₦airaland Forum

HacheNoire:
He should link up with Donald Trump! He could get a presidential pardon

Tenisam:
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Federal Government of deliberately empowering armed bandits through policies that provide them with monthly allowances and food supplies under the guise of non-kinetic security strategies.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, El-Rufai described the approach as a “kiss-the-bandits policy” driven by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

“What I will not do is to pay bandits, give them a monthly allowance, or send food to them in the name of non-kinetic. It’s nonsense; we’re empowering bandits,” the former governor said.

He argued that such measures only embolden the criminals and worsen insecurity.

“You don’t empower your enemy; you don’t give him money to go and buy sophisticated weapons. That is why the insecurity problem has not gone away and will not go away as long as this policy continues,” El-Rufai added.

The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory maintained that negotiations and incentives for bandits were counterproductive.

“My position has always been that the only repentant bandit is a dead one. Let’s kill them all. Let’s bomb them until they are reduced to nothing, and then the five per cent that still want to be rehabilitated can be rehabilitated,” he insisted.

El-Rufai further claimed that residents of northern states such as Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna are aware of the alleged government-backed appeasement.

“They can deceive, they can cover up, they can do propaganda, but those that live in Katsina, those that live in Zamfara, those that live in Kaduna… they know what is happening,” he said.

Challenging the authorities, he added: “Let the governor or anyone come and deny. When the time comes, we will reveal everything.”

Tenisam:
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has described those calling for the removal of President Bola Tinubu from office as “power-hungry politicians” who feel politically displaced.

The presidential aide stated this while reacting to an interview of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Channels Television on Sunday night.

Onanuga, in a statement via his X handle on Monday, singled out El-Rufai, accusing him of being at the forefront of the campaign despite admitting in the past that four years was not enough for any leader to deliver “meaningful changes.”

“Nasir El-Rufai confesses here that four years is not enough for a political office holder to make ‘meaningful changes’. Yet he is at the forefront of the gang of political desperados plotting President Tinubu’s ouster, just two years into his tenure. What a contradiction!

“In contrast to the political laggards and underachievers who were once governors in Anambra, Rivers and Kaduna, President Tinubu and his team have implemented meaningful changes in our country over the past two years, positioning us on the path of prosperity,” he wrote.

The presidential aide argued that Tinubu’s administration had achieved significant progress within two years, citing increased foreign reserves, growth in the stock market, harmonisation of the exchange rate, and four consecutive months of inflation decline.

“Phenomenal wealth creation in the stock market has seen ASI skyrocket from 53,000 points to over 140,000 points. Over N26 trillion in additional wealth has been created in the market under Tinubu’s watch,” he said.

Onanuga also pointed to reforms in education and social welfare, including student loans through NELFUND and cash transfers to vulnerable households.

He added that states and local governments were receiving more funds from the centre, enabling them to embark on capital projects and create jobs.

“The governors said they have never had it so good,” he noted.
He insisted that those behind the alleged plot were acting out of desperation.

“Yet, these power-hungry politicians want the President, who has achieved so much, to be removed, all because they have become politically displaced and irrelevant. May they never succeed in their plot against our nation and people,” he wrote.

Onanuga further said El-Rufai’s past comments would be used against him during political campaigns.

“Please save the video. We shall confront Nasir with it when electioneering starts,” he added.

Tenisam:
Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase has passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.

Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was later appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Before becoming IGP, he headed the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s top intelligence unit.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, and joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.

Throughout his distinguished career, he served in several strategic positions, including Principal Staff Officer to former IGPs, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. He also represented Nigeria in Namibia under a United Nations peacekeeping mission and was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Arase retired from the Force on June 21, 2016, upon reaching the statutory retirement age. In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until June 2024.

He was widely respected for his dedication to police welfare and his reform-driven leadership. During his tenure, he introduced major initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit to address police misconduct, and the Safer Highway Patrols, which improved security for travelers across the country. Even after retiring, he continued to contribute to policing reforms, particularly in election security and neutrality.

