News Review Backup, Port Harcourt (2025)

22/09/2025

Kenneth Okonkwo Predicts ADC Victory in 2027, Says Party Will Unseat Tinubu

Nollywood veteran and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will win the 2027 general elections and take over from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Okonkwo made the prediction while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme on Monday.

He dismissed concerns over the party’s recent poor outing in the August 16 by-elections, where the ADC failed to secure any of the 16 available seats, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinched 12 across nine states.

When asked if the ADC had a realistic chance in 2027, Okonkwo insisted that the party “stands a chance in every election in Nigeria.” He however clarified that the real test would come in the next general elections under the new leadership of David Mark.

“We are going to form the next government in Nigeria and send Tinubu to Bourdillon,” he stated.

On the party’s structure in Rivers State, Okonkwo confirmed that the ADC now operates in all 36 states of the federation and named former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, as its leading figure in Rivers.

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22/09/2025

Gunmen Abduct Pastor’s Wife, Church Member in Nasarawa Community

Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Mrs. Patience Nasamu, wife of Pastor Samuel Nasamu of the Word of God Church, Agyaragu, and a female church member on Sunday night in Agyaragu, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Narrating the incident, Pastor Nasamu said his wife, who is nursing a three-month-old baby, was taken away alongside the church member who had visited the family after a service.

“I had stepped out to pray for a sick church member when my wife called me. All I could hear was her voice in prayer before the line went off. On rushing back home, I found out that my wife and the visitor had been abducted, leaving our baby behind,” he recounted.

According to him, the gunmen stormed his apartment, attempting to break in with hammers and later shooting sporadically until his wife opened the door. She and the church member were then seized and taken away.

Pastor Nasamu added that earlier in the evening, around 7:00 p.m., strange faces were seen on motorcycles in the area, followed by gunshots around 8:15 p.m. when the attack occurred.

He disclosed that there has been no contact from the abductors since the incident, but police officers later arrived at the scene and assured residents that efforts were underway to track down the criminals.

A resident of Agyaragu, who spoke anonymously, decried the rising spate of kidnappings in the community and appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to act urgently.

“We live every day in fear of kidnappers. Farmers and residents are being abducted regularly, and if ransom is not paid, lives are at risk. Help us tell Governor Sule that Agyaragu is now at the mercy of kidnappers,” the resident lamented.

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22/09/2025

Rivers House of Assembly Moves to Probe State’s Finances During Six-Month Emergency Rule

PORT HARCOURT – A fresh political storm is brewing in Rivers State as the House of Assembly moves to probe the state’s finances during the six-month emergency rule overseen by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the immediate past Sole Administrator of the state.

Ibas relinquished office on September 17, 2025, following the expiration of emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu in March. The President had suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire Assembly after months of political unrest that paralysed governance in the state.

With the return of democratic structures, the Rivers Assembly, under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, wasted no time in reopening the books. At its first plenary session after resumption, the lawmakers resolved to investigate how state funds were managed during Ibas’s administration, particularly withdrawals from the consolidated revenue fund and the award of contracts.

Rivers’ N254bn Windfall
Findings by NEWS REVIEW revealed that between March and August 2025, Rivers State received a staggering N254.37bn from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), averaging N42.40bn monthly.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics and FAAC documents show the state earned N44.66bn in March, N44.42bn in April, N42.80bn in May, N42.30bn in June, N38.42bn in July, and N41.76bn in August.

A breakdown revealed that the 13% oil derivation fund was the single largest source of revenue, contributing N133.24bn. Over half of total receipts. In contrast, statutory allocations were far lower, with derivation funds in some months nearly five times the statutory share.

The report also showed Rivers lost N26.31bn to foreign debt servicing during the six months, while VAT allocations provided a cushion of N107.78bn, representing 42.4% of total inflows.

Despite these huge allocations, the state has not published its 2025 Budget Implementation Report, raising concerns over transparency and accountability.

Civil Society Raises Alarm
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state have demanded answers. The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, led by Enefaa Georgewill, insisted that the Ibas administration operated illegally and mismanaged state funds.

