Tinubu Ends State Of Emergency Rule In Rivers, Acknowledges Restoration Of New Democratic Spirit

September 17, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has brought to an end, the six month state of emergency governance which he declared in Rivers State, acknowledging the restoration of the new spirit of democracy amongst all the stakeholders.
Tinubu declared today, September 17: “I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.
“This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.
“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.”
The President reminded the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States in the country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order and good government that dividends of democracy to our people can be delivered.
“I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.”
Tinubu recalled that on 18th March, 2025, was pronounced by him during which time he highlighted the reasons for the declaration.
“The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor.
“The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs. That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. “Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State.
“My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

“It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency.
“The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.”
The President thanked the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State.
He also thanked the traditional rulers and the people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.
“I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting.
‘Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State.
“It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation. As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level.
“The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. “However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.”

UNN Student Union Suspends Its President, 7 Others Over Alleged Cultism, Murder

Greenbarge Reporters

September 16, 2025

The Student Union Government (SUG) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), has sent on indefinite suspension, its President, Chinedu Ozoagu, and seven other executives of the Union over alleged involvement in cultism, threats to life, gross misconduct and financial impropriety.
Other suspended officials include the Deputy Speaker, Ihentugo Rejoice, Emmanuel Asadu, and Agbo Sobechukwu Malachy.
Others are Chinweike Dorothy, Victory Chidiebere, Chukwuma JohnPaul, and Edmund Solomon.
The Union’s House of Representatives suspended the officials following a petition which indicted them of allegedly harbouring and facilitating the activities of cultists and other non-students within the university environment for monetary gains.
A statement signed by the Speaker and Clerk of the House of Representatives, Ikechukwu Eze and Chidozie Onah, respectively, said that the indicted officials have been implicated in the tragic murder of a student within the university environment.
The statement further alleged that they weaponised cult groups on campus to intimidate and threaten the lives of the Speaker, the Clerk, the Budget Committee Chairman, and other principled members of the House.
On financial misconduct, the statement alleged that the former Acting Vice-Chancellor (since removed by the Federal Government) approved the disbursement of N124 million for SUG projects.
“Evidence before the House indicates that this sum was withdrawn and shared among external actors and SUG officials, with no project executed.
“Furthermore, N100 million withdrawn from the SUG account in the past year remains unaccounted for.
“The suspended President has persistently pressured the Speaker to authorise the withdrawal and diversion of an additional N40 million (SUG budget) and N57 million (SUG projects), contrary to the Constitution of the Union and the principles of accountability.”

Court Dismisses DNA Test By Hadiza Baffa Claiming Ex-Minister Turaki Fathered Her Child

