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BREAKING: Tinubu ends state of emergency in Rivers

 

President Bola Tinubu has announced the end of the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, declaring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly will return to office from Thursday, September 18, 2025.

 

Tinubu, in a statement released on Wednesday by the Presidency, said the state of emergency, first proclaimed on March 18, 2025, was necessary to arrest the “total paralysis of governance” that had gripped Rivers at the time.

 

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

 

“The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025,” he

said.

 

He recalled that a conflict between the governor and 27 lawmakers loyal to the House Speaker had left the state without a functioning government, with the Supreme Court even affirming in one of its rulings that “there was no government in Rivers State.”

 

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

 

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

He explained that the intervention, which suspended the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and all members of the State House of Assembly, was backed by the National Assembly and aimed at restoring peace and order.

 

While acknowledging that over 40 lawsuits were filed to challenge the declaration, Tinubu maintained that the step was constitutionally justified, stressing that “it would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.”

 

The President expressed satisfaction with what he described as a “groundswell of a new spirit of understanding” among political stakeholders in Rivers, which, according to him, justifies ending the emergency at the expiration of its initial six months.

 

He said, “I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.

 

“This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.”

Tinubu used the occasion to urge governors and state assemblies across the country to prioritise harmony between the executive and legislative arms of government to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy.

 

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) has been serving as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State since Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state.

A’Ibom commissioner condemns abuse of tradition

 

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, has condemned in the strongest terms recent abuses of tradition and culture in the state.

 

He cited specific instances of individuals using the internet to hurl insults at the Governor and a case where a masked individual inflicted physical harm on a citizen.

 

Disturbing footage of one Princess Udoito, summoning the state governor, Umo Eno, before a deity of Eket, had surfaced on social media. Dressed in tight black clothes with rafia leaves knotted around her ankle and waist, Udoito was seen standing before a tree, clutching a local bottle of gin and performing a ritual.

 

Speaking during a visit to the Traditional Rulers Council in Uyo on Wednesday, Archibong emphasised that while the government cherishes and promotes culture, it will not tolerate its perversion into a tool for violence and intimidation.

He therefore directly appealed to the Royal Fathers, as custodians of peace and order, to curtail such excesses within their domains.

 

“While the state government is not against culture, it will not condone harmful practices against the people in its name,” he stated.

 

He also called for unified and sustained support from traditional rulers for Governor Umo Eno’s administration and its transformative ARISE agenda.

 

Archibong stated that the depth and quality of the Governor’s development blueprint for the state necessitate a broad coalition of support from every sector.

While thanking the Royal Fathers for their support thus far, Archibong passionately appealed for this collaboration to continue through the Governor’s first term and beyond, adding that such an enduring partnership is crucial to consolidating the developmental gains already achieved.

 

“This support for the governor has been remarkable, and I’m sure it will continue. We must support him in all ramifications, 360 degrees,” Archibong declared.

 

He assured the monarchs that their efforts are highly valued, noting, “I appreciate the royal fathers for their work, and I know the governor does not take their contributions for granted.”

 

He described the traditional institution as the bedrock of societal stability, indispensable for ensuring order and fostering an environment where government policies can flourish for the benefit of all citizens.

 

Reflecting on his own experience as a former Council Chairman, the Commissioner acknowledged the relentless service and challenges faced by traditional rulers and expressed profound gratitude for their steadfast backing.

 

On civic duties, the Commissioner urged the traditional leaders to champion the ongoing voter registration exercise, as the response so far has been unimpressive.

He explained that as key influencers, their role is critical in strengthening the state’s democratic foundations by ensuring a fully enrolled electorate, which is essential for fair political representation and development planning.

 

The Commissioner also highlighted the upcoming state anniversary celebrations on September 23rd, an event designed to honour the traditional institution and therefore called for their full cooperation to ensure its success, framing it as a testament to the government’s respect for the royalty.

Soldiers kill bandit, recover weapons in Plateau ambush

 

Troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have killed a bandit during an ambush in Odare Forest, Dutsen Zaki, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

 

Spokesman for the task force, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the intelligence-led operation took place on September 16.

 

Zhakom explained that troops intercepted bandits on motorcycles heading into the forest, killing one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

 

According to him, troops recovered a motorcycle, two mobile phones, a machete, and charms abandoned by the fleeing bandits.

Zhakom added that in another operation on September 15, soldiers launched an offensive against bandits at crossing points around Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa villages in Wase and Kanam LGAs. The troops reportedly overpowered the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.

