The Presidency has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that President Bola Tinubu plans to extend his stay in office beyond his constitutional tenure. In a statement on Sunday, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the allegations as “baseless and absurd.” El-Rufai had, during a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the weekend, accused the Tinubu administration of centralizing authority and veering toward authoritarianism. He compared the president to Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has remained in power since 1982, warning that Tinubu could attempt the same if not stopped by 2027.…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration represents a greater threat to democratic governance than any previous military regime in Nigeria. While hosting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar at his residence over the weekend, El-Rufai condemned the Tinubu administration, labeling it “a disgrace to the very principles of democracy.” Atiku had visited to express solidarity with El-Rufai following an attack during the inauguration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State. Thugs reportedly stormed the venue and disrupted the proceedings, with El-Rufai and the Kaduna State government trading accusations over responsibility. Following the incident,…
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has come under criticism over its new roadworthiness inspection system, which many motorists say has turned into a frustrating and costly experience. While the initiative was meant to ensure vehicles on Nigerian roads are safe, road users argue that it has become a burden, especially given the poor state of the country’s highways riddled with potholes and frequent flooding. Motorists recount long delays, hidden charges, and inconsistent instructions at Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIOs). A Lagos banker, Sunday Okon, narrated how a process that should have taken a few hours stretched into two days. He…
French media giant Canal+ has officially taken control of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group, the pay-TV operator behind DStv, GOtv, and Showmax, in a landmark deal worth about R35 billion (US$2 billion). Both companies confirmed on Monday that all regulatory and legal conditions have been met, making the takeover offer unconditional. Canal+ already owns 46% of MultiChoice, with additional shares tendered by minority investors pushing its control even further. As part of the deal, MultiChoice’s South African operations were reorganized to comply with foreign ownership restrictions, while public interest commitments were made, including investments in local content, sports, and support for…
Major fuel consumers and filling stations are increasingly opting for Dangote’s free delivery service, bypassing intermediary suppliers. This move has sparked criticism from Yusuf Othman, President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, who expressed concerns that the free delivery service is undermining agreements between his members and their clients. “We have our members who have signed agreements with so many companies. Some are even informal agreements, but we have formal agreements signed, and by that, we used those formal agreements to collect bank facilities to buy trucks and serve those companies,” Othman said. However, with Dangote’s direct supply,…
Russia and Ukraine are trading blame for deadly overnight strikes, with both sides accusing each other of launching attacks that resulted in loss of life. The head of the Kremlin-backed government in annexed Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, claims Ukraine launched a drone strike on the Crimean resort town of Foros, damaging a sanatorium and a school building. According to Aksyonov, three people were killed and 16 wounded in the attack, with fragments of the downed drone also causing a fire near the coastal city of Yalta. Russia’s defense ministry has condemned the strike as a “terrorist attack”. However, Ukrainian officials say…
African manufacturers are urging the US Congress to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for one to two years as the program’s expiration date approaches. AGOA, established in 2000, provides duty-free access to the US market for thousands of African products, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in the textiles, automotive, and mining sectors. The potential expiration of AGOA has raised concerns about the impact on African economies and trade relations with the US. Without an extension, manufacturers would face significant tariff increases, including a jump from 10% to 43% for synthetic textiles. This could lead to mass…
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has faulted First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s request for birthday donations to complete the National Library in Abuja. Obi described the request as an indictment of Nigeria’s leadership priorities, highlighting the government’s failure to fulfill its responsibilities. Obi argued that a nation should not rely on charity to build “the very temple of knowledge” while its leaders spend lavishly on luxuries. He pointed out that it is shocking that in the present circumstances, while billions are easily found for jets, yachts, unused mansions, endless trips abroad, and other frivolities, the nation must…
Bilateral trade between China and Nigeria has reached $15.48 billion between January and July 2025, marking a 34.7% year-on-year increase. According to Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, Nigeria has become China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa. This significant growth reflects the strengthening relations between the two countries. The elevation of relations between China and Nigeria to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit has created broader prospects for cooperation. The partnership has led to deepening collaboration in infrastructure, energy resources, trade, culture, and education, bringing tangible benefits…
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of six suspects linked to the deadly attack on its Tactical Teams by suspected armed bandits and local militia in Benue State. The attack occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Agu Centre in Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of three police officers, with seven others still missing. According to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, the suspects were arrested during an ongoing response operation in the state. The Commissioner of Police in charge of Benue, Mr. Innocent Emenari, is currently leading the operation to rescue the missing…
A coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria has commended the Dangote Refinery for its role in reducing petroleum product prices and stabilizing the foreign exchange market. The refinery’s operations have led to a significant decrease in fuel prices, with diesel prices dropping from ₦1,700 per liter to ₦1,030 and petrol prices decreasing from ₦1,020 to ₦855. The Dangote Refinery has positively impacted the nation’s trade balance, created jobs, and improved the country’s foreign exchange earnings. According to the coalition, the refinery’s success is a result of its world-class investment and efficient operations. The coalition has called on industry stakeholders,…
A tragic boat accident in Sokoto State’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area has claimed the lives of 10 people. The victims were fleeing from an impending attack by bandits in Zalla Bango, a remote village, when the incident occurred. The boat hit a collapsed culvert, broke, and sank, resulting in the deaths of all 10 passengers on board. According to DSP Ahmed Rufai, spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, the corpses of the victims were recovered and buried in accordance with Islamic rites. The Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, confirmed the incident and stated…