Uruguayan football legend, Luis Suarez has confirmed his retirement from international football, which will take effect after the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Montevideo on Saturday, September 7.

Luis Suarez made this announcement at an emotional press conference earlier today, September 3. 

While speaking with reporters, the 37-year-old Inter Miami striker said it was not an easy decision to make, but he is determined to give his all in his final match for Uruguay.

“I’ve been thinking about this and analysing this. I believe this is the right time,” Luis Suarez said.

“I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team. I’ll be just as excited to play as I was in 2007 when I played for my national team for the first time.

“That 19-year-old kid is now a veteran player, an older player – however you want to call it – with an incredible history with the national team that will give his life for the team.”

Throughout his career, Luis Suarez has been recognized as one of the greatest players of his generation and is leaving behind a remarkable legacy as Uruguay’s all-time leading goal scorer with 69 goals from 142 appearances.

Suarez, who made his international debut for Uruguay in 2007, led the country to victory in the 2011 Copa America, where he was honoured as the Player of the Tournament.

In addition to his impressive achievements, Suarez’s career has not been without controversy. He was involved in infamous incidents such as being banned from the 2014 World Cup for biting an opponent and his handball on the goal-line during the 2010 World Cup quarter-final clash against Ghana. His career in club football also saw incidents that sparked controversies, including a suspension for alleged racial abuse.

Despite the controversies, Suarez continued to make significant contributions to the Uruguay national team, helping them qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as making appearances in this summer’s Copa America.

The Chief Executive Officer of Geregu Power Plant, Femi Otedola, has disclosed why Aliko Dangote decided to establish his own crude oil refinery.

The owner of Zinon Depot said he and Aliko Dangote would have been part owners of Kaduna and Port Harcourt refinery if not for the cabals that kicked them out through the then government.

On Tuesday, in his congratulatory message to Dangote, as his crude oil refinery rolled out refined petrol today; Otedola said he planned to purchase 20% while Dangote planned to purchase 51% in the refineries through a company the co-established.

“First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and belief in actualizing this monumental achievement under his administration. This day belongs to every Nigerian who has dared to dream of a better future. Congratulations to our great nation—today, we all stand a little taller.

“Aliko, it feels like just yesterday, but it has been 25 long years since we first set our sights on transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape. I remember vividly when we set up the Blue Star Consortium to acquire stakes in the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries—20% for me and 51% for you. We were ready to change the game, but fate had other plans. The government of the day, in an act I can only describe as utterly obnoxious, canceled our stakes and thwarted our vision. But, as always, you refused to be deterred.

“You never gave up on the dream we shared. You carried the torch forward, igniting a spark that has today become a roaring flame. And now, 25 years later, here we stand on the precipice of history, with the first fuel shipment from the Dangote Refinery—a feat that is nothing short of miraculous.

“While the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries have remained dormant, their promise unfulfilled despite billions of dollars spent on so-called turn-around maintenance, you have achieved what many said was impossible. You have beaten all the skeptics, silenced the naysayers, and proved wrong those who doubted your resolve, even those who never wanted this project to succeed,” Otedola said.

The billionaire businessman further stated that Dangote Refinery was fought heavily by foreign powers that wanted Nigeria to depend on them and local cabals who were making so much money through oil imports.

The Geregu Power Plant Owner said with Dangote Refinery, the economy of Nigeria will grow. He added that Dangote has dismantled obstacles put in place to hold Nigeria’s development.

“You have not just built a refinery; you have liberated us from the chains of economic dependence that have held this nation back for far too long. The days of bowing to foreign powers for our fuel needs are over, thanks to your vision and determination.

“You have dealt a death blow to the so-called local cabals who have fattened themselves for years, feeding off our nation’s economic slavery. These cabals, who have grown rich by keeping Nigeria in a perpetual state of dependence, must now face the reality that their era of easy gains is coming to an end.

