expected to continue hearing the matter on November 18, 2026, following the minister’s response to the foundation’s counter-affidavit.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi IIjeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has called on the Anambra State Chapter of the Scout Association of Nigeria to actively partner with the Police in promoting public safety, preventing crime, and maintaining law and order across the State.

The Commissioner made the call on Tuesday, 20th October 2026, while receiving members of the Association on a courtesy visit to his office at the Command Headquarters, Awka. He emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships, community participation, and collective responsibility in addressing security challenges and creating a safer environment for residents.

CP Nnanna noted that effective policing requires more than the conventional efforts of security agencies, stressing that organised groups, youth associations, community-based organisations, and other stakeholders have important roles to play in identifying security concerns, providing credible information, and supporting crime-prevention initiatives.

He urged the Scout Association to leverage its organisational structure, discipline, and community presence to promote safety awareness, responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of lives and property, particularly among young people.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening community-based policing through inclusive stakeholder engagement, noting that credible intelligence and timely information from members of the public remain essential to preventing crime and maintaining public order.

He assured the Association of the Command’s readiness to sustain mutually beneficial engagements that would deepen public trust and cooperation with the Police. He also urged members of the Association to conduct their activities within the ambit of the law and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate security authorities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Federal Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, challenging African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Timi Frank to provide evidence.

The council described the allegation as grave and urged security agencies to invite Frank for questioning to substantiate his claims.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, insisted that neither President Bola Tinubu nor the APC campaign council was involved in any plot to assassinate Atiku or any opposition figure.

Alake also dismissed claims that security personnel attached to the former vice president had been withdrawn, insisting that Atiku remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

He said Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, Atiku enjoys two levels of state-funded security protection as a former vice president, with additional measures introduced in his capacity as a presidential candidate.

The APC council accused Frank of making inflammatory allegations for political attention, describing his claims as an attempt to heighten political tension.

It also defended Tinubu’s democratic credentials, noting that he played a prominent role in opposition politics before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.

The council urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unsubstantiated allegations that could threaten peace and stability.

It called for political competition ahead of the 2027 elections to remain peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and claims capable of heating up the polity.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

The Anambra State Government has stepped up efforts to contain the spread of Lassa fever after confirming a case linked to Omasi community in Ayamelum Local Government Area.

The affected patient is receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), in Ebonyi State, according to the state government.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Monday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, where health officials and partners discussed measures to prevent further transmission.

Obidike said the state had intensified disease surveillance and public awareness, while activating its Incident Management System to coordinate the response.

As part of the containment efforts, health officials are expected to visit the affected household in Omasi, identify people who had contact with the patient and classify them according to their level of exposure for appropriate monitoring.

The response involves health partners, including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières, who are supporting efforts to strengthen preparedness and limit the risk of further infections.

The state government urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve with appropriate treatment to seek medical attention promptly.

It also cautioned against relying solely on self-medication, stressing that early diagnosis and proper medical care are important in managing the disease.

The state epidemiologist, Chuma Emembolu, advised residents to maintain proper sanitation, keep food covered and store it in rodent-proof containers to prevent contamination.

He also warned against contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients, urging residents to follow public health guidance.

The government called on residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum and the wider state to remain vigilant, cooperate with health officials and avoid spreading unverified information as surveillance and monitoring efforts continue.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Bauchi State, has resigned from the party, raising questions about his political future ahead of the 2027 general election.

Kashim, a former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, announced his resignation in a statement released to the media in Bauchi on Monday.

He said the resignation took effect on October 16, 2026, following careful reflection, but stressed that his commitment to the political development of Bauchi State remained unchanged.

The former SSG reaffirmed his commitment to purposeful leadership, economic growth, improved security and greater opportunities for young people and women.

He also assured his supporters that their political journey was not over, promising to announce his next move at the appropriate time.

Kashim said he would continue working with individuals and groups who shared his vision of a peaceful and prosperous Bauchi State.

Although he did not disclose his next political destination, he urged his supporters to remain calm, united and steadfast as they awaited further directives.

He maintained that his political mission transcended party affiliations, describing it as a commitment to the future of Bauchi State and Nigeria.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has clarified his ‘don’t send money home’ comment to Nigerians in the diaspora.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Obi said his message was twisted.

He said the remittances of Nigerians in the diaspora to pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses cannot be taken for granted, adding that their patriotism and sacrifices deserve profound respect.

The former Anambra state governor said he has never asked them to abandon their loved ones, noting that his concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival.

“Even though my media office has issued a responsible clarification on the situation, I still find it necessary to add my voice to address the distortion of my message by political opponents. My message was twisted.

“I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home.

“Political opponents may twist my message, but the truth remains clear: I am not asking Nigerians abroad to abandon their families. I am advocating for a Nigeria that will no longer abandon its own people,” he tweeted.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

2027: Nnewi Stakeholders endorse Prince Samben Nwosu for Anambra South Senate

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma, Nnewi

Stakeholders in Nnewi have unanimously endorsed Prince Samben Nwosu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as their preferred candidate for Senate to represent the people of Anambra South Senatorial District.

In a Communique signed by the Ndi Nnewi Concerned Stakeholders at home and in diaspora, they stated that the endorsement is a collective will of the people, including non-indigenes living in Nnewi.

In their assessment, they said Samben Nwosu remains the most qualified in terms of experience, qualifications and ability to represent Anambra South effectively if elected, and went further to reaffirm their commitment to reclaim the seat.

They voiced concern that agreement reached when Prof. ABC Nwosu from Nnewi agreed to cede the 1999 governorship position to Mbadinuju from Ihiala with the promise that Nnewi would produce the Senator, an agreement according to them that has never been honoured to date.

They also pointed out how the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was denied a ticket by the ruling party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) after he had been promised a Senatorial ticket. This according to them made the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to move to YPP, a less popular political party to win the 2019 Senatorial election.

The stakeholders raised concern about the history repeating itself and argued that based on equity and fairness, the replacement for the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah should have come from Nnewi.

“The by-election came and went, Nnewi North was sidelined again. We were told to be patient but patience without action becomes marginalization, and marginalization if left unchallenged becomes permanent exclusion.

“Today, Nnewi North has no federal elective position to call its own not Senate nor the House of Representatives. We have been reduced to funding elections and providing votes for others. We seek justice, equity and inclusion not division” they expressed.

Among the stakeholders who signed the conmunique on behalf of other members of Ndi Nnewi Concerned Stakeholders were : Chief John Okeke, Sir Chukwudi Oji, Former Police DIG, Engr. Emeka Anadu, Chief Ifeanyi Okeke, Sir Edwin Ulasi, Former President of Nnofor Royal Family, Chief Emmanuel Adirika(Amen Publicity), Chief Sir Boniface Obi, former President General Of Otolo Development Union, Evang. Benjamin Okoye, Sir Chinedu Obi, Chief Chinedu Okonkwo among others.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria has been ranked first globally in the estimated number of people living in extreme poverty in 2026, with approximately 73.1 million people affected.

According to figures attributed to World Data Lab, Nigeria stays ahead of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has an estimated 71.6 million people living in extreme poverty, followed by Afghanistan with 35.2 million.

Mozambique ranks fourth with 25 million people, while Yemen occupies fifth position with 24.2 million.

Tanzania ranks sixth with 23.9 million people, followed by Madagascar with 20.1 million and Uganda with 18.2 million.

India occupies ninth position with an estimated 14.46 million people living in extreme poverty, while Ethiopia completes the top 10 with 14.3 million.

World Data Lab’s World Poverty Clock uses economic, demographic and household survey data to estimate the number of people living in extreme poverty and track changes over time.

The figures represent estimates rather than an exact headcount and may differ from those published by other organizations.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), has described President Bola Tinubu’s reported receipt of the organisation’s 2027 budget as a historic development.

Ibrahim said the development made Tinubu the first Nigerian president in 66 years to receive the budget, which he put at approximately $14 billion.

“President Bola Tinubu made history to be the first President in 66 years to receive budget for 2027 from the United Nations, and it’s a big deal,” Ibrahim said.

The budget, according to the details provided, comprises seven volumes and includes funding for UN peacekeeping operations, alongside other budgetary provisions.

The approximately $14 billion figure represents the reported overall budget under discussion, although further details are needed to clarify its precise scope, including the allocation for peacekeeping operations and other UN activities.

Ibrahim’s statements highlight the significance he attaches to Nigeria’s engagement with the United Nations and Tinubu’s role in the reported budget presentation.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the courts will ultimately determine the fate of candidates omitted from its list for the 2027 governorship and State Assembly elections.

The Commission has given aggrieved political parties and candidates 14 days, ending October 24, 2026, to petition it over the exclusions.

Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, maintained that the Commission did not disqualify the affected candidates. Instead, he said some political parties failed to meet the legal requirements for submitting their membership registers.

Haruna said the Supreme Court had directed political parties to submit membership registers containing the names of their candidates.

He explained that INEC initially fixed April 21 for the submission but extended the deadline to May 10.

According to him, candidates whose names were absent from their parties’ submitted registers could not be accepted under the Commission’s interpretation of the legal requirements.

“If somebody is not happy with what we have done, of course they can go to court,” Haruna said, adding that INEC would comply with any court order overturning its decision.

He also disclosed that the Commission had already received several petitions from affected parties and would review them to ensure that the appropriate decisions were taken.

SAN Challenges INEC’s Power to Disqualify Candidates

However, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Monday Ubani, has challenged the legal basis for INEC’s action, arguing that the Commission cannot administratively disqualify candidates over alleged violations of the Electoral Act.

Ubani said his interpretation of the Supreme Court’s certified judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party & Others did not support the automatic disqualification of candidates under Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act 2026.

He argued that the law distinguishes between a candidate’s personal qualification and a political party’s eligibility to nominate candidates.

According to him, the absence of a candidate’s name from a party membership register may raise questions about the nomination or primary process, but does not automatically amount to the candidate’s personal disqualification.

He added that failure to submit a membership register within the prescribed period could affect a party’s eligibility to field candidates without necessarily establishing that its candidates were personally disqualified.

Ubani further cited Section 88(2) of the Electoral Act, which provides a judicial remedy for certain violations involving party primaries.

He maintained that INEC should not convert every alleged breach of Section 77 into automatic disqualification without a judicial determination.

“The ultimate determination of a disputed nomination, where properly brought before the court, remains a matter for the judiciary,” he said.

The senior lawyer also argued that Section 29 of the Electoral Act, which deals with the submission of candidates’ lists, does not grant INEC unlimited judicial powers to conclusively determine disputes over the validity of party primaries.

NDC Heads for Legal Battle

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged the exclusion of its governorship candidates from INEC’s list.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the NDC had formally petitioned the Commission, insisting that its candidates met the constitutional and legal requirements.

He said the party would pursue all available legal options to secure the reinstatement of their names.

The NDC candidates affected include Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo in Kano State and Musa Shugaba-Abdullahi in Nasarawa State.

Kwankwasiyya Supporters Protest in Kano

The exclusion of Gwarzo has also triggered protests by supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano.

The protesters, led by the NDC deputy governorship candidate, Mustapha Kwankwaso, marched to INEC’s office, where they submitted a petition demanding that Gwarzo’s name be restored.

Kwankwaso insisted that the party complied with the nomination requirements and described the exclusion as unjust.

The movement is demanding that INEC review its decision and recognise the party’s candidate.

Pantami Challenges Exclusion in Gombe

Former Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami, whose emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Gombe State was reportedly validated by the court, has also challenged his omission.

Through his lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, Pantami petitioned INEC over the decision.

Raji argued that removing a duly nominated candidate’s name is a judicial matter, citing Dingyadi & Anor v. INEC & Ors (2011) and other legal authorities.

The legal challenge adds to growing pressure on INEC to explain the criteria used in preparing its final list of candidates.

Ogun, Gombe and Other States Affected

INEC published its list of governorship and State Assembly candidates on October 9, 2026.

The list, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, included several candidates but excluded some prominent political figures.

Among those omitted were the PDP governorship candidates in Ogun and Gombe States, Ladi Adebutu and Isa Ali Pantami, respectively.

The NDC candidates in Kano and Nasarawa States were also missing from the list.

The publication generated controversy, with affected parties and supporters questioning the Commission’s handling of candidate nominations.

Questions were also raised over the inclusion of some candidates amid separate controversies surrounding their party membership and nomination processes.

October 24 Deadline Could Shape 2027 Election Battles

INEC’s 14-day window gives aggrieved political parties an opportunity to seek administrative review before pursuing further legal action.

However, the controversy has exposed a broader disagreement over the respective powers of the electoral commission and the judiciary in disputes involving candidate nominations.

While INEC maintains that it acted on its interpretation of the law and the Supreme Court’s judgment, affected parties insist that their candidates were validly nominated and should not be excluded without due process.

With the October 24 petition deadline approaching, the outcome of the complaints and subsequent court cases could determine which candidates remain eligible to contest the 2027 governorship and State Assembly elections.

The unfolding legal battles are expected to test the interpretation of the Electoral Act 2026 and clarify the extent of INEC’s authority in disputes over party membership registers, nominations and candidate eligibility.

9News Nigeria

Former Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has died at 71.

Uduaghan reportedly died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, following a brief illness. His family announced his death, formally announced by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family.

The family described his passing as a devastating loss, saying the former governor was not only a respected political figure but also a father, brother, uncle, patriarch and source of strength to many.

According to the family, Uduaghan’s death has created a deep void within his family, Delta State and Nigeria, particularly among those who benefited from his years of public service.

Dr. Uduaghan, a medical doctor and politician, served as Governor of Delta State for two terms between 2007 and 2015. Before becoming governor, he served as the state’s Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later as Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007.

During his eight years as governor, Uduaghan was associated with various human-capital and infrastructural development initiatives across Delta State. His administration also focused on healthcare and other sectors of the state’s development.

His death comes months after false reports of his demise circulated on social media in June 2026. At the time, his family and representatives of the Delta State Government dismissed the reports, confirming that he was alive and receiving medical attention.

However, the latest reports of his death have been independently published by several major Nigerian news organisations, with his family now confirming the development.

The family has appealed for prayers and comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and all those mourning the former governor.

Uduaghan’s death marks the end of the life of one of Delta State’s prominent political figures, whose career spanned medicine, public administration and eight years at the helm of affairs of the oil-rich state.

Further details concerning the circumstances surrounding his death and funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family.

9News Nigeria

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Ordue, has issued a stern warning to members of the public against offering money or other inducements to police officers in connection with bail, stressing that bail is free across Nigeria

The Police Commissioner gave the warning while addressing concerns surrounding police procedures, alleged extortion and the need for greater transparency in the handling of criminal cases and suspects.

According to CP Ordue, while the police have a responsibility to ensure that suspects are processed in accordance with the law, members of the public must also play their part by refusing to offer financial inducements to officers in an attempt to influence or accelerate official procedures.

He stated that some individuals sometimes put pressure on police personnel by attempting to offer money during the bail process, a practice he said would no longer be tolerated.

“Bail is free across Nigeria. Parties involved sometimes try to pressurise the police, but we are going to arrest anybody who offers a bribe.”

The Commissioner’s statement places responsibility on both police officers and members of the public in the fight against corruption within the criminal justice system.

CP Ordue urged citizens who are asked to pay money in exchange for bail to report such demands through the appropriate channels rather than quietly complying with them.

At the same time, he warned members of the public against attempting to corrupt police officers by offering money or other benefits to secure favourable treatment.

The Commissioner emphasized that the command remains committed to improving professionalism, accountability and public confidence in the police force.

The warning comes amid continuing concerns in Nigeria over allegations of extortion and unofficial payments during police investigations, arrests and bail processes.

CP Ordue therefore called on residents of Cross River State to understand their rights, follow lawful procedures and cooperate with the police without attempting to influence officers financially.

He further stressed that anyone who demands money for bail or attempts to offer a bribe could face appropriate action, reinforcing the need for both police personnel and citizens to uphold the rule of law.

The Cross River State Police Command is expected to continue sensitising the public on lawful police procedures while encouraging citizens to report misconduct by officers.

9NEWS NIGERIA*urges members of the public to know their rights and to report any alleged demand for payment for bail through appropriate police authorities.

9News Nigeria

Fresh violence allegedly linked to clashes between rival cult groups has heightened tension in Owerri, Imo State, following the reported killing of a man identified as Kilo Kilo, described in circulating reports as a National Elder of the Neo Black Movement (NBM).

According to information provided to Naija Confra, the incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in front of the victim’s printing shop along Ihugba Street, Tetlow Road, near Mbaise Road and behind a Moniepoint office in Owerri.

The report alleges that suspected members of the De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), commonly known as Vikings, shot Kilo Kilo in the head. He was reportedly rushed to a hospital while still alive but later died.

The account further alleges that treatment was delayed because a police report was requested before medical attention could proceed. This claim has not been independently verified, and the hospital’s account of the incident was not available at the time of writing.

Kilo Kilo was reportedly a married man with four children. His death, if confirmed as described, represents another devastating loss for a family caught in the wider consequences of cult-related violence.

The same account alleges that two other people were attacked on Saturday, with one reportedly dead and the condition of the other still unknown.

There were also reports of suspected armed individuals moving around the Amawusa area towards Ikenegbu. Subsequently, a man identified in the account as Dad** B** was reportedly shot around Ikenegbu by suspected NBM members. He was said to have survived and driven away despite sustaining gunshot injuries.

These separate incidents have not been independently confirmed, and it remains unclear whether they are directly connected or whether additional victims were involved.

The reported attacks have raised concerns about the safety of residents, traders, transport operators and other members of the public who may find themselves caught in the crossfire.

The escalating tension is being linked in the supplied account to the reported killing of a man identified as Chikereuba, also known as Bomber, who was described as a senior figure within the Vikings group.

According to the account, Bomber was allegedly killed by suspected NBM members on Thursday, October 15, after celebrating a cult-related anniversary and subsequently travelling to Orji to meet his girlfriend.

The account further describes him as a major drug dealer and alleged financier of the Vikings group. These claims have not been independently verified and should not be treated as facts.

Although clashes involving Vikings and Aye members were reportedly already occurring in Orji, the account claims that no deaths had been reported before Bomber’s killing. His death was subsequently followed by further alleged attacks in Owerri and surrounding areas.

The sequence of events, including the identities of those responsible for the various shootings, requires independent confirmation by security authorities.

9News Nigeria account further alleges that leaders of the Vikings group are offering a reward of ₦1 million for the killing of any NBM member.

The alleged bounty has not been independently verified. If substantiated, however, such an arrangement would raise serious concerns about the possibility of retaliatory attacks and the deliberate targeting of individuals.

Authorities should investigate the claim and take appropriate steps to prevent further bloodshed.

The account also suggests that the violence may be spreading into several parts of Owerri, including school environments. However, no independently confirmed details were available regarding specific schools affected, the identities of any victims, or whether classes had been disrupted.

The account also refers to an alleged attack on Friday night, October 16, after which a video was reportedly circulated by individuals identified as NBM members, claiming that the victim was a man named Chigozie.

According to the source, the victim was not Chigozie, and the identification shared alongside the video was allegedly false.

The video and the identity of the victim have not been independently verified for this report.

The development highlights the dangers of circulating unverified identities, graphic footage, and claims of responsibility during periods of violent conflict. Such material can mislead the public, endanger innocent people and potentially provoke further retaliation.

Residents are urged to avoid sharing unverified reports or identifying alleged victims and perpetrators without credible evidence.

The account claims that some people associated with the rival groups have left Owerri amid the escalating tension, with some reportedly returning to communities in Orlu and Okigwe local government areas, while others are said to have travelled to cities such as Lagos and Abuja.

These claims have not been independently confirmed. Nevertheless, the broader concern remains that violent confrontations can leave communities fearful and force innocent residents to change their routines or abandon their businesses.

Cult-related violence does not discriminate between the powerful and the vulnerable. Families, traders, students, transport workers and innocent passers-by may all suffer the consequences of shootings and retaliatory attacks.

The belief that membership of a cult group provides lasting protection, brotherhood, or influence can have devastating consequences. Participation in such groups may expose individuals to years of intimidation, criminal allegations, violent rivalries, and potentially fatal retaliation.

The reported incidents call for urgent attention from the Imo State Police Command and other relevant security agencies.

Authorities should establish the facts surrounding the reported deaths and shootings, identify those responsible through lawful investigations, protect vulnerable communities, and investigate the alleged threats and bounty.

Residents with credible information should report it through appropriate security channels rather than attempting retaliation or taking the law into their own hands.

As of the preparation of this report, independent confirmation of the reported killings, the alleged hospital delay, the identities of those involved, and the claimed reward was not available. The police and other relevant authorities should provide verified information to clarify the situation.

No cult group, rivalry, loyalty, or claim of brotherhood is worth the destruction of human life. Every reported death represents a family facing grief, children potentially growing up without a parent, and a community living with fear and uncertainty.

Young people must understand that violence is not a sustainable path to respect, protection, or success. The consequences of joining a violent group can follow a person for decades, placing both the individual and their family at risk.

Reject cultism. Reject retaliation. Reject violence. Choose life, peace and a future free from bloodshed.*

9NEWS NIGERIA — Reporting responsibly, promoting peace and demanding accountability.

9News Nigeria

Information reaching 9NEWS NIGERIA indicates that a tanker conveying a petroleum product reportedly exploded in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, in the early hours of Sunday, October 18, 2026.

The reported incident has raised fresh concerns among residents and road users in the area, particularly given Agbor’s history of serious tanker-related fire disasters.

Preliminary information available to our newsroom indicates that the tanker reportedly caught fire after an incident on the road, sending flames into the surrounding area. However, the exact location of the explosion, the cause of the incident and the extent of damage have not yet been independently established

As of the time of filing this report, there is also no independently verified figure for casualties or property destroyed

Emergency responders, security agencies and other relevant authorities are expected to assess the scene and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The latest report comes against the backdrop of previous devastating tanker explosions in Agbor. In January 2025, a tanker carrying diesel reportedly suffered brake failure, veered into a residential area and exploded, destroying homes and commercial property and killing residents.

Another report on the same 2025 tragedy said the tanker explosion affected buildings, vehicles and banks around the Old Lagos–Asaba Road, highlighting the serious danger posed by fuel-laden tankers operating along busy urban routes.

The recurrence of tanker-related disasters has continued to fuel calls for stricter enforcement of roadworthiness requirements, improved emergency response systems, safer tanker operations and stronger measures to protect communities located along major highways.

9NEWS NIGERIA is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as the relevant authorities confirm the incident and release details concerning casualties, the cause of the explosion and the extent of the damage.

9News Nigeria

Tension and grief have reportedly gripped parts of Aba, Abia State, following a deadly early-morning attack on the Uratta-Eziukwu Police Division, where unidentified gunmen killed two senior police officers and injured three others.

The attack occurred at about 2:26 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, when the assailants reportedly stormed the police facility and launched an assault involving explosives and gunfire.

The Abia State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the attack triggered a fire which damaged parts of the divisional headquarters and a police patrol vehicle.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka. two senior police officers lost their lives during the attack, while three police inspectors sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

The attack reportedly caused significant damage within the police facility. Reports indicate that a patrol van was set ablaze, while other vehicles, a Toyota vehicle, a power generator, and other property were also damaged.

Amid reports surrounding the incident, the Abia State Police Command clarified that no firearms or ammunition were carted away by the attackers.

The clarification is significant because attacks on police formations are often accompanied by attempts to seize weapons and ammunition. In this case, however, the Command said there was no loss of firearms or ammunition during the incident.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi. personally led an operational team comprising tactical units to the area.

The security team reportedly combed the surrounding environment as authorities moved to restore normalcy and track down those responsible.

The Police Command said intensified security operations, intelligence gathering and monitoring had commenced, with efforts ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

CP Afolabi condemned the attack and assured the public that the Command would deploy the necessary operational and intelligence resources to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He also commiserated with the families of the fallen officers and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist the investigation.

Following the attack, Abia State Governor Alex Otti visited the affected police facility and the injured officers receiving treatment in hospital.

Reports indicate that the governor pledged to cover the medical expenses of the injured officers.

The attack has once again raised concerns over the vulnerability of security formations in parts of the South-East, particularly the ability of armed assailants to penetrate a police facility in the early hours of the morning.

As of the latest reports, no group had publicly claimed responsibility for the attack, while no arrests had been officially announced. The identities of the deceased officers had also not been publicly disclosed by the Police Command.

The incident remains under investigation as security agencies intensify efforts to establish the identity, motive and whereabouts of the attackers.

The latest development has further heightened calls for improved security around police formations and stronger intelligence-driven operations to prevent similar attacks and protect officers who remain on the frontline of internal security.

9NEWS NIGERIA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more verified information emerges.*

9News Nigeria

Tension has reportedly gripped parts of Imo State following the arrest of a husband and wife who are allegedly being investigated over the suspected murder of a commercial bus driver.

According to information gathered by 9NEWS NIGERIA, the incident reportedly began after the couple allegedly hired the driver and his bus on charter from Enugu State to Ideato in Imo State.

Sources familiar with the development alleged that after arriving in Imo State, the suspects lured the driver into an apartment, where he was allegedly attacked and killed.

The suspects were also accused of allegedly taking possession of the victim’s bus after the reported incident, raising further suspicions about the motive behind the alleged crime.

The development reportedly triggered an investigation that eventually led to the arrest of the husband and wife, who are now said to be in police custody assisting investigators with the ongoing investigation.

The identity of the deceased driver and the exact location of the apartment where the alleged incident occurred had not been independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.

Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the driver’s disappearance, his alleged death, the whereabouts of the bus, and the possible motive behind the incident.

It remains important to stress that the couple are suspects and have not been convicted of any crime. Their arrest does not declare guilt, and the allegations must be established through a proper investigation and, where necessary, judicial proceedings.

9NEWS NIGERIA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.

9News Nigeria

Tension has reportedly heightened in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, following an alleged invasion of an OSPAC office by suspected factional members of the local security outfit.

Images obtained from the scene reportedly show significant damage to the building, with parts of the structure appearing to have been destroyed and properties scattered across the premises.

According to information gathered from residents, the incident allegedly occurred following a confrontation involving security operatives and some members of OSPAC. A number of OSPAC personnel were reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

However, 9News Nigeria cannot independently confirm the identities of those responsible for the reported destruction, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, or whether the persons arrested were directly involved in damaging the facility.

The development has raised concerns among residents, particularly over growing tensions surrounding the activities and internal divisions allegedly involving different factions of local security groups in the area.

Residents have called for restraint, urging the relevant security authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation to establish what actually happened, identify those responsible for any criminal damage and prevent further escalation.

The incident also raises broader questions about the need for proper coordination, accountability and clear operational boundaries among community security groups and statutory security agencies.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not publicly provided a comprehensive account of the incident.

9News Nigeria is closely monitoring the situation and will publish verified information as it becomes available.

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9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

NCDMB Charges Anambra Journalists on Oil, Gas Opportunities, Accountability

By Our Reporter

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited launched a 12-month training programme at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo, Osun State.

Speaking at a one-day capacity-building workshop for media stakeholders at Golden Tulip Hotel, Awka, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Board’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, described journalists as vital partners in implementing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.

Ezeobi said the workshop was intended to enhance journalists’ knowledge of the NCDMB’s mandate, programmes and interventions, while providing them with the skills needed to report accurately and effectively on the technical aspects of the oil and gas industry.

He urged journalists to utilise their platforms to promote opportunities open to Nigerian businesses and professionals, increase awareness of government initiatives and ensure that industry operators complied with local content obligations. BuyMaps

According to him, the advancement of Nigerian content required continuous cooperation among industry operators, government agencies, businesses, host communities, professionals, academic institutions and the media.

He said the NCDMB had regularly interacted with media organisations nationwide because effective communication and stakeholder involvement were essential to the success of public policies.

Ezeobi noted that the Board’s Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, launched in 2017, listed collaboration and stakeholder engagement as key factors in achieving the goals of the local content policy. TrackOil Prices

He clarified that the policy extended beyond Nigerian participation in oil and gas operations, explaining that its wider aim was to build indigenous expertise, reinforce local manufacturing, increase industrial capacity and retain greater economic value within the country.

He also revealed that the Board had been rated Nigeria’s foremost federal agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council’s rankings for four successive years, from 2022 to 2025.

The Board stated that well-informed and investigative media reporting was crucial to ensuring that the gains of Nigeria’s local content policy produced concrete economic benefits for citizens, especially in states with substantial oil and gas resources. BuyMaps

The workshop was the first edition of the NCDMB’s annual media engagement programme in the South-East since the initiative began in the Niger Delta in 2019.

Presenting an overview of the Board’s mandate and accomplishments, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, said the NCDMB was charged with building Nigerian capacity while ensuring that operators adhered to the provisions of the NOGICD Act.

Representing the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Ajimijaye stressed that the advantages of local content should reach beyond oil-producing communities and the Niger Delta to Nigerians throughout the country. BuyMaps

He advised entrepreneurs, job seekers and other potential industry participants to enrol on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System portal, where relevant industry opportunities and qualification procedures could be accessed.

Ajimijaye listed some of the Board’s interventions as facilitating more than 15 million man-hours of training, assisting start-ups towards commercialisation, issuing Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates and creating the $350 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund.

He added that the Board was carrying out training initiatives for thousands of Nigerians in 10 key areas regarded as vital to the continued development and sustainability of the oil and gas industry.

The programmes, he explained, were designed to build indigenous capacity, enhance access to industry opportunities and enable Nigerian businesses and professionals to compete successfully in the sector.

The NCDMB officials stressed that journalists needed to understand these initiatives and the regulatory structure guiding the industry so they could give the public reliable information and assess whether the goals of the local content policy were being fulfilled.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of Anambra State converting its natural resource wealth into industrial expansion, job creation and better economic prospects.

The state Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, who represented Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, said Anambra possessed an estimated 30 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, accounting for approximately 15 per cent of Nigeria’s total reserves.

Mefor voiced concern that the state had not maximised the benefits of its gas resources and had previously been excluded from gas development programmes.

He said the Soludo administration was committed to making Anambra a hub for gas-based industrial development, adding that proper utilisation of the resource could drive industrial growth, aid power generation and create jobs.

He praised the NCDMB for taking the capacity-building programme to the South-East and expressed hope that increased media participation would improve public knowledge of opportunities within the industry.

Mefor also pledged to present the workshop’s message to the governor.

The NCDMB described Anambra as a strategic venue for the engagement because of its status as an oil-producing state, its estimated initial output of about 3,000 barrels of crude oil daily and the presence of leading indigenous oil and gas firms.

Notable indigenous operators linked to the state include Oilserv, established by Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, and the Nestoil Group, founded by Dr Ernest Nnaemeka Azudialu-Obiejesi.

The Board said the state’s increasing importance in the industry made it necessary for journalists to understand the opportunities available to its people and businesses through the local content framework.

