President Tinubu suspends emergency rule in Rivers, asks Gov Fubara to resume tomorrow

President Bola Tinubu has lifted the State of Emergency in Rivers State and has directed the governor, Sim Fubara, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly to resume their duties on Thursday, September 18.

The President, in a statement, announced that peace has been restored in the state.

The statement in part reads

“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”

Recall that the President imposed the emergency rule on the state and suspended the governor, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly following the protracted battle between the governor and his

Benue state Governor Alia’s aide reportedly kidnapped

Terver Atu Joseph, a Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Youth and Media Mobilization, has been kidnapped by unknown persons.

 

The incident which occurred on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 has thrown his family and friends into panic.

 

According to Benue activist, Ukan Kurugh, Terver's wife said he called her before his phone line went off, saying he had been kidnapped and asked that his mother be informed.

 

Subsequent attempts to reach him and locate his whereabouts proved abortive. 

 

Details of the abduction remain unclear at the time of filing this report, 

 

Meanwhile, family members have appealed to security agencies to act swiftly to secure his safe release. 

 

2027: PDP says more aspirants eyeing Presidential ticket beyond Goodluck Jonathan, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed that several aspirants are quietly positioning themselves for its 2027 presidential ticket, beyond former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, revealed this on Sunday, September 14 that the party is currently engaged in intense internal negotiations and consultations to determine who will eventually emerge as its flagbearer.

His remarks followed comments by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who listed Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde among those being considered. Moro also noted that other qualified contenders from the South could still enter the race as discussions progress.

“Those names you mentioned are still speculations. Right now, what is paramount in the party is negotiations and discussions, with people trying to identify who will be the most credible candidate,” Osuoha said.

He added that while public attention is focused on the three figures, other potential aspirants from across the South are already in private talks with stakeholders.

According to him, the PDP’s immediate priority is to hold its national convention to elect new officers who will lead the party for the next four years. After the convention, the party will move to streamline the list of presidential aspirants ahead of the primaries.

“It is during that period that we will narrow it down to those who are going to contest. The party will want to conduct a free and fair primary to maintain transparency and prove that when we talk about democracy, we live by it,” he said.

Osuoha explained that the PDP’s zoning arrangement will guide the process, noting that the presidency has been zoned to the South.

“Whoever will contest must come from the South-West, South-East, or South-South,” he stated, stressing that regional balance and party unity would be key considerations. 

Zookeeper, 58, e@ten alive by pack of lions in front of tourists after stepping out of truck at safari park

A zookeeper was dragged to the ground and e@ten alive by a pride of lions in Thailand. 

The attack happened at Safari World Bangkok when 58-year-old Jian Rangkharasamee stepped out of his jeep in the lion enclosure. 

Witnesses said a lion crept up from behind before pouncing on him. Several other lions then quickly joined in to tear at his flesh. 

Visitors honked their car horns and shouted in an attempt to scare off the lions, but the animals mauled Rangkharasamee to de@th as tourists looked on in horror. 

Professor Tavatchai Kanchanarin, doctor at a leading hospital, saw the tragedy unfold at around 11am on Wednesday. 

He said: "The lion attacked the zookeeper while he was getting out of his car. 

"It was about 10 metres away, then slowly approached and grabbed the zookeeper from behind, dragging him to the ground and biting him. 

"Three or four other lions then joined in with biting the zookeeper. 

"Many people witnessed the incident but didn't know how to help. They honked their own car horns and shouted for help." 

He added the ordeal lasted around 15 minutes before staff managed to reach the victim. 

Rangkharasamee, a veteran keeper who had worked with lions for nearly 30 years, was rushed to Intrarat Hospital but was pronounced de@d on arrival, according to Nation Thailand. 

Police believe the zookeeper broke strict safety protocols by leaving his vehicle. 

The drive-through safari zone has a no-exit policy for both staff and visitors, People reported. 

Pol Col Niruchphon Yothamat of Khannayao Police Station said: “Normally, he would stay in the vehicle, and the lion would move away once the engine was started, but in this case, the vehicle's door was still open.” 

A fellow keeper, Phanom Sitsaeng, was the first to try to help after hearing horns blaring, but the lions had already inflicted fatal injuries. 

