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He’s A Noisemaker And Nobody – Nwifuru Knocks Chief Priest Over Calls To Step Down

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He’s A Noisemaker And Nobody – Nwifuru Knocks Chief Priest Over Calls To Step Down

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has dismissed criticism of his administration by businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.

The governor reacted to the comments while addressing supporters at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally on Sunday.

Cubana Chief Priest had called on Nwifuru to step aside, alleging that the governor had failed to deliver enough major projects despite spending almost three years in office.

The socialite questioned the absence of landmark projects that could leave a lasting legacy in Ebonyi, while also criticising the state’s development record.

He claimed that Ebonyi had lagged behind other South-East states and accused its political leaders of failing to embrace the level of thinking needed to transform the state.

Read Also: In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

Cubana Chief Priest is also supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, ahead of the February 2027 governorship election.

Responding to the criticism, Nwifuru said he was not interested in engaging the socialite, whom he described as a “noisemaker” and “nobody.”

The governor said Cubana Chief Priest was not important enough for him to spend time responding to his remarks.

Nwifuru added that he would only give the socialite attention if he happened to remember him.

“I don’t have time for Cubana Chief Priest. He’s a noisemaker and a nobody. But if I remember him… I’m sorry for him,” the governor said.

The verbal exchange comes as political activities intensify in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with rival political camps increasingly mobilising support across the state.

In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

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In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

Afrobeats star Fireboy DML has recounted the unsettling experiences he had when he first moved to Lagos in pursuit of his music career, while also revealing how one social media post left his family deeply worried.

The singer, who relocated to Lagos in 2016, said his early days in the city were far from easy. Speaking during a recent livestream, he recalled being frightened by several things he encountered shortly after arriving in Surulere.

Fireboy said he witnessed disturbing incidents, including someone running mad and dead bodies on the streets. He also said the presence of cultists and the appearance of some residents made the city seem intimidating to him.

“I was so scared the first time I came to Lagos in 2016, in Surulere. People’s eyes were so red, and they looked scary,” he recalled.

According to the singer, he encountered several of the situations within just two weeks of arriving in the city. Despite the shock, however, Fireboy remained determined to establish himself in the Nigerian music industry.

He said he eventually adjusted to Lagos and its fast-paced lifestyle, joking that he now looks like the people he once found frightening.

Read Also: INEC Publishes Presidential Candidates for 2027 General Election

The ‘Vibration’ crooner also spoke about a separate incident involving his family and an Instagram post.

Fireboy revealed on the Afrobeats Podcast that his relatives became alarmed after he shared a snippet on his Instagram Story while holding a cigarette in his mouth.

He said the post triggered a reaction in the family WhatsApp group, with his mother becoming emotional and crying after seeing the image.

Fireboy explained that the cigarette was initially meant to form part of his showbiz presentation and assured his family that there was no reason for them to panic.

However, he admitted that he eventually smoked the cigarette despite initially telling his relatives it was only part of the act.

The singer said the incident showed how quickly his family could become concerned whenever they saw something unexpected about him online.

INEC Publishes Presidential Candidates for 2027 General Election

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INEC Publishes Presidential Candidates for 2027 General Election

Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race has taken shape following the release by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the final list of 18 presidential candidates and their running mates.

The commission made the disclosure in a statement signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

According to the electoral body, the field comprises 16 male candidates and two female candidates drawn from different political parties.

The list includes some of the country’s major political figures. President Bola Tinubu is representing the All Progressives Congress, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the African Democratic Congress candidate.

Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, is listed as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Oluseyi Makinde, the serving governor of Oyo State, is contesting on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement.

Read Also: Guinea, Ivory Coast Move to Strengthen Relations and Regional Cooperation

The Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate is Sandy Ojang Onor, while former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke is representing the Peoples Redemption Party.

INEC also named Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje of the Action Alliance, Abbas-Bin Aliyu of the Action Democratic Party, Yusuf Kabiru of the Action Peoples Party and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress.

The remaining candidates include Sunday Adenuga of the Boot Party, Adebisi Olusoji of the Democratic Labour Alliance, Sunday Okereke of the Labour Party, Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party, Peter Agada of the Young Progressive Party and Nwanyanwu Daberechukwu of the Zenith Labour Party.