Greenbarge Reporters

September 16, 2025

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Upper Area Court sitting in Kado, Abuja has perpetually restrained one Hadiza Musa Baffa from claiming that a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), is the biological father of her child.
The Court also dismissed the result of a DNA test presented by Hadiza Baffa, ruling that such a document cannot be used under Islamic law to determine the paternity of a child born outside wedlock.
This is just as the former Minister moved to clear his name of rape, ritual and fraud allegations made against him by Hadiza Baffa, dismissing them as “falsehoods, contradictions and unfounded blackmail attempts.”
According to the enrolled court order dated September 4, 2025 and obtained by our correspondent, the Judge, Adamu Isah, in his ruling, determined the matter in favour of the former Minister Turaki, who is the plaintiff.
The court ordered as follows:
1. “A perpetual injunction restraining the defendant (Hadiza Baffa), whether by herself, her agents, privies, servants or by any other person acting through her or for her from using or relying on any purported DNA in ascribing or attributing the paternity of her child to the plaintiff (Turaki).
2. “A perpetual injunction restraining the defendant (Baffa), whether by herself, her agents, privies, servants or by any other person acting through her or for her publishing in the social media or traditional media, any content, statement, image or material suggesting or ascribing the defendant’s child born outside wedlock to the plaintiff.”
Meanwhile, Turaki has dismissed the rape, ritual and fraud allegations made against him by Hadiza Musa Baffa, describing them as “falsehoods, contradictions, and unfounded blackmail attempts.”
Turaki’s lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, (SAN), speaking to newsmen in his chamber in Abuja today, September 16, said that all facts presented in defence of his client were backed by verifiable court judgments, certified police records and petitions lodged with relevant authorities.
Abdulaziz Ibrahim said that contrary to Hadiza Baffa’s recent social media campaign tagged “Justice for Hadiza Baffa,” official records revealed she had on several occasions withdrawn her own petitions, issued apologies, and contradicted earlier statements.
Citing certified police documents where Hadiza Baffa named different drivers in separate accounts, Turaki’s lawyer noted that her new claims of confiding in friends never appeared in her original reports.
The ex-Minister’s lawyer said that a civil suit instituted by his client, Turaki, to determine the paternity of Baffa’s daughter was decided in his favour, with the court ruling that the child does not belong to him, adding that the judgment has not been appealed.
He explained that while the former minister once acted as Hadiza Baffa’s guardian at the request of her mother, her repeated misconduct and fraudulent activities, including forgery, impersonation and multiple scam operations, forced him to sever ties with her.
Turaki’s lawyer cited some of Hadiza Baffa’s documented infractions to include: forging ECOWAS and J.K. Gadzama law firm ID cards to defraud unsuspecting victims; operating fake forex and Instagram rental scams, one of which was reported by Sahara Reporters; forging a Baze University certificate after her withdrawal from the institution; and fraudulently obtaining an international passport bearing Turaki’s name while posing as his daughter.
Ibrahim said that police investigations also disproved Hadiza Baffa’s claims of rape, abortions and rituals. Hospital records, instead, showed that she had only been treated for drug misuse and miscarriages, with no evidence linking Turaki to her medical history.
“Her stories simply could not be substantiated.”
Turaki’s lawyer added that Hadiza Baffa and her father admitted in writing that one Saidu Mohammed Mainasara orchestrated the blackmail campaign against Turaki.
He said that in spite of this, she allegedly attempted to extort the former minister with demands for ₦850 million, ₦47 million to clear rent arrears, and a luxury house in Maitama or Asokoro.
“All these facts are documented. The truth is public, the courts have spoken, and the police records are clear.
“Her ongoing online smear campaign is nothing more than a desperate attempt to extort money from our client.”
Turaki, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former presidential aspirant, appealed to the public and the media to disregard Hadiza Musa Baffa’s baseless allegations and blackmail.

NAF Airstrikes Kill 3 Boko Haram Top Commanders In Borno, Throw Their Camp Into Panic

Greenbarge Reporters

September 16, 2025

With the killing of top three commanders of Boko Haram fighters in Borno State, the Nigerian military have heightened the anxiety in the camp of the factions of the insurgents.
Intelligence sources revealed how the Nigerian Air Force fighter jets destroyed multiple structures and killed at least three top commanders in their enclaves in Gobara and Balangaje, deep inside Sambisa Forest. The top commanders killed were identified as Mustafa, Ba Bunu and Awana Kura.
The air strikes, according to intercepted communication, have thrown Boko Haram fighters and their families into confusion and panic. One of the senior commanders, Modu Kunduli, was said to have informed another notorious leader, Bakura (alias Weeze), that morale among fighters had simmered down significantly due to the constant bombardments.
Bakura, who is believed to be operating around the Kwajaffa–Ngabur axis in Hawul Local Government Area, was also quoted as acknowledging similar concerns among his men after sighting air force jets over Garkida and Gombi.
Another intelligence report said that the insurgents are considering relocating to Ngulde in Askira/Uba Local Government Area to evade aerial surveillance and regroup, pending directives from their top command.
Security sources confirmed that troops on the ground have been placed on heightened alert to track possible insurgent movements and prevent the establishment of new safe havens.
Source: PRNigeria.