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has since ordered the temporary closure of the safari zone while safety checks are carried out. 

“The incident will be further investigated to determine what happened,” said DNP director-general Atthapol Charoenchansa. 

A senior Safari World official told local media all 32 lions at the park are licensed, insisting: “We have rules and we repeat them often as we work with dangerous animals.” 

He described Rangkharasamee as “a kind man”.

Edwin Wiek of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand said: “This incident should serve as a stark reminder that these animals, even when raised by humans from birth, still pose a serious threat to human life that can be triggered without warning.”

Suspect in Charlie Kirk murder identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson

The suspect in the murder of American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has been identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah.

The New York Post reported Robinson’s identity, while CNN revealed that he confessed to his father about shooting and killing Kirk during an event at the University of Utah. His father then contacted authorities and turned him in.

Robinson, described by neighbors as a quiet and withdrawn young man, had no significant prior criminal record. Sources say he had been struggling with personal issues, and investigators are now working to determine whether the shooting was politically motivated or linked to a personal grievance.

Charlie Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization that grew into one of the most prominent right-wing activist groups in America. Known for his outspoken views on college campuses, Kirk was scheduled to appear at the University of Utah as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when the fatal shooting occurred.

The murder has sparked nationwide reactions, with political figures and activists from across the spectrum condemning the violence. Authorities have stated that Robinson is cooperating with investigators following his father’s decision to alert police.

Robinson is expected to face formal charges in the coming days, as officials continue to piece together the motive behind the attack.

Resident doctors begin Nationwide strike over government's failure to meet their demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced a nationwide strike today Friday, September 12, following the failure of the federal government to meet its minimum demands within the 24-hour ultimatum issued by the association on Wednesday, September 10. 

NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, confirmed that the industrial action was activated after the expiration of the deadline, which followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The E-NEC, which had in attendance representatives from federal, state, and private tertiary health institutions across the country, reviewed the three-week ultimatum earlier given in July and its subsequent 10-day extension.

The doctors expressed disappointment that despite repeated engagements with relevant stakeholders, critical issues affecting their welfare remained unresolved.

Among the grievances listed by NARD were the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to several resident doctors, the failure to settle five-month arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS review, unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowance, and other outstanding salary arrears.

The doctors also condemned the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for downgrading the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) for its delay in issuing certificates to qualified candidates.

In addition, the E-NEC decried the Oyo State Government’s poor handling of welfare issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, who have been on indefinite strike, and criticised state governments that have failed to disburse MRTF to resident doctors under their employment.

As part of its resolutions, NARD demanded the immediate release of the 2025 MRTF, payment of all outstanding arrears, restoration of recognition for postgraduate membership certificates, and urgent intervention by state governments to address welfare challenges.

Dr. Osundara noted that the strike became inevitable after the government failed to demonstrate good faith by meeting the minimum demands within the specified 24 hours.

Hospitals across the country are expected to be affected by the industrial action, raising fresh concerns about access to healthcare for Nigerians who depend on public health institutions.

Ghana agrees to accept Nigerians, other West Africans deported from US

Ghana has started accepting West African nationals deported from the United States, President John Dramani Mahama said on Wednesday, September 10. 

According to Reuters, Mahama disclosed that a first batch of 14 deportees, made up of Nigerians, a Gambian and others, had already arrived in Accra, with the Ghanaian authorities facilitating their return to their respective countries. 

“We were approached by the US to accept third-party nationals who were being removed from the US, and we agreed with them that West African nationals were acceptable because all our fellow West Africans don’t need a visa to come to our country,” he said. 

He justified the decision by saying West Africans “don’t need a visa anyway” to come to Ghana. 

The arrangement comes after Washington’s intensified deportation drive under President Donald Trump, who has pushed for removals to “third countries” as part of his hardline immigration policy. 

Trump has previously overseen deportations of migrants to Eswatini, South Sudan and Rwanda despite safety concerns raised by rights groups.
Nigeria, however, has rejected similar overtures from Washington. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said in July that the Federal Government would not accept deportees from outside Nigeria, citing national security and economic concerns.

National Assembly Blocks Senator Natasha’s resumption

The National Assembly says Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot resume ooffice despite completing her 6-month suspension.