Ada Elizabeth Frederick Okwori of the National Democratic Party and Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement are the two women on the presidential list.

The publication provides the official lineup of presidential contenders as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 election campaign.

Guinea, Ivory Coast Move to Strengthen Relations and Regional Cooperation

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Guinea, Ivory Coast Move to Strengthen Relations and Regional Cooperation

Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya and his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara, have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in security, trade and political affairs.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between the two leaders in Abidjan on Sunday, following Doumbouya’s arrival in the Ivorian capital on Friday.

Doumbouya called for closer intelligence cooperation to address growing security challenges in the region, including cross-border crime and terrorism.

“Like you, I am convinced that there can be no development without peace and stability,” Doumbouya said.

Read Also: Fuel Price Changes: NOA Calls for Calm Among Nigerians

He said Guinea was ready to work with Côte d’Ivoire on intelligence sharing and efforts to combat cross-border crime and terrorism.

According to a statement from Ouattara’s office, Doumbouya also stressed the need to intensify the fight against illegal gold mining, describing it as a strategic issue.

A 2024 report estimated that up to 40 per cent of gold produced in Africa is undeclared, depriving the continent of billions of dollars in potential revenue.

The discussions are expected to further strengthen relations between Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire and promote regional security and economic cooperation.

Fuel Price Changes: NOA Calls for Calm Among Nigerians

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Fuel Price Changes: NOA Calls for Calm Among Nigerians

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kebbi State Directorate, has appealed to Nigerians and people of the state to be patriotic and remain calm over the dynamic price adjustments of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The Director of the NOA in Kebbi State, Muhammed Nasir Karofi, made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

He explained that the current fluctuations in petrol retail pump prices are direct reflections of crude oil price movements on the international market.

According to him, “under the full deregulation framework of the petroleum downstream sector, local prices shift in tandem with global supply dynamics, market replacement costs, and foreign exchange factors.

“This economic reality is not isolated to Nigeria; neighbouring West African nations — including Benin, Niger, Togo, and Cameroon — are experiencing similar price recalibrations and inflationary pressures.

“While the Federal Government fully acknowledges the immediate economic hardship these price changes place on households and small businesses, these tough reforms are essential to securing the nation’s financial health. Eliminating unsustainable subsidies prevents fiscal drain and boosts government solvency, ensuring funds are redirected towards public infrastructure, security, education, and social welfare.”

Karofi noted that, in response to these national economic dynamics, the Kebbi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dr Nasir Idris, is implementing targeted social protection and mitigation measures across the state.

Read Also: Nigeria Has Lost a Statesman, Mark Laments Death of Bamanga Tukur

He disclosed that such social interventions include mass transit support: expanding public transport initiatives and upgrading major transport hubs, such as the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, to ease commuting costs for citizens.

Karofi said that the state government is also strengthening primary healthcare systems under the Harmonised Health Sector Operational Plan, expanding community health rehabilitation of health facilities and medical outreaches, as well as broadening coverage under the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.

He said: “Logistic support for security forces: sustaining logistical and operational backing for security agencies to maintain peace, secure farmlands, and safeguard lives and property throughout the state.”

He said the state government is also launching targeted welfare interventions, agricultural support schemes, and empowerment programmes for vulnerable groups, women, and youth across all 21 local government areas.

“At the national level, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to long-term structural improvements. Key achievements under these reforms include stabilising tertiary education funding through the Student Loan Scheme, strengthening national security infrastructure, and driving economic diversification.”

Karofi, who acknowledged the fact that economic policy shifts require time to mature, noted that the temporary difficulties experienced today pave the way for sustainable national development and enhanced public services.

He added that the NOA urged all community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, and citizens to maintain trust, embrace civic patience, and support ongoing government initiatives as these crucial reforms reach full fruition.

Nigeria Has Lost a Statesman, Mark Laments Death of Bamanga Tukur

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Nigeria Has Lost a Statesman, Mark Laments Death of Bamanga Tukur

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has expressed sadness over the death of former Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing his passing as a great loss to Nigeria.