In addition to policy education, the workshop included sessions aimed at improving journalists’ professional abilities, strengthening their reporting of complicated industry matters and helping them produce engaging stories capable of competing for national journalism awards.

The programme also explored the connection between Nigerian content and community development, emphasising the need for media reports to link industry operations with their broader economic and social effects.

Participants praised the Board for bringing the programme to the South-East and requested continued capacity-building activities to improve journalists’ knowledge of the oil and gas sector.

The event was attended by senior NCDMB officials, including the General Manager, Zonal Coordination, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukoha; Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Teddy Bai; and Senior Supervisor, Media Relations, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwokemodo, Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha as well as media professionals from Anambra State.

The workshop concluded with a fresh appeal for closer cooperation between the Board and the media to encourage informed public discussion, reveal opportunities, improve accountability and ensure that Nigeria’s local content policy produces measurable gains for indigenous enterprises and communities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

ASMATA zonal chairman petitions Soludo over sack by PG

…he abandoned his duty Says PG

By Our Reporter

Dissatisfied with his purported sack as the Oyi zonal chairman of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, by the ASMATA President General, PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna, the said sacked chairman, Mr. Peter Nwankwo, has petitioned Governor Chukwuma Soludo for rescue stating that his hands are clean and described claim by PG that he abandoned his duty as false, unfounded and a figment of the PG’s imagination.

In the petition, written through his counsel, A.D. Obinwune of K.C. Ezeanyika and Co, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, was titled, “Re: purported removal of Mr. Peter Nwankwo as zonal chairman, ASMATA Oyi zone-request for urgent Ministerial intervention”.

According to the petition the appointment of Nwankwo by Anambra State government through the immediate past Special Adviser (SPAD) to Soludo on Trade and Markets, Hon. Evaris Uba has neither been revoked nor terminated by the Government of Anambra State, being the competent authority.

“There is, equally, no known directive, instrument, resolution or other lawful authority authorising the President-General of ASMATA to remove or suspend our client or appoint his replacement notwithstanding the office of Anuna as PG.

“The PG cannot therefore assume powers which have not been conferred upon him, particularly powers belonging to the appointment of authority.

“More troubling is that no reason whatsoever has been given for our Client’s purported removal. He has not been accused of any specific misconduct, issued any query, informed of any allegation or subjected to any disciplinary proceeding. He was not afforded any opportunity to respond to any complaint before the purported decision was taken.

“The purported removal therefore raises serious issues of fair hearing, natural justice and due administrative process. There was no hearing because no proceeding was commenced; no response was sought because no allegation was communicated; and no lawful disciplinary decision, to our knowledge, preceded the purported removal”.

Consequently, Nwankwo, through his consel said, “We respectfully submit that the fact that Mr. Anuna is the President-General of ASMATA does not, without more, confer upon him an unrestricted power to remove, suspend or replace another Government-appointed officer. He cannot, by virtue of his office, elevate himself above the authority that constituted our Client’s appointment.

“Indeed, having purportedly removed our Client, by Anuna and subsequent appointment of Mr. Everest Ijezie as his replacement is equally questionable, as he could not create a vacancy by an act which he himself had no lawful authority to undertake and thereafter fill that purported vacancy.

“If allowed to continue unchecked, this practice could undermine the authority of Government, create competing centres of leadership within ASMATA and generate avoidable confusion and tension among traders. It may also establish an undesirable precedent whereby individual office holders unilaterally alter appointments made by Government.

In the circumstances, and in the interest of peace, administrative order and the preservation of the authority of Government, we respectfully request Your Excellency’s urgent intervention to direct an immediate review of the circumstances surrounding the purported removal of our Client as Chairman of ASMATA, Oyi Zone;

“Also direct that the purported removal be treated as null, void and of no administrative effect, pending a determination by the competent governmental authority, direct that our Client continues to be recognised as the duly appointed Chairman of ASMATA, Oyi Zone, pending any lawful decision by the competent authority and direct that no effect be given to the purported appointment of Ijezie or any other person as replacement without the approval of the competent Government authority.

“We trust that Your Excellency will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves in order to preserve the integrity of Government’s appointments and maintain peace and order within ASMATA, Oyi Zone.

The petition was copied the state Commissioner for Commerce, secretary to state Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama,and Director, Department of State Services, DSS.

But in a swift reaction, the PG recalled that during the swearing in of Ijezie, he presented reasons for the termination of Nwankwo’s appointment to include, non attendance to ASMATA meetings and out door functions, given three of them to buttress his claim.

“Nwankwo and others removed gave their reason that no money comes out from ASMATA Secretariat and as such no benefit to them from there.

“They deceived and spoilt the minds of market leaders with gossips which heavily affected the smooth running of the affairs of ASMATA leadership as if I gain anything without sharing to them.

“These are some of the tangible reasons for their removal and subsequent substitution as their offices can not operate in vacuum,” PG Anuna maintained

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has explained why he wants former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to step down from the 2027 presidential race in favour of Peter Obi.

Kwankwaso said his appeal was driven by their longstanding political relationship and the need to make way for a new political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general election.

He made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, where he discussed his relationship with Atiku and his decision to align with Obi.

Asked whether he wanted Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, to abandon his ambition, Kwankwaso replied, “Well, yes.”

The former Kano State governor disclosed that he recently appealed to a group of Fulani leaders from different parts of the country to persuade Atiku to reconsider his presidential ambition.

According to him, he used their courtesy visit to encourage them to meet with Atiku before returning to their respective communities.

Kwankwaso, however, stressed that his position was not motivated by personal hostility towards the former vice-president.

He described Atiku as a longtime political associate with whom he had shared several political experiences over the years.

How Kwankwaso and Atiku’s Political Relationship Began

Kwankwaso traced their political relationship to 1993, when both men were involved in the political movement led by the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

He recalled that their group supported Atiku as its preferred presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but the effort did not succeed.

He said they subsequently attempted to secure the party’s vice-presidential ticket under the same political arrangement, but that effort also failed.

Their relationship continued into the 1999 transition to civilian rule, when Olusegun Obasanjo emerged as the presidential candidate and eventually won the election.

Kwankwaso, who was then governor-elect of Kano State, said he was close to Atiku during that period, when Atiku became Obasanjo’s running mate and later vice-president.

He also recalled Atiku’s political involvement in the 2003 elections and claimed that Kano voters gave the former vice-president substantial support during the 2007 presidential election.

According to Kwankwaso, nearly 90 per cent of the votes from Kano went to Atiku in 2007, despite their different political affiliations.

He further noted that they worked together in 2011 and competed as presidential aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 general election.

Kwankwaso recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the leading aspirant, followed by him and then Atiku.

Despite their changing political affiliations and past electoral contests, Kwankwaso maintained that his call for Atiku to step aside should not be interpreted as personal opposition.

“We are not against him,” he said, adding that their longstanding relationship had taught him that every political ambition had its time.

His appeal comes as political parties and prominent opposition figures continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Activist drags Awka diocese to court over alleged fraudulent judgement

By Our Reporter

Anambra based activist, Comrade Osita Obi, has dragged Rev. Fr. Chudy Aguinam and the Catholic Diocese of Awka to Magistrate Court 4 sitting in Amawbia, Awka South local government area of Anambra State, under Her Worship, E.C Chukwu.

In a suit marked: MAW/1075/2025, between Mr. Chidi Osakwe & 6 ors, vs Catholic Diocese of Awka & anor, the activist, through his lawyer, Mr. Martins Obi (Esq) urged the court, among other reliefs, to set aside its earlier judgement against his clients, which he said, was obtained fraudulently by the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, October 15, Counsel to the plaintiffs, Martins Obi (Esq), urged the court to set aside the purported judgement, which he said, was obtained through the “backdoor.”

“He said, “Her Worship, what brought about this suite is that the Catholic Diocese of Awka had filed a criminal suit in this court against my clients, Osita Obi and others, who they described as unknown persons. They filed a case in this court and claimed that they served my clients the necessary processes.

“Based on that deception, this court proceeded, heard the case and gave judgement in their favour. In the process of executing the judgement, the diocese broke into the apartments of my clients, about ten different tenants living in that property, and threw their belongings outside in the rain.

“This is when my clients knew that there was an earlier suit filed against them, and that a judgement was obtained against them. So, they proceeded to this court and got the necessary documents associated with that judgement. When they studied it, they found out what transpired, and they were not happy. This is why they filed this suit to tell the court that the judgement was obtained by fraud.

“One of the grounds for this suite is that the persons they described as unknown are actually known to them. So, for them to say that they were dealing with unknown persons was a lie from the pit of hell, because, there are evidences to prove that they knew the tenants.

“We want to establish that the procedure the diocese used in obtaining their judgement against my clients was fraudulent.”

Citing Section 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), combined with common law and established judicial precedents, the lawyer noted that courts of record possess inherent judicial powers to ensure justice, which includes the power to nullify or set aside a judgment, if it is proven to be a nullity or tainted by fraud.

Reacting, counsel to the defendants, J.A Obiajulu (Esq), notified the court that he had filed a Preliminary Objection that the court cannot entertain the suit.

Citing Section 272(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the counsel noted that issue of land title falls within the jurisdiction of a State High Court.

He claimed that the plaintiffs’ suite borders on ownership of property, and argued that the Magistrate Court lacks the jurisdiction to hear it.

Responding, lawyer to the plaintiff, Martins Obi, agreed that Magistrate Court does not have inherent powers to hear matters of who owns property and who does not; but contended that the suite he filed on behalf of his clients has nothing to do with ownership of property, but to establish how an earlier judgement was obtained against his clients. He said the suite is to establish before the court that the earlier judgement obtained against his clients was gotten fraudulently, and should be set aside by the court; adding that execution of the fraudulent judgement against his clients should also be set aside.

He contended that even though a Magistrate Court is strictly barred from handling suits that border on the ownership or title of land, they have jurisdiction to hear Recovery of Premises or landlord-and-tenant matters.

After listening to the arguments, the Magistrate, E. C. Chukwu, adjourned the matter to November 26, 2026 for further hearing.

Speaking after the court, one of the plaintiffs, Comerade Osita Obi, told newsmen that after his wife’s retirement, she rented a shop for business in Awka, but that agents of the Catholic Diocese of Awka broke into the shop and threw her goods out in the rain.

According to Obi, the executors claimed they had obtained a court judgment against the woman without serving her any court process that led to the judgement.

He accused the diocese of portraying his wife as a criminal and humiliating her publicly, and concluded that he would follow the matter to a logical end.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By 9News Nigeria reporter

Magistrate Court 4 sitting in Amawbia, Awka South local government area of Anambra State, under Her Worship, E.C Chukwu, has adjourned a criminal defamation suit filed by the Catholic Diocese of Awka against Anambra based activist, Comrade Osita Obi, to January 28, 2027.

Comerade Obi, the Convener of Recover Nigeria Project, a pressure group, was facing trail over alleged defamation.

In the suite marked: MAW/345C/2025, between the Commissioner of Police and Osita Obi, the activist was accused, among other things, of knowingly and intentionally publishing defamatory statements through his Facebook page known as ‘OSITA OBI’ and another Facebook page known as ‘IGBO HISTORY,’ wherein he reportedly claimed that the Catholic Diocese of Awka was no better than Boko Haram bandits, and that it is better to deal with Lucifer than to deal with the said diocese.

The charge, instituted by Rev. Fr. Chudy Aguinam on behalf of the diocese, said that the defendant made the claim which he knew to be false, but was made to injure the reputation of the priest as well as that of the diocese, adding that the write-up exposed the priest and his diocese to hatred, contempt, and ridicule before right-thinking members of the public.

At a resumed hearing on Thursday, October 15, Mr. J.A Obiajulu (Esq) announced his appearance for the plaintiff (the Catholic Diocese of Awka).

He told the court that he obtained Fiat to take over the prosecution from a police counsel, A.G Obi (Esq.), who has been handling the case from onset.

He, however, pleaded with the court for adjournment to enable him obtain necessary files and documents from the police, study the case files and proceed with the prosecution.

The defense counsel, Martins Obi (Esq) did not oppose the application. He, however, notified the court that the Fiat was obtained over seven months back, and that it was enough time for the lawyer to have gotten the necessary documents he needed from the police.

The counsel also reminded the court that he filed Notice to Produce since November 2025, urging that the police should furnish him with necessary documents concerning the outcome of their investigations in the matter, to enable him build up his defense. He regretted that since he requested for the documents, nearly one year ago, police have not supplied the documents as demanded.

He cited Section 36, Subsection 6(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which he said, guarantees that every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence, without which the prosecution will not proceed.

After listening to both parties, the presiding Magistrate, Her Worship, E.C Chukwu, adjourned the matter to January 28, 2027 for hearing, and to enable the parties obtain necessary documents to pursue their cases.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Dr David Okon William

International assistance should strengthen national capacity, not compromise national sovereignty. Nigeria’s health cooperation agreement with the United States therefore demands rigorous scrutiny—not because American assistance is inherently suspect, but because agreements involving public health, substantial financial commitments and citizens’ biological information must satisfy the highest standards of transparency, accountability and national interest.

The fundamental question is not whether Nigeria needs assistance, but whether the terms under which that assistance is obtained adequately protect Nigerians.

The Financial Facts and the Question of Value

The financial figures require clarification. According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the United States announced approximately $2.1 billion in grant funding, while Nigeria committed to mobilising approximately $3 billion in domestic health financing over five years. These figures contradict claims that America is providing $3 billion while Nigeria contributes $2.1 billion. The American commitment is also subject to applicable US approval processes.

Consequently, Nigerians deserve a comprehensive explanation of the funding arrangements, disbursement conditions, counterpart obligations and anticipated health outcomes. What proportion will support medicines, vaccines, laboratories, disease surveillance and healthcare personnel? What safeguards will prevent waste, duplication and diversion? How will performance be measured?

These are fundamental questions of public financial management, not expressions of hostility towards international cooperation.

Regulatory Sovereignty Must Remain Non-Negotiable

The most contentious allegation concerns whether the agreement restricts the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from independently testing American-supplied medicines and vaccines.

This allegation must be verified against the signed agreement. Nevertheless, the governing principle is unequivocal: Nigeria must not surrender its capacity to protect citizens from unsafe, substandard or ineffective medical products.

NAFDAC’s regulatory independence is not an obstacle to international partnership; it is an essential safeguard of public health. Any provision that unduly restricts its statutory authority warrants immediate clarification, legislative scrutiny and, where necessary, renegotiation.

Scientific cooperation cannot justify regulatory capitulation. No diplomatic relationship should place Nigerian patients in a position where the safety of medicines depends exclusively on assurances from a foreign government or supplier.

Health Data, Biological Specimens and National Interest

Another critical consideration is the governance of sensitive health information and biological specimens. Nigerians are entitled to know what information may be shared, who controls it, how long it may be retained, and whether it can be transferred to third parties.

If Nigerian health data and biological resources contribute to scientific discoveries or commercial pharmaceutical developments, what protections ensure that Nigeria benefits? Will resulting treatments remain affordable and accessible to Nigerian patients? These questions deserve contractual answers, not diplomatic platitudes.

Ghana’s reported rejection of its proposed American health compact over concerns including health-data protection demonstrates that governments can question proposed arrangements. However, Ghana’s decision does not establish that Nigeria’s agreement contains identical provisions.

Transparency Before Political Celebration

The Federal Government should publish the complete agreement, including its financing conditions, regulatory provisions, data-sharing obligations, implementation framework and termination clauses. The National Assembly, professional medical associations, public-health experts and civil society should examine its implications.

Equally, allegations that the programme will cause mass mortality or that particular regions will receive preferential allocations must not be presented as established facts without credible evidence. Responsible criticism must distinguish demonstrable risks from speculation.

Conclusion: Partnership Without Subordination

President Tinubu’s administration must understand that securing foreign assistance is not, in itself, proof of sound governance. The true measure is whether the agreement delivers measurable public-health benefits while preserving Nigeria’s regulatory independence, fiscal accountability and citizens’ rights.

Nigeria needs assistance without exploitation, cooperation without coercion, and investment without the surrender of sovereign responsibility.

The Nigerian people must never be expected to accept uncertainty in exchange for promises of free medicines. Every vaccine and medicine must meet applicable safety and quality requirements, irrespective of its country of origin or funding arrangement.

Ultimately, the question is not whether Nigeria should cooperate with America. It is whether Nigeria has negotiated wisely, protected its citizens adequately and retained the authority to act decisively in their best interests.

A government that negotiates in the people’s name owes them transparency. A government that commits public resources owes them accountability. And a government entrusted with public health must never place diplomatic convenience above human life.

Dr. David Okon William @ Governance Analyst | Public Policy Commentator | Institutional Development Strategist

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Uyo is gaining international attention as a destination for media investment and digital innovation following the unveiling of the C54 News Global Streaming Dome, an ambitious pan-African media project that has chosen Akwa Ibom State as its international headquarters.

The facility was unveiled on Wednesday, October 14, at the 21-storey Udom Emmanuel Towers, with former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi among the dignitaries in attendance.

The development places Uyo at the centre of a project designed to expand African-owned news production, digital broadcasting and documentary storytelling for audiences across the continent and beyond.

For Akwa Ibom, the significance extends beyond the prestige of hosting prominent African leaders. The investment presents an opportunity to attract media professionals, technology specialists, filmmakers, advertisers and other creative industry operators to the state.

C54 News is being developed as a 24-hour global streaming news platform focused on journalism, documentaries and data, with the ambition of bringing stories from Africa to African and international audiences.

African Leaders Call for Control of the Continent’s Narrative

Speaking at the event, Masisi described the initiative as a strategic investment in Africa’s ability to tell its own stories rather than allow external media organisations to dominate global perceptions of the continent.

He stressed that the platform’s credibility would depend on accuracy, fairness, editorial independence and integrity, warning that technological sophistication and international reach alone would not guarantee public trust.

Obasanjo also welcomed the initiative, arguing that African-owned media platforms could help correct the longstanding imbalance in international reporting about the continent.

Jonathan urged African media organisations to highlight the continent’s innovation, enterprise, culture, natural resources and economic opportunities through accurate and balanced reporting.

Utomi, who chaired the event and heads the board of the parent FOAN Group, highlighted the importance of indigenous media institutions in connecting African people, businesses, industries and ideas.

South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Professor Bobby Moroe, also commended the project, describing it as a pan-African initiative capable of supporting continental cooperation and stronger relationships among African countries.

C54 News founder and Chief Executive Officer Idris-Etanami Usman said the platform was established to connect Africa through journalism, culture and ideas, while promoting a broader understanding of the continent as an interconnected economic and cultural space.

Jobs, Investment and the Challenge of Delivery

Beyond the international recognition, the key question for Uyo residents is whether the project will translate into tangible economic benefits.

A major digital media operation could create opportunities for journalists, camera operators, editors, documentary producers, software developers, digital marketers and other creative professionals.

It could also generate demand for accommodation, transportation, catering, equipment supply, event management and other services, provided the organisation develops substantial operations in the city.

However, these benefits will depend on the scale of its workforce, investment commitments, local recruitment, training programmes and the extent to which production and commercial activities are conducted in Uyo.

The company’s published roadmap offers an important distinction between the unveiling and full commercial operations. FOAN Group lists October 14, 2026, as the date for C54 News’ shadow launch, while scheduling its commercial launch for August 2027. The company says the latter phase is expected to open full commercial operations across advertising, subscriptions, licensing and enterprise services.

This means the unveiling is a significant milestone, but the platform’s longer-term economic impact will need to be assessed against its subsequent expansion, job creation and commercial performance.

Why Uyo Matters:

The choice of Uyo is significant for a state seeking to attract investment beyond traditional sectors and strengthen its position in technology, tourism and the creative economy.

The parent company identifies production and commercial hubs in Uyo, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos and Senegal, suggesting that the project is intended to operate across several African markets rather than function solely as a local broadcasting station.

With its international headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom has an opportunity to attract talent, build professional capacity and establish stronger links with Africa’s media and technology industries.

For residents, the real measure of success will be whether this international attention leads to sustainable employment, skills development, new businesses and lasting investment.

The arrival of three former African presidents and other prominent figures has given Uyo a major moment of visibility. Turning that visibility into measurable economic progress will be the next test.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A bureau de change operator has told an Abuja High Court that he converted about ₦1.4 billion into dollars to pay the school fees of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s children at the American International School of Abuja.

Jamilu Abdullahi, the 19th prosecution witness in Bello’s ongoing ₦110.4 billion fraud trial, gave the testimony on Thursday.

He said he received the funds from Abba Adaudu, an associate of the former governor, between December 15, 2021, and February 21, 2022.

Abdullahi told the court that the money was provided for foreign exchange transactions and that the transfers to the school were completed successfully.

He identified several companies and accounts allegedly used to facilitate the payments, including Forza Oil and Gas, Whales Oil and Gas, Alesua Solutions Services, E-Traders International Limited, Kun-Faya-Kun and De-Remita International Limited.

The witness also identified a transfer made on January 18, 2022, through Keyless Limited, which he said belonged to Adaudu.

However, during cross-examination, Abdullahi maintained that he had no direct financial dealings with Bello or his co-defendants.

He also denied personally making three cash deposits of ₦9 million, ₦8 million and ₦8 million recorded in his name at a bank branch in Lokoja.

Earlier in the trial, an internal auditor at the American International School of Abuja confirmed that Bello’s children were enrolled at the institution.

The auditor presented documents indicating that payments were made through a United States bank. He also told the court that Ali Bello, the former governor’s nephew, signed an agreement covering the children’s school fees until graduation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that the payments formed part of ₦110.4 billion diverted from Kogi State funds during Bello’s tenure as governor, from January 2016 to January 2024.

Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on 16 counts of criminal breach of trust.

All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court adjourned the case until October 27 for continuation of the trial.

9News Nigeria

RIVERS STATE — Concern and controversy have followed reports that members of the DNKI (Vikings) cult group, reportedly operating under the Trans Marine Platoon in Trans Amadi, Rivers State, have renovated part of a police station at Abuloma, Okuru Junction.

According to information reaching 9NEWS NIGERIA, the alleged cult members were said to have unveiled the renovated section of the police facility on Wednesday, October 15, 2026, in what has raised serious questions about the relationship between criminal groups and security institutions.

The development has generated concern because police stations are expected to remain neutral and independent security facilities dedicated to protecting lives and property, enforcing the law, and providing justice to members of the public.

While community members and individuals may ordinarily support the police through legitimate donations or community-development initiatives, the alleged involvement of persons identified with a cult group raises a different and more troubling question: Can a security institution effectively confront a group that has publicly or privately established influence within the same institution?

9NEWS NIGERIA: Police Stations Must Not Become Platforms for Cult Influence

9NEWS NIGERIA strongly believes that Nigeria’s security institutions must remain free from the influence, control or patronage of cult groups and other criminal organisations.

The police station is one of the last lines of defence for ordinary citizens with nowhere else to turn when confronted by crime, violence, intimidation, or injustice.

If individuals linked to cult groups are indeed allowed to finance, renovate or undertake projects inside police facilities, authorities must explain the circumstances surrounding such projects, including who authorised the renovation, who financed it, the source of the funds and whether the identities and backgrounds of those involved were properly verified.*

The issue is not simply about the physical renovation of a building. It is about institutional integrity, public confidence, and the independence of law-enforcement agencies.

The development raises a disturbing question that authorities should urgently address:

If a cult group renovates or finances a police station, can members of that same group be arrested and prosecuted in the very facility they helped renovate without fear of influence or conflict of interest?

The police must remain the police — not an extension of any cult group, political organisation, wealthy individual or community interest.

9NEWS NIGERIA therefore calls on the Rivers State Police Command and relevant authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported renovation and unveiling of the facility.

Authorities should establish whether the persons involved were genuinely members or representatives of the alleged cult group, whether the renovation was formally approved, who provided the funding, and whether any police officials participated in or authorised the project.

Importantly, the report should not be treated as fact until the appropriate authorities have independently confirmed the identities of those involved and the circumstances of the renovation.

9NEWS NIGERIA maintains that cultism has no place in Nigeria’s security institutions or wider society.

Rather than glorifying cult groups, young Nigerians should be encouraged to reject violence, intimidation and criminal associations and embrace lawful means of resolving disputes and contributing to community development.

Renovating a police station should strengthen public security — not create questions about who has influence over the police.

REJECT CULTISM.
REJECT VIOLENCE.
PROTECT THE INDEPENDENCE OF OUR SECURITY INSTITUTIONS.

9NEWS NIGERIA
Reporting the facts. Defending the public interest.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Finnish court of appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Biafra separatist leader Simon Ekpa from six years to four years while upholding his convictions for terrorism-related offences.

In its ruling on Thursday, the court upheld his convictions for participating in the activities of a terrorist group and publicly inciting people to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

The 41-year-old has been in custody since November 2024, following his arrest by Finnish law enforcement authorities.

Ekpa appealed the September 2025 judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court, which sentenced him to six years in prison. Prosecutors also appealed, seeking a longer sentence.

However, the appeal court reduced his sentence, citing circumstances surrounding the offences that it said resembled situations in which exemptions from criminal liability, including self-defence and necessity, could arise.

The district court had accepted the prosecution’s argument that Ekpa operated from Finland as the supreme commander of several armed groups in south-eastern Nigeria.

The groups allegedly sought to establish an independent Biafran state, with members accused of attacking police stations, government buildings and military roadblocks.

After reviewing the evidence, the appeal court said it reached the same conclusions as the lower court regarding Ekpa’s activities.

During the appeal, Ekpa presented additional evidence to support his claim that an internal armed conflict was ongoing in south-eastern Nigeria.

He argued that international humanitarian law, rather than Finland’s domestic terrorism laws, should apply because his activities were connected to the conflict and were not motivated by terrorist intent.

The court examined the conflict’s nature, the organisation of the armed groups and the intensity of the fighting. It also compared the evidence with legal assessments of the Balkan wars by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

According to the court, evidence that Nigerian government forces deployed heavy weapons, including armoured vehicles and combat helicopters, supported the argument that an internal armed conflict existed.

However, it ruled that the fighting did not meet the legal threshold for a civil war.

The court also rejected Ekpa’s argument that the conflict negated terrorist intent in his actions.

Nevertheless, it considered the circumstances surrounding the offences relevant to sentencing and reduced his prison term from six years to four years.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Some senators have endorsed Senate President Godswill Akpabio for another term in the 11th National Assembly, declaring that the position is not open for contest.

The endorsement came during Thursday’s plenary session following controversy over Akpabio’s remarks during debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, was debated on Tuesday when Akpabio made comments about young people contemplating suicide because of beliefs about rewards in the afterlife.

His remarks triggered criticism, with some commentators accusing him of making disparaging comments about Muslims.

Responding to the backlash on Thursday, Akpabio said discussions in the Senate should not be interpreted as attacks on religious groups.

He expressed concern that comments made during legislative debates were sometimes taken out of context on television programmes and used for political purposes.

“I don’t like the idea of people sitting down on television and trying to misinterpret what we discuss here in the Senate,” Akpabio said.

He explained that lawmakers were expected to disagree on some issues and support one another on others in their efforts to make laws.

Akpabio also rejected suggestions that he would denigrate Islam, citing his relationships with Muslims and his record of supporting religious pilgrimages while serving as governor.

According to him, he sponsored 5,800 Muslims to the holy land and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.

He urged public commentators to focus on substantive issues rather than attempts to damage people’s reputations.

Following his remarks, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, expressed confidence that most serving senators would return to the chamber after the 2027 general election.

“Insha Allah, by the grace of God, majority of us are going to make it back to the Senate, and this seat is hereby declared: there is no vacancy,” Monguno said.

He extended the declaration to the office of the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers of the chamber.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, also backed the position, describing Akpabio as the prospective Senate President of the 11th Assembly.

“I hereby support the motion, ably moved by Senator Monguno, that the seat of the Senate President in the 11th Assembly is not open to any contest,” Fasuyi said.

He added that the position was already occupied by Akpabio, signalling his support for the Senate President’s return.

Akpabio subsequently asked senators whether they supported the declaration.

“Those in support say aye,” he said, prompting a resounding response from lawmakers present in the chamber.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Anambra APC rejects Soludo’s appointment as Tinubu campaign coordinator, demands reversal

By Nwajiobi Ijeoma, Nnewi

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has rejected the appointment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as the state coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election, demanding an urgent reversal of the decision.

The party leaders, in a letter dated October 13, 2026, and addressed to the Director-General of the PBAT Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, described the appointment of Soludo, who belongs to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as misplaced and potentially detrimental to the electoral interests of the APC in the state.

The letter signed by Dr. Prince C. N. Ukachukwu, leader of the APC in Anambra State Senator Emmanuel Anosike, the state chairman; and Sir Obiora Okpala, the state secretary, while acknowledging the prerogative of the national leadership to constitute a campaign council capable of securing Tinubu’s re-election, argued that appointing a serving governor from another political party to coordinate the President’s campaign could undermine the interests of APC candidates in the state.

They maintained that Anambra APC had credible, experienced and committed leaders with the grassroots reach and organisational capacity to lead the presidential campaign effectively.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election, claiming that the Anambra chapter had set a target of securing more than 80 per cent electoral support for the President in the state.

“APC Anambra will mobilise vigorously for President Tinubu and, at the same time, campaign decisively for its own candidates at all legislative levels,” the letter stated.

The party leaders expressed concern that Soludo’s position as an APGA governor could create conflicting political interests, particularly as APC and APGA candidates are expected to compete for seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and Anambra State House of Assembly in 2027.

They also questioned the political implications of the slogan, “Progressives Are Working Together,” arguing that the proposed cooperation could potentially benefit APGA’s legislative candidates at the expense of APC aspirants.

According to APC, APGA candidates in the state had not sufficiently demonstrated support for Tinubu in their campaigns, a development they cited as grounds for questioning the rationale behind entrusting Soludo with the coordination of the President’s campaign.

The APC leaders said the party recorded electoral gains in the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, claiming to have polled more than 100,000 votes under the leadership and candidacy of Prince Ukachukwu.

They argued that the performance demonstrated the existence of a viable political structure within the state chapter and questioned why none of its leaders had been considered suitable to coordinate the presidential campaign.

They warned that the appointment could weaken party unity, dampen grassroots morale and jeopardise the prospects of APC candidates contesting legislative seats.

Additionally, they urged the campaign council to establish clear operational boundaries to ensure that its platform was used exclusively to advance Tinubu’s re-election and not the legislative ambitions of APGA candidates.

The leaders said the council should recognise and protect the independent electoral interests of APC candidates contesting for the three senatorial seats, 11 federal constituencies and 30 state constituencies in Anambra.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Suzy Chukwuechedom l Anambra

​The 774 Local government chairmen from across Nigeria gathered at the State House Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday for the Progressive Governors Forum and Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (PGF-ALGON) National General Assembly and the official inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council.

​Among the prominent local council leaders in attendance were the Mayor of Ayamelum Local Government Area, Hon. Mgbechi Emmanuel Igwebuike (Evang.), and the Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Hon. John Elochukwu Igbem.