Beyond policing, Arase was committed to education, youth empowerment, and social impact. Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and students from underserved communities.

In 2025, SEAF awarded scholarships to 29 beneficiaries across diverse disciplines including Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Criminology, Political Science, and Business Administration. The Foundation said the initiative reflects the values of integrity, service, and excellence that defined Arase’s career.

The scholarship programme, it added, is not merely financial support but an investment in Nigeria’s future leaders and an effort to build a more just and equitable society.

The ceremony marking this year’s award was filled with messages of hope and calls for sustained commitment to education and empowerment, especially for disadvantaged groups.

Arase is remembered as a principled leader, reformer, and patriot who left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s security and development landscape.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has debunked reports alleging that 15 per cent of its workers’ salaries are being deducted as tithe.

The report, on Saturday (not by PUNCH) cited Akwa Ibom payslips to discredit the claim by Governor Umo Eno that none of his personal assistants earns less than one million naira monthly.

It also quoted an appointee alleging that the governor deducts 15% of their salaries as a compulsory tithe every month, regardless of their church affiliation.

However, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, in a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday, described the report as false, malicious, and irresponsible.

He described the content of the report as “a reckless fabrication, a deliberate falsehood, and a failed attempt to smear the image of the government, the Governor and mislead the public.”

Umanah noted that the report incorrectly displayed a remittance form alongside a shaded letter purportedly from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, which, on verification, was found to relate only to the remuneration of certain categories of personal aides to the
Governor, who are political appointees and reflect statutory PAYE tax deductions.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there are various categories of aides to the Governor whose gross monthly salaries and allowances range from ₦200,000 to ₦1,432,000, including Honorary Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Project Supervisors,” Umanah explained.

He further noted that in line with Governor Umo Eno’s recent statement during a Town Square meeting in Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, a full Personal Assistant to the Governor earns not less than one million naira in salary and allowances monthly.

Clarifying the deductions reflected in the alleged credit alert, the Commissioner stressed that they were statutory tax obligations, not tithes.

“Every worker in Akwa Ibom State, whether an appointee or a civil servant, pays taxes. Similarly, private sector workers also remit their PAYE taxes to the State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS). One wonders why the routine payment of tax, which is a constitutional responsibility of every citizen, is now being mischievously twisted to mean tithes. Tithes to whom, and for what, if we may ask?” Umanah queried.

The Government disclosed that the matter is already under investigation, with appropriate steps underway to hold those behind the report accountable.

Umanah urged members of the public to disregard the story in its entirety, reassuring them that the government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of all workers.

He also cautioned the publication and other media organisations against peddling unverified stories, warning that the State Government will not hesitate to employ every legal measure available against purveyors of fake news.

For years, “signing out” has marked a milestone for many Nigerian students, a rite of passage where white shirts become canvases of farewell messages and excitement fills the air. But what once symbolised celebration is now drawing increasing scrutiny, with states and institutions moving to curb the practice amid growing concerns over excesses and misconduct.

A wave of restrictions on extravagant “sign-out” and graduation celebrations is sweeping across Nigeria, with state governments and educational institutions citing concerns over morality, safety, and excessive spending. However, the bans have ignited a national debate, with opinions sharply divided across schools, social media, and parent associations.

On July 24, 2025, the Sokoto State Government announced a ban on all “signing-out” celebrations for graduating secondary school students in both public and private schools.

Authorities linked the decision to rising cases of misconduct and vandalism associated with such events.
In Imo State, a directive reported on August 18, 2025, barred graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS-3 pupils, a move that received the backing of the National Orientation Agency.

Similarly, the government of Ondo State, on August 27, 2025, prohibited graduation ceremonies for nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools as part of broader educational reforms aimed at easing financial pressure on parents.
At the tertiary level, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State, on August 20, 2025, announced an immediate ban on final-year “signing-off” exam celebrations, warning that violators would face disciplinary action.