Mark, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Tukur’s death came at a time when the country needed the wisdom, experience and counsel of its older generation of leaders.

Read Also: 19-Year-Old Appeals Against Father’s Jail Sentence After Revealing Years Of Abuse

He described the deceased as a prominent Nigerian whose contributions to the country’s political, administrative and economic development spanned several decades.

According to him, Tukur’s career in public service, business and politics reflected a long commitment to national development and institution-building.

Mark particularly recalled Tukur’s service as governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries and later National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said Tukur’s record of service went beyond partisan politics, noting that the former governor was also an accomplished businessman and international figure who contributed to Nigeria’s development in various capacities.

“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerians who devoted their lives to the service of the country. His journey through public service, business and politics was remarkable, and his counsel and experience will be greatly missed,” Mark said.

He added that Tukur’s death was a loss not only to his immediate family and the people of Adamawa State, but to the entire country.

“His death is not only a loss to his family and the people of Adamawa State, but also to Nigeria as a whole. At this difficult moment, we must remember and celebrate the values of service, patriotism and national unity that characterised his long public career,” he said.

Mark commiserated with members of the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as the deceased’s political associates, colleagues and friends.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Tukur’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest, while asking God to give his family the strength to bear the loss.

Tukur, who died at the age of 90, was a former governor of the old Gongola State and later served as a federal minister. He also served as National Chairman of the PDP before his death.

19-Year-Old Appeals Against Father’s Jail Sentence After Revealing Years Of Abuse

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19-Year-Old Appeals Against Father’s Jail Sentence After Revealing Years Of Abuse

A 19-year-old woman, identified as Ugo Rejoice, has pleaded against the imprisonment of her father, Uche Didie, after accusing him of sexually abusing her over several years in Lagos.

Ugo said the alleged abuse began in 2019, when she was 12, and continued until she opened up about it on September 6, 2026.

She alleged that the incidents occurred once or twice a month and that her father warned her against speaking about them.

“He has been having sexual intercourse with me since 2019. I have never had a boyfriend. My dad is the only man who has had carnal knowledge of me,” she said.

According to her, Didie forced himself on her and threatened to beat her whenever she considered telling someone.

“He did not convince me; he forced himself on me. He always asked me not to tell anyone and said he would beat me if I told anybody. Sometimes, he also bought me gifts,” she said.

Ugo said her mother was previously informed about the alleged abuse and confronted Didie, but he denied the allegation.

She eventually told a close friend, who is the son of their pastor. The matter was then brought to the pastor’s attention.

Read Also: National Assembly Bans Official Visits To South Africa

Didie was arrested by members of the OPC and handed over to the Police Tactical Unit in Araro, Ikorodu.

He was later transferred to the Gender Unit headed by ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem.

Although Ugo said she wanted the alleged abuse to end, she said she was not seeking her father’s imprisonment because of the possible effect on the family.

“I know the best thing is for my dad to be arrested, but that’s not what I want because I don’t want it to affect our future. I’m his second child, and there are three of us, two girls and one boy,” she said.

She said she would rather leave her parents’ home and stay with her grandmother in Agege or her aunt in Egbeda.

“I wanted it to stop, I want him to be released, but I will stop staying with my parents. I will go to my grandmother in Agege or my aunt in Egbeda,” she said.

Didie, however, gave a different account in a video, disputing Ugo’s claim that the alleged abuse started in 2019.

He claimed that what she alleged only began in 2026.

“Na this year I start dey do am, na this year I start dey fuck am, my daughter Rejoice. The time wey the mama ask me that time, e never dey happen,” he said.

National Assembly Bans Official Visits To South Africa

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National Assembly Bans Official Visits To South Africa

The Nigerian National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees, officials and staff to boycott legislative activities hosted or organized by South African authorities.

The decision came amidst rising concerns over reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

The resolution was contained in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana on behalf of the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.

The statement said the National Assembly is particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties because of recurring violent attacks.

The leadership noted that despite the repeated appeals by the Nigeria Government and other stakeholders to the South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring perpetrators of xenophobic violence to justice, reports of such incidents have continued to emerge.It said:

It also recognized the interventions of the Government and other stakeholders, including efforts to support affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.