​Held under the theme “Renewed Hope, Cooperative Federalism and Shared Prosperity,” the high-level event brought together local council administrators, policymakers, and key political stakeholders to foster intergovernmental collaboration, enhance governance, and drive sustainable grassroots development.

​Speaking on the sidelines of the assembly, Hon. Igwebuike emphasized that strong partnerships across the three tiers of government are vital to delivering the dividends of democracy.

​“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people,” Igwebuike noted. “We are pivotal to national development due to our direct responsibility for addressing grassroots needs. Strong partnerships, improved service delivery, and a shared commitment to progress remain essential for building stronger councils and prosperous communities.”

​He added that his participation underscores his administration’s drive for constructive engagement, institutional synergy, and sustainable growth for the people of Ayamelum.

​Similarly, Hon. Igbem highlighted the assembly as a crucial platform for aligning grassroots governance with national priorities, encouraging collective responsibility, and supporting policies that promote shared prosperity nationwide.

​The assembly is expected to deepen cooperative federalism and establish a unified grassroots framework to accelerate the implementation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A United States-based law firm, Von Batten Montague York, L.C., has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is determined to remain in power because the presidency could shield him from possible legal action abroad.

The firm made the claims in posts published on October 1 and 2.

According to the law firm, Tinubu’s continued occupation of the presidency is important because of the protection associated with head-of-state immunity.

It alleged that the President is aware that leaving office could remove a major barrier to renewed investigations into allegations involving heroin trafficking from Nigeria to the United States during the 1980s and 1990s.

The firm further claimed that losing presidential protection could expose Tinubu to renewed scrutiny and a possible criminal indictment.

In another October 2 post, the law firm praised Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, describing him as an honest man and human rights lawyer.

Boko attended a United Nations General Assembly leaders’ reception hosted by United States President Donald Trump.

The firm contrasted Boko’s presence at the event with Tinubu’s reported absence.

It alleged that Tinubu had been the subject of a major diplomatic engagement effort involving about $9 million and claims relating to access to $700 billion worth of Nigerian mineral resources.

The firm also alleged that Tinubu was disinvited from the event and was not seated close to Trump.

It further claimed that the Nigerian President was staying at a hotel in France and was angry over the law firm’s public statements.

Von Batten Montague York repeated its allegation that Tinubu was linked to a group involved in smuggling heroin from Nigeria into the United States.

The firm also argued that Washington should not associate itself with Tinubu or his administration.

The posts concluded with a broader call for political change in Nigeria, declaring that the time for change had arrived.

However, the allegations remain claims made by the US law firm.

There is no evidence in the material provided that US authorities have reopened a criminal investigation against Tinubu or issued a new indictment against him.

The claims come amid continuing political debates over Tinubu’s administration, his international relationships and allegations surrounding his political and legal history.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Tension is mounting among political parties and candidates affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to publish the final list of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates on October 10.

The uncertainty persisted on Sunday as INEC said it was yet to receive the certified true copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment.

The commission is scheduled to meet with political parties and other stakeholders on Tuesday, October 6.

INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission had applied for the document.

He told Vanguard that the CTC had not reached the commission as of Sunday.

“The commission is yet to receive the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgement. Hopefully we will do so tomorrow, (Monday),” he said.

Haruna added that INEC could not take a position until it received and studied the judgment.

The commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, also confirmed that INEC had applied for the CTC.

She said the commission would give its position after examining the implications of the judgment.

INEC had earlier announced that it would hold a World Press Conference and National Stakeholders Engagement on Tuesday, October 6, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

However, the commission has not disclosed whether the Supreme Court judgment will be a major focus of the meeting.

The uncertainty stems from the Supreme Court’s September 24, 2026 ruling on Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026.

The apex court set aside the July 16 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had declared several provisions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court ruling effectively restored the requirement for political parties to submit verified membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before conducting primaries, congresses or conventions.

Under the provision, only members whose names appear on the submitted register are eligible to vote or contest at such party activities.

Several political parties, however, conducted congresses and primaries while the Court of Appeal judgment was still in force.

The Supreme Court’s decision has therefore created uncertainty over the validity of some of those processes and the candidates that emerged from them.

Opposition parties are reportedly reviewing their membership registers against the dates on which some candidates defected to their parties.

With the October 10 deadline for publication of the final candidate list approaching, affected candidates are anxiously awaiting INEC’s position.

For now, the commission says it will only make a pronouncement after receiving and studying the certified Supreme Court judgment.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the President’s private Lagos residence.

Uzodimma said the meeting held on Sunday, was convened to brief Tinubu on developments in the country during the President’s working leave and update him on the activities of the Progressive Governors Forum.

Speaking after the meeting, the governor described the discussion as a “quality conversation”, saying the governors had continued working while the President was away.

“The President just returned from his leave. While he was away, we were working. It is fair to brief him on what happened and the efforts of the Progressive Governors,” Uzodimma said.

He said discussions also focused on the governors’ efforts to communicate the Federal Government’s policies and reforms to Nigerians and ensure that their benefits translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

According to Uzodimma, the reform agenda has moved beyond implementation and public communication to ensuring that Nigerians directly feel its impact.

He cited improved revenue available to state governments, saying many states now have greater capacity to pay salaries and execute development projects.

The Imo governor also pointed to the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, urging transport operators to reflect the savings from lower operating costs in the fares charged to commuters.

He said the objective was to ensure that the benefits of the reforms were passed on to ordinary Nigerians.

Uzodinma thanked President Tinubu for the reforms and assured that the governors would continue working to ensure that Nigerians feel their impact.

9News Nigeria

A group of political leaders and supporters of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in Emohua Local Government Area has rejected the political realignment known as the Rainbow Coalition, associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

The group, led by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Chief David Omereji, made its position known at a meeting convened by Omereji, where several political stakeholders and supporters of Governor Fubara gathered to deliberate on recent political developments in the state.

At the meeting, the leaders reportedly resolved to maintain their loyalty and support for Governor Fubara, while distancing themselves from the Rainbow Coalition.

The development is significant as political alignments continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various political actors in Rivers State reassessing their alliances and positions.

Chief Omereji, while speaking at the meeting, maintained that his political group and supporters remain firmly behind Governor Fubara and would not identify with the Rainbow Coalition.

According to him, their loyalty to the governor remains strong, stressing that they would continue to support his administration and political direction.

The former Emohua caretaker chairman and his supporters also dismissed any suggestion that they were prepared to abandon the governor for another political platform.

Among the prominent personalities reportedly present at the meeting were Chief Charles Beke; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Sunny Ewule; Hon. Elder Chinedu Tasie; Chief Glory Emeh; Hon. Isaac Okakwu Ogweru Ogweru; and Chief Lordmizar Okpaka. alongside several other political stakeholders and supporters from Emohua.

The gathering came against the backdrop of renewed political activity in Rivers State, particularly following the emergence of the Rainbow Coalition, which has been associated with former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Wike and his political allies have in recent times spoken strongly about political freedom and the need for party members and political actors to resist what they perceive as excessive control by individuals.

The FCT Minister has also been quoted as saying that people cannot remain slaves to one individual indefinitely, remarks that have generated further political debate in Rivers State.

However, the Emohua group, led by Omereji, appears to have taken a different position, choosing to remain aligned with Governor Fubara.

The leaders reportedly emphasised that their decision was based on their continued confidence in the governor and their commitment to his leadership.

Omereji’s declaration effectively draws a political line between the group and the Rainbow Coalition, with the former caretaker chairman making it clear that his supporters will continue to identify with Fubara rather than the emerging coalition.

The development may further deepen the ongoing political realignments in Rivers State, where supporters of Governor Fubara and political loyalists of Wike have continued to occupy different sides of the state’s increasingly active political landscape.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the latest declaration from Emohua is expected to attract attention, particularly because of the prominence of the political figures involved and the strategic importance of Emohua in Rivers State politics.

For Omereji and the other leaders at the meeting, however, the message was clear: their political loyalty remains with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and they have rejected membership or association with the Rainbow Coalition led by Wike.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has directed all 27 Local Government Area Executive Chairmen in the state to hand over the affairs of their respective councils to the Directors of Administration and General Services (DAGS).

The council chairmen are expected to complete the handover before the close of work on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The directive follows the postponement of the Imo State local government elections, which were initially scheduled for September 26, 2026.

The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) had fixed the election to fill 27 chairmanship and 305 councillorship positions across the state’s 27 local government areas. 

The order affects all 27 Local Government Areas of the state and is expected to facilitate a smooth transition in the administration of the councils.

9News Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, questioning his suitability to become Nigeria’s Vice President in the 2027 general elections.

The APC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, on Sunday, October 4, 2026, also mocked Amaechi over his recent comments concerning the death of his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, particularly his claim that he could not afford medications for her treatment.

The ruling party began its statement by offering prayers for the repose of the deceased, saying, “the soul of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi continues to rest in perfect peace.”

The party also prayed for the former governor’s well-being, while sarcastically referring to his extensive political career, which included serving as a two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State, two-term Minister of Transportation, and presidential aspirant.

Amaechi is currently the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, the APC’s expression of sympathy quickly turned into a sharp political attack, with Morka questioning how a politician who had occupied several high-ranking public offices could allegedly become unable to afford medication for himself and his family after leaving government.

The APC spokesman sarcastically wished that employers in Amaechi’s hometown of Ubima, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, would find him suitable employment that could enable him to earn enough money to provide for himself and his family during retirement.

The party also referenced previous comments attributed to Amaechi in which he reportedly complained that he had become financially constrained after leaving public office and that his wife was now feeding him.

According to the APC, Amaechi’s statements about his financial circumstances amounted to what it described as “uncanny confessions,” which the party said should concern Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election.

The ruling party argued that Amaechi’s reported financial difficulties after leaving public office raised questions about his ability to sustain himself outside government patronage.

“Four decades, Rotimi Amaechi freeloaded at the highest levels of public office,” the APC alleged, accusing the former governor of becoming financially dependent after leaving government.

The party further claimed that Amaechi had enjoyed access to public office for decades and therefore questioned why he would allegedly struggle financially only a few years after leaving government.

In its most direct attack, the APC described Amaechi as a potential “loafer, aimless and irresponsible” person if his inability to earn a living outside public office was not attributable to what it called “some kind of Peter Pan syndrome.”

The party also questioned Amaechi’s presidential and vice-presidential ambitions, arguing that his reported financial struggles contradicted his campaign to occupy another major public office.

The APC alleged that Amaechi was seeking the vice presidency to return to what it described as dependence on public resources and political patronage.

It declared that the presidency should not be regarded as a means of personal financial sustenance, stressing that the office of Vice President should be occupied by someone capable of providing leadership based on competence, responsibility and public service.

“The presidency is not a soup kitchen and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi,” the APC stated.

The party concluded its statement by turning Amaechi’s own reported remarks against him, arguing that his public comments about his financial circumstances had provided ammunition for questions about his readiness for higher office.

“No one can speak more to Rotimi Amaechi’s unfitness for the office of Vice President than Rotimi Amaechi himself,” Morka declared.

The statement comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and the APC increasingly trading accusations over the records, competence and personal circumstances of prominent political figures.

Amaechi’s emergence as the ADC vice-presidential candidate has also placed him at the centre of the emerging opposition coalition’s campaign, particularly in Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

The APC’s latest statement is therefore likely to further heighten the political contest between the ruling party and the opposition as parties begin positioning their candidates and attempting to shape public perception ahead of the 2027 polls.

Signed:
Felix Morka, CON
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Abuja, FCT
October 4, 2026

9News Nigeria

Delta-based Prophet, Dr Kingsley Majemite, has urged Nigerians, particularly members of his congregation, to remain vigilant and carefully examine their ballot papers before casting their votes in the 2027 presidential election.*

Prophet Ambassador Dr Kingsley Majemite made the call during a church service in Delta State, where he spoke to his congregation about the importance of political awareness and making informed choices at the polls.

According to the cleric, voters should not rely solely on the names of political candidates when casting their ballots but should also pay close attention to the political party symbols displayed on the ballot paper.

Majemite reportedly made reference to the 2027 presidential contest involving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who is currently the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

He advised members of his congregation who intend to support a particular candidate to familiarise themselves with the candidate’s political party and symbol ahead of election day, warning that confusion at the polling unit could result in voters mistakenly supporting a different candidate.

The Prophet also encouraged his congregation to approach the 2027 election with vigilance, stressing the need for voters to properly inspect their ballot papers before thumbprinting or otherwise marking their preferred choice.

His comments come amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their candidates already mobilising supporters across the country.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published its final list of presidential candidates for the January 2027 election. The list identifies Peter Obi as the presidential candidate of the NDC, with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso listed as his running mate.

The NDC is also listed by INEC among Nigeria’s recognised political parties.

The commission’s published information means that any claim that Obi’s name will not appear on the 2027 presidential ballot should be treated as a statement attributed to the Prophet rather than a fact. As of INEC’s published final list, Obi is listed under the NDC.

The NDC has previously announced Obi and Kwankwaso as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 election.

Majemite’s message nevertheless highlights an important aspect of voting: Nigerians should carefully verify the names and symbols of candidates before voting and follow instructions provided by electoral officials at their polling units.

With the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 2027, voters are expected to become increasingly exposed to campaign messages, political advertisements and competing claims from various parties and candidates.

The cleric therefore called on his congregation to remain attentive, understand the choices before them and exercise their constitutional right to vote according to their individual convictions.

He urged voters not to allow confusion, misinformation or pressure from political actors to determine how they cast their ballots.

As political campaigns intensify, the emphasis, according to Majemite, should be on vigilance at the polling unit and ensuring that every voter correctly identifies the candidate and party of their choice before submitting their ballot.

The 2027 election is expected to be closely watched as Nigerians prepare to choose among presidential candidates representing different political parties and political platforms.

The report keeps the Prophet’s statement as an attributed claim*while correcting the potentially misleading point about Obi’s name: INEC’s current published final list shows **Peter Obi — NDC **

9News Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has held discussions with Grammy-winning Nigerian music star Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, on how Nigeria’s creative industry can help rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, particularly among young Nigerians.

The meeting, which took place on Saturday at the Police House in Lagos, focused on strengthening collaboration between the police and the entertainment industry and exploring how popular culture can help bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and the citizens they serve.

The engagement comes as the police leadership continues to place greater emphasis on public trust, community partnerships, and improved relations with Nigerians. Disu has previously stressed that effective policing depends significantly on cooperation and confidence between the police and the public.

During the meeting, Disu highlighted the enormous influence of Nigeria’s creative industry, particularly its reach among young people.

According to reports from the meeting, the IGP said the creative sector has the ability to shape public conversations, influence attitudes and create platforms for dialogue between young Nigerians and security institutions.

He also pointed to the country’s Orange Economy, which encompasses sectors including music, film, fashion, digital content and other creative enterprises, describing its enormous value chain and potential for national development.

The police leadership believes that working with influential figures within the creative industry could provide an additional avenue for communicating with younger Nigerians and addressing misconceptions, concerns and tensions surrounding policing.

Burna Boy reportedly expressed enthusiasm about the direction being pursued by the IGP and indicated his willingness to support initiatives aimed at improving the relationship between the police and Nigerians, especially members of the younger generation.

His involvement has attracted particular attention because of his significant influence among Nigerian and African youths and his previous public engagement with issues concerning police conduct and the experiences of young Nigerians.

The meeting therefore represents an unusual but potentially significant engagement between the country’s top police leadership and one of its most internationally recognised entertainers.

The discussion was not presented simply as an entertainment-industry engagement but as part of a broader approach to rebuilding public confidence in policing.

The Nigeria Police Force has increasingly spoken about partnerships with stakeholders outside traditional security structures, including the media, civil society, young people and the private sector.

Disu has also been pursuing initiatives around the protection of Nigeria’s creative economy. In September, he advocated the creation of an Orange Economy Security and Intellectual Property Coordination Desk within the police structure to strengthen the fight against piracy, counterfeiting, cyber-enabled crimes and other offences affecting creative businesses.

The latest engagement comes against the background of longstanding concerns about relations between the police and sections of the Nigerian public, particularly young people.

While partnerships with celebrities and influential voices can help open channels of communication, rebuilding confidence in a security institution ultimately depends on how citizens experience policing in their communities.

The Police have therefore continued to emphasise professionalism, accountability, human-rights compliance, community engagement and accessible complaint mechanisms as part of broader reform efforts.

The Force recently reiterated its commitment to holding officers accountable for unprofessional conduct, including directing an investigation into a viral stop-and-search incident on the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

The meeting signals an attempt by the police leadership to engage young Nigerians not only through conventional public relations channels but also through the cultural figures and platforms that command their attention.

For Burna Boy, whose music and public profile give him substantial influence among young Nigerians, participation in such an initiative could provide an avenue for dialogue around policing, accountability and the relationship between citizens and law-enforcement authorities.

However, the success of the initiative will likely depend on whether the engagement develops into concrete programmes capable of improving police-community interactions beyond the meeting itself.

For now, the Disu-Burna Boy meeting marks a notable effort to bring Nigeria’s security establishment and creative industry together in pursuit of a common objective: building greater trust, understanding and cooperation between the police and the Nigerian people.

9News Nigeria

A burial ceremony in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has turned tragic following the sudden death of a resident pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), identified as Deacon Steve Eyo.

Eyo reportedly collapsed and died while delivering a sermon at the funeral service, leaving more than 300 mourners and other attendees shocked and devastated.

The incident occurred during a sermon titled “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond,”which the cleric was delivering at the burial ceremony.

According to reports, the pastor began preaching at about 1:10 p.m. focusing his message on the certainty of death, the brevity of human life and the need for people to reflect on what lies beyond earthly existence.

In an illustration during the sermon, Eyo reportedly compared human life to a visit to a market, explaining that while several people may enter a market together, they do not necessarily leave at the same time.

The message reportedly took an unexpected and tragic turn about 15 minutes after he began preaching when Eyo suddenly collapsed while bringing his sermon to a conclusion.

The development reportedly threw the congregation into confusion as mourners and other attendees rushed to his aid.

He was said to have been given first aid at the scene before being taken to a hospital in an ambulance that had been hired for the burial ceremony.

However, despite the efforts to save his life, the pastor was reportedly pronounced dead at the hospital.

His sudden death has reportedly left the bereaved family, mourners, members of the RCCG community and other attendees in shock, particularly because the incident occurred while he was delivering a message centred on the certainty of death.

As of the time of this report, the *official cause of death had not been disclosed, It is therefore unclear what led to the pastor’s sudden collapse and death.

The incident has also drawn attention to the unpredictable nature of life, as the pastor was reportedly speaking about mortality and the hope beyond death shortly before he himself passed away.

Further details concerning his death, including any official medical findings, are expected to emerge from his family or church authorities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A former speaker of the Imo state house of assembly and public speaker, Rt. Hon. Ike Ibe has paid a condolence visit to Her Excellency, Lady Victoria Mbakwe, over the death of her son, Chief Alex Mbakwe, son of the late Dr. Sam Mbakwe, the first civilian governor of Imo State.

Speaking after the visit, Ibe described the late Chief Mbakwe as a great friend and brother whose passing has left a painful void.

“May the soul of my brother and friend Alex rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.

May God take absolute control.” He said.

According to the former speaker, the visit was meant to stand with the bereaved mother and the wider family in this difficult period and to honor the memory of the departed.

Grief has gripped family, friends and associates following the news of Chief Mbakwe’s death.

Dr. Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, popularly known as “Dee Sam,” governed Imo State from October 1979 to December 1983. 

Details of the burial and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State Governor and former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, over his recent claim that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu contributed to the death of his mother.

Wike, speaking on Saturday, questioned how Amaechi could claim that he was unable to afford his late mother’s medication while also pointing to the properties he said the former governor owns in Old Government Reserved Area (GRA), Rivers State, and Abuja.

“Look at the house you are living in Old GRA, look at the house you are living in Abuja, and then you said you were unable to buy drugs and that’s why your mother died.

“Enough of this kind of embarrassment. Instead of me having this kind of child, may I be childless.” Wike said.

Wike and Amaechi, who were once political allies in Rivers State, have been engaged in a prolonged political dispute, with both men repeatedly exchanging criticisms over their respective records in government. 

Amaechi had, during an interview on Channels Television’s, alleged that the rising cost of medicines under the Tinubu administration made it difficult for him to provide the drugs his mother needed.

“Before Tinubu came, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother,” Amaechi said.

Amaechi, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, said he believed the administration’s economic policies had worsened the financial burden on families, particularly through increased healthcare and medicine costs.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has challenged Nigerians to give the party one year to demonstrate the impact of its economic policies.

Amaechi made the statement on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday, while discussing the party’s proposed approach to fuel pricing and domestic refining ahead of the 2027 presidential election. 

According to him, an ADC administration would consider a production subsidy aimed at supporting domestic refiners, rather than subsidising the retail price of petrol.

“Give us one year. If you don’t begin to feel the change, I will leave,” Amaechi said.

Explaining the proposed model, the former Rivers State governor said the government could sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries at a price below the prevailing crude price, with the difference constituting the production subsidy.

“When a president introduces production subsidy, it doesn’t mean we will pay subsidy. 

“What it means is if the price of crude is 15k, I would sell to Dangote and modular refineries at 10k. The 5k difference is the subsidy,” he said.

Amaechi also challenged President Bola Tinubu to reduce the pump price of petrol to ₦600 per litre, saying he would personally withdraw from Atiku Abubakar’s ticket and campaign for Tinubu if that happened.

“If fuel comes down to N600 tomorrow, I will withdraw as vice president for Atiku and I will campaign for Tinubu,” he said.

Amaechi, who is running as Atiku’s running mate on the ADC ticket, also addressed concerns about the credibility of the 2027 presidential election.

He said he did not believe Tinubu would attempt to rig the election, arguing that Nigerians were already experiencing significant economic pressure.

“Tinubu will not rig this election because there might not be a Nigeria if he rigs this election. Why? Because people are tired, they are hungry,” Amaechi said.

However, Amaechi, despite his opposition to Tinubu’s administration, said his criticism was not motivated by personal animosity towards the President.

“Nobody hates Tinubu. I love Tinubu, he knows,” he said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The General Court Martial handling the alleged coup plot involving some military officers has again postponed its ruling on the admissibility of statements made by the accused.

The ruling, initially scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, has now been rescheduled for Monday, October 5.

The court, presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji of the Nigerian Air Force, is sitting at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.

A notice issued to members of the court and other concerned parties confirmed the postponement.

“The GCM sitting earlier adjourned to Wednesday, 30 September, 2026, has now been postponed to Monday, 5 October, 2026,” the notice stated.

The new sitting is scheduled to begin at 10am.

The notice, signed by the Liaison Officer, Major M.U. Ardo, did not disclose the reason for the latest adjournment but apologised for any inconvenience caused.

The latest development represents the fourth time the ruling has been deferred.

The ruling is expected to determine whether statements allegedly obtained from some of the accused officers can be admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial.

Defence lawyers had challenged the admissibility of the statements, alleging that some of the officers were coerced by officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency.

The defence claimed that some accused officers were forced to make or reproduce statements containing information they considered false.

The dispute triggered a trial-within-a-trial to examine the circumstances under which the statements were obtained.

Defence counsel argued that the statements failed to meet legal requirements for admissibility.

They also alleged that lawyers or witnesses selected by some of the accused were not present when the statements were made.

The defence further questioned the absence of video recordings showing some officers writing their statements in the presence of their chosen witnesses, as required under relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Lawyers also alleged that some of the accused were not properly cautioned or adequately informed of their rights before making the statements.

The prosecution, however, presented evidence intended to establish that the statements were made voluntarily and without improper pressure.

During the trial-within-a-trial, some accused officers gave conflicting accounts of how their statements were obtained.

They alleged that they were subjected to coercion, intimidation, inducement and physical abuse while in detention.

Some officers also told the court that they were made to believe that reproducing particular statements would lead to their release.

They further alleged that some statements had already been prepared by intelligence officials and that they were compelled to copy or sign them.

The accused officers claimed that some of the contents were false, unrelated to their knowledge or not personally authored by them.

The court’s ruling will determine whether the disputed statements can be admitted and relied upon by the prosecution in the ongoing military proceedings.

The latest postponement therefore prolongs the determination of a major evidentiary dispute at the centre of the alleged coup trial.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has passed through its “own Red Sea” and entered a new era focused on prosperity, production and improved living standards.

Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday in his Independence Day address to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th anniversary of independence.

Speaking under the theme, “From Reforms to Prosperity,” the President said his administration had spent the past three years tackling what he described as deep-rooted distortions in the Nigerian economy.

He acknowledged that the reforms had imposed significant hardship on citizens but argued that difficult measures were necessary to address problems that successive governments had deferred.

Tinubu compared the pre-2023 economy to a cancer patient requiring painful treatment, saying his administration chose to “excise the cancer” rather than continue with policies that merely concealed the underlying problems.

According to the President, the reforms did not create Nigeria’s economic challenges but confronted structural weaknesses that had accumulated over time.

He said the focus would now shift from economic reforms to ensuring that Nigerians begin to feel their benefits through lower living costs, job creation, industrial expansion and improved infrastructure.

Tinubu said the government would intensify investment in mechanised agriculture, irrigation, improved seeds, fertiliser, storage and transportation to increase food production and reduce post-harvest losses.

He also pledged continued investment in roads, railways and ports to facilitate the movement of agricultural and industrial goods across the country.

The President said Nigeria’s gas resources would be deployed to power industries, revive factories, expand digital connectivity and provide businesses with infrastructure and financing.

On employment, Tinubu said greater attention would be given to skills development, particularly for young Nigerians entering the labour market.

He said the objective was to transform the country’s growing youth population into a productive economic force rather than a source of frustration.

The President acknowledged that millions of Nigerians still face difficulties meeting the costs of food, education, healthcare and transportation.

He promised to strengthen social intervention programmes and improve the National Social Register to ensure that government assistance reaches vulnerable households.

Tinubu also cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and CREDICORP as initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education and consumer credit.

He said the Federal Government would continue to work with state and local governments to improve primary healthcare, basic education and other essential services.

On the economy, Tinubu said Nigeria recorded more than four per cent growth in 2026, with both the oil and non-oil sectors contributing to the expansion.

He also said inflation had declined from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt, the foreign exchange market had stabilised and oil theft had reduced.

Tinubu further stated that Nigeria generated more than $6 billion in non-oil export revenue in 2025, describing it as the highest figure recorded by the country.

He said the administration’s goal was no longer simply to stabilise the economy but to create widespread prosperity and millions of productive opportunities.

Acknowledging that the benefits of the reforms would take time to fully materialise, the President urged Nigerians to remain focused on the country’s new direction.

“Nigeria has corrected its course. We have passed through our own Red Sea. This is not the time to look back,” Tinubu said.

He declared that the “age of reform” had completed its task and that Nigeria had entered an “age of prosperity,” which he described as the country’s pathway towards abundance and opportunity.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Chinedum Anayo

Another Independence Day has arrived, and Nigeria turns 66.

For a country as complex, diverse and resilient as Nigeria, 66 years is more than just a number. 

It is more of a story bordering on extraordinary possibilities, difficult seasons, missed opportunities, remarkable achievements and, above all, a people who have continued to believe that the Nigerian project is worth preserving and improving.

Independence Day should therefore be more than a ceremony of flags, speeches and familiar patriotic songs. 

It should also be a moment of honest reflection: Where are we today? How far have we come? And what kind of country do we want to leave for those coming after us?

The honest answer is that Nigeria has made progress. 

Nonetheless, it is equally honest to say that millions of Nigerians are still waiting to feel the benefits of that progress in their everyday lives.

That contradiction defines much of our national experience.

In 2026, Nigeria is undertaking significant reforms aimed at reshaping the country’s economy and institutions. 

The new tax framework became operational from January 1, 2026, following the transition from the previous tax regime.

There is also movement towards a more decentralised approach to policing. 

The National Assembly has passed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which provides for the establishment of state police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force. 

The Senate passed it on 24 June 2026, and the House of Representatives passed the Executive-sponsored version on 23 July with 311 votes. 

It was transmitted to all 36 State Houses of Assembly on 16 September 2026 under Section 9 of the Constitution. 

These developments matter because nations do not transform merely by wishing for better outcomes. 

They transform when institutions are reformed, systems are strengthened and policies are sustained long enough to produce measurable results.

The impact of every reform must be felt at every level of society.

Policies must ultimately be judged by what they mean for the ordinary Nigerian.

A new tax system is important, but the trader wants to know whether her business can survive and grow. 

The young graduate wants more than economic statistics; he wants an opportunity to build a career at home. 

The farmer wants security, access to land, affordable inputs and a reliable market. 

The family wants electricity, affordable food, decent healthcare and safe roads. 

The small business owner wants access to credit without being suffocated by costs.

This is where the real test of Nigeria’s progress lies.

It is not enough for the economy to improve on paper or projector. 

Growth must increasingly become something Nigerians can see, touch and experience.

There are also reasons to be encouraged.

Nigeria’s industrial capacity is changing. 

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has become operational at a scale that has altered the country’s refining landscape, with the facility reporting a current crude distillation capacity of 700,000 barrels per day.

That development represents something larger than one refinery. It is a reminder that Nigeria possesses the capital, talent, entrepreneurship and market necessary to undertake projects of enormous scale.

For decades, Nigerians have asked why a country blessed with crude oil should depend so heavily on imported refined petroleum products. The emergence of large-scale domestic refining offers an opportunity to begin answering that question differently.

But infrastructure alone will not transform Nigeria.

We must build institutions around our infrastructure. We must create an environment where businesses can produce competitively, where investors can trust the rules, where innovation is rewarded and where government policies survive beyond political cycles.

At 66, Nigeria must also confront an uncomfortable truth: our biggest challenge is not that we lack potential. It is that we have too often struggled to convert potential into consistent outcomes.

We have brilliant young people. We have natural resources. 

We have entrepreneurs building companies from difficult circumstances. 

We have farmers feeding communities, professionals competing globally, creatives exporting Nigerian culture and technology entrepreneurs solving problems from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and countless other cities.

The question is how to create a national system that allows these individual successes to become collective progress.

That requires responsibility from everyone.

Government must govern better. Public institutions must become more accountable and efficient. 

The private sector must continue to invest and create jobs. Political leaders must understand that development is more important than political rhetoric. And citizens must recognise that nation-building cannot be outsourced entirely to government.

Nigeria’s future cannot depend solely on who occupies Aso Rock.

It must depend on the strength of our institutions, the quality of our education, the productivity of our people, the integrity of our public service and the ability of Nigerians to demand better while also contributing to the country they want.

We should also resist the temptation to measure Nigeria only by its failures.

Yes, insecurity remains a serious concern. Yes, the cost of living has placed enormous pressure on households. 

Yes, unemployment, infrastructure deficits, corruption and weak institutions remain challenges. 