 

He said, “In continuation of efforts to deny bandits freedom of action in the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) staged an intelligence-based ambush operation against bandits along routes leading to Odare Forest at Dutsen Zaki in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State on 16 September 2025.

 

“On 16th September, troops in Plateau state made contact with bandits mounted on motorcycles heading towards Odare Forest and neutralised one of the bandits, while others fled with severe gunshot wounds through the thick forest. Troops exploited the area and recovered one motorcycle, 2 mobile phones, one machete, and charms abandoned by the bandits. The recovered items are in custody for further action.

“In another operational development, success was recorded following credible intelligence on the activities of bandits around Garga, Showaka, Yuli and Kukawa Villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State. Notably, on 15 September 2025, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE conducted offensive operations at a notable bandit crossing point in the general area.”

Items recovered included a G3 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

 

He noted that the recent onslaughts form part of the military’s resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and bring them to justice.

 

“During the operation, troops came in contact and dealt decisively with elements of bandits through superior firepower and professionalism, leading to the bandits fleeing in disarray.

 

“Consequently, troops exploited the general area and recovered one G3 rifle, one G3 magazine and 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO). The recovered weapon and ammunition are in custody while troops ensured that the bandits and criminal elements are completely neutralised and denied any freedom of operation.

 

“The recent onslaughts and bombardment of criminal elements, especially bandits in the JOA, is part of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE’s resolve and mandate to troops to continually neutralise armed criminals and bring perpetrators of crimes to justice,” the statement said.

Recall that on Saturday, troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation ACCORD III, in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces, killed a notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachala, who was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a gang operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.

Similarly, the Nigerian Army killed notorious bandit leader Kachalla Balla and five of his men in Kogi State.

Jigawa approves N75bn supplementary budget

 

 

The Jigawa State Government has approved a supplementary budget of N75 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, for onward submission to the state assembly.

 

The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Sagir Musa, made this known in an interview on Wednesday in Dutse, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting.

 

He said that the budget appropriation arose from additional revenue generated.

 

“The reason for the supplementary budget is to address emerging financial needs and strengthen priority sectors for sustainable development across the state.

“The approved figures are ₦58 billion for the State Government, and ₦17 billion for the 27 Local Government Councils, covering both recurrent and capital expenditure components,” he said.

 

The supplementary budget, he said, also seeks to enhance ongoing projects and programmes across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and other developmental projects.

 

He said it will also provide fiscal support for new and unforeseen expenditure requirements, align public spending with current socio-economic realities and development targets.

 

The commissioner said the supplementary budget proposal will be formally submitted to the Jigawa House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval, in accordance with constitutional procedures.

Musa said that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to transparent governance, responsible fiscal management and effective service delivery to all citizens of Jigawa.

 

NAN reports that Governor Umar Namadi signed the state’s 2025 appropriation bill of N698.3 billion into law on Jan. 1, being the highest in the state’s history

 

In his remarks, Namadi described the budget as transformative and essential for the state’s long-term development.

 

“This year’s budget of N698.3 billion is the highest in the history of Jigawa State. It is designed to restructure the state into a greater one,” he stated.

 

A substantial 76 per cent of the budget has been allocated to capital projects, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure and development.

 

Namadi highlighted that these investments will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and improve living standards across the state.

 

Police clear Pastor Adefarasin of wrongdoing over viral gun video

 

The Lagos State Police Command said it has cleared the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, of wrongdoing after a viral video showed him holding what appeared to be a firearm.

 

The command, in a statement released Wednesday by its spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that Adefarasin voluntarily reported to its headquarters in Ikeja for questioning over the incident.

 

According to the police, investigations revealed that the object seen in the viral clip was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon.

 

“After a thorough investigation, including interrogation and a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, it was established that the object in question was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon or firearm.

“Consequent to our findings, the Lagos State Police Command has determined that there are no sufficient grounds to proceed with the matter. The case is hereby discontinued,” the statement read.

 

The command added that it remains committed to transparency in its operations while upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety.

This marks a turn from June, when the state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had stated that pointing a stun gun at someone constituted a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

 

Speaking on Channels Television at the time, Jimoh noted that stun guns fall under prohibited riot control equipment and warned that using them to instil fear could amount to an offence.

 

He added that both Adefarasin and the individual allegedly threatened in the clip would be questioned.

