Category: PM News

Former Nigeria international striker Obafemi Martins has called for stronger competition for places in the Super Eagles attack, saying the team should not depend too much on Victor Osimhen.

Martins said Nigeria’s struggles when Osimhen was unavailable during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers showed the need for quality alternatives in the team.

The Super Eagles failed to win any of the five matches Osimhen missed. Nigeria drew with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa twice, before suffering a surprise defeat to Benin Republic.

Although Nigeria reached the African play-offs, their World Cup hopes ended after the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated them on penalties.

Osimhen was unable to take a penalty in that match after he was substituted at half-time because of an injury. Akor Adams replaced him.

According to Martins, the answer is not to remove Osimhen from the team but to have other quality strikers who can compete with him for a starting place.

Speaking on Mikel Obi’s The Obi One Podcast, Martins recalled the competition he faced during his own time with the Super Eagles.

He said he had to compete with strikers such as Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie and Julius Aghahowa.

‘You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen. My own time, we had Yakubu there.

‘If Yakubu starts the game, I will be on the bench waiting. I know if he is out and I score, I am going to start the next game. We are always like that.

We do not hate each other because of that,’ Martins said.

Martins defends Osimhen

While calling for more competition, Martins also defended Osimhen against criticism of his behaviour.

The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United striker said Nigerians should appreciate what Osimhen contributes to the national team and should not mistake his passionate nature for a bad attitude.

‘You cannot keep him quiet. I think that is what is keeping him going as well, because the way he behaves does not mean he has a stinking attitude,’ Martins said.

‘Seeing him is a blessing in the national team as a Nigerian. We should try to make him happy and let him score more goals.’

Osimhen has scored 35 goals for Nigeria and is now just two goals away from matching Rashidi Yekini’s record as the country’s highest-ever goalscorer.

The 27-year-old has also continued to perform strongly for Galatasaray.

Manager Okan Buruk has reportedly adjusted the team’s attacking style to create more opportunities for the Nigerian striker.

The changes have already produced several goal contributions for Osimhen in three consecutive matches.

He provided an assist and won a penalty in Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Göztepe at the weekend.

Osimhen has scored five goals and provided two assists in three league appearances this season.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has claimed that Osimhen remains interested in joining the Premier League club.

Saha said Osimhen is a Manchester United supporter and believes the Nigerian striker is still waiting for the club to make an approach.

‘I know for a fact that Victor Osimhen is a Manchester United fan. He loves Man United,’ Saha said.

‘All United have to do is make the connection, but that is why it has not happened yet.

Osimhen is still waiting.’

Martins’ message is clear: Nigeria needs more quality attacking options capable of competing with Osimhen and performing when the Galatasaray striker is unavailable.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Chief Osi Daniel Orbih, is dead.

He died on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 64.

His passing was announced by the family in a statement signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, Esq.

‘With profound sadness and a heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the Almighty God, the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih announces the passing of our beloved brother, husband, father and uncle, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, who passed away on Monday, 31 August 2026.

‘The late Daniel Orbih is survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Orbih; his children, Ms. Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; as well as other members of the extended family.

‘At this difficult time, we ask family members, friends and well-wishers to remember the entire family in their prayers as we mourn this painful loss,’ the statement said.

Born on October 27, 1961, at Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, Dan Orbih was the National Vice-Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He was the Chairman of the Governing Council of Edo State-owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has told President Bola Tinubu that Nigerians cannot survive without some form of fuel subsidy, arguing that the country’s economic hardship has made cheaper petrol a necessity rather than a luxury.

The opposition party rejected the Presidency’s criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s fuel subsidy proposal, insisting that the government was focusing on the cost of subsidy while ignoring the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement on Monday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the central issue was that Nigerians could no longer cope with the impact of high fuel prices.

‘What Nigerians need is cheaper fuel because Nigerians are too poor not to be subsidised. Nigerian crude should create Nigerian value for Nigerians,’ the party said.

The statement followed comments from the Presidency that restoring petrol subsidy to support a pump price of about N600 per litre could cost Nigeria about N19.1 trillion annually.

ADC questioned the basis of the projection, saying the figure was built on assumptions around crude oil prices and subsidy estimates.

The party accused the government of attempting to discredit Atiku’s proposal instead of addressing the economic pressure faced by Nigerians.

It argued that its position was not a return to the old subsidy system but a controlled intervention aimed at supporting domestic refining and reducing fuel costs.

‘We do not propose to subsidise waste or import dependence. We propose a capped, audited and traceable intervention that directly improves capacity,’ ADC said.

The party also challenged the Federal Government to explain why production incentives in the oil sector were acceptable while support for domestic refining was considered unsustainable.