“I am reminded of the time you revolutionized the cement industry in Nigeria. Ships that once brought in cement turned into rusting relics, scraps of a bygone era. Now, with your refinery in full swing, I foresee a similar fate for fuel imports. The depot owners should take heed—it’s time to dismantle those depots and sell them as scraps while the market is still high. The world has changed, and those who do not adapt will be left behind.

“When I ventured into the depot business with Zenon, it was in response to the inefficiencies of the NNPC. Zenon pioneered the diesel business in Nigeria and quickly became the largest in the country, filling the gaps left by our inefficient system. But today, your refinery stands as a beacon of what is possible when one has the audacity to dream and the tenacity to see it through.

“Aliko, you have my deepest admiration and respect. Congratulations to you and the entire board, management and staff of Dangote Refinery on this monumental achievement. This is not just a victory for you but for every Nigerian who dares to dream. May this be just the beginning of even greater things to come,” Otedola added.

Kano residents are facing a new wave of fuel price hikes as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, soared to ₦1,200 per litre at several filling stations across the city.

According to Daily Trust, the development comes as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) adjusts its pump prices to ₦904 per litre.

The surge in fuel prices has led to long queues at NNPCL outlets, where customers are scrambling to fill their tanks before the new price is fully implemented.

An official at one of the NNPCL stations, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed to the platform that they were awaiting directives to commence sales at the updated price.

This spike in fuel costs has further strained the pockets of Kano residents, many of whom are already grappling with the high cost of living.

The situation has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on transportation costs and the prices of goods and services, which are likely to rise as a result.

He said, “We just came this morning (Tuesday) and turned on our machines only to see the adjustment. You can see it for yourself. We are here now waiting for directives to start selling.”

Motorists in queue expressed concerns over the development.

Isah Muhammad said, “Where are we heading to in this country? How do we survive now? It’s very unfortunate we are witnessing this.”

Another motorist, Ibrahim Saleh, said, “I can recall when I used to sell petrol (black market). It was then ₦95. One day during the late President Shehu Musa Yar’adua regime, we went to buy fuel and they halted the process.

“We all thought it was going to be increased but they adjusted the litre to ₦65. It was something that I would never forget in my life. When things go up, they never come down in Nigeria and since then it has been like that.”

The representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State at the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, has appointed no fewer than 70 aides throughout Ogbaru.

According to Ogene, the appointments reflect his dedication to providing outstanding service to his constituency.

The appointed individuals encompass advisers, special assistants, executive assistants, and various other roles.

The letters of appointment, signed by Ogene’s Chief of Staff, Chinedum Uwolloh, seen by journalists on Tuesday, detailed the responsibilities assigned to the aides.

The letter states that the aides will “Assist the office of Hon. Ogene in achieving its core objective of delivering excellent service to the people of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in your specific area of appointment or perform any other duties assigned by the office from time to time.

“The appointments were made based on the appointees’ experience and commitment to the lawmaker’s success as Representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency and the well-being of Ogbaru. The newly appointed aides are expected to bring their expertise and enthusiasm to their critical roles, particularly in enhancing service delivery to the constituents.

“They will receive monthly allowances aimed at motivating them and improving their economic conditions. This financial support will enable them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively without the burden of financial constraints.

“The allowances are intended to supplement their income, allowing them to better meet their basic needs and focus on providing exceptional service to the constituents of Ogbaru Federal Constituency.”

The letter also recalled that Ogene made a covenant with his constituents and Nigeria upon assuming office, outlining his commitment to responsible leadership.

The covenant, made public in February 2024 during a thanksgiving programme to celebrate his victory at the tribunal, reads: ‘I pledge to be a sensitive, responsible, and responsive Representative, working tirelessly for the peace and socio-economic development of Ogbaru Federal Constituency. To prioritise the interests of the people, ensuring equity, fairness, and justice for all Nigerians in my lawmaking and oversight responsibilities, guided by the principles of servant leadership.

