Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Kaduna State Police Command has clarified its recent role in dispersing African Democratic Congress ( ADC) supporters who came out on the streets blocking motorists insisting they teargased the members to avert breaking down of law and order as well as to allow motorists have a free movement

The police who were reacting to the statement credited to the ADC Candidate Isah Muhammad Ashiru that is currently circulating on social media that ‘Tear gas does not cancel the Constitution! Thugs do not repeal Section 39 and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee every citizen the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly and association.

The statement also recall that,’ a High Court in this same Kaduna has already declared attempts by the police to suspend political gatherings unconstitutional and an abuse of power. That judgment stands; Our rights stand.’

In a swift reaction, In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer,DSP Mansir Hassan on Thursday noted that,’While the Kaduna State Police Command acknowledges and respects the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, it is pertinent to set the record straight on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

‘The Command has never attempted to stop any lawful political gathering or peaceful assembly. The incident in question arose from a security situation at Murtala Square and not from any attempt by the Police to prevent political expression or association.

‘On 9th September, 2026, the Police received a distress call from security personnel attached to Murtala Square that a group of unknown persons was attempting to forcefully gain entry into the premises. Upon receipt of the report, Police personnel were immediately deployed to the location to prevent any breach of security and to maintain public order.

‘On arrival, a large number of persons were observed carrying banners bearing the acronym, ADC. The Police advised them that anyone intending to hold an event or gain access to Murtala Square was required to follow due process and obtain the necessary authorization through the Management.

‘Following the intervention, the Police personnel withdrew from the area after the situation appeared to have been brought under control.

However, the group subsequently proceeded along WAFF Road towards the NEPA Roundabout by Ahmadu Bello way, one of the major and busiest commercial routes in the Kaduna metropolis. The protesters blocked the roadway, resulting in severe traffic congestion and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.

‘The obstruction caused frustration between the Group, cyclists and motorists, leading to agitation, confrontation, and a breakdown of public order.

In order to restore normalcy and prevent the situation from escalating further, Police personnel intervened and used minimal and proportionate force, including the deployment of tear gas, to disperse the crowd.

To this end, the Kaduna State Police Command wishes to reiterate that it respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the ambit of the law, without obstructing major public roads, threatening public safety, or infringing on the rights of other citizens.

The Command therefore urges members of the public to disregard misleading narratives surrounding the incident and to rely on verified information from the Police Command.

The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has disclosed that it has remitted N21.5 billion in Hajj fares to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in preparation for the 2027 Holy Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The agency has also registered 3,257 intending pilgrims for the pilgrimage, higher than any other state in Nigeria.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Faruk Aliyu Enabo, disclosed this when a delegation from NAHCON paid a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

Enabo explained that Kebbi would remit the final payment of N5 billion to NAHCON within the next few days to beat the deadline of 26 September, 2026, for the closure of registration, set by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

He said Kebbi Pilgrims Agency has attained 95% registration of intending pilgrims and 85% remittance of Hajj fares to NAHCON.’

‘We advise the remaining pilgrims who made individual deposits of N5 million to hasten the completion of payment, while others with passport documentation shall be closely guided.

‘Likewise, medical screening of intending pilgrims is on course, being conducted at local government level, which will progress to zonal level and to the Hajj Camp.’

‘This is in strict compliance with Saudi Arabia stipulations on healthcare, detailing nine diseases to be examined from every intending pilgrim, towards ensuring that no pilgrim is afflicted with a condition that can earn him or her disqualification from entry into the Holy Land.’

‘Our medical team comprises highly rated professionals. We had 35 members on the medical team last year, which shall be maintained,’ he said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to provide a full account of revenues and spending before proceeding with a proposed Vienna-listed bond arrangement.

Reacting on Thursday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigerians deserved clarity on how improved revenues, subsidy savings and higher oil prices are being applied, given the continued rise in government borrowing.

Atiku noted reports that ESME Limited, a special-purpose vehicle involving Nigerian public institutions and Austrian interests, is preparing to issue bonds on the Vienna market to finance investments in Nigeria.

He said details of the transaction, such as the size, cost of borrowing, tenure, currency and repayment structure, have not been made public, and called for disclosure of whether there will be any sovereign guarantee or contingent liability.

‘Before the Federal Government proceeds to Vienna for additional financing, it should first explain to Nigerians what has happened to the revenues already coming in,’ he said.

Atiku drew attention to the operating environment for manufacturers.

He cited data indicating that diesel prices have risen to about ?2,000 per litre in some industrial locations, and that the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has reported energy-related expenses accounting for a significant portion of operating costs.

He also noted that manufacturers spent about ?1.34 trillion on alternative energy in 2025, with expenditure in the first half of 2026 already approaching that level.

‘When a large share of operating costs goes to power, businesses face pressure to raise prices, reduce output, or adjust workforce levels. The impact is felt by consumers through prices and by households through jobs and income,’ he said.