Tension broke out the following day, August 21, when two female students were removed from the campus premises for wearing shirts scribbled with markers in defiance of the directive.
Edo State has also joined the trend. A report published around August 28, 2025, revealed that the state authorities had placed a ban on nursery and primary school graduation ceremonies, citing concerns over excessive spending and misplaced priorities.

Officials and education stakeholders argue that the measures aim to restore decorum in schools and address the growing trend of students spraying shirts, parading in the streets, and, in some cases, damaging school property.
The NOA during a civic engagement programme in Osun State on Friday, expressed strong disapproval of indecent practices tied to the tradition, particularly in tertiary institutions. Ayisola Olowoyo, representing the Director General, said, “In some situations, they wear white; they write a lot of things on it.

“They write on the laps of their colleagues, they write on the breasts of their colleagues. This is against national values.”
He urged parents to “protect their family’s image and instil discipline,” while unveiling plans for a National Values Charter to curb such practices through grassroots reorientation.

The crackdown has sparked a flurry of mixed reactions, with parents, educators, and students sharing opposing views.
On Facebook, some welcomed the bans as timely interventions to restore discipline.

One user said, “If it’s against the ethos of our society as we know it, then it must stop. Morality cannot be sacrificed on the altar of happiness.”
Another advised a selective approach, “It’s a joyous experience for graduands, but it will be good if the practice is allowed within higher institutions and disallowed in secondaries.”

However, not everyone agreed. Several users saw the policy as a distraction from pressing educational challenges. One remarked, “Graduate no see work do for this country. See wetin be FG concern.”

Another, Kingsley Dammo, added, “Signing out is a momentum of dream come true… students suffer a lack of facilities, a lack of scholarship. I think that is their problem, not signing out.”

On X (formerly Twitter), the debate was even sharper. Some users felt the bans were unnecessary interference in youthful expression.
“How this is any of their business is beyond me… kids will be kids no matter what, ” @alaomichael asked.

@HollaNaija expressed frustration, “They should look at hunger among students first. It’s a more pertinent and persistent issue.”

Yet, others supported the move, with @Franky9584 stating: “Good move… You go even see some students wey get carry over, signing out only to come back next year to rewrite the course.”

On Instagram, reactions leaned more emotional, with some accusing authorities of dampening youthful joy. Helmaqueen1 wrote: “Anything to take away the happiness of the youth.”

“They shouldn’t do that to universities, but I support that of secondary, primary and nursery schools!!” kween___mimi said.
Meanwhile, atiinuke blasted the bans, “Very bitter people… always hating on things that make students happy. Did they steal? Did they kill anybody or what exactly”

The wave of bans raises a bigger question: where does youthful celebration end and excess begin?
As some states move swiftly to clamp down while others quietly observe, the once boisterous ritual of spraying shirts, parading streets, and scribbling bold messages now faces an uncertain future. Is this the beginning of the end for sign-out culture in Nigerian schools?

bigdammyj:
Following…

1. Please post all threads in the right section, and don't derail threads by posting off topic.

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a yet-to-be-identified woman who, in a viral video, alleged that ritual killings and the sale of human parts were taking place at the Thirty 8 Restaurant on Airport Road, Lagos.

In the video seen by PUNCH Metro, the woman claimed she had been locked inside the restroom of the restaurant during her visit.

Driving past the eatery, she described it as a “dungeon,” alleging that “a lot of people are killed there and their parts are sold.”

But the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Thursday, described the claims as baseless and false.

He also warned members of the public against spreading such unfounded allegations, which could incite panic.

Hundeyin said the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to investigate the matter, adding that nothing incriminating was found at the restaurant.

The statement read in part, “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to address a viral video circulating on social media, falsely alleging that criminal activities, including the killing of individuals and the sale of human parts, are taking place at the Thirty 8 Restaurant on Airport Road, Lagos.