“I commit to promoting self-accountability, decorum, propriety, and integrity in public office, setting a high standard for ethical governance. So help me God.‘

Notable among the appointees are Mr. David Chukwuekezie, Special Adviser (Political); Ben Nwasike, Special Adviser (Political); Emmanuel Akpati, Head of Media Relations; Maxwell Nwebo, Special Assistant (Events); Frank Oduah, Personal Assistant (Education Programmes); Tina Nwafor, Special Assistant (Women Mobilisation); Amechi Ede, Executive Assistant (Religious Affairs).

“Hello, Bros. Hello. Hello. Hello”

“Yes. I can hear you”

“Which kin thing be this now? I don dey call you since, you no pick call. Person go dey call you, you no go pick.”

“At your level, you should know that if you call somebody once or twice and the phone rings, the best thing to do is to leave a message and expect the person to call back.”

“I called you up to ten times.”

“Why? Once you call a person twice, leave a message or send a text. Do I owe you money? You Nigerians do not know how to use a phone. You think if you call me, I must answer you compulsorily. I do not respond to such calls. All the people who call me up and down are people who want to beg for money. In this Tinubu Nigeria, if you call me and up and down, I won’t answer. I may even block your line because the desperation is a serious signal, that a hungry Nigerian is calling me. I did not cause inflation oh, let nobody come and disturb me. All of you who voted for APC in 2015, 2019 and 2023, carry your cross. Do you know some people even have the effrontery to come and ask me to help pay for their wives’ hospital bills in the maternity ward. If you have enough strength to impregnate a woman, when it is nine months and the result comes out, carry your own cross. The notice is long enough. I don’t want to hear that nonsense about helping the neighbour.  Neighbour wey no get common sense.”

“So, am I one of those persons who will disturb you for hospital bills? When person call you, make you pick”

“I dey unavailable that time. Davido says I am unavailable. Dem no dey see me. The network must have told you that the line you were calling was not available at the time. So, what’s up, Omo? I have a busy day.” 

“Have you seen what I am seeing in the papers today? They say NNPC Limited is facing financial strain, financial pressure and that is why there is fuel scarcity, and long queues. NNPC says it is overburdened by debt obligations running into about $6.8 billion”

“I thought they said it was weather and bad roads causing the fuel supply disruptions, and that even if they were owing, it is in the nature of the business to source credit.”

“We are in September. The weather condition will soon change from rainy season to dry season in Nigeria. There is a limit to which anyone can blame the weather and the roads. The truth has now been let out of the bag. My question to you is what do you think this implies?”

“It is obvious. NNPCL is the breadwinner of Nigeria. If the company says it is under financial pressure, it is as good as saying that Nigeria is financially bankrupt. When you link that to the fact that NNPCL is the sole importer of finished products in the downstream sector, it means that the NNPC Limited has no money to import more PMS, and that would create supply problems and translate into fuel scarcity and longer queues at the fuel stations. Very simple.”

“Nigeria produces over 1.3 million barrels of crude per day. How is that possible? NNPC Limited can sell crude and make money.” 

“Sorry. Your 1.3 million, 1.4 million barrels have already been used to take loans upfront from Afrexim Bank and other sources. You produce the crude; you use it to pay existing debts. It is a perfect storm.”

“But what of the plan to have an Operation and Maintenance concession with private investors at the Warri and Kaduna Refineries?”

“It is called O and M. If you are an investor, I ask you, will you go and invest your resources in the same refineries that the Nigerian Government has not been able to fix for the past 20 years? Not even the Chinese who are looking for every possible opportunity in Africa will go near that. Why do you think the multinationals are very careful with Nigeria and some of them are using style, style to reduce their risk margins in Nigeria?  A country that cannot protect its biggest assets cannot be trusted. Investors look at risk factors. And I don’t think that refineries should be for concession. They should be privatized. Or sold as scrap. The Nigerian Government cannot run refineries.”