The suspension covers official visits of the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff to South Africa.

Read Also: INEC Announces Dates For By-Elections In Four States

It also applies to participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organized or hosted by South African legislative authorities.

The boycott also includes physical participation in legislative programs hosted in South Africa, and participation via virtual or online platforms.

The leadership of the National Assembly has therefore directed the Clerk to convey the decision to all the senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.

The leadership stressed that the decision was not intended to jeopardize the long-standing historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Rather, it said the move was a strong signal of concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and carrying out legitimate businesses in South Africa.

The National Assembly urged the South African Government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals in its territory, prevent further xenophobic attacks, thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable in accordance with the law.

The leadership also urged the various State Houses of Assembly to take cognizance of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.

The National Assembly reiterated its commitment to the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments on the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.

The suspension and boycott will continue until further notice and may be reviewed by the leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances require.

INEC Announces Dates For By-Elections In Four States

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INEC Announces Dates For By-Elections In Four States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set September 19, 2026 for by-elections to fill five vacant legislative seats in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states.

The date was announced Friday in a post on the commission’s official 𝕏 handle.

Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State and Udu State Constituency of Delta State, it was reported.

INEC said voting would take place at polling units within the affected constituencies and the exercise would commence at 8:30am and end at 2:30pm.

The five seats became vacant due to the death, resignation, defection or a move by some lawmakers to contest other positions.

Read Also: Reps Spokesman Denies Claims Wike Borrowed Funds Behind National Assembly

The seat of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe has been declared vacant following the death of the lawmaker representing the area, Yaya Bauchi Tongo, in June 2026.

In Bauchi, the former occupant of the Sakwa State Constituency died while the lawmaker representing Disina resigned from the State House of Assembly to contest for a chairmanship position.

The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the seat of the Udu State Constituency vacant following the defection of its former occupant, Collins Egbetamah, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The seat of the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano was vacated after its former occupant, Rabiu Shuaibu, left the State Assembly to contest for the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency seat.

Shuaibu later won the by-election for the federal constituency in June, defeating the candidates of the Labor Party and the Allied Peoples Movement.

INEC said the September 19 election would hold in polling units in the affected constituencies.

Reps Spokesman Denies Claims Wike Borrowed Funds Behind National Assembly

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Reps Spokesman Denies Claims Wike Borrowed Funds Behind National Assembly

Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has reacted to allegations that the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, took loans without the consent of the National Assembly.

Agbese was reacting to allegations by Senator Ireti Kingibe that the FCT Administration had taken a loan without the approval of the legislature.

But Agbese said in a chat with journalists in Abuja on Thursday that it was misleading to claim that Wike had bypassed the National Assembly or acted outside the laid down procedures in securing funds for projects in the FCT.

He said there was no evidence that Wike breached any law in the execution of projects and programs in the FCT.

“Public borrowing was regulated by constitutional, statutory and administrative processes involving government institutions,” the lawmaker said.

“Wike has not breached any rule in borrowings. “There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.

He said Wike has always been subjected to legislative scrutiny the administration of the FCT particularly through the presentation and consideration of its budgets and appearances before relevant committees of the National Assembly.

Agbese said the increase in the debt profile of the FCT could not be considered as an illegal borrowing arrangement in itself.

Borrowing for infrastructure development was not illegal in itself if the required approvals and procedures were followed, he said.

Read Also: 2027 Election: Religious Leaders Urged To Preach Peace, Unity

“The key issue is whether the necessary approvals and procedures have been followed,” he added.

He also debunked the claim that Wike acted without legislative oversight, saying the National Assembly had continued to exercise oversight functions on the FCT Administration in line with its constitutional mandate.

“FCT Minister is one of the most legislatively compliant public servants under our searchlight. “He has always been engaging with the National Assembly and the activities of the FCT Administration have been subjected to legislative scrutiny,” he said.

He urged lawmakers and others to base allegations on public borrowing on specific transactions and official documents and not political claims.

He said if there were concerns about specific borrowing arrangements, Senator Kingibe or any other interested party should name the transactions and ask the relevant authorities to present the documents and approvals by which they were governed.

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