Ahead of the 2027 general elections, leaders from the Ogoni and Oyigbo zones in Rivers State are seeking a replacement for incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

They converged on Nonwa in the Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday at an event tagged “Ogoni, Oyigbo People’s Assembly.”

The gathering was attended by prominent politicians, most of whom are loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, is currently in a running battle with Fubara, his estranged political godson, and has vowed not to support Fubara again.

Among the attendees were personalities such as Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Magnus Abe, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, and Chief Victor Giadom.

The Assembly emphasized unity and cooperation between the two ethnic nationalities, which fall under the same senatorial district (Rivers South-East) that produced Fubara as governor.

As part of their resolution, read by Senator Mpigi, they demanded the Ogoni/Oyigbo governorship slot in 2027 and called for unity and cooperation between the Ogoni and Oyigbo people.

They also called on major political parties to consider Ogoni/Oyigbo candidates for the governorship, while condemning the activities of Governor Fubara.

Senator Mpigi alleged that some political actors were visiting Aso Villa at night to declare their support for President Bola Tinubu and urged them to do so openly during the day.

He called on President Tinubu to contest the 2027 general election to consolidate his efforts in improving the economy and complete his developmental projects.

The resolution reads: “The Ogoni and Oyigbo Peoples Assembly, a multi-political convergence of five Local Government Areas within the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, met today to reaffirm their support for the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and pledged total loyalty to the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, as the political leader of Rivers State. They also reiterated the obvious fact that the senatorial district’s upland is due for a governor and should produce the next governor of Rivers State come 2027.”

Mpigi further stated: “I call on Mr. President to contest the 2027 election and finish the numerous projects, including the Coastal Roads, Badagry Express Road, and others.”

The leaders commended the FCT Minister for uniting Ogoni and Oyigbo politically and condemned recent comments by the Ijaw leader and elder statesman Edwin Clark against Wike.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Akawor, who was the chairman of the occasion, said that since the Ijaw people within the senatorial district had segregated themselves from the upland, the upland would make a statement that would change the political history of the state come 2027.

Chief Victor Giadom, South-South Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, thanked President Tinubu for his people-oriented reforms and urged major parties to consider Ogoni/Oyigbo for the governorship slot in 2027.

On his part, Senator Abe emphasized the importance of peace and unity, while Dumnamene Dekor, the member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, stressed Ogoni/Oyigbo’s capacity to produce the next governor.

Former federal lawmaker Emmanuel Deeyah also praised President Tinubu and Wike for their love for the Ogoni people and their developmental strides in the country.

Parents of boarding students at Eva Adelaja Girls Grammar School in Bariga, Lagos, took to the streets on Sunday to protest the Lagos State government’s increase in boarding fees from N35,000 to N100,000.

The parents, who gathered in large numbers, chanted slogans and demanded an immediate reversal of the fee hike. They insisted that the school would not resume until their demands were met.

Protesters held banners and placards with messages such as “No reversal, No resumption!” “Free education is our right,” and “We say no to this fee increment.”

A letter addressed to all boarding school principals and signed by Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, announced the fee increase. The letter, dated Friday, stated: “The state government has approved the review of the boarding fee payable in all public boarding house schools in Lagos State. The newly approved fee is N100,000 only.”

The letter, titled ‘Review of Boarding Fees in All Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State for the 2024/2025 Session,’ also noted that no additional fees should be collected by the schools. It indicated that the resumption date was now set for Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Segun Bashorun, a parent and the Public Relations Officer for the Parents’ Forum at the Senior School, expressed frustration over the sudden increase. In an interview with our correspondent, Bashorun said, “We should have been consulted before such decisions were made. The fee was increased just two days before resumption. There was hardly any time for parents to adjust.”

He continued, “The economic situation is tough, and the increased transportation costs are also a burden. Many parents are struggling, and some are even in tears. We appeal to the government to involve us in such decisions. We need to be part of the conversation since we are the ones paying these fees.”

Another parent was captured on video saying, “Our children aspire to become presidents and governors in the future. How can we keep them at home because we can’t afford the new fees? The cost is too high, and we are pleading for help. Governor, please assist us!”