Atiku said the government has reported higher FAAC allocations, savings from subsidy removal, and oil earnings above the 2026 budget benchmark of $64.85 per barrel. At the same time, domestic borrowing has increased.

According to figures cited in the statement, Federal Government borrowing from the domestic market in the first eight months of 2026 was reported at ?24.7 trillion, compared with ?12.98 trillion in the same period of 2025.

‘If revenues have increased, if oil prices are above budget projections, and if subsidy savings have been realised, then there should be a clear reconciliation showing earnings, expenditure, borrowing and the reasons for additional financing,’ Atiku said.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) urged the government to publish the full structure of the proposed Vienna transaction and to provide a comprehensive report linking revenue inflows to expenditure, borrowing, guarantees and projects.

‘Transparency is essential for public trust. Nigerians should not have to piece together information from different sources to understand public finances. There should be a clear public trail from revenue to expenditure, from borrowing to projects, and from guarantees to liabilities,’ he stated.

Atiku added that large government borrowing from domestic markets can affect the cost and availability of credit for manufacturers, farmers and small businesses, especially at a time when businesses are also managing higher energy and logistics costs.

‘The focus should be on ensuring that increased revenue translates to lower production costs, improved infrastructure, debt management, and better living standards for citizens,’ he said.

Investors seeking to own a stake in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE will be able to subscribe to its initial public offering (IPO) from September 14, 2026.

The ?2.15 trillion offer by Dangote, valued at about $1.6 billion, involves 4.1 billion ordinary shares priced at an indicative ?525 per share.

The offer, which is expected to become Nigeria’s largest-ever public share sale, will remain open until October 13, 2026.

The development gives Nigerians and other eligible investors an opportunity to acquire shares in the refinery as the Dangote Group moves to broaden ownership of the business.

At the signing of the IPO documents in Lagos on September 7, President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the offer was designed to enable ordinary Nigerians to become shareholders in the refinery.

‘What we are trying to achieve is to make sure our drivers, cooks, servants, and everybody have the opportunity of having stakes in the refinery,’ Dangote said.

How to subscribe

According to the Managing Director, Investment Banking, Chapel Hill Denham, Mr Lanre Buluro, prospective investors can subscribe digitally using a bank account, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and a mobile phone or laptop.

He said an investor can complete the process within two to three minutes, with the minimum subscription set at 10 shares.

At ?525 per share, the minimum subscription of 10 shares will cost ?5,250.

Buluro said investors could access the offer through platforms including Moniepoint, MTN MoMo, Airtel, Payaza, Piggyvest, Paga, Bamboo and Chapel Hill Denham’s Invest Naija platform.

Do I need a CSCS account?

Buluro said prospective investors do not necessarily need an existing Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) identity number before subscribing.

According to him, a CSCS account can be created for a new investor during the subscription process after the investor’s BVN and bank account details have been verified.

He explained that stockbrokers are behind the participating platforms and would contact subscribers after the transaction to provide their CSCS and Clearing House Number (CHN).

The allotted shares will subsequently be domiciled in the investor’s CSCS account.

What happens after subscription?

Investors can subscribe throughout the offer period, which runs from September 14 to October 13.

At the close of the offer, the advisers and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will assess the total subscriptions and determine the final allotment.

This means investors may not necessarily receive all the shares they apply for if the offer is oversubscribed.

Buluro disclosed that the offer has a provision to accommodate additional subscriptions in the event of oversubscription.

He said up to about 30 per cent additional shares could be issued under the oversubscription provision, potentially increasing the number of shares available from 4.1 billion to about 5.3 billion.

Before you invest

Buluro advised prospective investors, particularly first-time investors, to read the IPO prospectus carefully and seek guidance from a qualified financial adviser before committing their funds.

Investors should also understand that subscribing to an IPO does not guarantee a profit. The value of shares can rise or fall after allotment, depending on the company’s performance and market conditions.

The Dangote Refinery IPO is expected to significantly deepen public participation in the Nigerian capital market by allowing more individuals to take direct equity positions in one of the country’s largest industrial projects.

When most people hear the word radiation, their minds immediately jump to nuclear power stations, X-ray machines, or major chemical disasters.

The reality is that radiation is a natural part of our everyday environment. Scientists call this background radiation, and it exists all around us in the air, the soil, the water, and even the food we eat every day.

You do not need to work in a laboratory or live near an industrial plant to come into contact with radioactive elements. Small, harmless amounts of naturally occurring isotopes are present inside ordinary tools, kitchen foods, and building supplies found in modern homes across the globe.

In this article, Tribune Online examines five common household items that emit trace amounts of radiation, breaking down how they work and why global safety agencies confirm they pose no threat to your health.