Presidency To Atiku: You Are Stuck In The Past, Fixated On Doomsday Scenario

Greenbarge Reporters

September 15, 2025

The Presidency has swore that economically, Nigeria is moving in the right direction.
In a statement today, September 15, reacting to Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President who painted a sordid picture of pervading hunger in the country, Bola Tinubu’s Presidency said that Atiku and his party are stuck in the past and fixated on doomsday scenarios.
The statement, issued by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga accused Atiku of engaging in what it called “revolutionary rhetoric.
” Ironically, many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President.
“President Tinubu and his team are working relentlessly to correct those errors, with bold reforms.”
Onanuga said that after just two years and five months in office, “we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation.”
Onanuga referred to Atiku’s accusation as amounting to cheap talk.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his handlers are clearly out of touch with the positive developments currently unfolding in our country.
“Their claim that hunger is ravaging Nigeria, and their comparison of our situation to the unrest in France before the 1789 Revolution or the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, is grossly misleading.
“Their latest statement demonstrates a disconnect from the authentic Nigerian reality, as recent data tells a different story. Just today, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its figures for August, showing that headline inflation has declined for the fifth consecutive month.
“Over the weekend, the NBS also reported a record trade surplus, with the contribution of non-oil exports to our trade balance now nearly matching that of crude oil at a ratio of 48:52 per cent.
“Our foreign exchange reserves are on the rise, now approaching $42 billion. When President Tinubu assumed office, reserves stood at $32 billion, much of it encumbered. This administration has since cleared over $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to airlines.
“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is recording unprecedented revenues. States are now able to pay salaries and gratuities promptly and still have surplus funds for capital and social projects—an achievement not previously witnessed at this scale.”

Challenges I Am Facing Discourage Many Financial Gurus From Investing In Nigeria Industrialisation – Dangote

Greenbarge Reporters

September 15, 2025

“Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest (in the industrialisation of Nigeria) but the challenges I am facing (in the hand of cabal) discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation.”
These were the words of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote when he spoke today, September 15, at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote refinery in Lagos.
Aliko Dangote emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as an example.
He said that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.
“Other nations were not industrialized by outsiders. We must build and industrialize our own economies. Without this, how can others invest?
“That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
“My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world.
“Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development.
On the refinery, the Chief Executive, said that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.
According to him, Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975 but that the issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery commenced production on 3rd September 2024.
“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era.”
He acknowledged the numerous challenges the refinery has been facing since its inception, saying that the company is ever committed to Nigeria and Africa.
“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria.
“Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa.”
Dangote stressed that the refinery project involved enormous risk, adding that he received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign nations undertook such large-scale refinery ventures.
He admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.
“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa.”
He said that despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Kwara. With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks. He anticipated this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.
He said that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.
He revealed that between June and first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Dangote said that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities.
According to him, the deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.
“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots.
“Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. “We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”
Dangote said that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.
He said that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.
Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector.
He stressed that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation, even as he said that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market.
Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further supporting economic growth and job creation.
“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser.
“These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors.
“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”
He expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their continued support.
He commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.
Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon.
He allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks, stressing that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.

It’s Not True, Joint Tax Board Debunks Rumour On Tax IDs For Bank Transactions From 2026

Greenbarge Reporters

September 15, 2025

The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has described as fake news, rumours making the rounds in the social media that Nigerians without a Tax Identification (Tax ID) will be denied access to their bank accounts or prevented from carrying out financial transactions from January 1, 2026.
“Nigerians are hereby assured that they will continue to have access to their bank account and also continue to carry out financial transactions even beyond January 1, 2026.
These facts were contained in a statement today, September 15, by the JTB, which is made up of the 36 States of the federation, the Internal Revenue Service, the FCT-IRS and the Fedetal Internal Revenue Service.
In the statement signed by the Head of
Corporate Communications, Akpe E. Adoh, the Joint Tax Board said that in line with the tax reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Government is working to make tax compliance simpler, fairer and more inclusive for all Nigerians.
“These reforms include eliminating multiple taxation, granting tax exemptions to vulnerable individuals and small businesses, and ensuring that the majority of Nigerians will pay lower taxes under the new tax regime.”
The statement said that the relevant bodies in the Joint Tax Board are working together on a harmonised National Tax Identification system.
“This system will leverage the National Identification Number (NIN) for individuals and the Registration Number (RC) for businesses as unique identifiers for tax purposes. This initiative will enable the seamless and automatic generation of Tax IDS for individuals with NIN and businesses with RC thereby making it easier for Nigerians to comply with tax requirements without any disruption to their banking and/or financial activities.
“We therefore urge the public to remain calm and ignore any claims to the contrary.
“Again, we restate for the avoidance of doubt that Nigerians will continue to have access to their bank accounts and carry out financial services beyond January 1, 2026, and no one will be denied access on account of not having a Tax ID.
“The JTB remains committed to implementing people-centred tax policies that promote economic growth, fairness, and ease of doing business while ensuring that Nigeria remains a tax friendly environment.”