Telecommunications operators are expected to start disconnecting mobile telephone lines that are not linked to National Identification Numbers, following the expiration of the September 14 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The NCC said in a statement in August that it expected that no SIM card would remain active without a verified NIN from September 15.

The telecom regulator had encouraged subscribers who were yet to complete their NIN-SIM linkage or have faced issues due to verification mismatches to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline.

As of March 2024, data from the NCC showed 219 million active lines across mobile networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, with 153 million already linked to NIN. This leaves approximately 66 million unlinked lines at risk of disconnection.

Between July 28 and 29, millions of lines were temporarily barred due to unverified NINs, causing widespread disruptions in the country. The NCC had reversed its decision, giving subscribers more time to comply. However, with the deadline now expired, disconnections will commence.

Speaking to The PUNCH, an NCC official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to comment on the matter, dismissed any possibility of an extension.

“We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over. The reason why we extended the last time was the misconception of Nigerians who claimed that the NCC wanted to frustrate the August 1 protest.”

The official clarified that the commission has no intention of deliberately disconnecting subscribers. “A significant number of Nigerians have opted not to link their SIMs to their NIN for various reasons.

“While there may be challenges at the Centres, it remains crucial to revisit and complete the process. Let me be clear—there will be no further extensions,” the official emphasised.

A few weeks ago, subscribers expressed frustration over the challenges they face in uploading their details on the National Identity Management Commission portal.

The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, described the situation as “terrible” after visiting some telecom centres, including MTN and Airtel.

He told our correspondent earlier that the existing portal challenges are obstructing the timely completion of the NIN-SIM linkage, adding, “Without immediate action, subscribers will struggle to meet the deadline.”

He pleaded that the NCC should consider extending the deadline due to the technical issues that marred the process of registration last week.

“NCC must be commended after a series of extensions but I believe they can still do that for maybe one week,” he told Sunday PUNCH.

In March, the NIMC and NCC strengthened their partnership to streamline the NIN-SIM linkage process. Both agencies launched public awareness campaigns, stakeholder training, and the dissemination of accurate information to help citizens comply with the directives.

According to financial results from the first half of 2024, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa barred a combined 13.5 million lines for non-compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage directive.

MTN reported it had blocked 8.6 million lines, while Airtel stated that 8.7 million of its customers had completed verification.

The compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM cards began in December 2020, when the government ordered telcos to bar unregistered SIMs and those without NIN links.

Following multiple deadline extensions by the NCC since December 2023, April 15, 2024, was set as the final deadline for fully barring subscribers with four or fewer SIMs having unverified NIN details.

Rivers United clinched their first victory of the season with an impressive 3-1 win over Heartland at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt earlier today, September 14.

This victory leaves coach Finidi George‘s team unbeaten in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Recall that they recorded a 0-0 draw in their league opener against Bendel Insurance on September 8.

On the other hand, Heartland, managed by former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke, have faced a tough start to the season, suffering defeats in their first two matches. Recall that they recorded a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Enyimba in their league opener on September 8.

Unfortunately for Amuneke, who was contending for the Super Eagles of Nigeria coaching job, his club recorded the exact scoreline against Rivers United, who are managed by Finidi, a former coach of the national team.

Rivers United’s new signing, Taofeek Otaniyi, made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with a goal from Aniekeme Okon’s assist just three minutes into the game.

Despite this setback, Heartland fought back and managed to equalize just before halftime through Christian Molokwu.

However, the second half belonged to the hosts as Kabir Abdullahi scored twice to secure the victory for Rivers United.

The team’s performance demonstrated their attacking prowess and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, ultimately securing them a well-deserved 3-1 win over the newly registered NPFL side.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen registered as assist on his debut for Galatasaray in their 5-0 thrashing of Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen was thrown right into the fire upon his arrival at Galatasaray as he was named in the starting eleven for their Super Lig game against Rizespor at Rams Park.

The stadium was packed to the brim as Galatasaray fans turned up in numbers to see their latest star acquisition.