The command hereby categorically refutes these claims as entirely baseless and untrue.

Following the emergence of the video, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, promptly directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. The investigation has conclusively established that the claims made in the video are false and without merit.”

The command therefore urged members of the public to disregard the video, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down those behind it and assured that they would face the full weight of the law.

The statement further noted that the command was actively working to identify the originators of the ‘malicious’ video and called on anyone with credible information regarding the identity of those responsible to come forward.

“The information, which will be treated with utmost confidentiality, will aid ongoing investigations and ensure appropriate legal action is taken against those spreading fake news and harmful content.

“Anyone with useful information can reach out to the Complaint Response Unit of the Command on 09111111150 or 09111111151. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and businesses in the state. Members of the public are urged to fact-check information before sharing to prevent the spread of misinformation,” the statement added.

Tenisam:
Nigeria’s diaspora remittances surged by 200 percent to $600 million in the past two months.


The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardoso, who revealed this yesterday also said that Nigeria’s foreign exchange profile is witnessing a major boost.

Cardoso who was speaking at the Delta State-Brazil Business and Investment Roundtable yesterday in Sao Paulo, Brazil, said the monthly inflows have grown from about $200 million to $600 million in the past two months, with projections to hit at least $1 billion by next year.

He emphasised that the strengthening of the exchange rate and improved remittance channels mean Nigerians abroad no longer need alternative routes to send money home.

According to him, the rising diaspora flows are diversifying Nigeria’s foreign exchange portfolio and reducing overdependence on oil revenues.

He stated: “Our exchange rate is becoming a lot more competitive. And those who used to feel, especially the diasporans, who used to feel, oh, we have to look for another channel, another means to send our money back home, fine, they no longer have to do so.

“When we started looking at diaspora flows as a potential source of diversifying our foreign exchange flows, people laughed, and we found that we started off at about $200 million every month.

“In the last two months, the last count, we had reached $600 million per month. And by next year, we anticipate we will be getting at least $1 billion from our diaspora folks at home.

“So I am saying this because it is also important to understand that these flows are helping to diversify our foreign exchange portfolio

Ruben Amorim admitted he has thought about quitting Manchester United as the under-fire boss revealed he sometimes “hates” his players.

Amorim sparked speculation he is considering leaving Old Trafford with a cryptic interview after United’s humiliating League Cup second round defeat against fourth tier Grimsby on Wednesday

United’s penalty shoot-out loss to the Mariners prompted Amorim to say “something has to change” following their slow start to the season.

Amorim’s side were beaten by Arsenal and drew with Fulham in their opening two Premier League games before the Grimsby debacle.

The 40-year-old former Sporting Lisbon coach has only been in charge of United since November, but he is already in deep trouble after the club’s worst top-flight finish since 1973-74 last term.

Another bad result against promoted Burnley on Saturday would pile further pressure on Amorim, who reportedly retains the support of United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe at present.

“Every time in the future we have one defeat like that I’m going to be like that, I’m going to say sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players, sometimes I defend my players and sometimes I think I cannot,” Amorim told reporters on Friday.

“This is my way of doing things and I’m going to be like that. I felt that in that moment, I was so frustrated, I was so annoyed.

“Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years.

“Sometimes I love to be with my players, sometimes I don’t want to be with them. I need to improve on that, it’s going to be hard but now I’m focused on the next game.”

– ‘Disappointed with everything’ –
Amorim said he felt like walking away from United after the Grimsby embarrassment, but he is now focused on dragging his team out of their latest slump.

“I felt that after the game. I don’t feel that now. So it’s a little bit like that. I think that is the hardest part of the defeat,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s not the result, it’s the way we lost that game or draw that game. That is the thing that is hard to accept.

“Because we can do better. In this moment, we cover positions, fight for the ball, running, all these small things, sometimes we drop a little bit the level.

“The good thing is that we now have the next game to put that level up.