Ionisation smoke detectors

Many standard home smoke alarms rely on a tiny speck of radioactive material known as Americium-241 to detect fire. This synthetic element produces alpha particles that create a steady electric current inside a small chamber.

When smoke particles drift into the chamber, they disrupt this current, which instantly triggers the loud alarm.

The radioactive source is securely sealed inside a durable metal protective casing. The radiation cannot escape during normal use, meaning the device on your ceiling is entirely harmless while actively protecting your family from house fires.

Bananas

Bananas are globally recognised as one of the richest dietary sources of potassium, which is a vital nutrient for heart health and muscle function. Naturally occurring potassium contains a tiny fraction of a radioactive isotope called Potassium-40. Because of this natural composition, every banana gives off a minute, measurable amount of radiation.

The radiation level is so minimal that scientists frequently use the Banana Equivalent Dose as a simple teaching tool to explain low-level radiation to the public. Health authorities at the World Health Organization emphasise that your body naturally regulates its potassium levels, which prevents any radioactive buildup and keeps you completely safe.

Granite kitchen countertops

Granite is a popular natural stone used for durable kitchen worktops and decorative home tiles worldwide. Because it is quarried directly from deep underground rock formations, granite naturally contains trace deposits of uranium, thorium, and potassium. Over time, these natural elements slowly decay and release tiny traces of radon gas along with faint gamma rays.

The radiation emitted by standard polished granite slabs is barely distinguishable from normal background levels. Unless a home has severe ventilation problems, the trace gas decays far too quickly to create any medical concern for homeowners.

Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts consistently rank among the most naturally radioactive foods available in grocery stores. The massive root systems of wild Brazil nut trees reach exceptionally deep into tropical soil, where they absorb unusually high amounts of naturally occurring radium and barium directly from the earth.

The tree channels these minerals straight into the growing nuts as they mature on the branches. While sensitive laboratory equipment can easily pick up the radioactivity in a small bag of nuts, dietary experts note that eating them in normal, moderate quantities delivers essential selenium without exposing your body to harmful radiation doses.

Older ceramic tiles and vintage dishware

Homes built several decades ago, as well as antique decorative dishes like vintage Fiesta dinnerware, often feature brightly colored glazes made with natural uranium oxide.

Manufacturers commonly added uranium compounds to glazes during the mid-twentieth century to produce brilliant reds, greens, and vibrant yellow finishes on clay plates and bathroom walls.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the practice of Nigerian presidents taking vacations abroad, promising to mandate domestic holidays if elected.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on Arise Television on Thursday, the former Anambra State Governor argued that a sitting president should spend their vacation time directly engaging with citizens and understanding local challenges, especially in flashpoint states.

‘Nigeria’s President must spend his vacation in Nigeria. We cannot continue with this nonsense. Where does other countries’ own send their vacation?’ Obi questioned.

‘Nigeria President should go to Zamfara, to Borno, to Anambra, to anywhere. As President of Nigeria, I will visit other countries, but I will not take my holidays there’.

When prompted about the security risks of vacationing in states dealing with insurgency like Borno, Obi remained adamant that the president must remain in the country he leads.

‘It doesn’t matter. Because that’s the country he lives. That’s why he takes the money to Europe,’ Obi declared.

Drawing a comparison to Western leaders, he added, ‘Do you know what it means for the British Prime Minister to say he’s going for vacation in Germany? That will be the end of him’.

Using the opportunity to reiterate his support for a change in Nigeria’s governance structure, Obi noted that a parliamentary system would foster greater accountability regarding such matters.

The NDC candidate also directed sharp criticism at President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the current leader has failed to spend extended time engaging with local communities. ‘President who has not slept three nights anywhere in Nigeria,’ Obi claimed.

He criticized the brief nature of recent presidential visits to troubled areas like Jos and Benue, arguing that the president should have committed more time to understand the root causes of the crises.

‘He should go to Benue and say ‘I’m here for the next three days, I want to see these stakeholders in the state,” Obi stated.

Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold, has revealed that he would not have married his wife, Simi, if she had an SS or AS genotype.

The singer made the disclosure during a podcast, where he spoke about the importance of genotype compatibility before marriage.

According to Adekunle Gold, Simi is AA, adding that they conducted a genotype test before getting married.

‘I wouldn’t have married my wife Simi if she were SS or AS. She’s AA,’ he said.

The singer explained that his decision was influenced by concerns about bringing children into the world who could face the challenges associated with sickle cell disease.

‘I don’t think it makes sense to bring a child into this world and make them go through all that,’ he added.

Adekunle Gold stressed that genotype testing was part of the preparations he and Simi made before their marriage.

‘We did a genotype test before we got married,’ he said.

Genotype compatibility is commonly considered an important factor for couples planning to have children, particularly because certain combinations can increase the possibility of having a child with sickle cell disease.