Galatasaray were the overwhelming favourites to win the fixture, and they got into the business of the day quickly, as Davinson Sanchez gave them the lead just three minutes in.

Even after scoring, the Super Lig champions kept on piling the pressure. And in the 15th minute, they almost got their second. Osimhen showcased his prowess in the air, latching onto a cross from the wing and planting a header amid pressure from Rizespor defenders. Unfortunately for him, his effort just dragged wide.

After their constant pressing, Galatasaray got their second goal of the game. A cross was swung in from a set piece, and Osimhen met the ball with a fine header. The ball looked like it was destined for the net, but a Galatasaray player Abdulkerim Bardakci got his foot to it just before it entered the net. As such, Osimhen was credited with the assist, while Bardakci was credited with the goal.

Nonetheless, all the Galatasaray players celebrated with Osimhen after the goal.

The home side continued dominate play after their second goal. Osimhen got another chance to score just before halftime, but it was clear that the Rizespor players were keen on keeping him out as they threw themselves at his strike from inside the box.

In the second half, Galatasaray did not stop pushing for goals, and they got their third just three minutes in, courtesy of Gabriel Sara. Then in the 61st minute, Dries Mertens added one more to make it 4-0 for the Super Lig champions.

Osimhen got another good opportunity in the 78th minute as he struck a ball at goal from inside the box. But Ivo Grbic made a great save to deny him. Nonetheless, Galatasaray wrapped up the scoring with a goal from Kaan Ayhan in the 80th minute. It eventually ended 5-0 in Galatasaray’s favour.

Osimhen had seven attempts on goal goal, but he failed to convert any of them. Despite the disappointment, he will be looking to get his first goal in their next game against Gaziantep.

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye has reacted to his suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Recall that Melaye was suspended by the PDP Excos in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward.

The PDP chieftain was suspended for anti-party activities, alleged misconducts and failing to honour a summon.

The resolution to suspend the former Kogi West senator was taken by the Ward party executive committee during a meeting in Aiyetoro/Luagba Ward 1 on Friday.

The resolution was signed by the Ward Chairman, Abayomi Osamika and Ward Yodson Dayo, Secretary.

This was after a review of the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party activities against Melaye

However, speaking via his X account Melaye said, “You can’t suspend breeze, Damagun is the source of PDP problems. His belly is his God.”

Dino Melaye Is Part Of The Problem In PDP – Damagum

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Iliya Damagum, has claimed that Melaye is responsible for some of the crisis plaguing the party.

He raised concerns about internal party loyalty, citing Melaye’s actions during the recent Kogi gubernatorial election.

Speaking during an interview with Daily Trust, Damagum addressed remarks made by Melaye, who had referred to the PDP as a “once upon a time party.

The PDP Chairman went on to question Melaye’s role in allegedly harming the party’s image, stating that anyone given the party’s platform has a responsibility to uplift its fortunes.

“Let me remind you about that statement credited to Dino. He’s part of the problem. Why? Because he ran for governor in Kogi State and didn’t even vote for himself. Put that on record: he didn’t go out to vote in his own election.

“Even as the candidate. So, I’ll leave it to you to judge based on that. Who’s really damaging the party? If the party is generous enough to give you its platform to run, you have a duty to improve its fortunes. Yes, you can win or lose, but at least lose credibly if you must,” Damagum said.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has launched a legal challenge against President Bola Tinubu over the recent increase in petrol prices and alleged corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The lawsuit, filed on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, bears the case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1361/2024.

SERAP seeks a court order compelling President Tinubu to direct the NNPCL to reverse the controversial hike in petrol prices from ₦845 to ₦600 per litre.

The suit names the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the NNPCL as respondents. SERAP’s legal action demands not only a rollback of the price increase but also an investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NNPCL.

In its application, SERAP argues that the increase in petrol prices is unjust, illegal, unconstitutional, and unreasonable, impacting the economic well-being of Nigerians and calling for accountability in the management of the country’s petroleum resources.