International Press Institute Calls For Halt To Series Of Journalist Harassment In Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2025

Former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Musikilu Mojeed | Photo credit: Premium times Nigeria

The International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, has called for immediate halt to the rising cases of harassment of journalists by agents of government across Nigeria.
The President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at a dinner organised by the institute, to honour one of its members and a retired Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON) Hajiya Hadiza Hussaina Sani in Abuja, recounted what he called “disturbing” instances of banning of live political programme in Kano State and the arrest of a journalist in Ekiti State.
Musikilu Mojeed, who is Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, said: “Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted Channels TV crew, a journalist and a cameraman, from the press centre inside Government House, Uyo.
“The repressive action was taken, over the publication of a video clip, where the governor, eventually confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A journalist with FIJ, Sodiq Atanda was recently arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
“A former ThisDay employee, Azuka Ogujiuba, was reportedly arrested and harassed by the Police for doing her job.
“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media.”
Mojeed called for continued advocacy to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism.
He said that efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.
Speaking about Hajiya Hadiza Hussaina Sani, who retired after attaining the mandatory 60-year retirement age, the IPI President, said that her contributions to the Institute in Nigeria including her role in organising its World Congress in 2018, as well as her subsequent active participation in various committees.
Musikilu Mojeed appealed to her to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, adding that her expertise and experience are invaluable to the organisation.
This was even as the Director-General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising the contributions of Hajiya Hadiza, saying that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.
He described Hajiya Hadiza as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.
According to the Director General, Hajiya Hadiza’s leadership in the digital space kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness.
He commended her experience, passion and love for journalism, which he said, enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.
“Journalism is a marathon, not a sprint,” saying that the long-standing career of Hajiya Hadiza is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the profession.
Also, Garba Shehu, who was Senior Special Assistant to late Muhammadu Buhari when he was the country’s President for eight years, described the retirement of Hajiya Hadiza as a significant loss for the organisation but a potential gain for other sectors of the journalism profession.
Garba Shehu praised her for being “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism.”
He highlighted her unique qualities, particularly her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others to succeed.
According to him, Hajiya Hadiza embodies the principles of servant leadership, a concept often touted by politicians but rarely exemplified.
“Her legacy as a role model for young journalists and a champion of socially responsible journalism will continue to inspire others in the field.”
A former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odusile
commended Hajiya Hadiza’s dedication and expertise that earned her recognition and respect in the industry.
Responding, the celebrant expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34 years career in public service.
She looked back at the challenges and rewards in service, emphasizing the importance of dedication, clear vision and family support as the principal factors for success.
She stressed the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry and the society
She said that telling a good story starts with understanding oneself and one’s audience.
Despite retiring from active public service, she promised to remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing and lecturing.
“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service.
“It’s not easy. You have new and great ideas, but some people don’t understand, so they find it a bit difficult to agree with you.
“But if you are consistent, if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and you are dedicated and resolute, the sky is not the limit.
“I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it.
“I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space.” she said.
Her identical twin sister, Hajiya Ameena Hassaina Sani, also retired from the News Agency of Nigeria as Director.

Photo: L-R: President, International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed; Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace; immediate past Director, Digital Media, VON, Hajia Sani; retired News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) staff, Ameena Sani; Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu; and former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odusile, during a dinner organised on Saturday in Abuja by some members of IPI Nigeria in honour of Hajia Sani, who recently retired from VON.