And yes, there are Nigerians who have become frustrated enough to question whether the country is moving forward at all.

Their frustrations should not be dismissed.

Patriotism does not require pretending that everything is fine.

A mature love for Nigeria allows us to celebrate progress while demanding more. It allows us to acknowledge achievements without declaring victory prematurely. 

It allows us to criticise government without abandoning the country.

That is perhaps the Nigeria we should aspire to at 66: a country confident enough to celebrate its achievements and courageous enough to confront its failures.

The journey ahead will not be easy.

Reforms can be painful. Institutions take time to strengthen. 

Economic recovery does not automatically translate into household prosperity overnight. 

Security challenges cannot be solved by slogans. And no administration, regardless of its intentions, can rebuild a nation in a single term.

But difficulty is not the same as impossibility.

Nigeria has survived periods that once appeared capable of breaking the country apart. 

We have remained one nation through political upheavals, economic crises, military rule, democratic transitions and deep social divisions.

Our continued existence should not be mistaken for the completion of the Nigerian project. 

Rather, it should remind us that the project is still alive.

At 66, Nigeria does not need exaggerated optimism.

We need credible hope.

Hope grounded in institutions. Hope backed by reasonable investments. Hope strengthened by accountability. Hope that recognises the suffering of the present while refusing to surrender the possibilities of the future.

The Nigeria we desire will not emerge simply because we celebrate Independence Day every October 1. 

It will emerge when the quality of life of the ordinary citizen becomes the central measure of national progress.

So, as the green-white-green flies once again, let us celebrate Nigeria; not because the journey is complete, but because the journey is worth continuing.

Nigeria is 66.

We have come a long way. Nonetheless, we still have a long way to go.

And perhaps the most important thing we can say on this Independence Day is that the distance ahead should not make us forget how far we have already travelled.

The Nigerian story isn’t complete and it is not a reason for despair. It is an invitation to build.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi has urged Nigerians to look beyond political policies and manifestos when making electoral choices.

Amadi made the comments while reflecting on governance, policy implementation and political leadership in Nigeria.

According to him, policies can be reviewed or changed by governments, making the commitment and orientation of political leaders toward the Nigerian people particularly important.

“Policies can be revised, so what matters is who is committed and thinking about how things could work,” Amadi said.

He also assessed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s manifesto, describing it as a strong policy document but arguing that the administration’s governance has not fully reflected the philosophy contained in it.

“Tinubu’s manifesto was very good, but he has governed outside his social market philosophy,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to pay attention not only to what politicians promise during election campaigns but also to their commitment to translating policies into outcomes that improve the welfare and living conditions of citizens.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has “passed through its own Red Sea” and is now entering an era of prosperity.

Tinubu made the declaration in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, 1 October 2026, delivered under the theme, “From Reforms to Prosperity.”

The President said his administration had spent the past three years confronting what he described as longstanding economic distortions, arguing that the difficult reforms implemented since 2023 had laid the foundation for sustainable growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s economic outlook has improved, with the economy growing by more than four per cent in 2026, while both the oil and non-oil sectors contributed to the growth.

“Three and a half years later, the evidence that Nigeria’s economic outlook has improved is undeniable,” Tinubu said.

He also claimed that oil theft had declined, inflation had fallen substantially from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt and the foreign exchange market had stabilised.

The President further said Nigeria recorded its highest-ever non-oil export revenue in 2025, exceeding $6 billion.

“These are not idle claims. International observers, journalists, NGOs and multilateral institutions can see the change,” he said.

Tinubu also said that the government’s economic priorities had shifted from emergency reforms to delivering broad-based prosperity.

“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired. The central economic task before us has changed.

“For three years, our overriding purpose was to correct our nation’s course. Now, our purpose is simple: shared and widespread prosperity.” He said.

The President said the next phase of his administration would focus on reducing the cost of living by lowering the cost of production and transportation.

He listed increased mechanised irrigation and dry-season farming, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, greater agricultural mechanisation, storage infrastructure and transportation among the government’s priorities.

He also highlighted investments in roads, railways and ports aimed at connecting farms and factories to markets.

Tinubu said reducing production and logistics costs would ultimately help bring down the prices of goods and services.

The President identified job creation, enterprise and industrial expansion as central to the next phase of his administration.

He said the government would deploy Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, support the revival of factories, expand digital connectivity and invest in skills required by employers.

“I want to see more Nigerians making things. I want to see more Nigerian farms feeding our cities and supplying our factories.

“I want to see Nigerian businesses selling Nigerian goods to the whole world. I want young Nigerians building unicorns and creating opportunities for others here at home.” Tinubu said.

The President, despite highlighting the improvements in the economy, acknowledged that millions of Nigerians continue to face difficulties with food, education, healthcare and transportation costs.

He said the hardship experienced by many Nigerians predates his administration and reflects the cumulative effects of decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure and limited opportunities.

“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,” he said.

Tinubu said the government was therefore strengthening social interventions targeted at vulnerable Nigerians.

He cited efforts to improve the National Social Register, expand support for low-income households and strengthen access to education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

He also highlighted the Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which he said was providing working Nigerians with access to credit for vehicles, solar systems, digital devices and other essential assets.

The President said his administration would also continue working with state and local governments to strengthen primary healthcare, basic education and other essential public services.

Tinubu said government intervention programmes should serve as a bridge towards prosperity rather than become permanent substitutes for economic opportunity.

“Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently. We will defeat it,” he declared.

He acknowledged that achieving that objective would require sustained economic growth, discipline and the creation of millions of productive opportunities.

“But for the first time in decades, we embark on this task from a position of strength; with an economy whose fundamental direction has been corrected,” he said.

In reflection on Nigeria’s 66 years as an independent nation, Tinubu acknowledged the country’s history of civil war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheaval.

He said Nigerians had nevertheless continued to demonstrate resilience and faith in the country.

The President urged Nigerians to look forward rather than return to the economic conditions that preceded his administration’s reforms.

“Nigeria has corrected its course. We have passed through our own Red Sea. This is not the time to look back,” Tinubu said.

He described the “Promised Land” ahead as a Nigeria of abundance and opportunity, where prosperity is broadly shared and children can aspire beyond the circumstances of their birth.

“Our destination is in sight. Our foundations are strong. Our direction is clear. So let us go forward. No looking back,” he said.

Tinubu concluded his address by congratulating Nigerians on the 66th Independence anniversary and calling for continued faith in the country’s future.

“Happy Independence Day, my fellow Nigerians. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Customary Court of Appeal in Enugu State has declared the Enugu State Executive Order No. 1 of 2025 ineffective in removing the jurisdiction of Customary Courts over rural land disputes.

The ruling is a setback to the land administration policy of Governor Peter Mbah’s government, which had designated several rural areas as urban areas under the executive order.

The unanimous judgment was delivered by the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice G. C. Nnamani, alongside Justices E. N. Nnamani and R. E. Ogbodo.

The court held that the executive order could not be used to convert manifestly rural communities into urban areas in a manner that would oust the jurisdiction of Customary Courts.

Governor Mbah signed Executive Order No. 1 on January 9, 2025, designating the entire Enugu East Local Government Area as an urban area.

The areas affected included Ugwuogo, Ibagwa Nike, Agu Oja Layout and other communities across several local government areas.

The government’s action had attracted criticism from some rural residents and stakeholders who argued that it could weaken customary land rights and compel landowners to pursue disputes in the High Court.

The case arose from Suit No. CCN/10L/2024 and Motion No. CCA/EN/74M/2025 involving Engr. Ikenna Anselem Obinwanne and the Chairman of the Nike Uno Customary Court, P. N. J. Okenwa, among others.

Obinwanne had sought an order of certiorari to quash proceedings in a land dispute before the Nike Uno Customary Court.

His legal team, led by Louis Onyia, argued that the Customary Court lacked jurisdiction because Agu Oja Layout had been classified as part of an urban area by the executive order.

But the Court of Appeal rejected the argument, holding that the 2025 executive order could not retrospectively affect a case filed on May 3, 2024.

Justice Nnamani cited the Supreme Court decision in Goldmark Nigeria Limited v. Ibafon Company Limited to affirm that a law cannot operate retrospectively to alter existing legal proceedings.

The court also examined the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority Law No. 5 of 2009, noting that the legislation was primarily intended to establish a development-control authority.

It held that the law did not automatically transform rural communities into urban areas for the purposes of the Land Use Act.

The court further stated that the governor’s power to designate urban areas does not extend to areas that are “manifestly rural” and retain their rural characteristics.

Justice Nnamani noted that urban areas are generally associated with developed infrastructure, dense populations and extensive road networks, among other features.

The judgment specifically observed that Ugwuogo, with its forests, wildernesses, villages and hamlets, could not simply be classified as an urban area through an executive order.

The court consequently declared Executive Order No. 1 of 2025 defective to the extent that it sought to remove the Customary Court’s jurisdiction over lands held under customary rights of occupancy.

The judgment could have wider implications for ongoing land disputes and the administration of customary land rights in Enugu State.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has fixed Friday, October 2, 2026, for hearing in the legal battle between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) led by Senator Adolphus Wabara and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over recognition of the party’s interim leadership.

The case is an appeal arising from the July 17 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which dismissed the Wabara-led BoT’s suit seeking to compel INEC to recognise and publish the names of the Tanimu Turaki-led interim National Working Committee (NWC).

Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court had ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the action and failed to establish that INEC was under a subsisting legal obligation to recognise the Turaki-led NWC.

The court also held that the plaintiffs did not establish that INEC had previously recognised the interim NWC or that any existing court order specifically compelled the electoral commission to recognise it.

The Wabara-led BoT had approached the Federal High Court after the Supreme Court’s April 2026 judgment invalidated the PDP’s November 2025 national convention in Ibadan, which produced Turaki and other national officers.

Following the Supreme Court judgment, Wabara announced that the BoT was assuming responsibility for the party’s national leadership and moved to establish an interim NWC to administer the party pending a fresh leadership arrangement.

The BoT subsequently asked INEC to update its records and recognise the Turaki-led interim structure. It argued that the electoral commission was constitutionally required to give effect to subsisting judicial decisions.

However, the Federal High Court rejected that position and dismissed the case.

The dispute is rooted in the PDP’s prolonged leadership crisis, which intensified after the Court of Appeal in March 2026 upheld the nullification of the November 2025 Ibadan convention and barred INEC from recognising its outcome, including Turaki’s leadership.

The Supreme Court subsequently upheld the nullification of the Ibadan convention in April, further deepening the dispute over which faction has authority to speak for the party.

The rival faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which is aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has maintained that it constitutes the legitimate leadership of the PDP. The Federal High Court’s July judgment affirmed that faction’s position in the particular suit brought by the Wabara-led BoT.

The October 2 proceedings will therefore provide another opportunity for the appellate court to consider the legal issues arising from the Federal High Court judgment.

The outcome could have significant implications for the PDP’s internal administration and its preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly over which leadership structure can officially deal with INEC.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has warned political actors against using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread false information ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Akpabio urged politicians to avoid using the electoral process to promote communal, religious or regional divisions.

He spoke on Tuesday while delivering his welcome address as the Senate resumed plenary after its two-month annual recess, which began on July 23, 2026.

The Senate President noted that campaigns for the 2027 elections had already commenced, with political parties selecting their candidates.

He urged candidates to clearly present their programmes and allow Nigerians to freely choose who they want to elect.

“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians,” Akpabio said.

He called on candidates to engage in vigorous but peaceful campaigns without setting communities, religious groups or regions against one another.

Akpabio also warned against violence, intimidation and the spread of falsehoods, particularly misinformation that can rapidly circulate through digital platforms.

“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded,” he said.

He reminded politicians that they would remain Nigerians and continue to live together after the elections.

Akpabio further pledged that the Senate would renew its focus on insecurity, flooding and the rising cost of living as lawmakers resume legislative activities.

He said the Senate would use legislation, appropriation and oversight to address challenges affecting citizens.

The Senate President expressed sympathy with families whose relatives had been abducted and communities affected by violence and flooding.

He said the Senate could not afford to remain passive while Nigerians continued to face such challenges.

According to him, the suspension of plenary during the recess did not mean that the problems confronting Nigerians had stopped.

Akpabio therefore urged senators to maintain their legislative and oversight responsibilities throughout the election season.

He said political differences among senators should not prevent them from carrying out their constitutional duties.

“This Senate must show the way,” he said, stressing that lawmakers from different parties, regions and ideological backgrounds could disagree while still working for the country.

Akpabio said senators must continue to conduct their affairs with dignity and fulfil their responsibilities until the end of their mandates, despite the political activities surrounding the 2027 elections.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama has ordered Jordan Wike, son of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to produce his American international passport in court.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order on Tuesday during the hearing of a $2.1 million land-related suit filed against Jordan by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

The case, marked CV/008/2026, centres on allegations that Jordan collected $2.1 million to facilitate the acquisition of 60 hectares of land in the Federal Capital Territory.

The claimants alleged that Jordan promised to facilitate the acquisition of 30 hectares each in Katampe and Guzape.

They further alleged that Jordan demanded $2 million for his father and $100,000 for himself as facilitation fees.

According to the claimants, the money was delivered on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani.

They claimed that Jordan, who was allegedly accompanied by Onor Sandy, received the money but failed to facilitate the land transactions or refund the funds.

The claimants also alleged that Jordan subsequently became unreachable.

However, Jordan denied the allegations in his statement on oath adopted before the court.

Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, Jordan also denied knowledge of documents and allegations put to him during cross-examination.

During the proceedings, claimant’s counsel, Hamza Dantani, asked Jordan to write his full name and signature five times each on a plain sheet of paper.

The application was not opposed by the defence and was granted by Justice Oriji.

Jordan was later asked where he was on September 26, 2025. He told the court that he was outside Nigeria.

When asked which passport he used to travel, Jordan said he travelled with his American international passport.

He added that he could produce the passport if required.

Following the response, Dantani applied for an order compelling Jordan to produce the passport before the court.

Justice Oriji granted the application and directed Jordan to produce the document.

The court adjourned the case until Wednesday for continuation of the hearing.

9News Nigeria

The Borno State Police Command has arrested and arraigned five men in Maiduguri over allegations surrounding the printing and wearing of T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”

The development, which occurred amid heightened political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, has generated controversy, particularly over the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the charges filed against the men.

According to a First Information Report (FIR) issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Maiduguri, and dated September 29, 2026, the five defendants are Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21.

The police alleged that the men conspired to print and wear the T-shirts around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri on September 25, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., with the intention of causing a breach of public peace.

They were consequently charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery, offences the police said contravened Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.*

The five men were subsequently brought before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri, where they reportedly pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Their counsel subsequently applied for bail. Reports indicate that the court adjourned the matter until *October 6, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application, while the substantive case was reportedly fixed for October 26, 2026.

The defendants were reportedly remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.

However, details surrounding the precise terms of the remand order and the conditions under which the men are being held have not been fully disclosed in the reports available.

The circumstances of the arrest have also attracted political attention.

A report citing an unnamed source alleged that the arrests followed a directive from Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, to the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid.

However, that allegation has not been independently verified, and the police FIR available in the reports does not establish that the governor personally ordered the arrests. The police document instead bases the charges on the alleged conduct of the five defendants and the purported intention to cause a breach of public peace.

The arrests have also triggered reactions from human-rights and opposition groups.

Amnesty International was reported to have condemned the detention, arguing that wearing a T-shirt expressing political dissent should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence. However, one report noted that the statement attributed to Amnesty had not been independently verified at the time it was published.

The Borno State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also condemned the arrests, describing them as an attack on political expression and alleging that the youths were detained for expressing opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Those claims represent the position of the party and have not been established by a court.

The case has renewed debate over the boundaries between freedom of political expression, public-order regulations and the powers of law-enforcement agencies during a period of increasing political mobilisation.

For now, the five men remain defendants in an ongoing criminal case, and the allegations against them have yet to be determined by the court.

The Borno State Police Command and the state government had not, in the reports reviewed, provided a detailed public explanation addressing the allegation that the arrests were ordered by Governor Zulum.

9News Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reportedly ordered Jordan Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to produce his American passport before the court in connection with an alleged $2.1 million Abuja land-related dispute.

The development has generated renewed public attention, coming amid previous controversies surrounding allegations concerning land allocations allegedly linked to companies associated with the FCT Minister’s children.

Reports published in 2025 alleged that Jordan Wike was connected to land allocations involving Jordan Farms and Estates Limited, with documents reviewed by Peoples Gazette reportedly linking the company to extensive land holdings in the Federal Capital Territory. The report alleged allocations totalling about 1,740 hectares and valued by sources cited by the publication at approximately $2.85 billion.

However, the allegations were strongly disputed by Wike and his representatives. The minister’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, denied that any of Wike’s children had been allocated land, describing the reports as politically motivated and challenging critics to produce verifiable ownership records from the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Wike himself had also maintained that his children, as Nigerian citizens, have the right to own property provided the appropriate legal procedures are followed. He challenged those making allegations to present documentary evidence supporting their claims.

The latest court development, involving the production of Jordan Wike’s American passport, is therefore expected to put further attention on the parties involved in the Abuja land dispute and the issues before the court.

The order has also triggered intense reactions among Nigerians, particularly on social media, with some expressing scepticism about whether the case will eventually lead to meaningful legal consequences.

Some commentators have questioned whether the judicial process will be allowed to proceed independently, given that Nyesom Wike, whose son is involved in the matter, is the serving FCT Minister and a prominent political figure.

However, such reactions remain public opinions and allegations rather than established findings of the court. There is also no basis to conclude at this stage that the case is “dead on arrival” or that the judiciary has predetermined its outcome.

The court proceedings will ultimately determine the legal issues raised in the case, while the parties involved will have the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments.

The controversy also comes against the backdrop of earlier competing accounts over alleged land dealings involving members of Wike’s family. While investigative reports have made allegations concerning land allocations, Wike and his aides have repeatedly rejected the claims.

The latest order for the production of the passport could therefore become an important procedural development as the court continues to examine the allegations surrounding the $2.1 million Abuja land dispute

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

An Edo State Special Court has sentenced one of four defendants convicted in a kidnapping case, Gift Raphael, to death by hanging or lethal injection.

In delivering the judgment, the court sentenced Raphael to seven years’ imprisonment on count one.

However, on counts two, four, six and eight, the court imposed the death penalty, ordering that Raphael be executed by hanging or through the administration of a lethal injection.

“You, Gift Raphael, are hereby sentenced to death by hanging or through the administration of a lethal injection. You shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on you.”The court stated.

The sentence followed the court’s findings on the charges brought against Raphael and the other defendants in connection with the kidnapping case.

The ruling makes Raphael one of the defendants in the case to receive the maximum penalty under the applicable law.

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe on an extended working vacation, declaring that he is healthy, fit and ready to resume work.

Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, after departing Paris, France, where he had spent part of his vacation following an earlier stay in London. The Presidency had described the trip as a working vacation, which began on August 30.

The President was received at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, senior government officials and other members of his administration.

Speaking with journalists shortly after his arrival, Tinubu dismissed concerns about his health and said he was in good condition and ready to get back to work.

The President reportedly laughed when questions were raised about claims circulating in the media that he had been hospitalised in France, before making it clear that there was nothing wrong with him.

“I am healthy and sound. I am ready to work,” the President said, according to reports of his interaction with journalists.

Tinubu also indicated that the health-related allegations should be viewed against the backdrop of the political atmosphere in the country, suggesting that political actors could make different claims, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.

The President’s comments came against the backdrop of allegations by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who had claimed that Tinubu was ill and receiving medical treatment in France. Sowore has continued to challenge assurances from the Presidency regarding the President’s health.

The President’s return brings to an end his extended stay in Europe, which generated considerable political debate during his absence from the country. The Presidency had maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while away.

During the trip, Tinubu spent time in London before travelling to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, among other engagements.

His return also comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. The President is expected to remain in Lagos for the anniversary activities, including a national broadcast to Nigerians and other official engagements before subsequently returning to Abuja.

Tinubu’s declaration that he is healthy and ready to work is expected to put renewed focus on his schedule of official engagements as the administration moves into the final phase of the year and the political environment ahead of the 2027 elections becomes increasingly active.

9News Nigeria

Political parties in Rivers State have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully comply with the recent judgment of the Supreme Court restoring key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those governing party membership registers and the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call followed the landmark judgment delivered on Thursday, September 24, 2026, by a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, which upheld INEC’s appeal and restored Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026.

The apex court set aside the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal, which had declared the provisions unconstitutional, and restored the judgment of the Federal High Court that had dismissed the challenge brought by the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The restored provisions have significant implications for political parties because Sections 77(5)–(7) deal with the submission and use of party membership registers for congresses, conventions and primaries, while Section 84(2) provides for direct primaries or consensus as methods of nominating candidates.

Reacting to the development, Rivers State Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, Ben Ogbogbulam urged INEC to carefully study the judgment and ensure that its implementation is consistent with the decision of the Supreme Court.

Ogbogbulam said the judgment did not adversely affect the Zenith Labour Party, despite the fact that the party was the appellant in the legal dispute that produced the judgment.

He explained that although ZLP had challenged some provisions of INEC’s regulations and the Electoral Act, the party complied with the relevant requirements while awaiting the final determination of the courts.

According to him, the conclusion of the case should now provide a clear legal direction for INEC and political parties as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.

His position comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s finding that the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act are not inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.

Similarly, the Democratic Leadership Alliance Party (ALDRAP) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Ezekiel Warigbani, called on INEC to implement the Supreme Court judgment wherever its provisions apply to political parties and candidates.

Warigbani said the ruling did not disturb his own candidacy, but stressed the need for political actors to respect the law and allow the electoral process to operate within its statutory framework.

He also cautioned candidates against depending excessively on political godfathers or compromising the electoral process, urging politicians to focus on securing their mandates through lawful and transparent procedures.

His comments come amid renewed debate over the possible implications of the Supreme Court judgment for candidates whose nominations, party membership or primary elections could be subjected to scrutiny under the restored provisions.

Under Section 77(5), only members whose names appear on a political party’s membership register submitted to INEC within the stipulated period can participate in the party’s primary, congress or convention.

Section 77(6) requires parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for those exercises, while Section 77(7) provides consequences where a party fails to submit the required register.

Section 84(2), meanwhile, provides that political parties shall nominate candidates through direct primaries or consensus.

The restoration of the provisions has already triggered renewed legal and political discussions over the validity of some nomination processes conducted before the Supreme Court’s judgment.

However, legal analysis has stressed that the judgment itself does not automatically disqualify any named candidate. Questions surrounding an individual candidate’s nomination would depend on the specific facts, including the party’s membership register, the nomination process followed and compliance with applicable statutory and party requirements.

The judgment is expected to have particular significance in Rivers State, where political parties have already commenced preparations for the 2027 governorship and legislative elections.

Some candidates and political groups have begun examining whether the restored provisions have implications for particular nominations, while others have maintained that their candidates complied with the law.

For INEC, the immediate challenge is to translate the Supreme Court’s decision into clear administrative implementation while ensuring that all political parties are treated in accordance with the same statutory requirements.

The commission had previously indicated that it would study the Supreme Court’s certified judgment before determining how to implement the decision.

As political parties in Rivers State await further clarification from INEC, the latest development has effectively placed party membership registers, primary elections and candidate nomination procedures under renewed legal scrutiny ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Supreme Court’s decision therefore marks a significant development in the unfolding electoral process, with political parties and candidates now expected to align their activities with the provisions of the Electoral Act as restored by the nation’s highest court.

9News Nigeria

A tragic incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions in Ughelli, Delta State, following the death of a six-year-old Primary One pupil of Kogbodi International School during school hours.

The circumstances surrounding the boy’s death have left his family and members of the public demanding urgent answers from the school management, particularly over how the child allegedly left the school premises without being noticed.

According to information gathered, the six-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl were reportedly picked up by the school bus on September 25, 2026, to attend Kogbodi International School, which they had been attending.

However, tragedy reportedly struck later that day when the boy was said to have left the school premises during school hours without the knowledge of the school authorities.

The child was subsequently reportedly found dead around the frontage of Union Bank in Ughelli, with allegations that he had been hit by a moving trailer.

The circumstances leading from the child being inside the school to his alleged presence on the road remain unclear, raising questions about the school’s supervision and child-safety procedures.

The development has reportedly left the family devastated, with relatives questioning how a six-year-old child could leave the school during academic hours without the school management immediately noticing his absence.

Speaking with one of the family members who identified himself as the deceased boy’s uncle, he expressed deep anger and frustration over the incident.

According to him, the family had entrusted the child’s safety and education to the school and expected the institution to exercise the necessary level of care and supervision.

He questioned how a child as young as six could allegedly leave the school unnoticed and only be discovered after a fatal road incident.

The incident has also generated reactions from members of the public, with growing calls for the circumstances surrounding the child’s death to be properly established.

Questions being raised include how the boy allegedly left the school premises, whether school authorities were aware of his absence, how long he was missing before the discovery of his death, and what measures were in place to prevent pupils from leaving the school unattended.

The family and concerned members of the public are particularly seeking clarification on the school’s account of events, as several aspects of the incident remain unclear.

The circumstances surrounding the death have heightened calls for a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities to establish exactly what happened to the child and determine whether there was any failure in the school’s supervision or child-protection procedures.

As of the time of filing this report, the specific circumstances under which the boy allegedly left the school and the full sequence of events leading to his death had not been independently established.

Kogbodi International School management has also not, in the information available for this report, provided a detailed public account addressing the questions being raised by the bereaved family.

The family is therefore calling on the school management and relevant authorities to provide clear answers and establish the circumstances that led to the death of the six-year-old pupil.

The death of a child under such circumstances has left one central question demanding an answer: how did a six-year-old pupil leave the school during school hours without being noticed?*

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has approved another extension of the implementation period for the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, moving the deadline from September 30 to December 31, 2026.

The bill was passed on Tuesday after senators considered and approved its clauses during plenary.

The amendment was sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), through SB. 1067.

Bamidele argued that the extension was necessary because the implementation of several capital projects under the 2025 budget had not reached optimal levels.

He said the extension would give Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) additional time to complete ongoing projects and utilise funds already released for them.

The latest decision means the 2025 capital budget will remain operational for another three months, ending December 31, 2026.

The extension follows previous adjustments to the lifespan of the 2025 capital budget.

The original deadline was December 31, 2025, but the National Assembly subsequently extended it to March 31, 2026, then to June 30, and later to September 30, 2026.

In June, lawmakers said delays in project execution, procurement bottlenecks and administrative challenges had slowed the utilisation of appropriated funds.

The National Assembly had also warned that allowing the budget to expire could result in the abandonment of ongoing projects and the wastage of funds already committed to them.

The latest extension, however, applies specifically to the capital component of the 2025 budget, rather than the entire appropriation.

The Senate’s action is now part of a broader effort to allow government agencies to complete projects and settle outstanding obligations associated with the 2025 capital budget.

The move also highlights the continuing challenge of aligning Nigeria’s budget implementation with the country’s intended January-to-December fiscal cycle. Previous extensions had already attracted attention because they allowed elements of the 2025 budget to remain active well into 2026.

The House of Representatives had earlier concurred with the September extension in June, after passing its own amendment bill.

The latest Senate action therefore provides another window for the Federal Government and its agencies to complete outstanding capital projects funded under the 2025 Appropriation Act.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria is again facing a heated debate over whether the Federal Government should restore petrol subsidy as rising fuel prices continue to put pressure on households, businesses and transportation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ended the petrol subsidy regime on May 29, 2023, triggering a sharp increase in pump prices and higher costs across the economy.

More than three years later, petrol prices have climbed substantially, with reports putting pump prices around ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja and up to ₦1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria.

Supporters of subsidy argue that cheaper petrol would reduce transportation and distribution costs, helping to ease pressure on food prices and household expenses.

They point out that petrol remains central to Nigeria’s economy, powering vehicles, generators, commercial transport and many small businesses.

Opponents, however, say a universal subsidy is an expensive way of supporting Nigerians because wealthy motorists also benefit, while government resources are diverted from infrastructure and targeted social programmes.

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund have both acknowledged that subsidy removal has contributed to fiscal and macroeconomic improvements, while also recognising the severe cost-of-living pressures faced by Nigerians.

The IMF has noted that poverty and food insecurity remain serious concerns, underscoring the need for stronger social protection alongside economic reforms.

The debate has also been complicated by the emergence of the Dangote Refinery. Although domestic refining reduces dependence on imported refined petroleum products, petrol prices remain influenced by crude-oil costs, logistics, financing and other market factors.

The Federal Government has promoted Compressed Natural Gas as another alternative, arguing that greater use of CNG could reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petrol and eventually lower transportation costs.

However, experts and stakeholders say the transition requires adequate gas supply, conversion centres, filling infrastructure and affordable conversion kits.

A possible compromise is a targeted subsidy or relief programme focused on vulnerable households, farmers, public transport operators and other critical sectors rather than subsidising every litre purchased nationwide.

Such a system, however, would require transparent beneficiary identification, effective monitoring and strong safeguards against fraud and political interference.

At the centre of the controversy is the question of what Nigerians receive in return for subsidy savings.

If the government maintains subsidy removal, citizens will expect greater investment in roads, public transportation, healthcare, education, energy and social protection.

If subsidy is restored, the government would have to explain how it would finance the programme without worsening fiscal pressures or reducing funds available for other development priorities.

Nigeria’s experience suggests that neither cheap petrol alone nor subsidy removal alone can resolve the country’s wider economic problems.

The broader policy challenge is how to use Nigeria’s oil and gas resources to provide affordable energy, protect vulnerable citizens, strengthen public finances and gradually build an economy that is less dependent on petrol.

9News Nigeria

The Anambra State Government has commenced moves to prosecute individuals who deny women and girls their legal right to inherit property based on their gender.

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, disclosed this in a letter addressed to the Nigeria Police Force, directing the police to investigate complaints involving gender-based disinheritance and forward the case files to his office for prosecution.

According to the letter, the practice of denying women and girls inheritance solely because they are female constitutes a criminal offence under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 of Anambra State, with offenders liable to imprisonment.

The Attorney-General directed the police to ensure that all reported cases are thoroughly investigated, while designating the Ministry’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit to prosecute offenders.

The move is aimed at strengthening enforcement against discriminatory customary practices that prevent women from inheriting family property.

The development comes against the backdrop of Supreme Court decisions which have declared discriminatory customs and practices excluding women from inheriting property unconstitutional.

Despite these judicial pronouncements, concerns remain over the continued application of such practices in some communities.

The Anambra Government’s directive therefore signals a renewed focus on investigating and prosecuting persons who allegedly violate women’s inheritance rights under state law.

9News Nigeria

The 2027 National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ikwerre Constituency in Rivers State, Hon. Providence Chima, has announced plans to support residents affected by the ongoing flooding across parts of the state.