“I know, again, that you have a lot of experienced people talking about the way I should perform with the media, to be more constant, to be more calm. I’m not going to be like that.”

United’s loss to Grimsby was a huge blow to Amorim after a £200 million ($269 million) spending spree on forwards Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha during the close-season.

Amorim’s overhaul came after United were beaten by fellow strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final — a dismal defeat that cost them a place in the Champions League.

The Portuguese coach, highly-rated prior to his move to England, conceded he was surprised by United’s failure to improve on last season.

“I felt we had a very good pre-season, we were playing better, we were being consistent in the way we played,” Amorim said.

“We played badly for 30 minutes against Fulham and that kind of performance (against Grimsby) I was really disappointed with everything, but now it’s a new game and we focus on that.”

The Coalition of United Political Parties has described the declaration by the ruling All Progressives Congress that the race to its presidential ticket in 2027 is open to members of the party despite the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as a “False open contest,” aimed at deceiving the people.

The National Secretary of CUPP, Mr Peter Ameh, made this known in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Friday.

PUNCH Online reports that APC’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, had on Wednesday at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, said the party would not shut its doors against any member interested in vying for the sole ticket against Tinubu.

“We will definitely not close our doors (to other presidential aspirants). When the time comes, our timetable will be made known. Anybody who wants to aspire for the presidency under the APC will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms to exercise their franchise.

“We never said we had locked the door. We are only telling people that we appreciate what the President is doing for the people of the country and that he deserves a second term in office when we roundly endorsed him recently,” Argungu was quoted as saying.

However, in a swift reaction, Ameh, described Argungu’s comment as “A calculated attempt to mislead unsuspecting aspirants and exploit their ambitions for financial gain.”

He added, “The public endorsement of President Tinubu by recognised party organs effectively signals that the outcome of the APC presidential primary is predetermined. Such actions cast doubt on the fairness and transparency of the party’s primary process, as the endorsement creates a significant bias in favour of the incumbent.

“Inviting other aspirants to purchase nomination forms under these circumstances risks deceiving them into investing resources in a contest where the outcome appears to be cast in stone.

“This approach not only undermines the principles of democracy but also portrays the APC as prioritising revenue generation over fostering a level playing field for all aspirants. It erodes public trust in the party’s commitment to a free and fair selection process and raises questions about its dedication to upholding democratic values.”

Also speaking with our correspondent in a telephone interview on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, Mr Rufus Aiyenigba, said the ruling party, by its antics, is becoming notorious for imposition and godfatherism.

He said, “It’s not a surprise that internal democracy is being stifled within APC and members are deprived of the freedom of participation in the process of their primaries for their presidential ticket.

“Nigerians are familiar with the fact that imposition and godfatherism are the defining characteristics of the APC. But the good news is that the undemocratic value of the ruling party does not in any way define our democracy as a nation.

“The SDP, as the nation’s bastion of democracy and the party for the Nigerian people, is known for robust democratic processes in its operations.

“The party is reputed and highly loved by the people for its usual open contests for its presidential ticket, and will certainly demonstrate, once again, that fine quality in determining who flies its flag in 2027.”


Meanwhile, in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Friday, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Timothy Osadolor, accused the ruling party of playing to the gallery.

According to him, urging APC members to feel free to join the presidential contest despite Tinubu’s endorsement by the various organs of the party is the height of deceit.

*”This is what you get when people engage their mouth before their head- the tendency is there to overshoot. That comment by that APC Organising Secretary is the most unfortunate statement to have been made.

“He (Argungu) is trying to mock the sensibilities of would-be APC aspirants whose fate has already been sealed. He is robbing it on their faces. This is the height of mischief and insincerity,” Osadolor stated.

More details have emerged about the violent clash that claimed the life of a trader, Sodiq Ibrahim, in the Mandillas area of Lagos Island on Wednesday.

Our correspondent gathered on Thursday that Ibrahim was allegedly stabbed to death by his colleague, Ebuka Adindu, during a dispute over the sharing of N8,000.

