Category: PM News

Contentions over leadership of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives has assumed a new dimension with the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, filing a suit to stop alleged plan to remove him from office.

Some opposition lawmakers have faulted Chinda’s leadership, accusing him of being one of the reasons they have not been able to live up to the expectations of checking activities of the ruling party in the Green chamber, a situation that has resulted in the legislature being tagged a ‘rubber stamp’ to the executive.

Specifically, the minority leadership under Chinda has been accused of being overly cozy with the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, a situation which has rendered it unable to hold the ruling party accountable on pressing issues affecting Nigerians like crippling hardship, rampant insecurity, and widespread corruption.

Also, Chinda has been accused of refusal to convene any meeting of the Minority Caucus meeting since the inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives over two years ago.

He has also been criticized by his colleagues for granting media interviews that contradict the collectively agreed position of the PDP, and for allowing the Minority Caucus to be perceived as a lame duck Assembly.

Thus, there have been speculations that key opposition lawmakers are gearing up to demand for the removal of Chinda as their leader when the House resumes from its vacation next Tuesday, October 7.

However, having gotten wind of the move, Hon. Chinda has filed a suit against the speculated plan to remove him.

The Minority Leader named the National Assembly, House of Representatives, the Clerk, the Speaker and all minority parties, as defendants in the suit.

In the court document dated September 15, 2025, Hon. Chinda is seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants (the National Assembly, House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, all minority parties and Clerk of the House) and their agents from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

The Rivers lawmaker alleged in the suit, according to the court documents, that the opposition against him was because of his close association with Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State.

Wike is notably the only PDP member in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet.

However, some opposition lawmakers have faulted the suit, describing it as attempt at self-preservation that failed to take into consideration the collective good of the legislature and essence of opposition voice in a democracy.

The opposition lawmakers likened the suit to a classic case of the guilty fearing accountability.

By rushing to court, Hon. Chinda may be attempting to buy time and stall the removal process, allowing the Minority Leadership to mobilize resources to compromise the process.

Already, it’s alleged that some members, especially from PDP and Labour Party are being wooed with between $2000 and $5000 not to endorse the removal of the Minority Leader.

Despite this, opposition lawmakers have expressed concerns that the current minority leadership’s apparent compromise and collusion with the ruling party undermine their ability to provide effective oversight and hold the government accountable. This has raised doubts about their commitment to genuine opposition objectives and the interests of the people.

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of Nigerian children, especially those of Igbo heritage, who can no longer speak their native languages.

The actor described the situation as a ‘failure that must be corrected,’ stressing the urgent need for parents to prioritize indigenous language preservation at home.

In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Edochie lamented that many Igbo children today struggle to communicate fluently in their mother tongue due to parental neglect.

‘Many of us who are Igbos, our children cannot speak Igbo. It’s a failure on our part that must be corrected moving forward,’ he wrote.

His remarks have since sparked heated debate across social media, with some users backing his call for cultural revival, while others argued that the dominance of English in schools and society has made it difficult for children to learn their native dialects.

Edochie further stressed the importance of embracing Omenaani (traditional customs), describing ancestors as ‘guardian angels’ and urging Nigerians to return to their cultural roots.

Bukayo Saka could hold the key to England’s World Cup hopes as Thomas Tuchel prepares to name his latest squad.

The Arsenal star, returning from a hamstring injury, has only featured once under Tuchel, in England’s 3-1 loss to Senegal in June. But he showed signs of his old self this week, scoring for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Olympiacos.

Saka’s 12 goals for England make him the third-highest scorer in the squad behind Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, and Tuchel is keen to integrate him back into the side ahead of crucial qualifiers and friendlies.

The 24-year-old occupies the right-wing position, a spot where he remains ahead of younger options like Noni Madueke, who is unavailable for this camp due to injury. With just three international breaks left before World Cup preparations, Saka’s experience and attacking threat make him central to Tuchel’s plans.

While minutes may be shared in midfield with returning star Jude Bellingham, Saka’s role on the right appears secure. Tuchel’s challenge will be balancing fitness, form, and squad chemistry as he builds what he hopes will be his best XI before the World Cup.