The gesture comes amid heavy rainfall that has caused flooding in several communities, leaving families displaced and disrupting normal activities in affected areas.

Concerned about the hardship being experienced by residents within the Ikwerre axis, Hon. Chima said he has taken the situation as a matter of responsibility and is prepared to provide immediate relief to those whose homes have been affected by the flood.

As part of the intervention, the NDC candidate is offering one week of relief accommodation to residents displaced by the flooding within the Ikwerre area, providing temporary shelter while affected families navigate the difficult situation.

The initiative is expected to provide immediate assistance to families who may have been forced to leave their homes because of rising floodwaters and the risks associated with remaining in affected communities.

According to Hon. Chima, the welfare and safety of the people remain central to his commitment to the constituency, particularly during emergencies when vulnerable families require support.

The intervention also underscores the need for community leaders, government authorities, organisations and individuals to respond promptly to the humanitarian challenges posed by flooding, especially as continued rainfall could worsen the situation in some areas.

Residents affected by the flooding within the Ikwerre axis who require temporary accommodation support are expected to benefit from the one-week relief initiative.

Hon. Chima’s gesture further highlights his stated commitment to placing the welfare, comfort and security of constituents at the centre of his public service agenda.

With flooding continuing to pose challenges to communities across Rivers State, stakeholders have continued to call for stronger preventive measures, drainage improvement, emergency response and support for displaced residents.

For the affected families in Ikwerre, the temporary accommodation initiative is expected to offer some relief at a time when many are dealing with the loss of access to their homes and the disruption of their livelihoods.

9News Nigeria

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo said his efforts to confront insecurity, cultism, and other social vices in the state are rooted in experiences dating back to his teenage years.

The governor, while speaking on his administration’s approach to tackling insecurity and cult-related activities, recalled that he began confronting what he described as spiritual manifestations and casting out demons when he was about 17 or 18 years old.

According to Okpebholo, the fight against insecurity and cultism is not a new challenge to him, stressing that he has been involved in efforts to confront such issues long before assuming political office.

“I started casting out demons at 17, 18,” the governor said while reflecting on his long-standing engagement with issues involving spiritual and social challenges.

Okpebholo linked his current efforts to restore security and order in Edo State to his broader determination to confront activities capathat threaten safety and well-being of residents.

The governor has continued to identify insecurity, cultism and criminal activities as major concerns requiring firm and coordinated action by the government and security agencies.

He maintained that addressing insecurity requires more than political statements, but sustained efforts to protect communities, strengthen security measures and discourage young people from becoming involved in criminal and cult-related activities.

His comments come amid ongoing concerns over cultism and violent crime in parts of Edo State, where successive administrations have faced pressure to improve public safety and tackle the activities of criminal groups.

Okpebholo’s remarks also highlighted his view that his administration’s security campaign is part of a broader personal commitment to confronting threats to society, rather than an issue he only became concerned about after entering public office.

The governor said his administration would continue to work towards creating a safer environment for residents while confronting activities that undermine peace and security across the state.

He further emphasised the need for collective efforts involving government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, religious organisations, parents and young people in addressing the root causes of cultism and insecurity.

The Edo State Government has continued to place security among its key priorities, with the governor repeatedly calling for stronger measures to protect residents and maintain law and order.

Okpebholo’s latest remarks therefore place his administration’s campaign against insecurity and cultism within the context of his claimed personal experience of confronting such challenges from an early age.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Kenyan court has ordered parties involved in a land dispute concerning the proposed $16 billion Dangote refinery in Lamu County to maintain the status quo on the disputed property, days before the planned groundbreaking ceremony for the project.

The order was issued by Justice Jane Onyango of the Malindi Environment and Land Court following a suit filed by 133 residents of Chandavai, who claim that their families have occupied, cultivated and developed parts of the land for generations.

The court directed that the existing situation on the disputed parcel, identified as LR No. 13061 in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area, be maintained until the matter is heard between the parties on 14 October, 2026. 

The residents had sought orders stopping the planned groundbreaking and further development of the refinery. 

However, the court did not grant an order expressly cancelling or stopping the September 30 groundbreaking at this stage.

The ruling therefore represents a legal pause over activities on the disputed land rather than a final decision on the refinery project itself. 

Dangote Group said on Tuesday that the court order would not prevent the official groundbreaking ceremony from going ahead, although it could affect some activities at the site. 

According to court filings reported by Kenyan media, the residents say they have used the land for farming and livestock rearing and have built houses, mosques and shrines there. 

They also say some of their relatives are buried on the property.

They allege that government officials and agents of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor entered parts of the land with heavy machinery in August 2024, destroying crops, trees and other property.

The residents further claim that they were subsequently informed that the land had been acquired for infrastructure projects linked to LAPSSET and the expansion of facilities around Manda Bay, including roads, the Kenya Navy Base, and US Camp Simba.

They argue that although many of them do not possess formal title deeds, their longstanding occupation and use of the land give them interests that should be recognised for purposes of compensation and due process.

The petitioners accuse authorities of failing to adequately consult them, conduct proper valuation and provide compensation or resettlement before development activities began.

They also allege that environmental and public-participation requirements were not properly followed.

The proposed refinery is one of the largest planned energy investments in East Africa.

The facility is expected to have a refining capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, which would make it one of Africa’s largest refineries and potentially the largest refinery in East and Central Africa once completed. 

The project is estimated by Kenyan authorities and reports to be worth about $16 billion to $17 billion, with some Kenyan reports putting the investment at roughly Sh2.2 trillion.

It forms part of Kenya’s broader plan to develop Lamu as an energy and logistics hub under the LAPSSET corridor.

President William Ruto has strongly backed the project. 

Ruto recently visited Dangote’s refinery in Lagos and expressed support for the proposed Kenyan investment, while Kenyan authorities have been preparing for the September 30 groundbreaking ceremony. 

The refinery’s development comes with broader questions about how the facility would obtain crude oil.

Reuters reported earlier this month that the proposed refinery faces challenges including securing sufficient crude supplies. 

Kenya currently does not have a domestic refining industry capable of supplying such a large facility, meaning the project would have to rely on crude from Kenya and potentially other African producers. 

Environmental concerns have also surrounded the proposal, with conservation groups and other stakeholders raising questions about the potential impact of a major petroleum facility on Lamu’s coastal ecosystem and communities.

The respondents, including government agencies and Dangote Industries, have been given an opportunity to respond before the October 14 inter partes hearing.

Until then, the court’s status quo order remains in force concerning the disputed parcel.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Federal Government is investing in shared MSME hubs to help small businesses access modern equipment, reliable power and production facilities.

Tinubu on Tuesday, stated this in a message highlighting the impact of the Federal Government’s National MSME Clinics and shared facilities initiative.

According to the President, 21 shared facilities across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory are currently supporting businesses and an estimated 650,000 jobs.

He said the initiative was designed to address one of the major challenges facing Nigerian entrepreneurs; limited access to the tools and infrastructure required to expand production.

“A tailor should not need millions of naira to buy industrial machinery before she can grow her business. A food processor should not have to build a factory before producing at scale,” Tinubu said.

The President said the shared facilities would enable entrepreneurs to increase production, reduce operating costs and improve their competitiveness.

He noted that many Nigerians possess the ideas, skills and ambition to build successful businesses but are often constrained by inadequate access to equipment and infrastructure.

“Nigerians do not lack ideas, skill or ambition. Too often, they lack access to the tools and infrastructure needed to turn them into successful businesses,” he said.

Tinubu said the government’s responsibility was to remove such barriers and create an environment in which small businesses could expand and create more employment opportunities.

“When small businesses can produce more, at lower cost, they become more competitive. They grow. They employ more people. They create income and opportunity for Nigerian families.

“Giving Nigerian enterprise the tools to succeed is how we build prosperity from the ground up. That is the Nigeria we are building,” Tinubu said.

The President said expanding access to productive infrastructure for Nigerian enterprises was central to the Federal Government’s efforts to build economic growth across communities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week ahead of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the Presidency has said.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what was initially announced as a three-week working vacation, travelling first to London before moving to Paris, France.

His prolonged absence has, however, triggered criticism from opposition figures and some Nigerians, with human rights lawyer Festus Ogun threatening legal action.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday said Tinubu was “hale and hearty” and continued to perform his duties while abroad.

“President Tinubu is hale and hearty. He has been on a working vacation, which he is perfectly entitled to,” Onanuga said in a post on X.

He added that modern technology allowed the President to work without being physically present in Abuja.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu had also held meetings with investors in France during the trip.

He cited agreements signed in Paris on September 24 between the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning the proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Seaport and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.

The Presidency had announced on September 21 that Tinubu extended his vacation by a few days and would return at the weekend.

His continued absence, however, has raised questions, particularly over his decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UNGA.

Onanuga defended the decision, saying Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and delegated the Vice President to represent him.

He also noted that other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were absent from the UNGA.

Onanuga criticised former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi for questioning Tinubu’s whereabouts.

He said the President would return to Nigeria to participate in Independence Anniversary activities, including the Lagos premiere of a movie commemorating the late MKO Abiola.

The controversy has also centred on Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with a President’s temporary absence from office.

The provision states that a President proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to perform his functions should transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

It further provides for the Vice President to discharge presidential functions as Acting President until another written declaration is transmitted confirming the President’s resumption of duties.

Ogun said he would approach the Federal High Court in Lagos over what he described as a constitutional breach.

“First thing tomorrow morning, we will file a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos to challenge this constitutional breach,” he said.

The Presidency, however, maintains that Tinubu has remained in charge of government throughout his stay abroad.

It said the President has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs remotely.

The development has continued to generate debate among Nigerians, with some questioning the length of the President’s absence and others focusing on the constitutional procedure governing presidential vacations.

The Presidency has now reiterated that Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria before October 1 for the Independence Anniversary celebrations.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The emerging political alliance being associated with former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s increasingly fluid party politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The phenomenon, described as “Wikeism,” is not a formal political ideology. Rather, it refers to a political style built around negotiation, personal networks, strategic alliances, confrontation and the ability to operate across party boundaries.

The concept has become increasingly associated with the proposed Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political arrangement that Wike has presented primarily as a platform for mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Wike’s political strategy challenges the traditional assumption that politicians must support the same party’s candidates at every level of an election.

Under the model, a politician could retain membership of one political party while supporting another party’s presidential candidate, while continuing to back candidates of their own party in governorship and legislative contests.

The roots of the strategy can be traced to the G5 governors’ revolt within the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

After losing the PDP presidential primary to Atiku Abubakar, Wike became the leading figure among five governors who opposed aspects of the party’s presidential campaign strategy.

The group demanded greater internal balance within the PDP and objected to the continued leadership of Iyorchia Ayu while Atiku, a northerner, was the party’s presidential candidate.

Although Wike remained a PDP member, he did not support the party’s presidential candidate and instead backed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, who eventually won the 2023 presidential election.

The Rainbow Coalition represents a broader version of that political strategy.

Unlike the G5, which operated largely as an internal rebellion within the PDP, the Rainbow Coalition seeks to bring politicians from different political parties together around a common presidential objective.

The arrangement raises questions about the traditional relationship between party loyalty and electoral support in Nigeria.

Supporters of the concept can point to political flexibility and cross-party cooperation as potential advantages. Such arrangements could create channels for negotiation among politicians who would otherwise remain on opposing sides.

But the strategy also presents institutional challenges.

Critics have questioned what happens to party discipline when politicians belong to one party while openly supporting another party’s presidential candidate.

Some APC governors have also expressed concerns about parallel political structures and their possible effect on the party’s candidates and organisational machinery.

Another major issue is the personalisation of political influence.

Wike’s political strength has been closely associated with his personal networks and relationships across different political circles. While such networks can provide political leverage, they can also raise questions about whether the structures being created can survive beyond the individual who built them.

The emerging political arrangement therefore goes beyond a disagreement between individual politicians.

At its core is a broader question about Nigerian democracy: Who should control electoral mobilisation—the formal political party or influential political actors and their networks?

Wike’s political trajectory has demonstrated the ability of an individual politician to maintain significant influence beyond formal party structures.

His tenure as Rivers State governor, leadership of the G5 and subsequent appointment as FCT Minister under a federal government controlled by another political party have reinforced his unusual position within Nigeria’s political landscape.

The Rainbow Coalition now represents another test of that influence.

Its central proposition is that politicians can cooperate across party lines on the presidential election while maintaining their separate political identities and contesting other electoral positions independently.

Whether that model strengthens political cooperation or creates deeper divisions within Nigeria’s party system remains a question for the 2027 electoral cycle.

The larger significance of Wikeism may ultimately depend on whether it remains a personality-driven political network or develops into a broader model of coalition-building, political bargaining and cross-party cooperation.

For now, the Rainbow Coalition has become one of the more significant experiments in Nigeria’s evolving pre-2027 political landscape, bringing the relationship between power, party loyalty, personality and political alliances into sharper focus.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Labour Party governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Akparawa Michael Bush, has outlined a series of campaign promises covering employment, education, healthcare, housing, pensions, infrastructure, electricity and support for professional and informal-sector groups ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Bush, who emerged as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate after its May 30, 2026 primary, has said his proposed administration would operate under the theme “Akwa Ibom For All… The People First.” Premium Times also reported his emergence as the party’s candidate.

One of his latest pledges is massive recruitment into the education sector, covering government-owned primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions.

Bush said the proposed recruitment would also extend to the health sector, with plans to employ nurses, doctors and other healthcare personnel, alongside additional workers in the core civil service.

According to him, the objective is to address unemployment among graduates while tackling manpower shortages in public institutions.

He argued that understaffing in schools has created situations where individual teachers are required to handle several unrelated subjects, saying his administration would recruit and train additional personnel.

Bush also said newly employed workers would undergo training to improve their skills and effectiveness in public service.

He further stated that recruitment would not be based on personal connections or a system in which applicants need influential individuals to secure government jobs.

Pension and gratuity

The Labour candidate has separately promised to clear outstanding pension and gratuity arrears owed to retired public and civil servants within his first 100 days in office, if elected.

He has also pledged that, after existing arrears are cleared, retiring workers would receive their pension and gratuity without the prolonged delays experienced by some retirees.

In another presentation of the policy, Bush said retirees should receive their entitlements on the exact day of retirement. The pledge was reported by multiple outlets in September.

31,000 low-cost houses

Housing is another major component of Bush’s campaign proposals.

He has promised to construct 1,000 low-cost housing units in each of Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas, amounting to 31,000 units across the state.

He said the programme would target affordable accommodation for low-income residents and described shelter as a right rather than a privilege. The housing proposal formed part of an eight-point development agenda he unveiled in September.

Bush has also promised to establish education, employment and relaxation centres for elderly citizens, saying the centres would help keep senior citizens productive and restore dignity to retirees.

Free estates for professional bodies

Bush has also announced a proposal to provide free estates for professional organisations comprising indigenous members of various professional associations in Akwa Ibom.

Among the groups he has mentioned are the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Academic Staff Union of Universities, medical and nursing associations, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, accountants and other professional bodies.

He has further promised subventions and logistics support for professional organisations throughout his proposed administration.

Free education and internet access

Bush has said his proposed administration would make education free at all levels.

He has also promised to provide free Wi-Fi access in all public tertiary institutions for four years.

The proposal is part of his wider education and manpower agenda, which he says would combine access to education with improved staffing and training.

24-hour electricity

The Labour candidate has also promised to pursue 24-hour electricity supply across Akwa Ibom.

He said he would consult relevant stakeholders on bringing an additional power-generating plant to the state as part of efforts to improve electricity availability.

Support for traders and artisans

Bush has pledged grants for market women, male traders and artisans, including carpenters, tailors, seamstresses and aluminium and glass workers.

He said beneficiaries who properly manage the funds could receive additional capital in subsequent phases of the programme.

He has also proposed tax holidays for informal businesses, including petty traders, artisans and transport operators.

Security and continuity of projects

On security, Bush has proposed greater involvement of village heads, clan heads, traditional rulers and youth leaders in community-based security arrangements.

He has also promised to continue and complete projects inherited from previous administrations rather than abandon them, arguing that doing so would prevent public resources already committed to such projects from being wasted.

The AKWA IBOM agenda

Bush has packaged his development blueprint under the acronym AKWA IBOM, which he says represents:

A — Access

K — Knowledge

W — Wealth

A — Advancement

I — Industrialisation

B — Business

O — Opportunities

M — Manpower

The candidate says the agenda is intended to address jobs, education, housing, economic opportunities, industrialisation, skills development and inclusive governance.

Bush’s emergence as the Labour Party’s candidate was reported by Premium Times in June, while the Akwa Ibom LP leadership has subsequently reaffirmed him as its recognised governorship candidate.

9News Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will study the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on disputed provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 before determining how the decision will be implemented.

INEC’s Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Osilama Ifogah, disclosed this while responding to questions from journalists on the implications of the judgment, amid growing concerns over the status of some political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development follows the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision on Thursday, September 24, 2026, which upheld INEC’s appeal against the July 16 judgment of the Court of Appeal that had nullified key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 dealing with political party membership registers and the nomination of candidates.

The apex court restored Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, holding that the provisions were not inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution. The court also awarded ₦2 million in costs against the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), which had challenged the provisions. ([The Guardian Nigeria][3])

INEC Awaits Certified Judgment

Ifogah said the electoral commission would not rush to draw conclusions from reports and interpretations surrounding the ruling.

According to him, INEC will first obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment, after which the commission will convene to examine the court’s pronouncements and determine the appropriate steps for implementation.

The position comes as political parties and some candidates whose nomination processes have become the subject of public discussion continue to insist that the Supreme Court ruling does not automatically affect their candidacies.

The issue has generated considerable attention because the restored provisions impose specific statutory requirements on political parties regarding membership registers and the conduct of primaries.

What the Restored Provisions Mean

Under Section 77(5) only party members whose names appear in the membership register submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary, congress or convention are eligible to participate in the exercise.

Section 77(6)*requires political parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, congresses and conventions.

Meanwhile, Section 77(7) provides that a political party that fails to submit its membership register within the prescribed period cannot field a candidate for an election.

Also, Section 84(2) provides for direct primaries or consensus as methods through which political parties may nominate candidates for elective positions.

These provisions had been challenged by the Zenith Labour Party on the grounds that they amounted to unconstitutional interference in the internal affairs of political parties and conflicted with relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, had earlier dismissed the challenge. The Court of Appeal subsequently allowed the appeal in part and voided the disputed provisions in its July 16 judgment, prompting INEC to approach the Supreme Court.

Candidates Seek Clarification

The Supreme Court’s ruling has since triggered questions over candidates whose membership, defection or nomination processes could potentially be examined against the restored provisions.

However, legal experts cited in reports on the ruling have stressed that the judgment itself did not specifically disqualify individual candidates.

One legal interpretation is that the Supreme Court determined the constitutional validity of the disputed sections but did not make factual findings concerning whether particular candidates were properly registered, whether their names appeared on the relevant party register, or whether individual primaries complied with the statutory requirements.

Several political parties have also said they are awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before making definitive statements about its implications.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Labour Party have maintained that their nomination and membership-registration processes complied with applicable electoral requirements, while indicating that the full judgment would provide greater clarity.

Implications for 2027 Elections

The ruling places renewed attention on the procedures political parties follow in compiling membership registers, submitting them to INEC and conducting primaries.

Particular scrutiny could arise in cases involving recent defections, substitutions and candidates who joined new political parties shortly before nomination exercises. However, whether any individual candidate is affected would depend on the specific facts of the nomination process and any legal challenge brought before a competent court.

For now, INEC’s position is that it must first obtain and examine the Supreme Court’s Certified True Copy before determining the practical steps required to give effect to the judgment.

The commission’s review is therefore expected to provide further clarification to political parties, aspirants and candidates as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections

9News Nigeria

The face of Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, has surfaced amid growing controversy surrounding the death of a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, following an alleged assault at the commissioner’s office in Asaba.

According to reports emerging from Asaba, the incident occurred at the Delta State Secretariat after a confrontation involving Adeda and officials connected to the Ministry of Secondary Education. Reports alleged that the deceased was physically assaulted and subsequently found in a critical condition before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.

However, the allegation that Commissioner Ashibogwu personally ordered the assault has not been independently established, and it remains a matter for investigation.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that it has commenced a homicide investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said three aides to the commissioner were named in the complaint relating to the incident.

The police identified the three persons as Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine and Lucky Adoh with Lucky Adoh reportedly arrested while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the other two. The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Section to investigate the case.

The development has triggered strong reactions among workers and organised labour in Delta State.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council* subsequently declared an *indefinite strike, with Chairman Goodluck Oforbruku announcing the action while addressing protesting civil servants at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba. Workers had earlier shut down the secretariat in protest over the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.

The incident has consequently generated demands for transparency, accountability and a thorough investigation into what transpired inside the ministry.

Dr. Ashibogwu is the serving Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, according to the ministry’s official management page. He assumed responsibility for secondary education in January 2026 after previously serving as Commissioner for Primary Education.

As investigations continue, attention is now focused on establishing the sequence of events that preceded Adeda’s death, the precise roles allegedly played by those named in the complaint, and whether any further individuals will be implicated.

The photograph above shows Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, whose name has become central to the controversy following the death of the Deputy Director. The allegations against him remain allegations and have not been established by a court.*

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the President.

Gbajabiamila, who spoke on his longstanding political relationship with the President, described loyalty as a key currency in politics and said he had remained steadfast throughout their years of political association.

“In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most.

“I have been with President Tinubu for many years, and there have been times when his political decisions did not favour my wishes.

“I did not question his leadership and never betrayed his trust in me. I stayed loyal then and I remain loyal now.” Gbajabiamila said.

Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has remained one of the key figures in Tinubu’s administration since the President assumed office in May 2023.

Gbajabiamila served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023 before his appointment as Chief of Staff by President Tinubu.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Imo State Government has attributed the postponement of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, to ongoing court proceedings.

The State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, disclosed this on Friday, explaining that some opposition political parties had approached the court seeking to stop the election.

According to Emelumba, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) instituted separate legal actions against the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), raising various grounds in their bid to halt the election.

He said the substantive suits had been adjourned until October 30, 2026, for hearing.

The Commissioner said the state government considered it inappropriate to proceed with the election while the legal challenges remained pending before the courts.

“No law-abiding government will proceed with such an election when two political parties are in court against its conduct,” Emelumba said.

He added that the government was hopeful that the judicial proceedings would be resolved expeditiously, after which a new date for the local government elections would be announced.

9News Nigeria

The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared an indefinite strike across the state following the reported death of Mr Unity Adedah, a Deputy Director in the State Ministry of Secondary Education.

The NLC Chairman in Delta State, Dr Goodluck Oforbruku, announced the decision on Friday, September 25, 2026, while addressing protesting civil servants at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba.

The development followed protests by workers over the circumstances surrounding Adedah’s death. Reports indicate that workers shut down the state secretariat as they demanded answers and accountability for the incident.

According to allegations made by workers and reported by multiple media outlets, Adedah was allegedly tied up and severely beaten by individuals said to be acting on the orders of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu.

However, the allegation that the commissioner ordered the assault has not been independently established, and no official finding of responsibility has been reported. Some reports also indicate that the commissioner has denied ordering anyone to attack the deceased.

The NLC’s indefinite industrial action is expected to affect government activities and public services across Delta State, as organised labour demands clarification of the circumstances surrounding Adedah’s death and accountability for anyone found culpable.

The situation has generated tension among civil servants, with workers calling for a transparent investigation into the events that preceded the deputy director’s death.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, visited the protesting workers and appealed for calm, with the state government indicating that the circumstances surrounding the death would be investigated.

The incident remains under scrutiny as workers await further action from the state government and relevant authorities. The outcome of any investigation is expected to establish what transpired and determine responsibility based on verified evidence.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Chinedum Anayo | 9News Nigeria Politics 

The Supreme Court’s latest interpretation of the Electoral Act 2026 has ignited questions over the eligibility of some politicians preparing to contest the 2027 general elections.

Such new developments borders particularly around those who recently changed political parties or were involved in multiple nomination processes.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday, September 24, 2026, restored key provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with political-party membership registers and participation in party primaries.

The decision overturned an earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal which had invalidated the provisions.

One of the major issues arising from the judgment concerns the requirement for political parties to maintain and submit membership registers in accordance with the relevant law. 

The provisions also have implications for politicians seeking party tickets where their membership status does not meet the statutory requirements.

In practical terms, the membership records of candidates could become important in determining whether they were eligible to participate in their party’s nomination process.

The issue is particularly significant for politicians who recently defected from one political party to another. 

The fact that a politician announced a defection or joined another party does not, on its own, establish whether the person satisfied all the legal requirements to participate in that party’s primary.

The relevant membership register, the date it was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, as well as the candidate’s participation in the nomination process could become critical if the nomination is challenged.

The ruling also has implications for politicians who participated in more than one party primary for the same election. 

The restored provisions impose restrictions on such multiple participation, meaning that a candidate who actually took part in more than one party’s primary could face an eligibility challenge.

However, participation in a primary should not be confused with merely joining or leaving a political party. 

Whether an individual participated in more than one primary would depend on the facts and documentary evidence in each case.

The judgment therefore does not mean that every politician who has defected, joined a new party after a particular date or faced questions over their nomination has automatically been disqualified.

Instead, the effect of the ruling will depend on whether the individual candidate complied with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and whether any alleged breach is established through the appropriate legal process.

The development also follows ongoing litigation involving some of the 2027 aspirants.

In Gombe State, for instance, a Federal High Court recently nullified the Peoples Democratic Party governorship primary that produced Professor Isa Ali Pantami and ordered a fresh primary. 

The PDP subsequently announced a new primary process.

That case is separate from the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Electoral Act and should not automatically be attributed to the Supreme Court judgment.

Significantly, for voters, political parties and prospective candidates, the latest ruling means that questions surrounding party membership, membership registers and primary participation could become increasingly important as the 2027 elections approach.

Ultimately, a candidate’s party membership records, primary-election documents, INEC filings and any relevant court orders would have to be examined individually before a conclusion can be reached.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President William Ruto has said Kenya will construct a refinery in Lamu that will be larger than the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

Ruto disclosed this after touring the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos State, at the invitation of Dangote Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote.

The Kenyan President said the visit came ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote East African Refinery in Lamu, scheduled to take place in Kenya next week.

According to Ruto, the Dangote Refinery has a crude oil refining capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and produces more than 100 million litres of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel daily.

He also highlighted the infrastructure supporting the Nigerian refinery, noting that Dangote Group had constructed about 120 kilometers of subsea pipelines to transport crude oil from ships to the refinery.

Ruto described the project as evidence of what African governments, investors and financial institutions can achieve through collaboration.

The Kenyan president said the planned refinery in Lamu would have a significant impact on Kenya and the wider East African region by improving fuel reliability and security.

“The refinery whose construction we launch in Kenya next week will be bigger,” Ruto said.

According to the President, the project is expected to create about 60,000 jobs when completed, while its operations could stimulate the emergence of several downstream industries.

He listed fertiliser, chemicals and packaging production among the industries expected to develop around the refinery.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Written by: Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong

For millions of Nigerian families, September school resumption has traditionally been a season of excitement.

Children return to the classroom with new uniforms, school bags, books and shoes, while parents prepare to meet the demands of another academic session.

But in 2026, the excitement has been accompanied by growing financial anxiety.

As schools reopen for the 2026/2027 academic session, parents are having to deal with increased school fees alongside rising costs of food, transportation, fuel, electricity, rent and other household necessities.

The pressure is particularly significant because school resumption brings several expenses at the same time.

It is not simply tuition.

Parents have to pay school fees, buy textbooks and exercise books, uniforms, shoes, bags and other materials, while also providing money for transportation, feeding, school activities and, in some cases, accommodation.

Recent reports indicate that many private schools have increased their fees for the new academic session.

A September survey by Vanguard found that fees in several private schools had risen by between 30 and 40 per cent, with examples in Lagos showing tuition increasing from ₦86,000 to ₦124,000 per term in one school and from ₦250,000 to ₦320,000 in another.

The increase is not limited to tuition.

A separate report found that prices of textbooks for core subjects had risen by about 25 to 30 per cent in some markets.

This means that a family which managed to pay school fees last session may still struggle to meet the total cost of returning a child to school this year.

The latest inflation figures underline the wider economic environment in which families are making these payments.

The National Bureau of Statistics reported headline inflation of 15.39 per cent in August 2026, while food inflation stood at 19.57 per cent.

More significantly for parents, education costs have been rising faster than the general inflation rate.

Analysis of NBS data showed that education-services inflation accelerated to 10.72 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, up from 7.51 per cent in July.

That increase came just as families were preparing for the new academic year.

THE FUEL AND TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM

Transportation has become another major part of the school-resumption burden.

The recent rise in petrol prices has increased the cost of taking children to and from school, while school operators are also facing higher costs for running school buses.

Recent reports indicated that some school owners were considering reducing or discontinuing school-bus services because of rising fuel costs.

Some parents are therefore turning to tricycles, motorcycles, private transporters or neighbourhood arrangements to reduce the cost of daily school runs.

The renewed pressure on fuel prices has come at a particularly difficult time.

Reuters reported in September that petrol prices had reached about ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja, with prices reaching about ₦1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria. Diesel prices had also risen above ₦2,000 per litre.

For parents who drive their children to school every day, the transportation bill can therefore become a substantial monthly expense.

SCHOOL FEES ARE ONLY PART OF THE STORY

For many households, the bigger problem is the cumulative cost.

A parent may pay tuition in one transaction, then discover that textbooks, uniforms, transportation, meals, examination fees, school activities and other charges require additional payments.

The result is that school resumption can consume a significant portion of household income within a relatively short period.

A recent BusinessDay survey of 140 parents found that 85.7 per cent of respondents reported tuition increases for the new academic term. The report also said some schools were offering staggered payment plans, while others maintained strict payment requirements.

For families with two, three or four school-age children, the financial burden can multiply quickly.

HOW ARE PARENTS COPING?

Parents are responding in different ways.

Some are spreading payments over several weeks or negotiating instalment arrangements with schools.

Others are borrowing money, cutting household expenditure or postponing other purchases.

Some families are moving their children from relatively expensive private schools to cheaper schools.

Others are keeping children in the same schools but buying fewer new items, reusing uniforms and school bags or purchasing second-hand materials where possible.

Some parents are also reducing transportation costs by arranging joint school runs with neighbours or using local transport operators.

These coping strategies, however, have limits.

A family already struggling to buy food cannot indefinitely redirect more of its income towards education.

THE HIDDEN ECONOMIC COST

The economic effect of school resumption is therefore not limited to the amount paid to schools.

Every additional naira spent on education has an opportunity cost for households.

Money used for school fees, books and transportation may mean less money available for food, healthcare, rent, electricity, savings, debt repayment or small-business investment.

This is particularly important at a time when food prices remain a major source of household pressure.

NBS data show that food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the largest contributor to headline inflation in August 2026.