ADC maintained that Nigeria’s crude resources should be used to reduce the burden of energy costs on citizens rather than increase hardship.

The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, urging residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and move to safer locations where necessary.

The warning followed the Seasonal Climate Prediction of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Ogun among states expected to experience heavy rainfall during the year.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, the government said the first phase of the rainy season, from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods across parts of the state, although the overall impact was comparatively minimal.

Oresanya attributed the relatively low impact to preventive measures adopted by the state, including public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers and drainage channels, and improvements in waste management.

He said the government had paid particular attention to major waterways, including Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.

According to Oresanya, NiMet’s forecast indicates that the second phase of the 2026 rainy season is expected to begin in September, with Ogun projected to record average rainfall of about 360mm during the month.

Although rainfall in inland parts of the state is expected to reduce from October into early November, the Commissioner warned that prolonged rainfall could still trigger river and coastal flooding in vulnerable locations.

He said the situation could be worsened by controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations that may slow the flow of the Ogun River.

The combination, he explained, could temporarily saturate wetlands and floodplains and increase flooding risks for communities located in vulnerable areas.

The government specifically advised residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain alert and relocate to safer areas where necessary.

The warning also covers coastal communities in Ogun Waterside, including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele, as well as Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East.

Residents of Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia, together with communities situated along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers, were also advised to take precautions.

Oresanya extended the warning to fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors, urging them to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise potential losses.

He specifically mentioned fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, among other vulnerable locations.

The Commissioner called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies, local authorities, emergency response organisations and community leaders to intensify flood preparedness, monitor vulnerable locations and ensure drainage channels remain free from obstructions.

He also urged community leaders to strengthen public awareness efforts, stressing that early information and timely action could significantly reduce the impact of flooding.

Oresanya said the state would continue monitoring weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders.

He assured residents that the government would sustain measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and urged residents to take the latest warning seriously and follow further updates from government and emergency agencies.

Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has warned opposition parties against waiting until after the 2027 presidential election to complain if they fail to unite against President Bola Tinubu.

Duke said a divided opposition could hand Tinubu victory at the polls, stressing that the opposition must resolve its differences and agree on a common candidate before the election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the former governor said opposition politicians should focus on preventing defeat rather than raising allegations after the election.

‘Absolutely, with the chequered opposition it won’t work; Tinubu might win,’ Duke said.

He warned that opposition parties had repeatedly made the mistake of remaining divided until election periods before questioning the outcome of elections.

‘The reality is that things are bound to happen on that day, how to mitigate those things should be the major concern of the opposition. I don’t like people who cry wolf after it has happened,’ he said.

Donald Duke said the opposition must begin preparations early and learn from previous political contests, adding that unity would be critical if they want to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

‘We have done this several times over, we should anticipate it, and united we stand if we do it. If we don’t, then we will only have ourselves to blame because it has repeated itself,’ he said.

The PRP presidential candidate also said he would be willing to withdraw from the 2027 race if opposition parties agree on a candidate capable of defeating Tinubu.

Asked if he would step down for another contender, Duke replied: ‘Absolutely.’

He said the priority should be finding the strongest candidate rather than protecting individual ambitions.

‘Once we have commonality in objective, the next question is who is best suited for this?’ he said.

While acknowledging Tinubu’s political strength, Duke criticised the President’s performance in governance.

‘Give it to him, he is a formidable politician, my issue with him is governance not politics. He is weak on governance,’ Duke said.

He argued that Nigeria needed a different leadership approach, claiming that the country’s economic challenges showed the consequences of poor governance.

Donald Duke said Tinubu should not be given another four years in office, warning that continued hardship and rising poverty could worsen if the country’s leadership direction does not change.

He maintained that the opposition’s best chance in 2027 depends on unity and choosing a candidate capable of convincing Nigerians at the polls.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have introduced a one-off N4,000 fee for the verification of O’Level results by candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The two examination bodies announced the arrangement in a joint statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, clarifying the recently introduced system for verifying West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.

Under the new arrangement, candidates whose admissions are regulated through JAMB will verify their WAEC results once through the JAMB Verification Service.

The verified result will subsequently be made available to the institution where the candidate is seeking admission.

JAMB and WAEC stressed that the N4,000 payment should be made only through the designated JAMB platform, rather than to individual tertiary institutions.

The bodies also made clear that candidates who have completed the verification will not be required to pay another verification fee when submitting their credentials to different institutions.

WAEC has authorised JAMB to share verified results with relevant tertiary institutions for admission screening, processing and other approved administrative purposes.