Georgewill argued that major projects, including the stalled Rivers State House of Assembly complex remained abandoned despite the huge inflows. He called on Governor Fubara to set up a judicial panel of inquiry to probe both federal allocations and internally generated revenue during the emergency rule.

Similarly, the Civil Liberties Organisation in Rivers, represented by Emma Obe, condemned the emergency administration as unconstitutional, stressing that the 2025 budget was passed without public hearings. Obe insisted that those who spent public funds without accountability “must pay, if not today, then in the future.”

Ibas Dismisses Probe
Reacting through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubu, Ibas dismissed the Assembly’s planned probe as a “fool’s errand.”

He argued that since he was appointed by President Tinubu and supervised by the National Assembly, the Rivers lawmakers lacked the authority to question his tenure.

“When you say they are going to probe the tenure of the administrator, was it the Assembly that appointed him?” Igbikiowubu queried. “If the administrator was appointed by the President and supervised by the National Assembly, then probing him is the same as probing both the President and the National Assembly.”

He maintained that while the Assembly is free to “run commentary” as part of its legislative role, any attempt to investigate Ibas would be futile.

Fubara Calls for Prayers, Peace
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara, who officially resumed duties after the emergency rule, urged Rivers people to remain steadfast in prayers. Speaking at a thanksgiving service in his hometown, Opobo, the governor said the prayers of the people had sustained him through the political crisis.

He pledged to rededicate his administration to peace, unity, and development, stressing that only stability could drive progress in the oil-rich state.

What Lies Ahead
The standoff between the Assembly and the former administrator sets the stage for a potential showdown that could again heat up Rivers politics. With civil society mounting pressure for accountability and Ibas refusing to submit to legislative scrutiny, the coming weeks may determine whether Rivers will see full transparency or another drawn-out battle over its finances.

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22/09/2025

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Moderate Rains Nationwide From Monday to Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast rainy and thundery weather conditions across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected isolated thunderstorms and light rains in parts of Adamawa and Taraba on Monday morning, with more thunderstorms expected later in Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, southern Borno and other states. The central region is expected to experience cloudy skies with sunshine intervals, alongside thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger and Benue.

For the southern region, NiMet predicted cloudy weather with sunshine intervals and isolated thunderstorms in Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom during the morning, with moderate rains likely later in the day. Flash floods are also possible in parts of Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.

On Tuesday, thunderstorms with light to moderate rains are expected across northern and central states, including Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Plateau, Kogi, Benue and the FCT. The southern region will experience similar conditions in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Anambra and other coastal states.

By Wednesday, cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are expected in the north, with isolated thunderstorms and light rains in Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba. Central states, including Plateau and Nasarawa, will see moderate rains, while Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River in the south are likely to record thunderstorms later in the day.

NiMet cautioned states at risk of flash floods to activate emergency response plans and advised motorists to drive carefully during rainfall. Farmers were urged to avoid applying fertilizers and pesticides immediately before rains, while residents were advised to fasten loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances, and avoid sheltering under trees during storms.

Airline operators were also urged to obtain airport-specific forecasts for effective flight planning. The agency further encouraged the public to stay updated through NiMet’s official website.

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21/09/2025

Nasarawa State: Gunmen Abduct Governor Sule’s Aide in Lafia

Lafia, Nasarawa State — Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Dr. Muhammed Egye Osolafia, Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Services to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.

The incident happened on Saturday night at Tudun Amba in Lafia, when the assailants, who stormed the area shooting sporadically, seized him just as he was about to enter his residence.

Confirming the development on Sunday, the Governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, described the abduction as “sad and unfortunate.”

Cases of kidnapping have continued to rise in Lafia and other parts of Nasarawa despite several police operations and arrests in recent months. Governor Sule had earlier warned top officials against using their influence to secure the release of suspected kidnappers from custody.

Security experts link the surge in abductions to the influx of displaced persons from bandit-hit states and the ongoing military offensive in neighbouring Benue, which has pushed some criminal elements into Nasarawa.

The worsening insecurity has forced many businesses to struggle, with residents in several communities now shutting down activities and retreating indoors as early as 8:00 p.m. out of fear of abduction.