For a low-income household, the choice may therefore become a difficult one: pay a school bill immediately or use the same money to meet another urgent household need.

THE BURDEN ON SCHOOL OWNERS

School proprietors are also facing their own economic pressures.

Private schools have to pay teachers and other employees, maintain buildings, purchase equipment, pay rent and electricity bills, provide security and transportation and cope with higher prices for fuel and other inputs.

Private-school proprietors have consequently defended fee increases as necessary to keep their institutions operating and retain teachers.

This creates a difficult economic chain.

When the cost of running a school rises, the school increases fees.

When fees rise, parents face additional financial pressure.

When parents struggle to pay, schools may experience delayed payments and cash-flow problems.

The result is pressure on both sides of the education system.

SCHOOL RESUMPTION ALSO CREATES BUSINESS

There is, however, another side to the economic story.

School resumption generates significant seasonal business activity.

Tailors receive orders for uniforms.
Booksellers sell textbooks and exercise books.

Shoe and bag dealers experience increased demand.

Transport operators gain additional passengers.

Food vendors and shops around schools also benefit from the return of pupils and students.

In communities across Nigeria, school resumption therefore creates temporary economic opportunities for thousands of small businesses.

Reports from Lagos, for example, have documented increased activity among traders selling school shoes, stockings, bags and other educational materials as families prepare for resumption.

But higher sales do not necessarily mean higher profits.

Many of these businesses are themselves paying more for fuel, transportation, rent, wholesale goods and other operating costs.

THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL RISK

The most serious consequence of rising education costs could be felt by children whose parents are unable to continue paying.

Nigeria already has a major education-access challenge.

UNICEF says about 10.5 million Nigerian children aged five to 14 are out of school, while economic barriers are among the factors contributing to educational exclusion.

A September 2026 UNICEF report also highlighted chronic underfunding of basic education, noting that government education expenditure as a share of total government spending fell from 9.3 per cent in 2015 to 3.6 per cent in 2023.

This makes the financial capacity of households increasingly important.

When families cannot afford school-related costs, children may miss classes, change schools or eventually leave education altogether.

The longer such interruptions continue, the greater the risk of learning loss and further educational inequality.

WHAT THE DATA SAY ABOUT SCHOOL EXPENDITURE

Nigeria’s household education expenditure data also show that the cost of education goes far beyond tuition.

The NBS General Household Survey records spending categories including tuition and other fees, textbooks and teaching materials, ancillary fees, school meals and transport, uniforms and school clothing, tutoring and other education-related expenses.

This is important because debates about school affordability can be misleading when they focus only on tuition.

A school may charge a relatively modest fee, yet the total cost of attendance can become much higher after transportation, books, uniforms, meals and other requirements are added.

THE PRESSURE ON FAMILY PRIORITIES

For parents, the central question is increasingly becoming how to balance education with survival.

Education remains one of the most important investments a family can make.

But parents cannot spend money they do not have.

For a worker whose income has not risen at the same pace as household expenses, a 30 per cent increase in school fees can represent a major reduction in disposable income.

For a family with several children, the effect is multiplied.

And for informal-sector workers whose income varies from day to day, meeting a large school bill at the beginning of a term can be particularly difficult.

THE BIGGER ECONOMIC QUESTION

The 2026 school-resumption experience therefore raises a broader question about the relationship between education and the Nigerian economy.

If education becomes increasingly expensive for households, more families may be pushed towards cheaper alternatives.

If children are unable to remain in school, the country risks deepening its existing education and skills gap.

But if schools are prevented from adjusting fees despite rising operating costs, some institutions may struggle to maintain teachers, facilities and services.

The challenge is therefore not simply about whether school fees should rise or fall.

It is about how Nigeria can make quality education affordable to families while ensuring that schools have the resources required to operate effectively.

BETWEEN EDUCATION AND SURVIVAL

For many parents, school resumption in September 2026 is no longer simply an annual educational routine.

It is an economic event that forces families to reorganise their finances.

Some are borrowing.
Some are negotiating payment plans.

Some are changing schools.
Some are buying used materials.

Some are reducing other household expenses.

And some may simply be unable to meet all the demands.

The excitement of children returning to school remains.

But behind that excitement is a financial reality that millions of Nigerian families cannot ignore.

School resumption has become a reminder of the wider cost-of-living crisis: when the price of educating a child rises at the same time as the cost of feeding, housing and transporting a family, parents are forced to make increasingly difficult economic choices.

For many households, the question is no longer simply, “Can we send our children back to school?”

It is increasingly, “How much of our household income can we sacrifice to keep them there?”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has denied being a member of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s policy team for the 2027 presidential election.

Moghalu said he was surprised to see his name included in a statement issued by the Atiku Abubakar and African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign team.

In a statement, he stressed that he was neither consulted nor asked for consent before his name was published as a member of the policy team.

“For the record, I was not consulted and did not give my consent to my name being published as a member of the ADC candidate’s policy team,” he said.

Moghalu further clarified that he is not a member of Atiku’s policy team, either formally or informally.

He also said he has stayed away from partisan politics in Nigeria since 2022 and has maintained a non-partisan position on national affairs.

“I am not a member or sympathizer of any political party in Nigeria,” he stated.

According to the former CBN deputy governor, his current engagements are focused on public policy and geopolitical strategy.

He identified himself as President of IGETAfrica, a non-partisan public policy think tank and executive education academy, as well as Chief Executive Officer of Sogato Strategies LLC, a geopolitical risk and regulatory strategy advisory firm.

Moghalu said his commitment to Nigeria’s development does not require him to align with any political party.

“I remain committed to my country, Nigeria and its progress, but such commitment does not have to entail ANY partisan alignment,” he said.

“I have adopted the path of statesmanship, not partisanship,” he added.

The clarification comes amid preparations for the 2027 presidential election, in which Atiku is associated with the ADC political coalition.

Moghalu, who contested Nigeria’s 2019 presidential election, served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria between 2009 and 2014.

9News Nigeria

The recent comparison of petrol prices in the United Kingdom and Nigeria by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has continued to generate reactions, with journalist and human-rights advocate Amb. Emmalex David Atseyinku questioning the relevance of using UK pump prices to assess the economic realities confronting Nigerians.

Governor Okpebholo had, while speaking on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, said he recently visited London and deliberately checked the price of petrol at a filling station.

According to the governor, after converting the British price to naira, a litre of petrol cost about ₦3,000-something. compared with the significantly lower pump prices Nigerians currently pay.

“When we complained about the cost of petrol, I was in London last week. I told my friend, let’s go and buy fuel just to know the cost of fuel between Nigeria and England. Let me tell you, after conversion, it’s about ₦3,000-something for one litre of fuel,” Okpebholo said.

He subsequently argued that Nigerians were “doing very well” and defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

However, Atseyinku said the comparison does not, by itself, provide a meaningful picture of fuel affordability because the economic circumstances of motorists in both countries are substantially different.

He argued that the price of a litre of petrol cannot reasonably be assessed in isolation from income levels, purchasing power, transportation costs, taxation, public services and other living expenses.

“Governor Okpebholo may be correct that petrol costs more per litre in the UK when converted into naira, but that is not enough to conclude that Nigerians are therefore enjoying cheaper fuel or a better economic situation,” Atseyinku said.

Current reports put Nigerian petrol prices at roughly ₦1,400 per litre in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja, with some locations recording prices around ₦1,500. Meanwhile, UK fuel-price data show substantially higher nominal prices per litre.

But the journalist maintained that comparing only the pump prices misses the larger economic picture

“People don’t buy fuel with exchange-rate calculations; they buy it with their income. What matters to an ordinary Nigerian is how much of his or her earnings goes into transportation, food, rent, electricity, healthcare and other necessities after buying fuel,” he said.

Atseyinku further argued that Nigeria and the UK operate under different economic structures and social conditions, stressing that a straightforward naira conversion of petrol prices does not adequately measure the standard of living or purchasing power of citizens in either country.

He said the appropriate question should therefore be whether the average Nigerian can comfortably afford petrol relative to his or her income, rather than whether the converted price is lower than that of a litre of petrol in London.

The journalist also questioned the message being sent to Nigerians struggling with rising living costs when they are told that they are “enjoying” it because petrol is nominally cheaper than in another country.

“People are complaining because transportation costs affect virtually every aspect of daily life. When fuel prices rise, the impact goes beyond motorists. It affects transport fares, food distribution, businesses, farmers and household expenses,” Atseyinku stated.

He added that the Federal Government’s economic reforms should be judged not only by nominal prices but also by their impact on household purchasing power and the broader cost of living.

The governor, meanwhile, has maintained that the current economic reforms are difficult but necessary and would eventually produce results. He compared the process to an aircraft taking off, arguing that Nigerians would begin to experience greater benefits once the economy reaches what he described as “cruising level.”

Atseyinku said Nigerians would ultimately judge the reforms by their tangible impact on their daily lives.

“Leadership is about understanding the realities of the people. A governor should listen to the complaints of citizens and explain government policies without dismissing their economic struggles,” he said.

He nevertheless acknowledged that the governor’s reported UK petrol-price figure broadly corresponds with current UK pump prices after currency conversion. The issue, he stressed, is not whether petrol is more expensive per litre in Britain, but whether that single comparison is sufficient to measure economic wellbeing in Nigeria.

The controversy has therefore shifted the conversation from the simple question of “Where is petrol cheaper?” to the broader issue of “Where can the average worker more easily afford the cost of living relative to income?”

For Atseyinku, the latter question provides a more meaningful basis for discussing fuel affordability and living standards than a direct comparison of pump prices between two fundamentally different economies.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has warned that the US cannot afford to allow President Bola Tinubu to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The firm made the claim in a post published on its verified X account on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Von Batten-Montague-York also alleged that there is growing concern across Nigeria’s political divide over corruption under the Tinubu administration.

The firm further alleged that Tinubu appointed a serving minister responsible for the national budget despite an alleged previous connection to the embezzlement of funds from Nigeria’s treasury.

However, the firm did not name the official in its latest post or provide detailed supporting documentation for the allegation.

“The U.S. cannot afford to allow President #Tinubu to rig the upcoming Nigerian election,” the firm stated.

It also claimed that what it described as lawlessness within the Nigerian government could put the country on a path similar to Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The firm argued that credible elections in Nigeria are important not only to Nigerians but also to US interests in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

“Free and fair elections in Nigeria are essential to protecting U.S. interests in Nigeria and the broader region,” it said.

Von Batten-Montague-York has previously made allegations concerning Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process, including claims involving state institutions. Those claims have not been independently established in the firm’s statements.

The latest intervention comes as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with electoral credibility and the independence of institutions expected to remain major issues.

The statement represents the position of the US-based private lobbying firm and does not establish that the US government has adopted its allegations or announced any plan to intervene in Nigeria’s election.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Vice President Kashim Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shettima is scheduled to speak as the fourth speaker in the afternoon session of the General Debate on Thursday, 24 September with his address expected between 4:00pm and 4:30pm New York time, corresponding to 9:00pm to 9:30pm Nigerian time.

The afternoon sitting is scheduled to begin at 3:00pm New York time and run until 9:00pm.

Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed him to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly. 

His appearance will mark the third consecutive year he has delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate on behalf of the President.

He represented Tinubu at the 79th General Assembly in 2024 and again delivered Nigeria’s statement at the 80th session in 2025. 

Tinubu personally addressed the 78th session in 2023.

According to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Shettima’s address is expected to set out Nigeria’s position on major international issues, as well as the administration’s priorities on reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action and the pursuit of a more equitable global economic order. 

The 81st General Debate is being held from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” 

The annual debate brings together representatives of the UN’s 193 member states to present their countries’ priorities and positions on issues of international concern.

Nigeria’s delegation includes senior government officials and state governors, among them Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. 

The delegation also includes Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Political-Economic Reflection on Identity, Development, the ARISE Agenda and the Road to Shared Prosperity

By Dr. David Okon William

There are names that merely identify places, and there are names that seem to carry within them an entire philosophy of existence. Akwa Ibom belongs, in the deepest cultural imagination of its people, to the latter category.

As the State celebrates 39 years of political existence, it is appropriate to look beyond the ceremonies, anniversaries and statistics and ask a more fundamental question: What does Akwa Ibom mean, what has it become, and what ought it yet to become?

Akwa Ibom State was created on 23 September 1987 from the former Cross River State. Yet the creation of the State did not create its people, its history, its culture or its collective consciousness. Those predated the political map. Statehood merely gave institutional expression to an identity whose roots run much deeper.

Every territory has a name, but not every name carries a philosophy.

For the people of Akwa Ibom, Ibom can be understood in ordinary usage in relation to greatness of size—the greatest or largest among objects being compared. But this does not exhaust the cultural imagination surrounding the word.

There is a deeper philosophical reading.

To understand Ibom in its fullest imaginative sense is to move beyond ordinary physical measurement into the realm of the immeasurable: something so expansive that conventional dimensions cease to adequately describe it. It evokes the supreme, the all-embracing, the inexhaustible.

In this interpretation, Akwa does not constitute a needless repetition. It intensifies the idea. Akwa Ibom becomes, philosophically, greatness intensified; magnitude beyond ordinary magnitude.

It is therefore possible to contemplate Ibom as a “source within a source”—an idea of origin, abundance and inexhaustibility. This should be understood as a cultural-philosophical interpretation rather than a claim of settled linguistic etymology. But as philosophy, it is powerful because it transforms a name into an aspiration.

A people bearing such a name cannot afford a small imagination.

The name becomes a summons: to think beyond limitation, to pursue excellence beyond mediocrity, to build institutions equal to ambition and to construct an economy capable of expressing the latent greatness of its people. A great name requires a commensurate vision.

THIRTY-NINE YEARS OF STATEHOOD

Thirty-nine years is long enough to establish institutions, develop infrastructure and cultivate human capital, yet short enough to remind us that state-building remains unfinished business.

Akwa Ibom’s development did not begin with the present administration, just as the present administration did not inherit a blank slate. Successive administrations have contributed to the State’s developmental trajectory. The roads, schools, healthcare facilities, airport infrastructure, industries and urban assets of contemporary Akwa Ibom represent an accumulated inheritance.

The proper question, therefore, is not simply who built what, but whether each generation has moved the State closer to its potential. That is the appropriate framework for examining the present administration of Governor Umo Eno and its ARISE Agenda.

FROM RESOURCE ENDOWMENT TO PRODUCTIVE WEALTH

Akwa Ibom possesses an extraordinary combination of oil and gas, fertile land, coastline, fisheries, tourism assets and human capital. Yet natural endowment does not automatically become prosperity. The central challenge of an oil-producing State is to convert resource rents into productive capacity.

That means using public revenues to build the foundations upon which private enterprise can flourish: infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, technology, agriculture, industry and investment institutions.

The strategic objective should therefore be diversification—not as a fashionable slogan, but as an economic necessity.

ARISE AS A DEVELOPMENTAL PHILOSOPHY

The significance of the ARISE Agenda lies beyond its acronym. Its deeper proposition is that government should transform public resources into productive opportunities for citizens.

Agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, education and healthcare are not isolated policy compartments. Properly integrated, they constitute the architecture of a developmental State.

The ultimate test, however, is not the number of projects inaugurated. It is whether those projects expand productive capacity, generate employment, improve household welfare and stimulate sustainable private investment.

INFRASTRUCTURE MUST PRODUCE

Akwa Ibom’s investment in roads and physical infrastructure has created an important foundation. But the next question must be more demanding: What economic activity will the infrastructure generate?

A road connecting farms to markets is agricultural infrastructure. A road connecting an industrial cluster to a port is trade infrastructure. A road linking a tourist destination to an airport is tourism infrastructure.

The next frontier is therefore infrastructure productivity—the deliberate conversion of physical assets into jobs, investment, enterprise and measurable economic value.

AGRICULTURE AND THE VALUE-CHAIN REVOLUTION

Agriculture offers perhaps the clearest opportunity to translate ARISE into mass prosperity.

The State’s agricultural interventions, including grants, farm inputs, equipment support, model-farm initiatives and the proposed expansion of oil-palm production, create a foundation. But the real revolution begins when production is connected to processing, packaging, logistics, finance and export.

Akwa Ibom must move from selling commodities to creating value chains. Palm oil should mean nurseries, plantations, mills, refineries, packaging and export markets. Cassava, fisheries, livestock, poultry, vegetables and other products require similar ecosystems.

The farmer must cease to be merely a producer of raw materials and become a participant in profitable agribusiness.

AVIATION: CONNECTIVITY AS ECONOMIC CAPITAL

One of the most consequential developments in Akwa Ibom’s contemporary economic architecture is the emergence of aviation as a strategic sector.

The evolution of Ibom Air from a State-owned domestic carrier into a growing regional airline, together with the development of Victor Attah International Airport, represents more than transportation infrastructure. It is an attempt to position Akwa Ibom within the geography of regional commerce, tourism and investment.

In 2026, Ibom Air commenced scheduled international connectivity between Uyo and Accra, while the airline continued expanding its Airbus A220 fleet. The State has also developed the new international terminal and is pursuing a broader aviation ecosystem involving an Aviation Village, airport infrastructure, maintenance facilities and related services.

The economic significance is profound. Aviation compresses distance. It enables business travel, tourism, medical access, cargo movement, professional mobility and international investment.

But the ultimate objective should be larger than operating aircraft. Akwa Ibom should seek to develop an aviation economy—including maintenance and repair, pilot and engineering training, aviation services, cargo logistics, hospitality, airport commerce and associated technology.

The State has also indicated plans to strengthen indigenous aviation manpower, including training for pilots, engineers and other airport personnel. Such investment in skills is essential if aviation is to become an enduring economic ecosystem rather than simply a government-owned enterprise.

THE DEEP SEAPORT AND THE BLUE ECONOMY

Few projects could alter Akwa Ibom’s economic geography more profoundly than the Ibom Deep Seaport.

Its importance lies not merely in constructing a port, but in creating an integrated economic corridor linking maritime commerce to agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and export.

A port without cargo is infrastructure. A port connected to productive industry is transformation.

The same logic applies to the coastline. Akwa Ibom’s marine geography creates opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, maritime services, coastal tourism, ship repair and other components of the Blue Economy.

The sea must cease to be viewed merely as a boundary. It should be understood as economic territory—developed responsibly and sustainably.

HUMAN CAPITAL: THE INVISIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE

The most important infrastructure is ultimately human.

No State can achieve durable prosperity merely by building roads, terminals and bridges. Education, healthcare, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and technical skills determine whether infrastructure becomes productive.

The ambition should be to create an Akwa Ibom in which a graduate can establish a technology enterprise, a farmer can build a processing company, a medical professional can practise in a modern institution, and a skilled artisan can sell services beyond the State.

Government cannot employ everyone. It must instead create the conditions under which enterprise can employ millions.

TOURISM AND THE ECONOMY OF IDENTITY

Akwa Ibom’s culture is also economic capital.

Cuisine, festivals, music, traditional institutions, hospitality, landscapes and historical sites can support a sophisticated tourism and creative economy. Tourism should therefore be treated not simply as leisure, but as an interconnected industry involving aviation, hotels, restaurants, agriculture, transportation, entertainment, crafts and digital services.

The objective should be to transform cultural identity into economic opportunity without reducing culture itself to commercial spectacle.

FROM ARISE TO ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The next phase of development must move beyond the accumulation of infrastructure towards the construction of a productive economy.

Government should increasingly become an enabler of prosperity—providing infrastructure, policy stability, security, transparent regulation, investment facilitation, land access and skills—while private capital multiplies the impact.

This is the transition from a resource-dependent State to a productive economy.

ARISE should consequently become more than a government programme. It should evolve into a social compact involving government, citizens, investors, communities, traditional institutions, professionals and the diaspora.

Akwa Ibom possesses the resources, geography, people and strategic assets. The decisive question is whether these assets can be organised into productive power.

THE AKWA IBOM OF 50

At 39, Akwa Ibom should already be thinking beyond 40—to the Akwa Ibom of 50.

By then, agriculture should be increasingly industrialised; the Deep Seaport should function as a commercial gateway; aviation should connect the State more deeply with Africa and beyond; the Blue Economy should generate employment; tourism should become globally competitive; technology and creative industries should expand opportunities for young people; and education and healthcare should attract rather than lose talent.

Most importantly, prosperity should not be concentrated around government. It should circulate through productive enterprise.

THE MORAL OBLIGATION OF GREATNESS

We return finally to the name.

If Ibom, in its deeper cultural-philosophical interpretation, evokes the immeasurable, the supreme and the inexhaustible—“a source within a source”—then Akwa Ibom’s challenge is not merely to preserve the name but to justify its promise.

Greatness, however, is not extravagance. It is the capacity to build institutions that endure, citizens who prosper, enterprises that flourish, communities that advance and children who inherit greater possibilities than their parents.

That is the difference between development as spectacle and development as civilisation.

CONCLUSION: FROM THE LAND OF PROMISE TO THE LAND OF PRODUCTION

At 39, Akwa Ibom stands at a consequential historical threshold.

The State has travelled a considerable distance since 1987. Successive administrations have laid foundations upon which the present generation continues to build. The ARISE Agenda has added a developmental vocabulary centred on agriculture, infrastructure, rural transformation, security, education, healthcare, tourism and economic advancement.

But achievement must never become an alibi for complacency.

The next chapter requires the conversion of infrastructure into productivity, public expenditure into investment, natural resources into value chains, education into human capital, agriculture into agribusiness, coastline into maritime enterprise and aviation into global connectivity.

Akwa Ibom must move from consumption to production; from raw materials to value addition; from dependence towards greater fiscal capacity; from government employment towards enterprise; and from infrastructure accumulation towards economic productivity.

That is the unfinished business of statehood.

And perhaps that is the deepest challenge contained in the name itself.

Akwa Ibom must not merely bear a name associated with greatness. It must construct a society capable of giving that greatness tangible expression.

Thirty-nine years is a celebration.
But it is also a summons.

The promise is old.

The opportunity is now.

And the future must be greater than the past.

9News Nigeria

Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has issued a fresh prediction about the 2027 presidential election, warning that a victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could have far-reaching consequences for opposition politics in Nigeria.

Ayodele made the remarks while speaking about the political outlook ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments were reported on September 24, 2026, following a video shared on his social media platforms.

According to the cleric, if Tinubu secures a second term, opposition politicians should expect what he described as a tougher political environment.

“If Tinubu wins a second time, he will show you pepper, all of the opposition,” Ayodele said.

He further declared that a second-term victory for Tinubu would, in his prediction, mark the end of effective opposition politics in the country.

“The victory of Tinubu is the end of opposition,” Ayodele was quoted as saying.

Ayodele also claimed that opposition politicians could face increased pressure after the 2027 election, alleging that the government could use institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the courts against political opponents. These are the cleric’s claims and predictions, rather than facts.

The latest prediction comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), opposition parties and emerging political alliances positioning themselves for the contest.

Ayodele has made several other predictions concerning the 2027 election in recent months. In August, he said opposition parties would need to form a strong coalition if they hoped to challenge Tinubu effectively.

More recently, he predicted that Tinubu might not complete a second term if re-elected, suggesting that Vice-President Kashim Shettima could eventually take over. That prediction was also presented by Ayodele as a revelation rather than a statement based on established evidence.

Ayodele’s latest comments have added to the growing stream of political predictions surrounding the 2027 election, although the actual outcome of the election and the future relationship between the government and opposition parties will depend on political developments, voters and the electoral process.

9News Nigeria

Popular Anambra-born native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has delivered a striking message to Nigerian youths, urging them to abandon the desperation for overnight wealth and embrace hard work, legitimate business and productive ventures.

In a message shared on Facebook following his release from prison, Akwa Okuko was quoted as saying:

“Juju can’t make you rich; the Bible can’t make you rich. Try and get something doing.”

The statement has attracted attention because of the dramatic change in the public narrative surrounding the controversial native doctor, who was previously at the centre of the Anambra State Government’s campaign against practices associated with quick wealth, money rituals and alleged exploitation of young people.

Akwa Okuko was arrested by the Anambra State Government and subsequently prosecuted over offences connected with activities surrounding his traditional practice. He later entered a plea bargain and was sentenced to 11 months’ imprisonment according to reports.

However, his stay in custody was cut short after Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, granted him a pardon as part of the state’s rehabilitation and youth-reformation initiative.

Rather than allowing his past controversy to define his future, the state government subsequently positioned him to participate in efforts aimed at discouraging young people from pursuing dangerous shortcuts to wealth.

The development effectively transformed Akwa Okuko from a controversial figure into a participant in the state’s youth-reorientation campaign.

His latest message therefore carries a striking irony: a man whose public image was strongly associated with traditional practices is now telling young Nigerians that **charms and spiritual claims are not a substitute for work.

Akwa Okuko’s warning comes at a time when many young Nigerians are under intense economic pressure and are increasingly exposed to messages promising instant wealth through questionable means.

His appeal is that youths should stop waiting for miracles, charms or overnight transformation and instead acquire skills, start legitimate businesses, seek employment and create sustainable sources of income.

The statement, “Juju can’t make you rich; the Bible can’t make you rich. Try and get something doing,” has consequently become the central message of his post-release campaign.

For a personality once associated with the pursuit of instant wealth, the message represents a significant departure from the image that surrounded him before his arrest.

As an Ambassador for Youth Reformation, Akwa Okuko is now expected to use his experience and public influence to encourage young Nigerians to reject criminality, fraudulent schemes and the dangerous pursuit of instant wealth.

His message to the youths is simple and direct: Faith and spirituality may guide a person, but they should not be used as excuses for refusing to work. Get a skill. Build something. Do legitimate business. Work for the future.

9News Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the commencement of promotion examinations for senior police officers seeking advancement to higher ranks, with the exercise scheduled for 28–30 September 2026.

The examination will include officers seeking promotion from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), according to information released by the police authorities. Reports also indicate that the exercise will cover other eligible senior officers seeking promotion.

The examinations are expected to be conducted at state police commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command as part of the process for determining officers eligible for promotion.

The authorities have urged eligible officers to prepare adequately for the examination and approach the exercise with seriousness and professionalism.

For officers seeking promotion from SP to CSP, the exercise marks an important stage in their career progression, as the CSP rank is higher than that of Superintendent of Police in the established hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Police Service Commission (PSC), which is responsible for promotions within the senior ranks of the Force, has previously emphasised that promotion is subject to established requirements and available vacancies.

Eligible officers are therefore expected to make the necessary preparations ahead of the three-day examination, scheduled for Monday, 28 September, through Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has inaugurated 332 Local Government Area and Ward Prosperity Coordinators.

The coordinators comprise 27 Local Government Area coordinators and 305 Ward coordinators.

Uzodinma spoke on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during the inauguration ceremony at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers in Owerri.

The governor said the coordinators were selected on merit and urged them to identify with the challenges confronting their respective communities.

“The problems of your people are your problems. The problems of government are also your problems,” Uzodimma said.

He urged the coordinators to work together, describing the All Progressives Congress (APC) as one family, while encouraging them to promote the interests and programmes of the administration without fear.

Uzodinma also directed the coordinators to mobilise support for APC candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

He urged them to take the message of voting for APC candidates for the presidency, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly to the grassroots.

The governor assured the coordinators that the state government would provide the materials and other support required for them to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

He congratulated the appointees and urged them to remain committed to the administration’s prosperity agenda as they return to their respective communities.

In response, Hon. Nnadozie Chukwuemeka, on behalf of the coordinators, thanked the governor for the appointments, describing them as a call to service.

He assured that the coordinators would work diligently to support the administration and ensure that its policies, programmes and achievements reach the people at the grassroots.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has proposed that every Nigerian should undergo military training to better understand the sacrifices involved in protecting the country.

Musa made the proposal during an appearance on the African Leadership Podcast with Ken Giami, released on Monday.

He said military training would expose Nigerians to the physical and mental demands faced by members of the armed forces.

According to him, such training would help people understand what it means to endure hunger, exhaustion, sleepless nights and physical strain while serving the nation.

“Every Nigerian should be able to go through military training. It will give you a different perspective about life,” Musa said.

He explained that military training teaches endurance, particularly when soldiers are required to continue working despite fatigue, hunger and difficult conditions.

Musa said the sacrifices of military personnel reflected the principle of putting one’s life at risk for the protection of others.

“That’s exactly what the military men are doing, putting their lives at stake for their country to move around,” he said.

The former Chief of Defence Staff also appealed to Nigerians to recognise that soldiers have families and loved ones they leave behind when deployed.

He said it was painful when members of the public insult soldiers or question the need for their continued deployment.

“Everybody wants peace, and that is important,” Musa said, stressing that soldiers remain fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who endure harsh conditions to keep the country secure.

He said military personnel often operate in rain, dust, extreme weather and at night while carrying out their responsibilities.

Musa also attributed increased infiltration across Nigeria’s borders partly to the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from regional security structures.

He said Nigeria was strengthening bilateral security relationships with countries such as Cameroon as part of efforts to improve security along the country’s southern borders.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has constituted a special team to investigate financial transactions linked to the controversial Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.

The team is also tracing properties suspected to have been acquired with funds connected to the transactions.

The investigation is being supervised by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, according to reports citing sources familiar with the matter.

The commission is reportedly reviewing evidence contained in the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal’s final award on the long-running dispute between Nigeria and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.

Among those whose names featured in the proceedings are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, his former wife Jennifer Douglas, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Power Minister Olu Agunloye and former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.

Others include Dasuki’s son, Abubakar Dasuki, former Solicitor-General of the Federation Abdullahi Yola and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Dere Awosika.

The ICC tribunal’s final award, dated September 16, 2026, examined several payments and financial dealings involving Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power.

However, the tribunal did not conclude that every questioned payment constituted a bribe. In several cases, it identified evidential gaps while describing some transactions as raising serious or significant red flags.

$500,000 Payment Linked To Atiku

One of the transactions under EFCC review is a $500,000 payment made in January 2003 by Adesanya’s China Castle Investments Limited to an account belonging to Jennifer Douglas, who was then married to Atiku.

The payment was made months before Olu Agunloye, then Minister of Power and Steel, issued the letter on which Sunrise later based its claim to the Mambilla project.

The tribunal questioned Adesanya’s explanation that the payment was part of a legitimate foreign-exchange transaction.

It said the timing of the payment, its connection to Douglas and Atiku’s role in the Mambilla process raised “significant red flags.”

The tribunal, however, did not find evidence that Atiku had actually used his government position to secure the Mambilla contract for Sunrise.

Atiku has also denied being indicted by the tribunal and maintained that he was not responsible for awarding the contract.

$1.74m Transfer To Dasuki’s Son

The EFCC is also expected to examine a $1.74 million payment made by Adesanya to Abubakar Dasuki, son of former NSA Sambo Dasuki, in December 2014.

Adesanya described the money as a loan, but the tribunal questioned the explanation because no loan agreement or other documentation establishing the transaction was produced.

The tribunal said the circumstances surrounding the payment raised “considerable red flags.”