“President Tinubu is in China. He is talking to the Chinese looking for more investments. We pray that he succeeds at the Forum for China- Africa Co-operation (FOCAC)”

“I hear everybody is in China too, with some of your Ministers behaving like they have seen Heaven, the same Heaven that they cannot create here in Nigeria”

“Don’t mind those ones. Very soon there will be a cabinet reshuffle and they will be sent out”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I am not sure of anything. I just think that the President should return to the country to address the many matters arising. He is Minister of Petroleum, and the fuel queues have not disappeared. There is flooding in many of the states.” 

“The President does not have to be on the ground for the country to run properly. That is why he has appointed people to do the job. The fuel scarcity issue is simple. I wish the government can deal with all the rent collectors in the oil and gas sector. They are the ones causing the problems and they are all over the system.  The fuel marketers. The fuel depot owners. The middlemen. The thieves. Tinubu did not cause the crisis. This is one of those things that Tinubu inherited. He is trying to clear the rot in the land. His situation is compounded by the fact that he is coming as President after eight years of Buhari, whose government is remembered for its sleep-walking for eight years!”

  ‘Buhari. Hmm. Have you noticed that since he left office more than one year ago, nobody, I mean nobody, I mean no institution or platform anywhere in the world has invited him to come and give a lecture on any subject, not even cattle rearing? Even his Vice President gets invited all over the world. President Jonathan has been busy virtually every month since he left office in 2015. President Tinubu has a lot to worry about taking over from Buhari”. 

“I am hearing that the Federal Government may increase fuel price. The Minister of State for Petroleum has said that PMS must be sold above the landing cost, at the open market price to stop smuggling and ensure sustainable fuel supply.” 

“One, I don’t think the fuel subsidy regime which government had to go back to is sustainable. It only benefits the rent collectors of Nigeria. Two, I am worried about fuel price going through the roof. What would be the open market price of PMS? N2,000?”

“People are already buying fuel at over N1, 000”

“We have issues with foreign exchange. If we don’t strengthen the Naira, people will groan.” 

“As an economist, I think the pain may be for about two months, then things will stabilize and the market will adjust and self-correct.”

“Please leave economics out of this matter. No economic theory works in Nigeria. When prices go up in this environment, they will refuse to come down and the government will be confronted with another problem.”

“But I hear the Dangote Refinery has started production, up to about 70 to 80%. If they pressurize the refinery further, production levels for PMS could reach 90%.” 

“What you do not know is that Dangote Refinery is a private business. Oil business is international. Dangote Refinery is not a charity outfit. They will sell at open market price and in any case NNPC limited has not yet reached an agreement with the Refinery as to how much fuel should be sold.”

“Are we helpless then? Will fuel price go up?” 

“Things will get worse before they get better.” 

“But how about this thing I am hearing that one British national, Andrew Wynne is working with some other persons to remove Tinubu.  The Police have declared a certain Drew Povey, also a Briton wanted for subversive activities against Tinubu’s government. Povey is accused of renting a space at Labour House in Abuja as a cover for his activities which includes the funding of protests to create anarchy in Nigeria.”

“The same Povey says he has been running an innocent business in Nigeria for about seven years and that he has never done anything wrong.” 

“A sleeper cell in Labour House, shortly after the NLC President was invited by the Police for terrorism related issues? I sense something here. But my position, Bros is that nobody should ever think of talking about removing Tinubu’s government. Britons coming to Nigeria to remove government? That would be pure madness. Anybody that tries any nonsense. No, it is not even trying, if anybody gets so reckless as to think of it, that person and his or her collaborators should be summarily executed. When a Northerner was in power, nobody talked about removing anybody. Now that it is our turn, some animals are talking about removing. This country belongs to all of us. Whoever is frustrated, hungry or angry should wait till the general elections in 2027, and make a choice at the polling station.” 

“I agree with you. The Nigerian Military has also pledged their loyalty to the President and the Nigerian state. Even the Police.” 