 

The video, which circulated widely in June, showed the pastor seated in a Range Rover while holding the device during an exchange with another individual.

 

Adefarasin had denied ever brandishing a firearm, insisting it was a non-lethal object.

Ondo PDP candidate withdraws Supreme Court appeal against Aiyedatiwa

 

 

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has announced his withdrawal from the appeal filed at the Supreme Court against the winner of the election, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

 

It can be recalled that PUNCH Online reported on December 11 2024, that Ajayi said he had filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal against the victory of Aiyedatiwa. This development came 24 days after the governorship poll.

 

Ajayi had disclosed that his legal team had filed the petition at the election tribunal with the hope of getting justice from the court.

 

Ajayi of the PDP, according to the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, lost the election to the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Governor Aiyedatiwa, having scored a total of 117,845 votes behind the governor, who polled 366,781 votes.

He moved forward to challenge the results of the election but lost at both the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal , and later proceeded to the Supreme Court to challenge the verdicts of the lower court.

 

However, he announced his withdrawal from the litigation in a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court in Abuja and dated September 16, 2025. The letter was made available to our correspondent on Wednesday.

 

In the letter, the former PDP governorship candidate did not mention the main reason for his action but stated that he had consulted the stakeholders who had consented to the move.

The letter was titled, ‘RE: SC/CV/757/2025 – Mr Ajayi Alfred Agboola & Anor V. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3ORS.’

 

It read, “I am the ‘Appellant’ in the above appeal, and I write to inform you that I am aware of the appeal that has been filed on my behalf concerning the recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

 

“As the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, I have engaged in thoughtful discussions with my family, party members, associates, and legal advisors. After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I’m signing this letter to do so.

 

“Having served as the former Deputy Governor and as a representative of my constituents at the national level, my foremost commitment is to the principles of good governance and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and across Nigeria.

 

“In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Alyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the State and National development.

 

“Thank you for your understanding and attention to this matter. I trust that my position will be respectfully acknowledged.”

 

Two Ebola survivors discharged in DR Congo

 

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced that the first two patients treated for Ebola in the Bulape health zone, Kasai Province, have fully recovered and been discharged from the local treatment centre.

 

This was disclosed by the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa on its X handle on Tuesday.

 

The milestone marks a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing fight against the virus, which re-emerged in the region earlier this month.

 

The recoveries were made possible through strengthened clinical care and rapid response measures introduced over the past week.

 

These efforts were supported by the Ministry of Health in DR Congo, with assistance from the WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, ALIMA, and other humanitarian partners working on the ground.

 

“@MinSanteRDC—with support from @WHO, @MSF, @ALIMA_ORG and other partners—has accelerated response actions to improve the quality of clinical care over the past week.

 

“Appropriate control measures are being rolled out to curb the spread of the virus, save lives, and end the outbreak as quickly as possible,” WHO posted.

 

On September 4, health authorities in the DR Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province.

The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo comes at a time when much of Central and West Africa continues to grapple with overlapping health and humanitarian crises, including cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, and displacement.

 

The DR Congo’s last outbreak of Ebola virus disease affected the north-western Equateur Province in April 2022.

 

It was brought under control within three months, thanks to robust efforts by the health authorities. In Kasai Province, previous outbreaks of Ebola virus disease were reported in 2007 and 2008. In the country overall, there have been 15 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976.

 

Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans. It is transmitted to people through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats (thought to be the natural hosts).

 

Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with, or has died from, Ebola; through objects contaminated with body fluids from an infected person; or through the body of a person who died from the disease.

As of September 4, 2025, the WHO said 28 suspected cases, including 15 deaths (case fatality ratio: 54 per cent), had been reported from three areas of the Bulape health zone (Bulape, Bulape Com, and Dikolo) and the Mweka health zone. Among the deaths, four were healthcare workers. About 80 per cent of the suspected cases are aged 15 years and older.

Meanwhile, the global health body said an initial 400 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine—from the country’s stockpile of 2,000 doses pre-positioned in the capital, Kinshasa—have been delivered to Bulape, one of the current hotspots of the outbreak.

 

It said additional doses will be delivered to the affected localities in the coming days.

 

Private sector key to future of Carnival Calabar, says festival chairman

 

The Chairman of Carnival Calabar, Gabe Onah, has called for stronger private sector investment to sustain the popular street party.

 

Onah made the call on the sidelines of the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

The chairman said the annual carnival, which would turn 20 this year, was originally designed as a strategy for community participation and economic development.