The upcoming fixtures – a friendly against Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia – will give Tuchel the chance to see Saka back in action and determine how the England side shapes up around him.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one-day state visit to Imo State on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, was warmly received by the people of Imo State and the Southeast region. The visit provided an opportunity for open dialogue with Igbo leaders of thought at the 6,000-capacity Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Center, which the President commissioned after inaugurating projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration in Imo State. Among these projects were the Assumpta Cathedral Twin Flyover and the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Interststate road.

The master of ceremony, comedian, and Eze-elect, Chief Okey Bakassi, set the tone of the event while welcoming the President to Imo State. ‘Ndigbo are the cement that holds the Nigerian nation together through their industrial and economic activities all over the country,’ he said. He continued with a common joke that any town one visits and does not find an Igbo person is considered uninhabitable.

The joke was met with thunderous applause from the guests in the hall. Such jokes serve as important reminders, especially in today’s climate where it appears Ndigbo are under threat. Recently, their businesses and assets have come under attack, as seen in the demolitions at Trade Fair Market in Lagos, shops at Mandilas on Lagos Island, and ongoing demolitions of estates in parts of Lekki and other areas in Lagos.

When he took the podium to welcome the President and guests, and to speak about his book: A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria, host Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma acknowledged that ‘reforms are hard, painful, and sometimes misunderstood. They are also necessary and the only path to long-term prosperity.’

He praised President Tinubu for his visionary and determined leadership, stating, ‘None of the achievements and developments in his book happened in a vacuum. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led with clarity, making brave decisions that others might avoid, and allowing states to flourish. The reforms he has championed are not easy, but they are already producing results that Nigerians can feel. For this, I extend my deepest gratitude-on behalf of myself and millions who now see hope where there was only despair.’ He added that Ndi Imo have resolved to support President Tinubu for a second term in 2027 because of the ‘transformative impact of his government on the lives of Imo people.’

In his remarks, President Tinubu expressed his love for Ndigbo and reaffirmed that his administration is committed to fostering shared prosperity and social justice. ‘The Nigerian economy has turned the corner,’ he said.

Continuing, he said that the projects inaugurated by him and constructed by the government of Governor Hope Uzodinma are more than brick and mortar. ‘They are symbols of progress, resilience, and a shared commitment to unity. They represent our Renewed Hope Agenda in action, which is about connecting communities, shared prosperity, opening new frontiers of opportunity, and showing that no part of Nigeria will be left behind’.

President Tinubu said that the last decade was a time of change, and the coming decade will be one of renewal and stability. ‘Together, Nigeria will win’, he remarked.

He said that there is no religious persecution in Nigeria. ‘Our churches, mosques, and the Nigerian people of all walks of life, will keep standing side by side, not as rivals but as pillars of the unity that binds us. Outsiders must never define us; we will stand together, protect every citizen, and prove that our diversity is not our weakness, it is our greatest strength’.

Concluding, President Tinubu reeled out the achievements of his two-year administration; ‘With steady reforms, our economy is turning the corner: growth at 4.23% in Q2, inflation at its lowest in three years, external reserves at $42bn, and exports surging. These are not abstract numbers. they show Nigerians are producing, competing, and building a nation of pride and purpose’. ‘Nke anyi ga-eme, ga-adi mma. What we do together will endure in goodness’, he thundered.

Many expect that President Tinubu and his government will address some concerns raised by attendees, including perceptions of neglect of the Southeast in political appointments and infrastructural development. The unsettled Mazi Nnamdi Kanu issue continues to trouble Ndigbo, and the ongoing demolitions of property owned by Ndigbo in Lagos demand urgent presidential intervention.

President Tinubu understands the pain of being denied equal opportunities and social justice. He fought against military oppression during the NADECO days, which led to his exile. As Lagos State Governor, he faced federal persecution when President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld federal funds meant for Lagos. Even before the 2023 elections, he battled internal party forces trying to block his emergence as the APC candidate.

I believe President Tinubu should take decisive steps to address these concerns, which would help calm nerves and reassure Ndigbo of his commitment as the father of the nation. He has shown love for the Igbo nation in the past. For example, during the Igu-Aro festival in Enugwu-Ukwu, under the reign of Igwe Osita Agwuna, President Tinubu, then Lagos State Governor, was among the guests at Obu Ofor Nri.