“The Police have no option. The retirement age for policemen has just been extended by the Senate from 60 to 65 years. The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has been granted a grace period of four more years.”

“Well, well, well. I really don’t have a problem with that. The extension is not for Egbetokun alone. Other policemen will benefit from it, and every government has a right and the privilege to adopt its own directions. In the. UK, Sir Keir Starmer wants to stop winter fuel privileges. He wants to introduce a more stringent tax regime. The only thing that bothers me is that I know one police officer who is always terrorizing other people, threatening to lock people up. What this new law means is that he would spend more time wearing the police uniform. Useless man.”

“The general belief out there is that the retirement age for policemen was revised just to keep Egbetokun as Inspector General of Police. He is a Tinubu man, they say. And Tinubu wants his own person in that office.” 

“I don’t get it. If you are President, will you as Tinubu appoint Peter Obi’s person or Atiku’s person as IGP? These are commonsense things. What we should expect is performance and better quality from the Nigeria Police Force.”

“You know what I am thinking?” 

“What?”

“With all these problems that we are facing in Nigeria, why would the President buy a new Tokunbo Presidential jet? Why would a member of the National Assembly of Nigeria collect as much as N21 million per month at a time NNPC Ltd says it is facing financial constraints?” 

“You have a point. Nigerian leaders should be seen to identify with the people. Yes. But purchase of PMS is not the same as buying a presidential jet or the N21 million that Senators collect. It doesn’t show on them anyway. Many of these our lawmakers look miserable.”

“It is just that I expect higher standards of conduct.” 

“From who? From Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole for example?”

“Ha. Comrade oh Comrade. I am his fan oh. And I like his contributions on the floor of the Senate. His intervention on the National Anthem issue. His request that the Nigerian military must account for all the money that they collected to fight terrorism and banditry. But Comrade drop person hand oh, with his attack on Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Governor Obaseki of Edo State, publicly calling her a barren woman, and asking the couple why they have failed to adopt a child.” 

“I was shocked too. When did Comrade Oshiomhole become a family planning expert. And who ask am question? Wetin concern am?”

“He was actually defending the APC Gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, after Mrs Obaseki while introducing Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo to the women electorate in Ubiaja, South East Local Government said that it is only the PDP candidate that has a wife among all the Gubernatorial aspirants in Edo State. She did not mention anybody’s name.” 

“Having a wife or a child is not a pre-requisite for becoming a Governor. There is no such thing in the Nigerian Constitution. But even if the innuendo lands perfectly where it is targeted, what is Oshiomhole’s own in the matter? We hear more from him than from the APC candidate himself. He has become Okpebholo’s spokesman and campaign manager. I sympathize with the people of Edo State. Instead of their politicians talking about issues – how to fix roads, generate employment, create jobs, promote prosperity, what we now hear is gutter politics – who has a wife who does not have, who has children, who does not have. Who has DSTV, who does not. Terrible” 

“I think the Comrade Senator owes the Obasekis an apology. Politics or no politics, there are things an elder should not say. When JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate in the US election played the same fertility card referring to Kamala Harris as a “childless cat”, there was an uproar. There must be decorum in politics.” 

“Sometimes I actually think that the whole world is going mad. Look at what the South African did to Chidinma Adesina. They pursued her out of the Miss South Africa Beauty Pageant. They threw all kinds of things at her: They said she was married or divorced, the organizers said it did not matter, they said her mother is an identity thief and that she is actually from Mozambique. Nobody remembered that Nelson Mandela, father of modern South Africa also married a former First Lady from Mozambique. When Chidinma was invited to participate in the Miss universe pageant in Nigeria, South African netizens pursued her still. They gave their votes to Miss Kwara. But in the end Miss Chdinma Adesina emerged victorious. A very big story about xenophobia, national identity politics, Nigeria South Africa relations and the love-hate relationship between the peoples of both countries.”