‘This arrangement is designed to ensure that candidates who have successfully verified their WASSCE O’Level result through the Verification Service platform will not be required to repeat the same verification exercise,’ the examination bodies said.

The policy is expected to reduce the financial and logistical burden on admission seekers, who have previously faced repeated requests to verify the same academic credentials by different institutions.

Candidates will also be able to initiate the verification process from home or any internet-enabled location, reducing the need for repeated visits to tertiary institutions or JAMB-approved Computer-Based Test centres.

JAMB and WAEC said the collaboration was designed to simplify the admission process, cut unnecessary expenses and strengthen the integrity and security of candidates’ academic records.

The development comes as JAMB expands digital services around O’Level result submission and verification, with the new system intended to allow results to be checked directly against examination-body records before being uploaded to candidates’ profiles.

Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Rantan Ward in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Buba Garba, during a night attack that also left his wife and two others abducted.

The attackers stormed Rantan village around 11pm on Sunday, killing Garba and another resident, Sulaiman Aliko, who was shot after reportedly rushing out to assist during the attack.

Residents said the assailants arrived on motorcycles and launched what appeared to be a targeted operation.

Bashir Alhaji Adamu, the Chiroman Rantan and son of the village head, said the gunmen also attempted to abduct a local businessman, Alhaji Sa’adu, but were unsuccessful.

‘They beat him and injured him, but they abducted his two children. They also abducted the wife of the APC chairman they killed,’ he said.

According to residents, Aliko was shot twice – in the leg and chest – after responding to the attack.

The incident has heightened security concerns in the area, coming days after another attack in nearby Chiromawa, Garun Malam Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly killed three people and abducted Sarkin Noman Kano.

Confirming the Kano attack, the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said security agencies had launched operations to track the attackers.

‘The Rantan issue happened last night and, as earlier reported, three people died, and some were in the hospital. We are still on the operation, and our anti-kidnapping personnel are also there,’ Bakori said.

He added that security commanders had begun strategising on ways to prevent further attacks from neighbouring areas.

The police commissioner assured residents that security agencies were working together to apprehend the perpetrators and restore calm to affected communities.

Operatives of Mining Marshals of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested more than 300 suspected illegal miners, prosecuted over 150 and secured several convictions in crackdown against illegal mining nationwide.

Those arrested and prosecuted included Nigerians foreign nationals engaged in activities threatening Nigeria’s mineral resources and economic security, NSCDC spokesperson, ACC Babawale Afolabi, disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja.

Afolabi who spoke at the Joint Security News Briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser said the figures demonstrate the growing impact of the specialised unit in disrupting illegal mining networks and protecting the country’s mineral wealth.

The NSCDC spokesperson said the marshals commissioned to support government’s efforts to sanitise the mining sector, protect legitimate operators and prevent criminal exploitation of mineral resources.

He also defended the unit against allegations of misconduct, stressing that the Corps would not allow isolated infractions by personnel to undermine its legitimate operations.

The spokesperson said personnel found culpable of wrongdoing had been subjected to disciplinary measures, including dismissal and prosecution where necessary.

He cited the dismissal of two operatives and their recommendation for prosecution after investigations found them culpable of unlawfully supplying firearms to illegal miners.

Afolabi also said investigations cleared the Mining Marshals Commander, ACC John Attah, and other management personnel of allegations relating to the death of an operative in Nasarawa.

He said the investigation found no evidence linking the commander or the management team to alleged diversion of N2 billion or any attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding the death.

‘The allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,’ Afolabi said.

He said the corps remained committed to accountability, adding that personnel who violated the law would be investigated and sanctioned appropriately.

Afolabi said illegal mining posed threats beyond environmental degradation, noting that criminal exploitation of mineral resources could fuel organised crime and illicit financial activities.

He said the Mining Marshals are combining enforcement, intelligence gathering and stakeholder engagement to protect mining communities and legitimate operators.

The spokesperson urged Nigerians to provide credible information that could assist the Corps in identifying illegal mining sites and dismantling criminal networks.

He said the NSCDC would sustain its operations to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources were protected and harnessed for national development rather than exploited to fund criminal activities.

A Baptist cleric, Reverend Samson Okoro Elekwa, has urged the Labour Party candidate, David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, and Uko Nkole of the NDC to step down and support Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Abia North senatorial seat.

Elekwa said Senator Kalu’s record of representation and development across Abia North had distinguished him, arguing that the district should consolidate on what he described as the senator’s achievements rather than change course.

Speaking to newsmen, the cleric said his position was informed by projects and interventions attracted to communities across the senatorial district, particularly in road construction, education and human capital development.