 

“Carnival Calabar must breathe beyond the stranglehold of government.

“For sustainability, the private sector has to take more than a passing interest,” he said.

 

Onah credited the continuity of the festival to successive governors of Cross River, such as Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Ben Ayade, and the present governor, Bassey Otu.

 

He, however, emphasised that the community buy-in and the welcoming spirit of Calabar’s people were just as significant.

 

“The smiles of our people, the restfulness of the city and our natural blessings – vegetation, mountains, waterfronts and greenery – are what make Calabar stand out,” he said.

 

Speaking on Akwaaba’s role in regional tourism, Onah described the event as the melting point for the travel and trade industry.

 

“In tourism, we will keep saying partners must collaborate, not compete.

 

“Akwaaba has successfully done this for Nigeria,” he said.

Highlighting emerging trends, he said today’s tourists are digital, unique and global.

 

Onah emphasised the need to embrace artificial intelligence in tourism promotion.

 

The chairman added that families were becoming more central to travel decisions, which he said informed the upgrade of the children’s carnival to a junior carnival in Calabar.

Onah also noted that there was a growing demand for takeaways and memorabilia, as visitors seek lasting connections to cultural experiences.

 

It can be recalled that PUNCH Online reports on January 11, 2025, that the Cross River Tourism Bureau reported that the 2024 Calabar Carnival drew over 300,000 tourists between November 1 and December 31, marking a 42 per cent increase from 2023.

 

The month-long festival also attracted an estimated 450,000 onsite spectators for signature events such as the Cultural Carnival, Children’s Carnival, and Bikers Carnival, while more than 1.2 billion viewers tuned in globally via DSTV and over 100 million through live online streaming.

 

Most visitors came from Abuja, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom, which boosted Calabar’s hotel occupancy rate to 68 per cent, with more than 90 per cent of hotels fully booked during the peak period in December.

 

According to the bureau’s Managing Director, Ekpenyong Ojoi, the festival generated significant economic impact, with hotel bookings valued at N2.79 billion and food sales estimated at N900 million.

Major events such as Funfest and the Calabar Fashion Show brought in N100 million, while nightclubs generated N400 million. Ancillary activities, including online streaming, car rentals, and food and drinks, added another N1 billion, while visitor transportation costs reached N8.87 billion, underscoring the carnival’s growing role as a key driver of tourism and revenue for Cross River State.

 

Carnival Calabar has shown its strength as both a cultural celebration and an economic driver for Cross River State. But as Chairman Gabe Onah noted, its long-term success will rely on greater private sector involvement to ensure the festival continues to thrive beyond government support.

Yahoo boys worsening visa restrictions for Nigerians – EFCC

 

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

 

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

 

Olukoyede, who was represented by the Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the charge on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.

 

His statement was contained in a release issued by the commission on Tuesday.

“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.

 

“Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

 

He urged young people in the South-South and across the country to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.

 

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

Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to intensify sensitisation, enforcement and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes.

 

Also speaking at the event, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mathew Ewah, warned that drug abuse remained one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.

 

The EFCC has recently intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country.

 

In August, operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, following days of surveillance.

 

Items recovered from the suspects included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.

 

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, for fraud-related offences.

They were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court after pleading guilty to charges bordering on advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.

VIDEO: Ajaokuta Steel Industry May Never Work, Says Dangote

 

The President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Complex may never work, insisting that global technological advancements have overtaken the project.

 

Dangote, who spoke on Tuesday in an interview with journalists, stressed that while no nation can thrive without a functional steel industry, Ajaokuta’s prospects remain dim.

 

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

 

Conceived in 1979, the Ajaokuta Integrated Steel Complex was designed to host a Metallurgical Process Plant, an Engineering Complex and auxiliary facilities. However, more than 45 years later, the multi-billion-dollar project has failed to take off, dogged by mismanagement and corruption.

In January 2024, PUNCH Online reported that President Bola Tinubu approved the restart of the light steel section of the plant after discussions with India’s Jindal Steel Group, which pledged $5bn investment in a new steel project in Nigeria during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023.

 

Speaking further, Dangote, warned that Africa must avoid becoming a dumping ground for outdated industrial plans and imports that undermine job creation.

“But really, you know, come to think of it, we should be very careful, not only in Nigeria, but in the entire African continent. Because people are importing poverty into our nations and exporting our jobs out. And we have the most, you know, growing population in the world, the continent.”” he cautioned.

 

 

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