“Quite a moving human story. Congratulations to Chdinma Adesina. Thanks to all the fans who gave her the 15, 482 votes that brought her victory. Perhaps not everyone is going crazy. Some people will always stand by you, no matter what.” 

“What do you think of Nyesom Wike saying he would fight anybody that supports Governor Fubara of Rivers state, be such a person a Governor of another state or anybody at all?”

“Please, Bros, I think my phone is out of credit. I sincerely do not want to discuss Wike.”

Scores of demonstrators took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, demanding the immediate dismissal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over the ongoing fuel scarcity that has plagued the nation.

The protest comes at a time when the NNPCL has admitted that its considerable debt to fuel suppliers is jeopardizing the sustainability of fuel supplies across the country.

The corporation has highlighted that the financial burden is severely impacting its operations and could further destabilize the already fragile fuel supply chain.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who was recently a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, also voiced concerns regarding the rising cost of living, the arbitrary hike in petrol prices, and the resulting scarcity.

Falana emphasized the need to uncover what he described as the “monumental fraud” in Nigeria’s fuel importation process.

During the protest, demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners with messages such as “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working,” “No direction under Kyari,” and “We want accountability in the affairs of NNPCL.”

The protesters decried what they viewed as a dismal performance under Kyari’s leadership, calling for greater transparency and accountability.

The Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, Aminu Abbas, addressed the media at Unity Fountain after the rally, questioning why a country as rich in oil resources as Nigeria continues to face such severe fuel scarcity.

Abbas called for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis and ensure that the country’s refineries are functioning efficiently.

He said, “To President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all those in positions of power, we say the time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced.

“The fuel scarcity we endure today is not just a mere inconvenience; it is a calculated perpetuation of suffering. Under Mr Kyari’s leadership, the situation has gone from bad to worse, with no end in sight. What has he done to alleviate this crisis? It is clear he seems intent on maintaining a status quo that benefits only a select few while the masses suffer.

“Why do we, the people, have to endure endless queues, inflated prices, and the daily uncertainty of whether we can fuel our vehicles or power our homes? The answer lies in the gross incompetence and mismanagement that have become the hallmarks of Mr. Kyari’s leadership.”

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters has put forward a proposal to reduce the salaries of legislators and executive members by 30% and 40%, respectively.

This proposal was discussed on Monday during an interactive session led by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters.

The session included members of the judiciary and representatives from political parties, focusing on the review and amendment of the Electoral Act 2022.

The proposed salary cuts aim to reduce government expenditure and are part of a broader discussion on cost-saving measures.

Naija News reports that the committee also reviewed other proposals, including conducting all elections; presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly, on a single day to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Additionally, political parties suggested linking voter registration to the National Identity Number (NIN) for improved security and cost efficiency.

They also proposed that the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman should no longer be the responsibility of the executive branch but rather be an open process advertised to interested candidates.

Senator Alli assured that the joint committee would continue to engage with INEC and the public to ensure that future elections are conducted smoothly and with minimal disruptions.

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has accused the Nigerian authorities of turning bandits operating in North-west and North-central Nigeria into religious fighters like Boko Haram insurgents operating in the country’s North-east.

Mr said a recent video of a jubilant terrorism kingpin, Bello Turji, and his armed bandits celebrating “victory” over the Nigerian military and claiming they are fighting for God was an indication that the group has adopted the ideology of Boko Haram.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the bandits on Thursday burnt down two Nigerian military Mines Resistant Armour Personnel (MRAP) vehicles stuck in the mud in the country’s northwest Zamfara State.

Mr Gumi, in a Facebook post, said the video uploaded by Mr Turji’s group had identified the bandits as Boko Haram members rather than people fighting against ethnic marginalisation.

Mr Gumi said he had advised Nigerian authorities to be careful in fighting the bandits so as not to push them to become guerrilla fighters and terrorists.

He said in the video showed that the groups had abandoned their initial fight against marginalisation and adopted the Boko Haram doctrine of fighting and killing in the name of God.