SERAP is also asking the court “to compel President Tinubu to direct Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, including the spending of the reported $300 million ‘bailout funds’ collected from the Federal Government in August 2024, and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers, despite allegedly failing to remit oil revenues to the treasury.”

SERAP is asking the court “to compel President Tinubu to direct Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anticorruption agencies to prosecute anyone suspected to be responsible for the alleged corruption and mismanagement in the NNPCL, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and to recover any proceeds of corruption.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The increase in petrol price is causing immense hardship to those less well-off. As the economic situation in Nigeria deteriorates, the increase is pushing people further into poverty.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Holding the NNPC to account for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector would serve legitimate public interests.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, read in part: “The increase in petrol price constitutes a fundamental breach of constitutional guarantees and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

“Corruption in the oil sector and the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds to support the operations of the NNPC have resulted in persistent and unlawful hike in petrol prices.”

“Increasing petrol prices at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to face worsening economic conditions is entirely inconsistent with constitutional and international obligations to ensure the minimum living conditions compatible with human dignity.”

“The arbitrary increase has placed a disproportionate burden on the marginalized and most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly those disadvantaged by poverty.”

“The increase is seriously jeopardizing their living conditions, as well as individuals’ physical, emotional, and individual development, and intensifying and worsening socioeconomic conditions in the country.”

“The increase constitutes a serious human rights problem because of the intensity with which it undermines the enjoyment and exercise by Nigerians of their human rights and renders their civic participation illusory.”

“The fundamental right to life includes not only the right of every Nigerian not to be deprived of his/her life arbitrarily, but also the right that he/she will not be prevented from having access to the conditions that guarantee a dignified existence.”

“The growing poverty and inequality in the country has continued to adversely affect the right of Nigerians to participatory democracy, and impede their ability to participate in their own government.”

“Nigerians have for far too long been denied justice and the opportunity to get to the bottom of why they continue to pay the price for corruption in the oil sector. The increase in petrol price has rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.”

“The increase is not inevitable, as it stems from the persistent failure of successive governments to address the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector and the impunity of suspected perpetrators.”

“Persistent increase in petrol prices keep people in poverty which in turn perpetuates discriminatory attitudes and practices against them.”

“The government has a legal obligation to mobilize the maximum of the country’s available resources to ensure people’s socio-economic rights and to protect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Nigerians.”

“The government also has the legal obligations to probe and prosecute allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of corruption.”

“Investigating and prosecuting the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations.”

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on the government to ‘abolish all corrupt practices’ including in the NNPC.”

“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, the government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.”

“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.”

“According to our information, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited recently increased the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across its retail outlets.”

“The price of the product increased to N855 per litre, from about N600, and in some instances above N900 per litre. The apparently unlawful increase in petrol price followed a scarcity caused by the reported refusal by suppliers to import petroleum products for the NNPCL over a $6 billion debt.”

“The NNPC allegedly failed to remit USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion of oil revenues into the public treasury, as documented in the recently published 2020 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

In a reaction to the notion that “sex-for-roles” syndrome exists only in Nollywood, actress Chioma Ivoke, in an interview with Potpourri says nothing is farther from the truth as she maintains that sex is a weapon being used as a means to an end everywhere there are human interactions.

She stated, “Sex for roles in all ramifications is messy to not just the girls but the guys as well. However, sex has become a trade for a lot of things in diverse firms and fields, not just confined to Nollywood or the entertainment industry. This is a condemnable act that should be curtailed or eradicated if possible.”

On maintaining her privacy despite her public profile, Ivoke explained, “The thing one must understand is that social media is a marketplace where everyone across the globe might meet and as such, one must be disciplined enough to keep what is meant to be private private no matter the social media pressure.”

When asked about balancing decency with flaunting her sex appeal, she said, “Well, I am a decent woman, who dresses and carries herself with profound poise.”

Ivoke emphasized that the only pressure she faces is self-imposed. “The only pressure I face is the one I give myself—pressure to grow and do better, pressure to take decisive measures that enhance my growth in all corners, and pressure to be a great example to the younger ones who look up to me. Those are the kinds of pressures I entertain, not the unreal social media pressure.”