The Kogi Central senator had written to the National Assembly notifying it of her plans to resume her legislative duties after the expiration of her suspension by the house.

Although the National Assembly is still on recess, the Clerk of the National Assembly, in response to her letter, communicated that her suspension which took effect on March 6, 2025 is still a pending issue in court and so she cannot be allowed back into the upper chamber.

According to the letter, until the judicial process is completed and the senate reviews the court’s pronouncement, no decision can be taken

Part of the letter signed by the acting clerk to the National Assembly Yahaya Danzaria reads

“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal.

“The matter therefore remains subjudice and until the judicial process is completed, and the senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption

“You will be duly notified of the senate’s decision on the matter  as soon as it is resolved”

Senator Natasha had earlier attempted to resume on July 12, following the Federal High Court’s judgment asking the senate to review her suspension. But she was denied access into the National Assembly

The Senator and the National Assembly had appealed portions of the judgment which is currently pending before the Court of Appeal.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended after her clash with the Senate President over seat allocation She later accused him of sexual harrassment and being victimized for refusing his sexu@l advances. 

House of Reps Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, raises alarm as Nigeria’s debt hits N149 trn

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s escalating debt profile, warning that it has breached the nation’s statutory ceiling and posing a serious threat to fiscal sustainability.

Tajudeen raised the alarm while speaking at the opening of the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) at the National Assembly, Abuja on Monday, September 8. 

He said Nigeria’s debt had reached “a critical point” and called for urgent reforms in borrowing practices and oversight.

“As at the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N149.39 trillion, equivalent to about US$97 billion. This represents a sharp rise from N121.7 trillion the previous year, underscoring how quickly the burden has grown. 

Even more concerning is the debt-to-GDP ratio, which now stands at roughly 52 percent, well above the statutory ceiling of 40 percent set by our own laws” Abbas said

He described the debt limit breach as “a signal of strain on fiscal sustainability,” stressing the need for “stronger oversight, transparent borrowing practices, and a collective resolve to ensure that tangible economic and social returns match every naira borrowed.”

Abbas warned that several countries across Africa were in dangerous debt-to-GDP territories, with governments spending more on servicing loans than on healthcare and essential services.

“This is not just a budgetary concern, but a structural crisis that demands urgent parliamentary attention and coordinated reform,” he said.

Abbas further warned against reckless debt, saying borrowing should be used to bridge critical infrastructural gaps.

“Borrowing should support infrastructure, health, education, and industries that create jobs and reduce poverty. Reckless debt that fuels consumption or corruption must be exposed and rejected. Oversight is not just about figures, but about the lives and futures behind those figures,” he said

The Speaker reiterated the 10th House’s commitment to accountability, saying that under its Open Parliament policy, major borrowing proposals would be subjected to public hearings, while simplified debt reports would be made available to citizens.

US Supreme Court backs Trump on aggressive Immigration raids

 

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday sided with US President Donald Trump’s administration, allowing federal agents to continue immigration raids in Southern California that critics say rely heavily on race, ethnicity, or language.

The decision puts on hold a lower court ruling that had restricted federal agents from stopping or detaining individuals without “reasonable suspicion” of being in the country illegally. The order, issued by Los Angeles-based District Judge Maame Frimpong in July, found that the raids likely violated the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Supreme Court’s brief order, issued without explanation, allows the administration to resume operations while the case proceeds. The court’s three liberal justices dissented sharply, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor warning that the policy risks treating “all Latinos, U.S. citizens or not, who work low-wage jobs” as targets for detention. “Rather than stand idly by while our constitutional freedoms are lost, I dissent,” she wrote.

Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh, concurring with the majority, argued that ethnicity alone cannot establish reasonable suspicion but could be considered alongside other factors. “If the officers learn that the individual they stopped is a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully in the United States, they promptly let the individual go,” he noted.

The Justice Department defended the raids, saying they are based on a “reasonably broad profile” in regions where undocumented residents make up a significant portion of the population.

The ruling is the latest in a series of victories for Trump at the Supreme Court, which has a 6–3 conservative majority. Since returning to office last year, Trump has pledged record-level deportations, with his administration setting a goal of 3,000 daily arrests. The raids, often involving masked and armed federal agents, have sparked fear in immigrant communities, fueled protests, and triggered multiple lawsuits.