He wrote: “Radicalisation of Bandits: I warned against the danger”.

“Initially Bandits were fighting an ethnic war that could easily be resolved. I warned if the kinetic approach is intensified, they will turn into ideologically motivated guerilla warfare. Nobody listened.

“The difference between the former and the latter is that ideological war is mostly intractable, BH (Boko Haram) as an example. They commit the same crime, but this time, they think they are serving God. The picture is gloomy,” the cleric said.

This newspaper reported seeing a video of a jubilant terrorism kingpin, Mr Turji, and his armed bandits celebrating “victory” over the Nigerian military after burning down two Mines Resistant Armour Personnel (MRAP) vehicles stuck in the mud.

Soldiers abandoned the vehicles during an operation in the troubled Zamfara State in the country’s northwest region.

In the video, Mr Turji and his lieutenants are celebrating with victory slogans.

“Bello Turji has seized two trucks. Nigerian Army Bello Turji is coming for you, Insha Allah, if you don’t allow peace to reign. We are telling you and your clerics that we are with Allah”, Mr Turji says as he moves towards the stuck vehicles.

The hundreds of mostly youth bandits are dressed in combat regalia Bello Turji and are chanting “Allahu Akbar” and proclaiming “victory” over the army.

On Thursday, soldiers from the Nigerian Army 1 Brigade in Gusau, stationed at Zurmi, carried out an offensive against terrorists in a forest in the Kwashabawa area of the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

The soldiers abandoned the vehicles and retreated from the scene because they could not move ahead in the dangerous areas with their plan to attack terrorist leaders in a meeting.

A former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation during the 2023 elections, Doyin Okupe, has revealed reasons why he and the Labour Party candidate in the election, Peter Obi, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Okupe, he and Obi left the PDP because they both agreed and believed that the next President of Nigeria must be a Southerner, preferably an Igbo man from the South-East, but the party was not working in that direction.

Speaking on Monday in a chat with journalists in Lagos, Okupe said his political agreement with Obi, however, ended after President Bola Tinubu won the election and was further affirmed by the courts up to the Supreme Court.

The former presidential media aide said these in reaction to online attacks from supporters of Obi, popularly known as Obidients, who were criticising him on X for dumping their principal and backing the policies of the present administration.

“Obi and I left the PDP because we both agreed and believed that the next President must be a Southerner, preferably an Igbo man from the South-East. Unfortunately, we lost that election. Another Southerner, Bola Tinubu, won the election. This is God’s will. He gives power to whom He wishes. My political commitment and agreement with Obi ended and expired there. I am too experienced in this game of politics for my subsequent political disposition and destiny to be tied to Obi’s ambition. Impossible.

“For me, that cooperation ended with the Supreme Court judgment, right or wrong. There must be order in a society.” Okupe said.

Speaking further on why he opted to support Obi for the 2023 presidential election, Okupe said it was time for the presidency to go to the South and that he aligned with the Igbo candidacy since they had not had the opportunity to produce the country’s president before.

The former presidential aide said he didn’t support Obi because he believed the LP candidate was politically superior to him or because of friendship but purely out of principle.

“I was convinced in my heart that if the presidency was going to the South, then it must be an Igbo man from the South-East because I believe in equity and justice. You can also verify this with Papa Adebanjo. He is still alive. I did not support Obi because he was politically superior to me or because he was a friend or an associate.

“My unalloyed support and commitment to Obi was based on principle. Throughout my period as a DG campaign, I used my own car and never received one naira from Obi as a salary. It was a mutual friend who funded me personally throughout. This can be verified. In difficult times, I borrowed a substantial amount of money to ensure our zonal campaign in the South-West was a grand success. I was refunded by Peter Obi months later.

“You (Obidients) all hailed, praised, and honoured me because, in your understanding, you believed I was just a foolish politician who left his comfort zone to come and help you fulfil your own agenda. You were all wrong,” he added.