The incident briefly disrupted commercial activities in the busy Balogun market, with shops shutting their doors before business resumed on Thursday.

While rumours of ethnic tension trailed the clash on social media, the Lagos State Police Command dismissed such claims.

The police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “During the fight, one Ebuka Adindu from Abia State stabbed one Sodiq Ibrahim from Kogi State to death.

“The said Adindu in turn stabbed himself on the shoulder and became unconscious. He is currently under arrest in the hospital, where he is being treated. Investigation into the matter will be concluded, and he will be prosecuted after he has been discharged.”

Findings by PUNCH Metro on Thursday revealed that both men were members of a group known as Oso Ahia, loosely translated from Igbo as “market hustlers.”

Their role, our correspondent gathered, is to bring customers from outside into shops in exchange for a commission.

Trouble, however, began on Wednesday after a shop owner handed over N8,000 to be shared between the two.

A trader in the market, Funmi Arewa, confirmed this version of events to our correspondents on Thursday.

“It was just two hustlers who usually bring customers to shop owners for commission,” she said.

“Both of them happened to bring the same customer, and the shop owner gave them N8,000 to share. That’s where the problem started.

Findings by PUNCH Metro on Thursday revealed that both men were members of a group known as Oso Ahia, loosely translated from Igbo as “market hustlers.”

“They began arguing over how to split the money, and in the middle of the fight, one of them stabbed the other. He probably didn’t mean to kill him, but sadly, the boy bled to death.”

Another trader, identified simply as Moshood, corroborated Arewa’s account. He dismissed suggestions that the clash was linked to tribal rivalry.


So This Happened, (EP 332) reviews: Hilda Baci plans record-breaking Jollof challenge0:00 / 0:00

The police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “During the fight, one Ebuka Adindu from Abia State stabbed one Sodiq Ibrahim from Kogi State to death.

“The said Adindu in turn stabbed himself on the shoulder and became unconscious. He is currently under arrest in the hospital, where he is being treated. Investigation into the matter will be concluded, and he will be prosecuted after he has been discharged.”

Findings by PUNCH Metro on Thursday revealed that both men were members of a group known as Oso Ahia, loosely translated from Igbo as “market hustlers.”

Their role, our correspondent gathered, is to bring customers from outside into shops in exchange for a commission.

Trouble, however, began on Wednesday after a shop owner handed over N8,000 to be shared between the two.

A trader in the market, Funmi Arewa, confirmed this version of events to our correspondents on Thursday.

“It was just two hustlers who usually bring customers to shop owners for commission,” she said.

“Both of them happened to bring the same customer, and the shop owner gave them N8,000 to share. That’s where the problem started.

“They began arguing over how to split the money, and in the middle of the fight, one of them stabbed the other. He probably didn’t mean to kill him, but sadly, the boy bled to death.”

Another trader, identified simply as Moshood, corroborated Arewa’s account. He dismissed suggestions that the clash was linked to tribal rivalry.

He said, “The fight started and ended with the Oso Ahia boys over the sharing of the commission.

“Some traders have now decided that the Oso Ahia boys should no longer be welcomed in this market. As you can see, there is no problem today.

“Everything has gone back to normal. There’s no tribal issue here. It was money that led to the dispute.”

Another trader, Abiola Shittu, further clarified that the temporary closure of shops on Thursday morning was due to the routine sanitation exercise, not the violence.

Shittu said, “It was the money that a customer gave them that led to the fight. What these guys do is take customers round the market, and in return, the customer tips them.

The commission caused the argument, and they started stabbing themselves. Sadly, it was the Yoruba boy who died from the wound.”

Another trader, who identified himself only as Chigozie, also confirmed to PUNCH Metro that the fight between Ibrahim and Adindu stemmed from a money dispute, not an ethnic clash as was being circulated on social media.

According to him, the altercation escalated quickly. “The deceased stabbed the guy first with a bottle and ran away thinking he couldn’t catch him.