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21/09/2025

Katsina Principal Under Probe for Selling School Property

The Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (KTPCACC) has launched a sweeping investigation into alleged fraud involving school principals, ward officials, and state departments, with losses running into hundreds of millions of naira.

According to the commission, four secondary school principals in Danja, Rimaye, Maigora, and Kurami are under probe for alleged mismanagement of ₦6.6 million in school funds. One of them is accused of selling government-owned property worth millions of naira.

The commission also revealed that councillors and Community Development Officers diverted about ₦46 million during the distribution of subsidised fertilizer under a state programme. Ward officials in Musawa, Malumfashi, Matazu, Faskari, and Funtua LGAs allegedly pocketed amounts ranging from ₦52,000 to over ₦25 million. Some suspects have confessed and begun refunding the money.

In another case, ₦136 million was reportedly misappropriated in the state’s Department of Banking and Finance. So far, ₦70 million has been recovered, with over ₦34 million still outstanding.

“We will pursue all lawful means to ensure accountability and recovery of public funds,” said the commission’s secretary, Jamilu Abdulsalam.

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21/09/2025

Flying Eagles Begin World Cup Prep with 1-1 Draw Against Chile

The Flying Eagles kicked off their build-up to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 1-1 draw against hosts Chile in Rancagua on Saturday, NEWS REVIEW reports.

Nigeria went ahead in the 18th minute when Remo Stars defender Ahmed Akinyele rose highest to head home a corner from Tahir Maigana. The hosts leveled 18 minutes later through Felipe Faúndez, who calmly slotted past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

Harcourt kept Nigeria in the game after the restart, pulling off two vital saves to deny Chile. Coach Aliyu Zubairu later introduced Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Kparobo Arhieri and Auwal Ibrahim in the second half, but the contest ended all square.

The friendly was the first of two lined up during Nigeria’s 12-day training camp in Chile, which began after their departure from Abuja last Sunday. The team will face Australia in a second warm-up game on Tuesday.

Zubairu has named a 21-man squad for the tournament, mixing foreign-based stars with local talents, while retaining only eight players from the squad that won bronze at the U-20 AFCON earlier this year.

The seven-time African champions are drawn in Group F and will play all matches at Estadio Fiscal in Talca. Nigeria begin their campaign against Norway on September 29, before facing Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombia on October 5.

The Flying Eagles are still chasing their first-ever U-20 World Cup title, having finished runners-up in 1989 and 2005.

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19/09/2025

Wike Approves Demands of FCT Resident Doctors, Strike Suspended

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the demands of resident doctors who had been on strike since September 15 over unpaid entitlements.

Wike announced the approval on Friday during the flag-off of the Northern Parkway construction, linking Ring Road II to Ring Road III along Shehu Yar’Adua Way in Life Camp, Abuja. He praised the doctors for suspending their industrial action in the interest of patients and the wider FCT community.

“I must commend the resident doctors for calling off the strike. The administration is happy with their understanding. I have signed all the doctors’ requests on my table today,” Wike stated.

The minister also directed the FCT Acting Head of Service and his Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Samuel Atang, to immediately implement the approvals.

On the Northern Parkway project, Wike said the initiative would create jobs, ease traffic congestion, and boost economic activities in the city.

Resident doctors had downed tools last Monday after prolonged negotiations with the FCTA failed. Their demands included payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023, recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and arrears from the 25/35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Other demands covered timelines for completing pending skipping and conversion processes, correction of irregular salary payments, stoppage of erroneous deductions, payment of outstanding wage awards, 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears, and clearance of arrears owed to 2025 external residents.

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19/09/2025

53 Year Old Man Arrested in Ondo for Allegedly Defiling 16 Year Old Niece

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old man, Babawale Kolawole, for allegedly sexually abusing his 16-year-old niece.

Police said the suspect committed the offence last week at No. 12 Okeodunwo Street, Igbado community, in Ondo West Local Government Area.

In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed Kolawole’s arrest, noting that investigations were ongoing.

According to him, the teenager reported that her uncle had subjected her to repeated sexual assault and forced her to undergo two abortions. “The victim alleged that the suspect engaged in the act almost daily and would wipe her private parts with a cloth afterward,” Ayanlade said.