Adekunle Gold and Simi have been married since 2019.

Controversy has trailed the visit of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Anambra State following a protest by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator Emma Anosike, over the alleged failure to inform the party about the visit.

Anosike said the state chapter of the party was not informed about the proposed visit and expressed surprise that the wife of the party’s leader and presidential candidate, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, would visit the state without recourse to the APC leadership in Anambra.

According to him, ‘It is indeed strange that the First Lady of our presidential candidate is visiting Anambra state without recourse to the party in the state.’

He added, ‘The party wishes to state categorically that we are not part of the arrangements for the reception of our First Lady Sen Oluremi Tinubu because the party was never put in the picture.’

Anosike also dismissed the mantra, ‘The Progressives Are Working Together,’ being canvassed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), describing it as a smokescreen by the ruling party in the state to hijack Tinubu’s re-election from the APC.

‘For instance, the APGA-led government in Anambra State did not interface with us on the organization of the visit, and the party wonders if the progressives are indeed working together.’

He, however, said the development would not affect the First Lady’s visit, urging all party members and faithful to join in welcoming Senator Oluremi Tinubu to the state.

Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing his age and health.

Kwankwaso made the call when members of the Fulani Farmers Association visited him at his Abuja residence.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate, who described Atiku by his traditional title, Wazirin Adamawa, urged members of the group to appeal to the former vice-president to devote more attention to his traditional responsibilities rather than pursuing another presidential bid.

‘Go to the Wazirin of Adamawa’s house and tell him in Fulani that he needs to focus on his traditional title of Wazirin, given his age and health,’ Kwankwaso said.

He assured the visitors that if the NDC wins the 2027 election, Atiku would be accorded respect and support. ‘If Allah grants us success, we will take good care of him, especially since you all come from Adamawa. An apology should be offered to him,’ he added.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had in April acknowledged that the 2027 election could be his final attempt at becoming Nigeria’s president.

Responding to a question on whether turning 80 by 2027 would make the stakes higher for him, Atiku said, ‘Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing.’

Atiku has made several attempts to become Nigeria’s president since returning to partisan politics.

He first contested the presidency during the 1993 Social Democratic Party primaries before stepping down for the late Chief Moshood Abiola. He later contested under the Action Congress in 2007 but lost to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

In 2011, he contested the presidential primary of the Action Congress of Nigeria but was unsuccessful, while he returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and contested the 2019 presidential election, losing to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Atiku again emerged as the PDP presidential candidate in 2023 but lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former vice-president has over the years advocated restructuring, economic liberalisation and a stronger role for the private sector in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

An array of political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, military officers and other prominent Nigerians converged in Lagos last weekend to celebrate the marriage of Dr Oghenekome Egukawhore, son of renowned Niger Delta leader and Chairman of Dewayles Group of Companies, High Chief Dr Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP).

The colourful ceremonies brought together guests from across Nigeria and beyond for the union of Dr Oghenekome Egukawhore and his heartthrob, former Miss Stephanie Spencer, now Mrs Stephanie Egukawhore.

The occasion blended cultural traditions with music and celebration, creating a memorable atmosphere for the families, friends and associates of the couple.

The extensive connections of the groom’s father across political, traditional, business and professional circles were reflected in the calibre of guests who travelled from different parts of the country to honour the family.

Among the dignitaries at the marriage were Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Pereotubo Akpe; and a representative of the Ondo State Governor.

Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, were also among the dignitaries.

The ceremonies further attracted serving and former senators, members of the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly, serving and former commissioners, local government council chairmen and other political leaders.

The gathering reflected the broad network of relationships built by the Egukawhore family over the years.

Also in attendance were senior serving and retired military officers, captains of industry, bank chairmen, chief executives and managing directors, as well as prominent figures in the oil and gas, corporate and business sectors.

Traditional rulers, prominent chiefs and community leaders, particularly from Delta, Bayelsa and Ekiti states, also graced the occasion.

They joined family members, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the couple, while music, dance and cultural displays added colour to the festivities.

At the centre of the celebrations were the newlyweds, Dr Oghenekome and Mrs Stephanie Egukawhore, who received guests with smiles and gratitude as they marked the beginning of their journey together.

The occasion served not only as a celebration of their union but also as a convergence of families, communities and influential personalities connected to the Egukawhore household.

For High Chief Egukawhore, the celebration was a particularly joyous family milestone, as reflected in his energetic dance steps during the occasion.

Speaking during the appreciation session, High Chief Egukawhore expressed gratitude to the guests for honouring his invitation.

He particularly thanked those who travelled from far and near to share in the family’s joy and prayed for God’s continued protection, guidance and blessings upon them.

For the Egukawhore family, the occasion marked a significant new chapter, while for Dr Oghenekome and Mrs Stephanie Egukawhore, it heralded the beginning of their journey together as husband and wife.