It also noted that there was no concrete evidence that Sambo Dasuki intervened in the Mambilla process or used his office to assist Sunrise.

Malami Deal Also Under Review

Former AGF Abubakar Malami also featured prominently in the ICC proceedings over the 2020 settlement agreement between Nigeria and Sunrise.

The tribunal found that Adesanya and Malami had entered into a corrupt arrangement concerning a proposed share of the settlement proceeds.

It subsequently held that the settlement agreement and its addendum were products of corruption and were unenforceable.

No settlement payment was ultimately made after former President Muhammadu Buhari declined to approve the arrangement.

Agunloye, Yola, Awosika Mentioned

Olu Agunloye, who was Power and Steel Minister when Sunrise claimed it received the original Mambilla BOT contract, also featured in the tribunal’s findings.

The proceedings examined about N5.2 million paid to Agunloye through an intermediary in 2019.

The tribunal questioned the explanation that the money was humanitarian assistance for medical treatment, although it stopped short of conclusively linking the payments to the 2003 contract.

Agunloye is separately facing criminal proceedings over the Mambilla project and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The tribunal also examined payments involving Abdullahi Yola and Dere Awosika in connection with subsequent negotiations over the project.

The EFCC’s reported investigation is not limited to individual payments.

Investigators are also examining relationships among the parties, the movement of funds and properties that may have been acquired with proceeds connected to the transactions.

The commission is expected to determine its next steps after reviewing the available evidence, including whether any assets meet the legal threshold for forfeiture.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, joined other prominent Africans and global stakeholders at an Africa Diaspora Session held in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The event, hosted by the Dangote Group at Africa House, brought together business leaders, government representatives, entertainers and other influential figures to discuss Africa’s development and the role of its diaspora.

Dangote used the gathering to emphasise the importance of strengthening ties between Africans on the continent and those living abroad, particularly in areas of investment, economic development and knowledge exchange.

Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was also among those in attendance, alongside stakeholders from Nigeria’s petroleum industry, business community and government.

The session provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas on how Africans in the diaspora can remain connected to the continent while contributing to its economic growth.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected being described as Nigeria’s “acting president”, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in charge of the country.

Akpabio spoke on Tuesday during the inauguration of roads constructed by the Akwa Ibom State Government in Ikot Ekpene.

He said Tinubu had not transferred presidential powers to him and continued to direct the affairs of Nigeria from abroad.

“Don’t call me acting president. Tinubu is still in power and still running the affairs of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

“What he cannot do here, he is doing it from abroad,” he added.

The clarification followed a social media post by the Akwa Ibom State Government about a week earlier, which described Akpabio as “acting president”.

The description generated public debate over who was exercising presidential authority while Tinubu was outside Nigeria.

Akpabio’s remarks also come amid renewed attention to Tinubu’s absence from the country and his decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Presidency has described Tinubu’s trip as a working vacation, saying he has continued to direct government affairs from abroad.

It also said Vice President Kashim Shettima was delegated to represent Nigeria at the UN General Assembly and deliver the country’s national statement.

Tinubu’s working vacation has since been extended by a few days, with the President expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.

Akpabio’s statement therefore makes clear that he does not consider himself to have assumed the position of acting president, while Tinubu remains Nigeria’s substantive President.

9News Nigeria

The Obidient Movement has reacted angrily to fresh revelations by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, concerning the strategy allegedly adopted by the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G-5 governors during the 2023 presidential election.

Wike, who was then Governor of Rivers State, disclosed in a recent interview on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout that the G-5 governors deliberately allowed Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to win in some South-South states as part of a strategy to reduce the votes of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

According to Wike, the G-5 considered the PDP a strong political force in the South-South and viewed Atiku as the major beneficiary if the party retained its dominance in the region.

He specifically cited Edo and Cross River, saying the strategy was to allow Obi to benefit from the votes rather than Atiku.

“Our problem will be Atiku. Therefore, instead of Atiku to take it, let it go to the Labour Party. That was our strategy,” Wike said. ([Punch Newspapers][1])

Wike also stated that Rivers State was deliberately treated differently because of the political implications he associated with an Obi victory there.

The disclosure has generated strong reactions among supporters of Peter Obi and members of the Obidient Movement, with the group accusing Wike of attempting to interfere with the democratic process ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an interview, the President-General of the Obidient Movement, Mr. Chijoke, reportedly issued a stern warning to Wike, saying the movement would resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 election.

The group warned that political actors should not assume that Nigerians would remain silent if they believed the electoral process was being compromised.

In a particularly strong statement, the group told Wike to “write his will” if he was contemplating an attempt to rig or manipulate the 2027 presidential election, adding that such an alleged move would meet strong resistance from its members and supporters.

The Obidient Movement further declared that it would not accept what it described as a repeat of the circumstances surrounding the 2023 presidential election.

The group’s position comes against the backdrop of Wike’s latest comments that Peter Obi’s political circumstances have changed since 2023 and his assertion that Obi would struggle to reproduce his performance in states such as Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Delta in 2027. Wike also advised Obi to prepare for 2031 rather than focus on the 2027 election.

The Obidient Movement, however, has continued to mobilise supporters ahead of 2027. Earlier in 2026, the movement said it was strengthening its structures across wards and local government areas and preparing for the next general election.

The controversy has also revived debate over the role played by the G-5 governors in the 2023 election. Wike’s latest account contrasts with some of his earlier public statements. In March 2023, for instance, he said his position was to support the emergence of a southern president and denied directing Rivers voters to work against Obi.

The 2023 presidential election was won by Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 8,794,726 votes, while Atiku Abubakar polled 6,984,520 and Peter Obi recorded 6,101,533 votes.

As political activities intensify ahead of 2027, the latest exchange between Wike and the Obidient Movement is likely to add to the already heated debate over electoral integrity, political strategy and the role of influential political actors in determining the outcome of Nigeria’s next presidential election.

The Obidient Movement’s warning that “enough is enough” underscores its stated determination to oppose any attempt to manipulate the electoral process, while Wike’s comments have opened a fresh political debate about what actually happened behind the scenes during the 2023 election.

9News Nigeria

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained why he did not attend the burial of the mother of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, saying he expected Amaechi to formally inform him of his mother’s death.

Wike explained while speaking in a recent interview, amid controversy over his absence from the September 5, 2026, burial of Dame Ezinne Mary Orduah Amaechi in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to the FCT Minister, he was not personally informed by Amaechi about the death.

“I was expecting Amaechi to write to me telling me about his mother’s death. But Amaechi never wrote to me or told me that he lost his mother. Whatever happened on the day of the burial was because I was not aware,” Wike said.

Dame Amaechi, who was 89, died on July 16, 2026. Her funeral Mass was held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima, on September 5, followed by her interment in the community.

The burial attracted prominent political figures from across the country, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman David Mark, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, Rauf Aregbesola, Datti Baba-Ahmed, Emeka Ihedioha and other political leaders.

Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara were, however, absent from the funeral.

The FCT Minister was instead in Omagwa, also in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where he attended a civic reception organised in his honour by associates and local political supporters. The event coincided with the burial in nearby Ubima and attracted significant political attention.

The simultaneous events generated criticism from the Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which questioned the decision to hold a reception for Wike on the same day as Amaechi’s mother’s funeral. The party had also raised concerns about movement along the Omagwa-Ubima road because of the events.

Wike, however, has maintained that he could not be compelled to attend the burial or offer condolences, and questioned why he should be expected to extend gestures of sympathy when, according to his position, similar gestures had not previously been extended to him by the other side.

The controversy has further highlighted the longstanding political differences between Wike and Amaechi, two former governors of Rivers State who are both from the Ikwerre area.

At the funeral, the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, used his homily to call on political leaders to embrace peace and use public office to promote the common good. He urged politicians to disagree without destroying one another or their communities, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi, in his vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to political leaders, friends and associates who travelled to Ubima to mourn with his family and honour his late mother.

Wike’s latest explanation has added another dimension to the controversy surrounding his absence, with the issue continuing to attract differing interpretations against the backdrop of the longstanding political rivalry between the two former Rivers governors.

9News Nigeria

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has publicly challenged the comments attributed to the founder of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, regarding the situation in Abia State, accusing the cleric of misleading residents.

Ogala, in a statement circulating online, questioned Suleman’s remarks about the state, particularly an apparent claim concerning the availability of electricity in Abia.

She was quoted as saying: “How dare you come to say that there’s 24-hour light in Abia?”

The actress also alleged that she possesses information about an incident involving Suleman at Protea Hotel in Lagos, including details about the hotel room allegedly connected to the incident.

“I know a lot that happened at Protea Hotel, Lagos, including room numbers,” Ogala said, while warning that she could make the information public if the cleric continued with what she described as misleading claims.

Ogala further questioned Suleman’s conduct as a pastor and suggested that his public comments about Abia should be examined against the realities experienced by residents.

Her remarks have generated attention online, particularly because they involve a prominent cleric and allegations concerning events allegedly connected to a Lagos hotel.

However, the claims made by Ogala regarding the Protea Hotel incident have not been independently verified, and no evidence establishing the alleged incident or the specific room details was found in the sources reviewed for this report.

Apostle Suleman, who is the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, has remained a prominent public commentator on national issues. In April 2026, he was also reported to have criticised aspects of the Federal Government’s performance, including electricity and security, while saying he speaks according to what he believes is right.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no verified response from Apostle Suleman addressing Ogala’s latest allegations or her threat to publicly disclose the alleged information.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will not support Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, in his reported ambition to become President of the Senate.

Wike made the comments on Monday, while speaking about Uzodinma’s political plans, noting that the Imo governor emerged from fourth position to become governor.

“Hope Uzodinma became a governor from fourth position. His term will expire by January to February 2028. Now, he wants to leave his office to run for senator. He wants to run for Senate President,” Wike said.

He added that he would not support Uzodinma’s bid, saying, “Life or death, I will never support a character like Hope Uzodinma to be Senate President.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

NEW YORK — Nigeria’s speaking position at the 81st United Nations General Assembly has been moved following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision not to attend the summit.

Tinubu was originally scheduled to address world leaders on Wednesday, September 23, during the morning session of the UN General Debate.

He was listed as the 10th speaker, with his address expected between about 11:30 a.m. and noon New York time.

However, Tinubu will no longer attend the General Assembly in person.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has instead been designated to lead Nigeria’s delegation and represent the President.

Following the change, Nigeria’s position on the provisional speaking programme has also changed.

The updated programme places Nigeria on Thursday, September 24, with Shettima listed as the fourth speaker in the afternoon session.

The session is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. New York time, meaning Shettima is expected to speak at about 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

That would be approximately 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nigerian time.

The change has raised questions over whether Nigeria’s position was affected by Tinubu’s absence.

However, the United Nations has not announced that Nigeria was “downgraded” because the President would not attend.

One possible explanation is UN protocol concerning the level of representation at the General Debate.

Heads of state and government generally receive precedence over vice presidents, ministers and other representatives.

It has not been publicly established whether Nigeria’s new speaking position resulted automatically from the change in representation, was negotiated by the Nigerian delegation, or was determined by the UN Secretariat.

Shettima arrived in New York on Monday to represent Nigeria at the high-level meeting.

He was received by senior Nigerian officials, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim.

The Vice President said Nigeria’s participation would focus on national interests, multilateralism and reforms of global institutions.

Meanwhile, Tinubu’s absence has attracted criticism from former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku questioned Tinubu’s decision to miss the UNGA for the third consecutive year, arguing that repeated presidential absence could affect Nigeria’s visibility and high-level diplomatic engagement.

Those are Atiku’s political claims and do not, by themselves, establish that Nigeria’s international standing has been weakened.

The Presidency has rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence would diminish Nigeria’s standing internationally.

A presidential aide said Nigeria would continue to play its role as a major African country, while attributing the President’s decision to domestic priorities.

The immediate fact, however, is that Nigeria’s scheduled Wednesday morning presidential address has been replaced by a Thursday afternoon address by the Vice President.

The shift has therefore prompted questions about the application of UN protocol and the process through which the new speaking position was determined.

For now, there is no official UN statement confirming that Nigeria was deliberately downgraded.

Nigeria will still address the General Debate, with Shettima expected to deliver the country’s statement on Thursday.

The circumstances surrounding the change in Nigeria’s speaking slot, however, remain a subject of interest as the 81st UN General Assembly continues.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Civil servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side, have given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu until September 30, 2026, to address worsening economic hardship affecting workers and their families.

The workers are demanding petrol prices of N500 per litre, an immediate wage award and upward reviews of salaries and allowances across the public service.

They also want the Federal Government to immediately establish a committee to negotiate a new National Minimum Wage ahead of its proposed implementation in January 2027.

In a letter to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, the JNPSNC said petrol prices of N1,430 per litre and above in some areas had further worsened the cost-of-living crisis.

The council warned that rising costs were eroding workers’ purchasing power and creating growing tension among Nigerians.

Workers Reject Palliatives

The JNPSNC criticised the Federal Government’s reliance on food palliatives, arguing that such interventions were neither sustainable nor accessible to most Nigerians.

It said the removal of the petrol subsidy had contributed significantly to higher transportation, food and other living costs.

The council instead called for a broad intervention capable of reducing fuel prices and lowering the cost of goods and services across the economy.

Demand N500 Petrol

The workers identified the high cost of petrol as one of the major drivers of the current economic hardship.

They urged the government to establish a fuel intervention fund involving relevant stakeholders in the oil sector.

The proposed intervention, according to the council, should ultimately bring petrol prices down to N500 per litre.

The JNPSNC said the government could adopt another name for the intervention if it did not want to describe it as a fuel subsidy.

It argued that cheaper petrol would have a multiplier effect by reducing transportation and production costs across the country.

Council Backs NLC Position

The JNPSNC also endorsed proposals attributed to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero on addressing the fuel crisis.

The proposals include supplying crude oil in naira to local refineries and expanding national crude storage capacity.

The council said government intervention could be justified during an economic emergency, particularly to strengthen energy security and support domestic refining.

It urged the Federal Government to consider the proposals for immediate implementation.

Workers Demand Wage Award

The council further demanded an immediate wage award for Federal, State and Local Government workers.

It said the measure should serve as an interim intervention before the proposed new National Minimum Wage takes effect in January 2027.

The JNPSNC also called on the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to begin negotiations with organised labour and other stakeholders.

N500,000 Minimum Salary Proposed

The workers proposed N500,000 as the minimum monthly salary for an officer on Grade Level 01, Step 1, under the proposed 2027 salary structure.

They also demanded harmonised wages across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The council called for corresponding salary reviews at the state and local government levels.

It further proposed periodic salary and allowance adjustments to reflect inflation.

Other demands include subsidised transportation and affordable housing for public servants.

Pressure for New Minimum Wage Talks

The JNPSNC wants negotiations for a new National Minimum Wage to begin immediately.

It said early negotiations would help ensure that the new wage structure is implemented without delay from January 2027.

The council argued that improved remuneration would help restore workers’ purchasing power, boost productivity and strengthen industrial peace.

It described public servants as central to government policy implementation and the delivery of essential services.

Tinubu Asked to Address Workers

The workers also urged President Tinubu to address their concerns in his forthcoming Independence Day broadcast.

They said they expected concrete action on their demands by September 30, 2026.

The council warned that failure to address the worsening economic pressures on workers could further increase tension across the country.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has questioned who is constitutionally exercising presidential powers in Nigeria following the expiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reported three-week vacation.

Atiku raised the issue in a statement titled “Who is in Charge of Nigeria?”, signed in Abuja on September 21, 2026.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a three-week annual vacation, with London announced as his first destination.

Atiku questioned whether the President transmitted a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives as required under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.

According to Atiku, Section 145(1) provides that when the President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge his functions, he should transmit a written declaration to the presiding officers of the National Assembly.

The declaration allows the Vice President to perform the functions of the President as Acting President.

Atiku also cited Section 145(2), which provides for action by the National Assembly if the President fails to transmit the required declaration within 21 days.

He said the Presidency should make the relevant constitutional communication public if it exists.

“The 21 days have now elapsed. If such a letter exists, the Presidency should publish it immediately,” Atiku said.

He further argued that if no declaration was transmitted, the National Assembly should explain why the constitutional procedure under Section 145(2) had not been activated.

Atiku said the issue should be treated as a constitutional matter rather than a political disagreement.

He also questioned the situation because Vice President Kashim Shettima was reportedly in New York representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly.

“So again: who is exercising presidential authority in Nigeria today, and under what constitutional instrument?” Atiku asked.

The ADC candidate also cited recent national challenges, including the deaths of 37 Nigerians in NSCDC custody in Minna, rising petrol prices and increasing costs of transportation, food, electricity and rent.

“These are not ordinary times. Yet the President is abroad. The Vice President is abroad. The Senate President is abroad,” he said.

Atiku also referred to Tinubu’s reported private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

He said diplomatic engagements should not replace constitutional clarity over the exercise of presidential authority.

“The Constitution does not recognise a ‘working vacation’ as an alternative system of presidential succession,” Atiku said.

“It provides a procedure. That procedure must be obeyed.”

He called on the Presidency to disclose whether Tinubu transmitted the required declaration before leaving Nigeria.

He also urged the Senate President and Speaker of the House to clarify whether they received such a communication.

Atiku said Nigerians deserved accountable and constitutionally grounded leadership amid economic difficulties, security concerns and rising living costs.

“Nigeria is bigger than any President,” he said.

“The question will not disappear: Who, constitutionally, is in charge of Nigeria?”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Founder, Chairwoman and CEO of Noor Royal Holding, Her Excellency Sheikha Somayeh Noor welcomed and hosted His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, at the Noor Royal Museum in Dubai.

The meeting highlighted culture as a powerful foundation for building deeper ties, with discussions exploring cultural exchange, creative collaboration and stronger people-to-people connections. 

Noor Royal Holding is a UAE-based organisation led by Sheikha Somayeh Noor, focused on fostering international partnerships across business, investment and culture. 

Through its activities and the Noor Royal Museum in Dubai, it provides a platform for bringing together leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and cultural figures to encourage cross-border dialogue and collaboration.

The conversation then turned to practical opportunities for investment and cooperation in energy, digital infrastructure, aviation and sports academy development, including initiatives supporting youth development, knowledge exchange and long-term institutional partnerships.

“Our conversation reflected a shared belief that culture can be a gateway to deeper economic relationships.

“There is real potential to build partnerships that create opportunities for young people, encourage investment and connect the UAE and the Warri Kingdom through business, innovation and the arts.” Sheikha Somayeh Noor said.

The talks come against a backdrop of significant and complementary economic opportunity. 

According to the World Bank, Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria is home to an estimated 237.5 million people and recorded GDP of approximately US$290.8 billion, alongside 4.0% real GDP growth.

The UAE’s real GDP reached AED 1.77 trillion in 2024, growing by 4.0%, with non-oil sectors contributing 75.5% of national output. 

Together, these figures point to substantial potential for partnerships linking Nigeria’s population, natural resources and market scale with the UAE’s capital, logistics infrastructure, trade networks and innovation capabilities.

Connectivity between the two markets is also strengthening. 

Emirates currently operates seven direct flights a week between Dubai and Lagos, with a scheduled flying time of just over eight hours, providing an important bridge for business, tourism and cultural exchange.

Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri and traditional ruler of the Itsekiri people in Nigeria’s Delta State, said: “The Warri Kingdom is committed to building purposeful international partnerships that translate dialogue into opportunity. 

“The UAE’s experience in investment, infrastructure and innovation presents exciting possibilities for collaboration, particularly in sectors capable of creating jobs, developing talent and generating long-term value for our people.”

Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, ascended the throne in August 2021 and has championed a forward-looking vision for the Warri Kingdom centred on economic development, education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation and international engagement.

Olori Atuwatse III is a lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose work focuses on education, women and youth empowerment, social enterprise and community development. Together, Their Majesties are working to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Warri Kingdom.

Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri, added: “Cultural exchange and youth empowerment are central to building relationships that endure. 

“By creating opportunities for our young people to engage through education, sport, entrepreneurship and the creative arts, we can build a partnership that is both economically meaningful and deeply human.”

The visit marks an initial step toward identifying concrete initiatives and partnerships linking organisations, investors and cultural institutions in both markets. 

During the meeting, discussions included facilitating investment dialogue, developing sports and youth programmes, strengthening aviation and digital connectivity, and creating platforms showcasing the cultural and creative heritage of the Warri Kingdom and the wider region.

Sheikha Somayeh Noor said the Noor Royal Museum can serve as a platform for convening leaders, investors, cultural figures and institutions around initiatives that combine commercial opportunity with cultural understanding and long-term social impact.

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considering a defined role for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his 2027 re-election campaign, with the former Rivers State governor expected to coordinate campaign activities in Rivers State and the FCT.

The proposed arrangement, revealed by an undisclosed source and other media outlets on Monday, September 21, 2026, is aimed at utilising Wike’s political network and influence in the two territories without requiring him to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), although he has openly backed President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. He has repeatedly stated that he does not need to join the APC or occupy the position of Director-General of the presidential campaign council to support the President.

The emerging arrangement comes amid disagreements between Wike and some APC governors over the structure and coordination of political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The dispute has particularly centred on Wike’s promotion of the “Rainbow Coalition,” a broader political alliance intended to mobilise support for Tinubu beyond the formal APC structure. APC governors, however, have maintained that party structures and candidates should remain central to the 2027 campaign.

Wike has also maintained that he has significant political structures in Rivers and the FCT and has publicly expressed his commitment to securing support for Tinubu in both territories.

According to the reported campaign arrangement, Wike’s responsibility would focus specifically on Tinubu’s presidential campaign rather than giving him control over the wider APC structures in Rivers State.

The development is significant in Rivers State, where political relations between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara have remained a major issue ahead of 2027. Reports have also indicated that some APC governors have backed Fubara amid the continuing political differences involving the former governor.

The emerging campaign structure is expected to accommodate different political interests while assigning specific responsibilities to influential figures. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari is reportedly being considered for the Director-General position, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau are expected to have separate responsibilities within the broader campaign arrangement.

Wike’s possible appointment therefore represents an effort to give him a clearly defined presidential campaign role while keeping the wider APC organisational structure separate from his political activities.

The reported arrangement has not yet been presented as a formally announced appointment by the Presidency, and details of the final campaign structure could still change.

9News Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dragged Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other state authorities before the Abia State High Court over an alleged ₦200 million campaign advertising fee imposed on presidential candidates.

The suit, marked HC/214/2026, was filed on September 17, 2026, at the Umuahia Judicial Division through Makinde and the APM’s lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN. The defendants include Governor Otti, the Abia State Attorney-General, the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ASAA), and the State House of Assembly.

At the centre of the dispute is an alleged fee requiring presidential candidates seeking to display campaign billboards and other outdoor campaign materials in Abia State to pay ₦200 million.

Makinde and the APM are asking the court to set aside the regulation imposing the fee, arguing that it is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026. They also want an injunction preventing the defendants from enforcing the charge or removing, defacing or obstructing their campaign materials in the State

The plaintiffs contend that if similar charges were imposed across the country, presidential candidates could face difficulties complying with the statutory limits on campaign expenditure.

They further argue that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)* has the relevant constitutional and statutory authority to regulate political campaigns, and that Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits the use of state apparatus or regulatory bodies to the advantage or disadvantage of a political party or candidate.

The plaintiffs are seeking several declarations from the court, including a determination that the ₦200 million fee is unconstitutional, inconsistent with federal electoral legislation and therefore void.

The legal challenge now places the regulation of campaign advertising and the powers of state signage authorities at the centre of a court dispute ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As of the latest reports, the case remains before the Abia State High Court, with the court yet to determine the substantive claims.

9News Nigeria

The former wife of the King of Ubiaja in Edo State has appealed for access to her children, alleging that she has been subjected to bullying, intimidation and oppression following her separation from the monarch.

In an emotional video circulating online, the woman claimed that her children were taken to the village to stay with their grandmother and expressed concern over their welfare and education.

According to her, the children have allegedly not returned to school since academic activities resumed, prompting her to publicly appeal for the opportunity to see and communicate with them.

She reportedly said her primary concern was to maintain contact with her children and ensure that they were safe and continuing their education.

The former royal wife also alleged that she had faced intimidation and bullying in the course of seeking access to the children.

Her claims have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear what legal or family arrangements currently govern custody and access to the children.

The development has sparked concerns over the welfare of the children and the need for the parties involved to resolve the matter through appropriate family or legal channels, with the best interests of the children given priority.

9News Nigeria

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has denied allegations linking him to land grabbing activities at Victory Estate, Rumuosi, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

The Rivers State Police Command, in a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, described a social media video alleging that the Commissioner either grabbed or facilitated the grabbing of residents’ land as false and misleading.

According to the Command, the matter dates back to March 6, 2025, when the Commissioner received an application from a lawyer acting on behalf of Kirigust Global Resources Nig. Ltd., requesting police protection for a court bailiff to execute a judgment in Suit No. CCC/22/2015 — Col. Ogwumerum Eke & Anor. v. Chief Friday Ibeabuchi Anya & Ors.

The Command said the application was referred to the Department of Operations and subsequently to the Police Legal Section for verification.

It stated that the Customary Court, Choba, confirmed on March 21, 2025, that the judgment was valid and that there was no pending appeal or stay of execution.

Following the legal advice, police personnel were deployed on April 7 and 8, 2025, to provide security for the court bailiff during the execution of the judgment. The Command stressed that the officers were specifically directed not to participate physically in the execution.

However, residents of Victory Estate, Rumuosi, reportedly objected to the execution, arguing that although they did not dispute the validity of the judgment, the judgment concerned land in Rumuagholu Community and did not cover their properties in Victory Estate, Rumuosi.

The Police Command said the Commissioner immediately halted the execution and directed the Police Legal Section to investigate the conflicting claims.

As part of the investigation, relevant parties were invited, the disputed location was inspected, and photographs of damaged properties were obtained. The police also obtained the Certified True Copy of the judgment and the relevant survey/site plan from the Customary Court, Choba.

The documents were subsequently forwarded to the Surveyor-General of Rivers State for charting and geo-location.

The Surveyor-General, according to the Command, confirmed that the area covered by the survey/site plan was located within Rumuagholu Community and did not extend to Victory Estate, Rumuosi.

Based on the findings, the Police Command concluded that although the judgment in Suit No. CCC/22/2015 was valid and had no pending appeal or stay of execution, it did not cover the property in Victory Estate, Rumuosi. Consequently, the execution of the judgment on the disputed property was considered wrongful.

The Command further stated that its investigation uncovered alleged criminal offences arising from the wrongful execution, leading to recommendations for the prosecution of persons including Col. Ogwumerum Eke, Chief Mike Oyakire, Prince Chima Kelechi and Samuel Chike, among others.

It added that the Force Headquarters, Abuja, also investigated the matter and reportedly reached similar findings.

A nine-count charge, marked No. PHC/3683/CR/2025, was subsequently filed before the High Court of Rivers State against Col. Ogwumerum Eke and others at large.

The Command therefore maintained that CP Olugbenga Adepoju neither acquired nor took possession of any land belonging to Victory Estate, Rumuosi.

It explained that the Commissioner’s involvement was limited to authorising police protection for a court bailiff after the judgment had been verified. According to the Command, he halted the execution as soon as residents raised objections and ordered an investigation, which established that the judgment did not cover the disputed property.

The Police Command also disclosed that Suit No. PHC/1467/FHR/2026, filed by Col. Ogwumerum Eke and three others against the Nigeria Police Force and other defendants, is currently before the Rivers State High Court.

It said the police would allow the court to determine the issues before it.

The Command further warned police officers in Rivers State against participating in land-related activities without proper authorisation and legal backing, stressing that land disputes are civil matters that should be resolved through lawful judicial processes.

Members of the public were urged to report any police officer found engaging in unauthorised land-related activities to the nearest police station or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU).

The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, professionalism, impartiality and respect for human rights, while urging members of the public to verify allegations before circulating information capable of misleading the public or damaging reputations.

CRU Contact Numbers:
07057605209
07057605256
08120822987
07072323049

ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, ANIPR, Esq.
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command

9News Nigeria

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to support the education of Yusuf Aliyu, a teenage artisanal miner from Niger State whose account of conditions at a mining site went viral on social media following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state.

Atiku, who reacted to the viral video on Sunday, September 20, said he was deeply moved by the young miner’s intelligence, clarity and confidence, describing the circumstances surrounding his life as deeply concerning.

According to the former Vice President, Yusuf should be in a classroom developing his potential rather than working at a mining site in a community endowed with mineral resources but facing poverty and limited access to education.

Atiku said he was prepared to support Yusuf’s education and ensure that his academic potential was not lost because of poverty. Reports on the pledge indicate that the support is intended to take the young man through university and as far as his educational aspirations permit.

The teenager’s video gained widespread attention amid public concern over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were arrested during anti-illegal-mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The miners subsequently died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Corps initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors and other accounts raised concerns about the conditions in which the detainees were held. The exact cause and circumstances of the deaths remain subject to investigation.

Yusuf, in the viral video, reportedly spoke about his experience at the mining site and made allegations concerning the treatment of miners by security personnel. His account has added to the public debate surrounding the incident, although the allegations remain subject to official investigation.

The Federal Government has since ordered an independent investigation into the deaths. The Ministry of Interior constituted a 10-member committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention and deaths of the 37 people, while 20 NSCDC officers were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Niger State Government has also established a committee of inquiry and ordered investigations and medical examinations aimed at determining the cause of the deaths. The police are separately investigating the incident.

Atiku also called for Yusuf and his family to be protected, stressing that any attempt to contact or assist the teenager should be handled responsibly through his family and appropriate child-protection channels.

The scholarship pledge has therefore emerged against the backdrop of a wider national conversation over poverty, access to education, artisanal mining and the protection of young people in mineral-producing communities, while investigations continue into the deaths of the 37 detainees.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide has announced a forum on the “Igbo Charter and Development of Ala’Igbo”, with Former Speaker of the Imo State house of assembly, Ike C. Ibe listed as a panelist and will speak on the theme.

The forum is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Ochendo International Conference Center in Umuahia.

The proposed Igbo Charter is expected to form the central focus of discussions at the gathering, with participants examining the ideas and principles contained in the document in relation to the broader development of Ala’Igbo.

The event is organized by Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide, whose motto is “Igwe bu ike” (there is strength in numbers). 

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Chinedum Anayo | 9News Abuja, Nigeria

The first Presidential Media Chat of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been described as a defining moment that offered Nigerians an early insight into his vision, policies and strategy for governing the country.

The media engagement, held in December 2024, provided an opportunity for the President to explain some of the major economic decisions of his administration, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, exchange-rate reforms and proposed tax reforms.

While defending the removal of the fuel subsidy, Tinubu said he had no regrets about the decision, maintaining that the measure was necessary to address longstanding economic challenges. 

He also rejected calls for price controls, stressing that the increased supply was a more sustainable approach to addressing rising prices.