He added that the Gender-Based Offences Unit swiftly arrested the suspect and is preparing the case for prosecution. The command vowed to ensure justice and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of women and children.

In a separate incident, police also arrested one Wale Ibrahim for fatally stabbing his friend during a dispute over N14,000.

The incident occurred on September 13 at a construction site along Litaye Camp, Ondo. Police said Ibrahim demanded money owed by a worker, which led to an argument. In the heat of the fight, Ibrahim allegedly stabbed 25-year-old Fisayo Ajetumobi in the chest, killing him instantly.

The suspect was apprehended and will be charged in court.

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19/09/2025

Tinubu Honors Mama Awolowo a Decade After Her Passing

Lagos, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, describing her as a pillar of courage and dignity whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 10th anniversary of her passing, Tinubu said Mama Awolowo’s memory remains indelible in the hearts of Nigerians.

“Ten years may have passed, but the memory of Mama HID Awolowo, the matriarch of the Awolowo family, remains fresh with deep respect in the heart of our nation. Mama Awolowo was a pillar of courage and dignity who stood firmly beside Chief Obafemi Awolowo and carried his legacy with uncommon strength,” he stated.

Fondly remembered as the “Jewel of inestimable value,” Mama Awolowo was the wife of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. After his death in 1987, she upheld his political and social legacy for nearly three decades until her passing in 2015 at the age of 99.

Tinubu praised her as more than just a spouse and mother, noting her stature as a national figure. “Mama HID was more than a wife and mother. She stood beside Chief Obafemi Awolowo through trials and triumphs, carrying his legacy forward with grace and courage. In doing so, she became a mother not only to her family but also a guiding light for generations of Nigerians,” he said.

The President added that her life embodied sacrifice and service that Nigerians must continue to uphold. “As we remember her today, we celebrate a life of service and sacrifice that continues to inspire us as we work together to build a just, united, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

Tinubu concluded with prayers for her enduring memory: “May your legacy continue to live on, Mama Awolowo.”

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19/09/2025

Fubara Resumes Office, to Address Rivers People at 6pm

PORT HARCOURT— Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has officially resumed duty at the Government House, Port Harcourt, following the expiration of the Emergency Rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18.

Fubara, who landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at 11:40 a.m. in the company of his wife, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, and other top officials, was warmly received by former commissioners, local government chairmen, and political leaders.

Addressing supporters at the Government House, the governor expressed gratitude for the massive show of solidarity, describing it as a “reactivation of the bond” between his administration and the people.

“I am humbled by the reception I received. It shows love, confidence, and solidarity,” Fubara said, assuring that his government would continue to deliver on the needs of the state.

He is expected to make a statewide broadcast at 6 p.m. today.

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19/09/2025

Dangote Refinery Halts Fuel Sales to Unregistered Marketers

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has suspended self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its facility, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.

This was contained in an internal correspondence seen by our reporter on Friday, signed by the Group Commercial Operations Department.

According to the refinery, the directive is aimed at encouraging marketers to adopt its Free Delivery Scheme and at stopping unregistered buyers from accessing products either directly or indirectly through third parties.

“All self-collection gantry sales are on hold until further notice. Payments for active PFIs related to self-collection should also be suspended. Any payment made after September 18 will not be honoured,” the company stated.

Dangote explained that the decision is an operational adjustment to enhance efficiency, assuring that the Free Delivery Scheme remains fully available to both existing and new customers. The company apologised for any inconvenience the move might cause.

The development comes amid a growing dispute between the refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

NUPENG has accused the refinery of resisting unionisation of its truck drivers, while DAPPMAN has raised concerns over the “free delivery scheme,” claiming it forces marketers to rely on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates.

In response, Dangote insists the initiative is designed to stabilise supply and reduce costs, accusing marketers of seeking subsidies and contributing to product diversion.

On Thursday, the refinery reaffirmed its stance against DAPPMAN, rejecting claims of a ₦1.505 trillion subsidy demand. It maintained that it will not bear logistics costs that marketers are trying to pass off as subsidies.

The standoff, industry observers say, could have wide-ranging implications for independent marketers and retail owners who rely on direct gantry lifting and have yet to sign up for the Free Delivery Scheme.

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