He explained to journalists that he chose to honour the invitation from Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu over attending his cousin’s wedding because of his deep respect for Igbo culture and his longstanding relationship with Ndigbo. He facilitated the appointment of Ndigbo into his cabinet and in his successor Babatunde Fashola’s cabinet.

Ndigbo would like President Tinubu to fully accept Ndigbo as long-term partners in Nigeria’s development, recognizing their role as vital contributors to the nation’s growth.

Dr. Uche Nworah is a public affairs analyst and wrote in from Abuja.

Niger State is bracing for a major disaster as four hydro-electric dams, Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru have begun discharging excess water, sparking fears of catastrophic flooding across riverine communities.

The warning came from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), following a notification from the dam operators and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

NSEMA’s Director General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, in a statement on Thursday, urged communities along Rivers Niger and Kaduna to move to higher ground immediately. ‘The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, and this could cause massive overflow. People must limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season and relocate to safer grounds already identified,’ Arah warned. He added that NiMet’s latest forecast also predicts violent windstorms at the tail end of the rainy season, cautioning residents to avoid staying under trees during downpours and keep away from weak structures.

Already, parts of Niger State are reeling from the impact of the floods. Houses, farms, roads, and bridges have been washed away, with several local government areas – including Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Bida, and Bosso – badly affected.

NSEMA confirmed that lives have been lost in the disaster, though it did not disclose figures. Many families have also been displaced, while socio-economic activities in the affected communities have been paralysed.

‘This is beyond normal flooding. If people ignore the warnings, the consequences will be tragic,’ Arah said.

Galatasaray head coach, Okan Buruk, has shed light on why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was taken off during Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Liverpool in Instabul.

The Super Eagles forward was once again the hero for the Turkish giants as he netted the decisive goal in their narrow 1-0 triumph at RAMS Park. Osimhen, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Istanbul, showed his composure from the penalty spot in the 16th minute, calmly slotting home after Kerem Yilmaz was brought down in the box by Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. The goal eventually proved enough to hand Galatasaray all three points against Arne Slot’s men.

However, Osimhen’s substitution later in the match raised eyebrows among fans and sparked fears of yet another injury setback for the powerful forward, who has had his fair share of fitness troubles in recent years.

He was replaced by Argentine striker Mauro Icardi with 19 minutes left on the clock. Coach Buruk was quick to allay those fears, explaining that the change was purely precautionary.

According to him, Osimhen was not injured but was only suffering from fatigue.

‘Osimhen was feeling tired and had a cramp in his foot, but we don’t think it’s anything serious,’ Buruk told the club’s official website. ‘There’s no negative information coming in at this time, so we expect him to be fine.’

The 26-year-old forward, whose energy and movement troubled Liverpool’s defense all night, was later named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

His decisive strike not only lifted Galatasaray’s Champions League hopes but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe.

For Galatasaray supporters, Buruk’s words will come as a huge relief, ensuring that their star man remains available for the crucial fixtures ahead in both domestic and European competitions.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed filed to challenge the state of emergency declared for Rivers State on 18 March 2025, by President Bola Tinubu.

Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, while delivering his verdict in the case brought by Belema Briggs and four others, said the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to initiate the case.

Following a prolonged political tension in Rivers, Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers State, citing a potential breakdown of law and order. The declaration entailed the suspension of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, the president appointed a sole administrator to oversee the state’s governance during the emergency period.

Displeased with the move, the plaintiffs approached the court seeking to overturn the declaration and restore the suspended officials. However, the court held that none of the claimants had the legal authority to file the suit, noting that they did not represent any state institution or hold any office that would grant them such powers. But Justice Omotosho stated that the plaintiffs failed to contest the president’s rationale for imposing emergency rule, which was to avert an impending breakdown of law and order. He noted that the relevant provisions of the law were properly invoked by the president, and that no breach of fundamental rights could be established under the circumstances.

He further dismissed the claim that the lawsuit was brought on behalf of the people of Rivers State, stating that there was no evidence that the plaintiffs had obtained the mandate of the people, nor had they secured authorisation from the Attorney General of the state.