We Can’t Accommodate You, Canada Tells 1,596 Nigerian Seeking Asylum

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2025

Canada has made it clear that it cannot accommodate 1,596 Nigerians seeking asylum in that country.
An updated data by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) showed that Nigerian nationals submitted 3,548 claims in 2025, with 2,292 approved — a 65 per cent acceptance rate, higher than in previous years.
Nigerians remain among the top asylum seekers in Canada, alongside citizens of Mexico, India, Haiti and Colombia. Analysts attribute the high numbers to worsening insecurity linked to Boko Haram insurgency and economic instability at home.
Ontario and Alberta currently host the largest share of Nigerian asylum seekers.
Canada grants refugee protection if applicants meet the United Nations definition of a convention refugee, which requires proof of persecution risk based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a vulnerable social group such as women, LGBTQ persons or people living with HIV/AIDS.
Applicants must also demonstrate credible threats to life, risk of torture or exposure to cruel treatment if returned to their home country.
The IRB’s records show that in 2024, 811 Nigerian claims were rejected while 2,230 were approved.
Between 2013 and 2024, more than 13,000 Nigerian applications were denied, with 2019 recording the highest number at nearly 4,000 rejections.
Despite the high rejection rate, Canada has granted refugee protection to 10,580 Nigerians over the past decade, including over 2,200 in 2024 alone.
Nigeria currently ranks eighth among the top 10 countries whose nationals secured asylum in Canada, behind Turkiye, Mexico, Colombia, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti and Afghanistan.
Commenting on the trend, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, said many Nigerians are denied asylum because of irregular migration practices.
“Most times, people don’t fully understand the laws governing refugee status in their chosen destination. Documentation is crucial, because entering irregularly increases the chances of rejection.
“Migration must be safe, orderly and regular.
“But those who truly need protection should be protected, regardless of status.”

Airpeace Pilot Accused Of Being On Drugs Threatens To Sue NSIB For Defamation

Greenbarge Reporters

September 13, 2025

One of the pilots of the Air Peace aircraft, Victory Maduneme, accused of the use of illicit drugs during a flight, has given the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) 72 hours ultimatum to apologize or face court action for defamation of character.
“In the next 72 hours, if NSIB does not come and reiterate whatever they have said against me, then I think we should sue.
“This is really very bad. This is pure defamation of character.”
In an interview on Arise television, Maduneme accused the agency of attempting to tarnish the image of Air Peace and ruin her career.
“If NSIB has a smear campaign against the airline, they should keep the innocent people away from this.
“If not for the kindness of my chairman, they would have sacked me and blacklisted me.
“And once that is done, no airline in the world, I repeat, no airline in the world will pick me because now they’ve painted me as this person that has drugs in her system.”
The NSIB report, which stemmed from a July 13, 2025 runway incident involving Air Peace at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State, found the pilot and co-pilot involved in drug-taking.
Maduneme narrated that immediately after the flight landed, investigators requested samples from the crew.
“On the 13th of July, after we had landed, which was the day of the incident, after we had landed and we had to wait for NSIB to come on board, then they came, started their investigation, and five hours later, they asked us to come into a room for them to do a test.
“So we all went into the room, and our blood samples were taken, and our urine was also taken.
“Normally, when those kinds of tests are done, immediately after a drug test and an alcohol test, you’re supposed to get your result within a few hours or a few minutes.
“Right?
“But this was not given to us that day.
“Then, two weeks later, 10 days later, I was called by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to come and pick up a letter…
“I was in utter shock to see what was in my result, actually.”
Maduneme said on receiving the letter, she immediately sought medical clarification and contested the result.
She was then referred to a licensed clinic for a re-confirmatory test.
“I went to go and meet the doctor.
“And he came to see me. Then he said marijuana usually stays in the system for 90 days…
“I told him I wanted to do the test immediately. The test was done to me and it came out, everything came out negative.”
Maduneme questioned NSIB’s failure to notify her airline immediately if the initial test indeed indicated drug use.
“If marijuana was found in my system, were they not supposed to tell this to my airline and are they not supposed to stop me from flying?
“Why? Because I’m a risk to the passengers on board and my licence would have been taken away from me.
“But no, they didn’t inform them of this till after two months.”

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