The President also discussed the tax reform bills before the National Assembly, as well as concerns over the size of government. 

President Tinubu defended the size of his cabinet, noting that he believed the ministers had specific responsibilities that needed to be fulfilled.

The administration’s broader reform agenda has also included efforts to strengthen the manufacturing sector, support small and medium-sized businesses and make higher education more accessible through student loans. 

Tinubu had previously outlined these measures as part of his response to the country’s economic challenges.

While the President’s policies have attracted criticism, particularly over the economic hardship associated with subsidy removal and other reforms, his supporters have argued that the measures are intended to address structural problems in the Nigerian economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

The significance of the first media engagement, therefore, lies not only in the issues discussed but also in the opportunity it provided for the President to articulate the reasoning behind some of the decisions that have defined his administration.

President Tinubu is not known for treating media engagements as casual appearances. 

When he sits down for a Presidential Media Chat, his supporters say citizens should expect a detailed discussion of governance, policy and the direction of the country.

For those following his administration closely, the first media chat remains an important reference point for understanding the policies and reforms that have shaped Tinubu’s presidency.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won four of the five by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) secured the remaining seat.

The elections were held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, across one federal constituency and four state constituencies in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states.

In Gombe State, APC candidate Kallamu Usman MaiJama’a won the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election with 41,121 votes. 

The Labour Party polled 3,553 votes, while the APM secured 872 votes.

APC candidate Husseini Datti in Kano State, was declared winner of the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency by-election with 22,890 votes. 

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) scored 270 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 108 votes.

In Delta State, APC candidate Okolosi Ator won the Udu State Constituency by-election with 8,724 votes, defeating the PDP, which secured 214 votes.

APC candidate Yakubu Ali in Bauchi State won the Disina State Constituency by-election with 5,846 votes. 

The APM polled 5,225 votes, while the PRP secured 3,701 votes.

The APM recorded its only victory in the Sakwa State Constituency, Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State, where its candidate, Hon. Adamu Yakubu, was declared winner with 8,515 votes.

The APC polled 3,771 votes, the PDP 2,076, while the PRP secured 727 votes in the constituency.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has dissociated itself from the purported announcement of an “OK Movement Presidential Campaign Council”.

In a statement by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Moses Cleopas, the NDC described the party as a serious organisation and warned members against any act of insubordination.

“The party hereby dissociates itself in totality from the said OK Movement PCC announcement. It did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded by the public and the media,” Cleopas said.

The National Chairman also reminded all candidates of the party that they were contesting elections under the platform of the NDC and not as independent candidates.

“All candidates of the party must appreciate that they are not running as independent candidates.

“They are products of the party and remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party,” he said.

Cleopas further stated that only the leadership of the party had the authority to constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council.

“Therefore, only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council (PCC),” he added.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is no longer expected to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, in a sudden reversal of earlier plans that had placed him among world leaders scheduled to address the gathering.

The reason for the reported cancellation has not been officially disclosed by the Presidency. A source close to the Presidency told SaharaReporters on Friday that Tinubu would not attend the UNGA, but did not explain why the President had changed his plans.

The development is significant because Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously indicated that Tinubu would personally attend the meeting.

Earlier programmes had also listed Tinubu to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday, September 23, during the high-level General Debate.

The United Nations confirms that the 81st General Assembly’s high-level General Debate will take place from September 22 to 28 in New York, under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

US legal controversy raises questions

Although no official connection has been established between the UNGA cancellation and Tinubu’s legal controversy in the United States, the timing has drawn renewed attention to an ongoing federal court case involving requests for historical US law-enforcement records concerning the Nigerian President.

The case, Greenspan v. Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys et al., No. 1:23-cv-01816-BAH, is a civil Freedom of Information Act lawsuit before the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

American transparency activist Aaron Greenspan is seeking records from agencies including the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration relating to historical investigations dating to the early 1990s. The court record confirms that Tinubu intervened in the case, citing privacy interests in confidential tax and law-enforcement records.

The controversy intensified in August 2026 after Tinubu’s lawyers asked the US court to prevent the release of additional FBI and DEA records sought by Greenspan.

The President’s legal team argued that disclosure of investigative files could violate privacy protections and urged the court to uphold redactions and withholding of the records.

But there is no evidence of an arrest plan

Claims circulating that Tinubu cancelled his UNGA trip because the Donald Trump administration had prepared a secret plan to arrest him in New York have not been independently established.

The available court records show a FOIA records-disclosure dispute, not a criminal prosecution or an arrest warrant against Tinubu.

A 2025 ruling by Judge Beryl Howell described the underlying litigation as a dispute over requests for FBI, DEA, CIA and other government records concerning alleged investigations. The ruling does not establish that Tinubu was facing a criminal prosecution in the United States.

Consequently, the allegation that Tinubu would be arrested immediately upon entering the United States remains an unverified claim, rather than an established fact.

Why the cancellation is attracting attention

The timing is nevertheless notable.

Tinubu had previously been publicly presented as Nigeria’s representative at the UNGA, and Nigerian officials had prepared for his participation.

The President’s reported withdrawal therefore raises questions about whether there has been a change in his international travel plans, diplomatic schedule or security considerations.

Another possible explanation is simply a change in the Presidency’s itinerary. However, no such explanation has yet been publicly provided.

The US itself is preparing to host numerous foreign leaders in New York. Reuters reported that nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the High-Level Week in person.

Interestingly, the Trump administration has also agreed to allow Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior Iranian officials to attend UNGA despite the serious tensions between Washington and Tehran, subject to restrictions.

That development makes it difficult to establish, from publicly available evidence alone, that Tinubu’s reported non-attendance is necessarily connected to a US plan to prevent him from entering the country.

Presidency yet to explain reversal

The major unanswered question is therefore why the President has reportedly cancelled a trip that had previously been confirmed.

As of September 19, there has been no publicly announced explanation from the Presidency establishing that the decision was caused by the US court case, a possible arrest, diplomatic concerns or security intelligence.

If Tinubu ultimately does not travel, Nigeria would still be represented at the General Assembly by another senior official. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President at the 79th and 80th UN General Assemblies in 2024 and 2025.

For now, the established facts are that Tinubu had been expected to attend, a Presidency source now says he will not attend, and no official reason has been given.

The US legal controversy involving historical FBI and DEA records is real and ongoing, but there is currently no verified evidence that the case has produced an arrest warrant or that it is the reason Tinubu cancelled his UNGA appearance.

Available next action: Create a downloadable PDF file here in this chat containing the findings and recommendations above

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has unveiled a 59-member presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council comprises coordinators from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.

It also includes directors overseeing mobilisation, women’s affairs, strategy, security, legal affairs, administration and other departments.

The movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, will serve as Director-General of the campaign.

National Secretary Saadatu Sani is also part of the campaign leadership.

In a message to the council members, Sani described their appointments as a call to duty, sacrifice, leadership and service to Nigeria.

She charged them with taking the message and political vision of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to voters across the country.

Sani said the campaign would focus on reaching Nigerians at the grassroots, from cities and states to local governments, wards and communities.

She added that the movement would prioritise grassroots mobilisation and promote what it described as a broader national vision rather than individual interests.

The zonal coordinators include Suleiman Abubakar for North-Central and Hashimu Dungurawa for North-West.

Others are Amadu Gwambe for North-East, Adebayo Adefolaseye for South-West, Christopher Ighodaro for South-South and El-Shaddai Ikeh for South-East.

The council also includes coordinators for all 36 states and the FCT, as well as directors for various departments.

The unveiling comes as the movement intensifies its preparations for the 2027 elections.

It also follows the movement’s recent condemnation of the reported disruption of Obi’s convoy during his visit to Benue State.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Muhammad Abacha, son of late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the forthcoming Kano State governorship election.

The development was announced on Wednesday by the PDP Kano State chairman, Bello Gambo-Bichi, during the party’s replacement governorship primary.

Gambo-Bichi also announced former PDP state chairman and commissioner, Yusuf Ado-Kibiya, as Abacha’s running mate.

He said the replacement primary followed the withdrawal of the party’s earlier candidate, Muhammad Dalha, after consultations among PDP stakeholders in Kano and Abuja.

According to the chairman, the exercise was conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and relevant PDP guidelines, with representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in attendance.

Gambo-Bichi said Kibiya’s selection followed reconciliation between two factions within the Kano PDP.

He added that the reconciliation also resulted in changes to some of the party’s National and State Assembly candidates.

The PDP chairman described the development as the beginning of a new phase for the party in Kano.

He urged party leaders, members and supporters to unite behind Abacha and the other PDP candidates ahead of the election.

The chairman of the replacement primary election panel, Abba Abdullahi, formally declared Abacha the party’s nominee.

Abdullahi said the exercise complied with the PDP constitution, party guidelines, relevant regulations and applicable electoral laws.

However, he noted that Abacha’s nomination remains subject to statutory procedures and scrutiny by the appropriate electoral authorities.

He congratulated Abacha and called on PDP members and stakeholders to support and cooperate with the new candidate ahead of the governorship election.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has called on Christians to support the Muslim-Muslim ticket, declaring his intention to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Jingir made the statement while publicly defending his support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket, assuring Christians that they would not be cheated under the arrangement.

“I am calling on all Christians to come and join the Muslim-Muslim ticket. We will not cheat you”, the cleric said.

He further appealed to his followers to communicate his support for President Bola Tinubu, stating that he and millions of his followers would vote for the president because they believe he would do the right thing.

“Help me tell President Tinubu that me and my millions of followers are voting for him because we believe as Muslim, he will do the right thing”, Jingir said.

The cleric also maintained that his support was not motivated by personal benefits, insisting that no one had given him anything or promised him anything in return for his position.

-9News Nigeria.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The “Atiku Is For The People” global movement has challenged the Federal Government over claims that Nigerians are enjoying improved electricity supply under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group was reacting to a statement attributed to the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, that Nigerians were asking him to “slow down” because their freezers were freezing too much.

The movement described the remark as inconsistent with electricity-sector data published by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC.

According to NERC’s April 2026 Operational Factsheet, Nigeria’s 28 grid-connected power plants recorded a combined Plant Availability Factor of only 31 percent.

Of the country’s 13,625MW installed generation capacity, just 4,286MW was available for dispatch during the period.

The movement said this meant about 9,339MW, representing 69 percent of installed capacity, was unavailable.

NERC also reported average generation of 4,048MWh/h, while only 10 power plants accounted for 81 percent of total electricity generated in April.

The report further showed continued instability on the national grid, with voltage and frequency levels fluctuating outside prescribed ranges.

The movement also cited NERC’s Q1 2026 report, which it said recorded a 9.64 percent decline in electricity generation.

It added that distribution companies reportedly lost N140.6 billion to inefficiencies, while Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection losses rose to 37.44 percent.

According to the group, rising energy costs are also putting pressure on households and businesses, with diesel prices exceeding ₦2,000 per litre and Band A electricity tariffs above ₦225 per kilowatt-hour.

The movement argued that the situation contradicts the impression of abundant and uninterrupted electricity supply.

It said Nigerians should instead be provided with reliable and affordable power that supports households, businesses and industries.

The group also recalled Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promise that Nigerians would have electricity and would no longer pay estimated electricity bills.

Tinubu was quoted as saying: “By all means necessary, you will have electricity, and you will not pay for estimated bills anymore.”

He reportedly added: “A promise made will be a promise kept. If I do not keep the promise and I come for a second term, do not vote for me.”

The Atiku movement said it was calling attention to the promise ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

It said supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, would pursue their demands through democratic means.

The group also outlined proposed measures including decentralising the electricity grid, expanding gas-to-power generation, improving transmission infrastructure and enforcing stronger performance standards for electricity distribution companies.

“Leave freezer jokes alone. Give Nigerians affordable and uninterrupted electricity,” the movement said.

“Let their freezers really freeze, and stop freezing their lives.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Fresh questions have emerged over the whereabouts of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, after he was absent from a meeting with an African Union (AU) pre-election delegation in Abuja.

National Commissioner Professor Rhoda Gumus represented him as Acting Chairman during the September 15 engagement with the AU delegation, which was assessing Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The development prompted the Obidient Movement to demand clarification on Amupitan’s whereabouts, his official engagements and the circumstances surrounding the delegation of his duties.

The group also raised questions about whether the INEC chairman had travelled outside Nigeria and whether he had any planned or recent meetings with President Bola Tinubu or officials of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

However, INEC has explained that Amupitan is away from Abuja on an official assignment and is authorised to delegate his responsibilities to another National Commissioner.

INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the chairman was “on an official assignment outside Abuja” and could delegate his powers to any National Commissioner.

Reports from INEC’s official social media platforms also indicate that Amupitan has been undertaking engagements in Canada.

He was reported to have attended the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections in Ottawa, where he held discussions involving emerging technology, cybersecurity and responsible artificial intelligence.

He also held meetings with representatives of Microsoft, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and Google on issues related to electoral technology and the security of electoral processes.

The controversy comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections, with the AU mission also examining areas including voter registration, electoral technology, logistics, funding, inclusion, transparency and results management.

While some Nigerians have linked Amupitan’s absence to speculation about possible political engagements, there is no evidence presented in the reports confirming that he travelled to meet President Tinubu or that any plan to rig the 2027 election was discussed.

The controversy has nevertheless renewed calls for greater transparency from INEC as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.

INEC has continued to maintain that its preparations are aimed at delivering a transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful election.

The commission’s leadership and its handling of the electoral process are therefore likely to remain under close public scrutiny as preparations for the 2027 polls continue.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) permission to serve President Bola Tinubu with court processes through the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a suit challenging his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the application for substituted service on Wednesday after hearing an ex-parte motion filed by Atiku’s counsel, Olanrewaju Omotayo-Ojo.

The court directed the plaintiffs to serve the documents on Tinubu through the APC within seven days.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was filed by Atiku and the ADC against Tinubu, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Atiku and the ADC are asking the court to determine whether Tinubu is constitutionally qualified to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The challenge centres on an alleged NYSC discharge certificate which the plaintiffs claim was submitted to INEC and bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, rather than Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Atiku alleges that the certificate is forged and argues that its presentation to INEC falls within the circumstances contemplated by Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with the presentation of a forged certificate to INEC.

The plaintiffs are consequently seeking declarations that Tinubu is ineligible to contest the 2027 presidential election and that his candidacy should be affected if the court upholds their claims.

However, the court has not ruled that Tinubu is disqualified, nor has it established that the certificate was forged. Those are allegations and legal questions still before the court.

The latest ruling concerns only the method of serving Tinubu with the originating court processes, allowing the case to proceed despite difficulties previously encountered in personally serving him.

The case has been adjourned until September 28, 2026, for further mention.

Tinubu, the APC and INEC have reportedly filed responses challenging aspects of the suit, including preliminary objections seeking its dismissal.

The court’s eventual determination will establish whether the allegations and constitutional arguments advanced by Atiku and the ADC have sufficient legal basis to affect Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Office of the Vice President has clarified remarks regarding the support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received from northern governors ahead of the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s reference to six northern governors who “believed in and supported” Tinubu was limited to political consultations before the APC primary in June 2022.

Nkwocha explained that the Vice President’s statements were not intended to describe the position of northern APC governors after Tinubu emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, nor were they meant to question their support during the 2023 presidential election.

According to the statement, northern APC governors rallied behind Tinubu following the primary and played significant roles in the party’s presidential campaign.

The Vice President, the statement added, holds the northern governors and other APC leaders in high regard and recognises their individual and collective contributions to the party’s success and Tinubu’s emergence as its presidential candidate.

“Vice President Shettima regrets any interpretation of his comments that suggested otherwise,” the statement said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Pan-African Chamber of Culture, Trade and Investment (PANACCTI) has appointed Amb. Diejomaoh Omonigho Alvin as its Head of Investment and Business Development Strategy.

The appointment brings to PANACCTI’s leadership an entrepreneur and business development professional with a background spanning oil and gas, logistics, energy services, investment, diplomacy and youth development.

A graduate of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Diejomaoh co-founded Desac Logistics Development Company Nigeria Limited in 2015, an oil and gas logistics firm supplying barges, tugboats and vessels for offshore and creek operations. 

In 2018, he co-founded Desac Energy Nigeria Limited, an oil-servicing company, which partnered with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited in 2019 to operate the Kokori Flow Station at OML 30, producing roughly 27,000 barrels per day.

Diejomaoh, beyond the energy sector, completed an Executive Masters Certificate Programme in Leadership, Diplomacy and Team Development at the African School of Diplomacy and International Relations in November 2023, and was admitted as an Associate Member of the institution. He also chairs Alihaz Football Club, which develops young Nigerian football talent for professional opportunities in Europe, including Malta, the Czech Republic and Denmark.

Profile

Amb. Diejomaoh Omonigho Alvin is the current Head, Investment & Business Development Strategy — PANACCTI; Special Emissary, African Union (AU); Graduate, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI); Alumnus, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA); Executive Masters Certificate, Leadership; Diplomacy & Team Development— African School of Diplomacy and International Relations

A Strategic Fit for PANACCTI’s Mandate

PANACCTI describes itself as a pan-African trade and investment promotion body connecting businesses, investors and institutions across African member states, in support of continental economic integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Chamber’s work spans trade and investment facilitation, cultural diplomacy, business and investment advisory, and diaspora and institutional partnership development — including structuring investment vehicles such as Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

In his new role, Diejomaoh is expected to support investment initiatives, facilitate strategic partnerships, and help connect African enterprises with capital, markets and expertise. His appointment is further complemented by his position as a Special Emissary of the African Union, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated and prosperous continent.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

New mobility app combines ride-hailing with professional driver-hire services, offering users the flexibility to book rides or hire drivers to operate their own vehicles.

— Nollywood movie producer and entrepreneur, Amb. Thompson Ukeki, has unveiled King Drive U, a new e-hailing and mobility platform designed to combine riding services and professional driving services in one mobile application.

Described by its founder as a “2-in-1” mobility solution, King Drive U allows users to book rides for their everyday activities while also giving vehicle owners the opportunity to hire professional drivers to drive their personal vehicles.

Speaking about the new platform, Amb. Ukeki said the concept was developed to address different transportation and driving needs through a single application.

“King Drive U is a 2-in-1 application created for both riding services and professional driving services. Through the app, you can book a ride for your daily activities, or you can hire a professional driver to drive your own car for an hour, a day, a week or a month.”

According to the founder, the driver-hire function is particularly designed for people who own vehicles but may require a professional driver for personal, business, family, or other transportation needs.

Users can therefore choose between requesting a ride and requesting a driver, depending on their specific requirements.

A Different Approach to E-Hailing

Amb. Ukeki said what distinguishes King Drive U from conventional ride-hailing applications is its combination of two mobility functions within the same platform.

“What makes King Drive U different is the combination of riding and driving services in one application. It is designed to give users more choices and flexibility when it comes to transportation.”

The platform is also designed to create opportunities for professional drivers by connecting them with vehicle owners and customers who require driving services.

The founder said King Drive U is being positioned as an international mobility platform, with its service vision across Nigeria and other African countries, Europe, and the United States of America.

Available on Mobile App Stores

King Drive U is available for download through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, allowing users to access its services through their smartphones.

The platform is expected to serve different categories of users, including riders, vehicle owners, professional drivers and individuals who require dedicated driving services.

Driving Opportunities and Reliable Rides

The launch represents another step in Amb. Thompson Ukeki’s entrepreneurial activities beyond the Nigerian film industry, bringing together technology and transportation services under the King Drive U brand.

The platform’s core message is captured in its tagline:

“Driving Opportunities, Reliable Rides, Endless Possibilities.”

About King Drive U
King Drive U is an e-hailing mobility platform founded by Amb. Thompson Ukeki, a Nollywood movie producer and entrepreneur.

The application operates as a *2-in-1 platform, providing both riding services and professional driving services.

Through King Drive U, users can request rides for daily activities and can also hire professional drivers to drive their own vehicles on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis.

The platform is designed to connect riders, vehicle owners and professional drivers, creating a wider mobility network that provides transportation options and driving opportunities.

King Drive U is being developed to international standards, covering Africa, Europe, and the United States of America.

App availability: Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Olugbenga George

At a time when diplomacy is increasingly extending beyond traditional state-to-state relations, young leaders are assuming greater importance in conversations around international cooperation, development, peacebuilding and global engagement.

One Nigerian professional contributing to this evolving space is Ambassador Ifeanyi Pius Nwaefuna, D.Hon., a global diplomat, international development strategist, youth leadership advocate and international business consultant.

Leadership in Youth Diplomacy

Ambassador Nwaefuna currently serves as President of the Global Young Diplomats Forum (GYDF) under the auspices of United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD). 

He also serves as a Special Envoy at the Directorate of Youth Affairs of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), where his engagement is focused on advancing youth participation, leadership and international diplomatic cooperation.

Through these roles, Nwaefuna has continued to promote platforms that encourage young people to develop diplomatic knowledge, leadership capacity, intercultural understanding and a stronger sense of global responsibility.

At GYDF, he provides strategic leadership for an organisation focused on connecting young diplomats, emerging leaders and professionals while creating opportunities for training, dialogue, collaboration and social impact.

His approach to youth leadership is built around the belief that young people should not merely be prepared to inherit leadership in the future, but should be equipped to contribute meaningfully to today’s global conversations.

International Business and Strategic Partnerships

His work also extends into international business and strategic partnerships.

Ambassador Nwaefuna serves as Head of Partnership and International Business Engagement at the Pan African Chamber of Culture, Trade and Investment (PANACCTI), where he is involved in strategic partnerships, international collaborations, investment facilitation and cross-border business engagement.

The convergence of diplomacy and international business is particularly significant within the African context, where regional integration, investment and stronger economic relationships remain central to the continent’s development aspirations.

Through his various engagements, Nwaefuna has interacted with government institutions, diplomatic missions, development organisations, educational institutions, private-sector stakeholders and international partners.

His professional interests therefore extend across several interconnected fields of diplomacy, youth development, leadership, entrepreneurship, strategic communication, international business and institutional partnerships.

Author, Mentor and Speaker

An accomplished author and leadership mentor, he has written on leadership, personal development, entrepreneurship and societal transformation, while also serving as a keynote speaker, facilitator and conference moderator.

His speaking engagements have covered subjects including diplomacy, youth leadership, international development, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships and sustainable development.

Building Bridges

However, for Nwaefuna the different dimensions of his work converge around one central idea: building bridges.

Whether connecting young leaders across borders, facilitating institutional partnerships or promoting international business engagement, his work reflects an emphasis on collaboration as an instrument for development.

As Africa continues to seek a stronger voice in global affairs, the emergence of young professionals with international exposure, leadership capacity and cross-sector networks will remain increasingly important.

Ambassador Ifeanyi Pius Nwaefuna’s growing engagements in youth diplomacy, international development and business cooperation place him within this evolving generation of African professionals working to strengthen connections between people, institutions and opportunities across borders.

His leadership philosophy is anchored on service, integrity, innovation and collaboration, principles he continues to advance through his work with young people, institutions and international partners.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to build relationships across borders may prove just as important as the ability to lead within them. 

For Ambassador Nwaefuna, that bridge-building journey continues.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has urged ministers, special advisers, chairmen and chief executive officers of federal government agencies to communicate the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to Nigerians.

Akume made the call on Wednesday, 16 September, 2026, while addressing participants at the Federal Appointees Strategic Summit in Abuja.

The Federal Appointees Strategic Summit brought together key officials of the Federal Government to deliberate on government achievements, challenges and strategies for strengthening the implementation and communication of the administration’s agenda.

The SGF said the summit was designed to provide an opportunity for political appointees and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to take stock of the administration’s achievements while assessing the impact of government policies and programmes on common Nigerians.

“This is a strategic Summit of top political appointees of government. We are referring to Ministers, Special Advisers, Chairmen and CEOs of Agencies,” Akume said.

He stressed the need for heads of government institutions to take responsibility for explaining the policies, programmes and achievements of their respective organisations to Nigerians in a clear and accessible manner.

According to him, the summit was not intended to evaluate or judge individual ministers or agencies, but to examine what has been achieved across MDAs and how those achievements have influenced the lives of citizens.

“We are not evaluating. What we are doing is taking stock of what has been achieved by each Ministry and every Agency, and how we are able to influence the lives of the ordinary people,” he said.

Akume also encouraged participants to be open and constructive during the summit by sharing their experiences, challenges and perspectives on the implementation of government programmes.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Henry Dele Alake, said the engagement provided an opportunity for ministries, agencies, boards, federal establishments and other institutions to present their achievements and demonstrate their contributions to the Tinubu administration.

Alake urged participants to see the exercise as a presentation of the collective scorecard of federal appointees entrusted with responsibilities by the President.

He said the administration had recorded significant strides since its inception, adding that its achievements were based on what he described as tangible facts and should be communicated more effectively to Nigerians.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said President Tinubu’s decision to contest the 2023 presidential election was driven by a determination to address longstanding challenges facing the country and make difficult decisions in the national interest.

Bagudu maintained that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not merely a campaign slogan but reflected the administration’s assessment of Nigeria’s circumstances and the choices required to move the country forward.

He commended Akume for convening the summit, describing it as an important platform for federal appointees to collectively review and communicate the administration’s achievements.

9News Nigeria

A controversy has erupted in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State following a viral video purportedly showing the council chairman, Hon. Blessing Albert, warning commercial drivers and motorcycle riders to wear a campaign face cap supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid or risk being barred from operating.

In the video, which has sparked reactions from members of the public, the council chairman is seen moving around motor parks and areas where commercial motorcycle operators gather, allegedly insisting that operators must wear the branded 2027 campaign face cap.

The development occurs against the backdrop of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s repeated pledge to mobilise 2.5 million votes from Edo State for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. The governor reiterated this target on September 4, 2026, while inaugurating the state’s 18 newly elected local government chairmen and vice chairmen.

The reported directive has, however, attracted criticism from some members of the public, who questioned whether a local government chairman has the authority to mandate the wearing of a specific political campaign item as a condition for engaging in commercial transportation activities.

Critics argue that political participation, including the choice of candidate or political party to support, should remain a personal decision for eligible voters. They also called for clarification on whether any official directive exists authorising the alleged enforcement.

The controversy has also prompted calls for the Edo State Government to investigate the incident and clarify the local government administration’s position.

The allegations contained in the viral video could not be independently verified from available sources, and Hon. Blessing Albert had not, at the time of this report, publicly responded to the claims.

The incident has nevertheless renewed discussion about the limits of political mobilisation by public officials and the need to separate political campaign activities from the administration of local government affairs.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has predicted that President Bola Tinubu will secure at least 65 percent of total votes cast in the 2027 general election.

He disclosed this during a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, 16 September, 2026.

Jibrin attributed Tinubu’s 2023 outcome to the peculiar political circumstances of that period, but expressed confidence that the President’s standing has since improved considerably.

“In 2023, President Tinubu got 38% of the votes because of the nature of what happened at that time, but take it to the bank, the president will have nothing less than 65% of the total votes cast in 2027,” Jibrin said.

The APC chieftain also spoke in defence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging critics within the party to exercise restraint in their public commentary about him.

“Wike is an asset to the APC. I don’t think Wike should be embarrassed at this moment with public statements,” he said.

Jibrin further disclosed that Wike’s political relevance extends beyond the APC, noting that members of opposition parties have taken note of the criticism directed at the minister.

“There are people who are in other parties, who are working with us in the NDC, in the ADC. Some of them called me yesterday, saying, ‘Look at what they are saying about Wike,'” he added.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Imo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Longers Anyanwu, has called on traditional rulers, community leaders and farmers across the state to return to their farmlands.

Anyanwu, in an interview with Orient 94.5 FM on Wednesday, said that the state government had, over the past six years, faced a sustained challenge in securing rural farmlands from hoodlums who had occupied or restricted access to agricultural lands.

He commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for what he described as decisive efforts to reclaim and secure farmlands, thereby improving farmers’ access to agricultural communities across the state.

The commissioner urged traditional rulers and community leaders to take the lead in returning to the farms and encouraging their people to embrace agriculture.

According to him, the state is targeting an increase in cassava production from the current average of about 30 tonnes per hectare to between 40 and 45 tonnes per hectare through improved farming practices and the adoption of high-yield varieties.

Ayanwu also highlighted the government’s Tractor Hire Scheme, explaining that the initiative had provided tractors and mechanised farming support to farmers to improve productivity and reduce the burden of manual or subsistence farming.

He further spoke on the state’s access to federal government support for irrigation, noting that the administration’s efforts had contributed to Imo securing an allocation for one of the Federal Government’s pivot irrigation systems.

The commissioner encouraged Imo residents to view agriculture as both a source of food security and economic opportunity.

“Our people should realise that the more food you make, the more money you make,” he said.

Ayanwu also commended the governor for supporting the distribution of high-yield agricultural seeds to farmers through the office of the First Lady of Imo State.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was working closely with traditional rulers, community heads, agricultural experts and other relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies for increasing food production across the state.

The commissioner said the collaboration was aimed at ensuring that government agricultural initiatives reached farmers at the grassroots and contributed meaningfully to food security in Imo State.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has reaffirmed Akparawa Michael Bush Mbaba as its duly recognised governorship candidate for the 2027 election, dismissing claims that Emmanuel Friday Ben is the authentic candidate of the party.

The party’s position was contained in a press statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ime Silas, and dated June 5, 2026.

The statement was issued in response to a report alleging that the Labour Party was grappling with two governorship candidates in Akwa Ibom State.

According to the party, Ben did not survive the National Screening Committee’s screening exercise held at the Labour Party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Labour Party therefore maintained that there were no two cleared governorship aspirants competing for its ticket in the state.

The party further identified Mrs Freena Akpanusong as its recognised State Chairman in Akwa Ibom, rejecting claims that Lincoln Charles occupied the position at the time of the party’s 2026 state congress.

On the governorship primary, the June 5 statement said the legitimately recognised primary was conducted on May 30, 2026, at the party’s state secretariat at No. 40, Akwa Efak, off Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo.

It stated that the exercise was conducted by the National Electoral Committee for Akwa Ibom State, headed by Dr Kingsley Okundaye, and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party also pointed out that Senator Nenadi Usman, who chaired the National Screening Committee, was the same National Chairman who constituted the electoral committee that conducted the Akwa Ibom primary.

Most importantly, Labour Party’s publicity secretary expressly declared in the statement that Akparawa Michael Bush was the party’s duly elected governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Akwa Ibom State.

The statement said: “The duly elected Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State is Akparawa Michael Bush.”

Akwa Ibom State Labour Party finally urges supporters and the public to disregard reports presenting the party as having two governorship candidates.

Similarly, National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Mr Ken Asogwa, a lawyer, when contacted, said the party is united behind both the Freena Akpanusong-led Akwa Ibom State executive of the party as well as the Michael Bush governorship ticket.

Mr Asogwa assured members of the party to rest assured that there is no cause for alarm.

9News Nigeria