He also criticised Bourdex’s candidacy, saying the Senate should not be reduced to what he described as clannish politics. He further referenced controversies surrounding Bourdex’s time as caretaker chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area.

‘I honestly wonder what those campaigning against Orji Uzor Kalu are looking at. Politics should not prevent us from acknowledging development when we see it. Look at what Kalu has done across Abia North and compare it with what we had before him,’ Elekwa said.

‘If Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe could remain in the National Assembly for about 20 years and the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije represented Abia North for 12 years, then I see no reason our people should be talking about replacing a senator who, in my assessment, has delivered tremendously for the district.

‘Abia North should be asking Kalu to continue for as long as he remains willing and capable of delivering. The number of young people who have benefited from his human capacity development initiatives and the road and school projects attracted under his representation speak for themselves.’

Elekwa described Kalu as ‘Abia’s greatest gift from God’ and ‘a divine instrument’ through whom, he said, communities across Abia North were witnessing development.

He cited road projects in Ndi Orieke, Ohafia Local Government Area, and Amannagwu in Arochukwu LGA, alongside numerous other road interventions across the senatorial district.

‘The road in Ndi Orieke, Ohafia, and the one in Amannagwu, Arochukwu, are just a few among the many projects Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has brought to our people,’ he said.

‘He didn’t just talk; he acted. These roads have opened up our communities and helped our farmers, traders and transporters. For me, this is real empowerment because infrastructure continues to serve the people long after the politics is over.’

The cleric also listed Atan Abam, Alayi, Ezeukwu, Ndi Inya Abam, Isu, Umuzomgbo, Itumbauzo, Okoko Item, Nneato, Akanu Ohafia and Abia Ohafia among communities he said had benefited from Kalu’s representation.

According to him, Kalu’s interventions extend beyond public infrastructure to investments capable of creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities in the state.

He pointed to the senator’s investments in Abia, including an ongoing university project, hostels and factories, describing them as evidence of Kalu’s long-term commitment to the economic development of the state and employment opportunities for young people.

‘Kalu is not only building roads; he is building hope, restoring pride and creating opportunities for another generation. We must acknowledge and protect this legacy,’ Elekwa said.

He argued that many residents outside Abia North equally admired the quality of representation the district was receiving, saying people in Abia South and Abia Central wished for similar levels of federal intervention in their communities.

Elekwa consequently urged Bourdex and Nkole to put what he described as the larger interest of Abia North above personal political ambition and throw their weight behind Kalu.

‘The South East needs leaders who can combine political influence with development and grassroots representation. Senator Kalu has demonstrated capacity, reach and commitment to his people.

‘My appeal to Bourdex and Nkole is simple: step down and support Orji Uzor Kalu. Abia North should consolidate on the development already taking place rather than allow political differences to distract us from what is working,’ he said.

The cleric also urged voters across Abia North to assess candidates on their records and tangible contributions to the district rather than sentiments, insisting that Kalu’s performance remained the strongest argument for his continued representation.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed an initiative by the G-100, a group of 100 opposition figures, aimed at building a broad opposition alliance to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The PDP announced its position in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, on behalf of the party’s Interim National Working Committee.

The party said its decision was driven by what it described as widespread hardship among Nigerians under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the need for opposition parties and political groups to work together to offer an alternative at the 2027 polls.

According to the PDP, its participation in the proposed alliance is consistent with its earlier position of working with political parties and organisations that share its objective of changing the country’s political direction.

The party said its representatives participated in the first meeting of the G-100 on August 31, 2026, describing the move as evidence of its readiness to contribute to the formation of an all-opposition platform.

PDP’s factional National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said the party’s participation would depend on a process based on transparency, equality and objective decision-making.

‘Our participation is anchored on the promise that the process will be hinged on the philosophical underpinnings of transparency, equality, data-driven decisions and egalitarianism,’ Turaki said.

He added that an opposition candidate produced through such a process could provide Nigerians with an alternative leadership capable of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

‘Any result birthed by a process midwifed by these virtues will certainly offer Nigerians a credible leadership capable of alleviating the skyrocketing poverty and rising insecurity in the country,’ he said.

The PDP described the proposed alliance as part of efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections, rather than relying on separate contests by individual opposition parties.

The party said it was responding to what it characterised as growing demands for political cooperation to challenge the APC and seek what it called the ‘redemption’ of Nigeria.

The statement did not disclose the proposed structure of the G-100 alliance, the method for selecting a common presidential candidate, or which other political parties would ultimately participate in the proposed platform.

However, the PDP said its involvement demonstrated its willingness to work with other opposition forces towards a common political objective.

The party said the initiative would seek to ‘take power from the incumbent and rebuild Nigeria for the good of all Nigerians.’