Describing the suit as ‘frivolous and baseless,’ the judge said none of the plaintiffs had suffered any special harm or injury beyond what might affect the general population of Rivers State.

Tinubu officially ended the emergency rule on 18 September 2025. In a speech, he revealed that over 40 legal challenges had been lodged in relation to the declaration, including a high-profile suit by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party currently pending before the Supreme Court.

Nigerian on-air personality and screenwriter, Dami Elebe, has opened up about a terrifying near-death experience she endured just weeks after giving birth to her first child.

In a post on her birthday, Thursday, October 2, 2025, Elebe expressed gratitude to God for sparing her life and allowing her to celebrate another year.

‘I’m I dying? That was the question I asked my husband and the ER staff just a few weeks after I had my baby. I was having a heart failure. My lungs were filled with fluid. My body was drowning me. simply because I had given birth,’ she recounted.

Elebe revealed that she was resuscitated, admitted to the ICU, and placed on a ventilator. Despite the harrowing experience, she remained focused on small signs of recovery.

‘When I asked a nurse what to do because I wanted to use the toilet, she told me to do it on the bed. I couldn’t speak, so I scribbled that she should play a worship playlist. I intensified my prayers – I asked God to just heal me enough so I could use the toilet myself. I just wanted to go home, to be with my husband and my baby, and to live,’ she wrote.

She expressed immense gratitude for the timely intervention of medical staff, the support of her family, and the prayers of friends.

‘Every little sign of progress, every moment I felt a bit better, I thanked God. I was thankful that we got to the ER at the right time. Thankful that the doctors diagnosed me quickly. Thankful to simply be alive. And today. I’m here. To celebrate a birthday. To be loved and cared for. I am truly blessed,’ she said.

An Igbo group from the southeast region of Nigeria under the National Igbo union, has demanded that a fair trial be held for Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.

The demands, made in statement released on Thursday, stated that the government should put sentiments aside while dealing with the case.

The Admin Secretary of the Igbo union INU-W, Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu, also claimed that the Nigerian Government have been bias towards the trial. ‘It was a disheartening scenario on 26 September 2025 when the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Omotosho struck out the ‘no case submission’ brought by the legal team of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the consternation of people with good conscience all over the world. By striking out the application of no case submission, the Nigerian Government at the centre and her security agencies had showcased their bias and intent over the trial of MNK who was illegally renditioned from Kenya in June 2021,’ he stated.

The secretary also questioned the freedom of Sunday Igboho and Bello Turji,, while stating that they were also charged with terrorism as Nnamdi Kanu.

‘Igbo National Union Worldwide once again urges for a fair and just trial for Kanu since the Nigerian Government has decided he has a case to answer. It will be counterproductive and also another ploy to jeopardize the works of MNK’s legal team led by Kanu Agabi, SAN. It could also be another excuse to get at Igbo youths by the security agencies. This time calls for a sober reflection by Ndigbo on who we are, our existence, and survival in Nigeria,’ the release added,’ the statement reads.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued and 4 bodies recovered after a boat mishap on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

The agency, however, says 42 people remain missing.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, NEMA stated the incident occurred on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, and involved a boat carrying approximately 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji. Boat accidents remain a persistent and serious issue in Nigeria, particularly in riverine regions, where water transport is a primary means of movement. Overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and weak enforcement of safety regulations have claimed numerous lives over the years.

NEMA said: ‘The incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, when a boat with around 80 passengers capsized en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.’ Upon receiving the distress report, NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, which immediately deployed personnel to support local rescue efforts. The operation highlights NEMA’s commitment to timely intervention and effective coordination with both state and community responders.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation led to the rescue of 24 passengers, while 14 bodies have been recovered. 42 individuals are still unaccounted for, and rescue operations are ongoing, with local divers supporting the mission. NEMA also stated that multiple agencies are involved in the response, including: The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, the Local Emergency Management Committee (Ibaji), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Fire Service, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and local divers and community volunteers

NEMA officials, led by Mr Zakari Abubakar, Head of Abuja Operations Office, visited Chief Patrick Arome, traditional ruler of Onugwa, to commiserate with the community.

Earlier reports had suggested 26 fatalities, but NEMA’s updated figure stands at 14 confirmed deaths.