“Then the guy immediately pursued him with a knife and did the same to him, which led to him bleeding and later dying,” Chigozie recounted.

Traders at the market told PUNCH Metro that Wednesday’s tragedy was the first violent incident in recent years in the market.

Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that there is “no retreat, no surrender” in his quest to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the ADC.

Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, stated this during an interaction with journalists in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders in the state. He insisted that the ADC primary election must be open, stressing that he would not step aside for any aspirant

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna on Thursday, Amaechi said, “I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027.”

“I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead,” Amaechi declared.

The former minister maintained that every aspirant in the party had the right to seek the ticket, describing the contest as healthy for internal democracy.

On the state of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amaechi criticised the administration, saying Nigerians were dissatisfied with its policies and governance style.

“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South. He tries to frame it as a North-South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” he said.

According to him, Tinubu’s appointments have not reflected genuine inclusion. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.

Responding to questions on whether the ADC, like the APC and PDP, might zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said: “That is a party decision. I am just a member. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”

Amaechi further argued that he remained one of the most qualified aspirants across the country. “If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am? I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with the South-East, South-West, or even the North. My candidacy offers unity,” he asserted.

Although some political observers believe Amaechi’s influence in Rivers politics has waned due to the dominance of his long-time rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the former governor dismissed such claims.

“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That should tell you something about where the people stand,” he added.

yemmit90:
Is the link you posted here contains the history you were asking me to go back to?

We are talking about history, this one is posting a link of Oba ranking opinionated by Alake. I am 100% sure you don't know Jack about this subject matter.

yemmit90:
From the book of history, Alaafin of Oyo empire is the real son of Oduduwa with first hand access to his dynasty. Oranmiyan being the last son of Okanbi, after his other six brothers has left Ile-ife, appointed Adimula as a place holder when he was about to leave.

Oranmiyan eventually settle at present Oyo empire and became first Alaafin. It was learnt that all Yoruba King's were used to pay homages to only Alaafin as supreme king in Yoruba land. The Ooni title/ rulling houses in Ile-Ife Town of today are lineage of Placeholder Adimula.

If we are to judge by history, Ile-Ife is ancestral home of Yoruba, and Alaafin of Oyo is the head of Oduduwa (the founder of Yoruba ethnic) dynasty. Therefore, he is the one in right position to appoint Yoruba cultural leaders.

But in another instance, if Oranmiyan 6 other brothers could not return to claim their father's throne, Alaafin too should not be poking noses on what is going on in his ancestral home. If he is to claim right, he should simply fight for his father throne and become Ooni, even in far away Oyo empire.

Maybe someone who know better can enlighten me on this.

chopnaira:
Paramount ruler of his bedroom. No wonder the Soun is now rotating chairmanship of Oyo state council of traditional rulers with him.

His mates are bringing developments to their town, he is fighting over Chieftaincy title

Rawgold29:
The spirit of a true Christian or should I say the true spirit of Jesus Christ is far from biodun... your apologies might be accepted by the family but there is a clear picture of you out of the true teachings of JESUS our lord and saviour... you dont finance God projects,he finance it by himself only if you are truly called.

Tenisam:
An Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in
Ogba, Lagos State on Wednesday, discharged Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour and assault aboard an Ibom Air flight.

Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami discharged Emmason following the withdrawal of the five charges preferred against her by the police.

Earlier, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, (SAN), announced the decisions following consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector.

According to the minister, the resolutions were reached after reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and considering the remorse shown by those involved.

Keyamo revealed that Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident.

Emmason was arraigned on Monday before the court and after being granted bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum, she was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre as she couldn’t meet her bail conditions.

At the resumed hearing of the case,the prosecution, Oluwabunmi Adeitan, informed the court that there were new developments that necessitated the withdrawal of the case.

She tendered application to court for the withdrawal of the case, which was admitted by the court.

Details later…