Moses Simon’s fallacy on Enugu Rangers International    

 

By Ike Abonyi

A recent online interview featuring Super Eagles player Moses Simon saw him attempting to disparage Rangers International, seemingly in response to his alleged rejection by the club. Simon presented an improbable narrative, claiming he was prevented from playing for Rangers International of Enugu during a tryout due to his Northern origins. This assertion is demonstrably false for anyone familiar with Rangers, a club that has historically and continues to feature numerous players from Northern Nigeria. It is posited that Simon, having achieved stardom, may have perceived his past rejection as a significant humiliation and fabricated this story as a form of retribution, inadvertently harming his own public image.

 

Rangers enjoys unparalleled popularity and a substantial fanbase throughout Nigeria, exceeding that of any other club. A significant portion of this devoted following also admires Moses Simon’s current achievements. By publicly denigrating such a prominent institution, Simon should anticipate considerable criticism. His current stature may have led him to believe he has outgrown the sting of past setbacks, overlooking the many footballing luminaries who, after initial rejections, rose to prominence without seeking to tarnish the reputations of the clubs that once overlooked them. Notable examples include Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Liverpool, and Belgian stars Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, all of whom faced rejection from Chelsea in their formative years.

 

Simon appears to have been ill-advised in his public statements, which could have lasting negative repercussions on his professional career. Elevating one’s career by attempting to damage the reputation of a widely respected and beloved brand like Rangers is counterproductive. Dragging tribe into was clearly unwise. It is hoped that he will consider removing the interview or issuing a retraction.

 

Ike Abonyi editor @ large and Rangers fan

Gunmen kidnap Oyo headmaster, demand ₦30 million ransom

 

 

Suspected gunmen have abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding ₦30 million for his release.

The victim, 60-year-old Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawale, popularly known as “Onaiye,” was said to have been kidnapped on Saturday evening, July 11, while returning from his farm. The incident reportedly occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Speaking on the incident, the victim’s son, Mr. Owoade Abiola, disclosed that the abductors contacted the family shortly after the attack using his father’s mobile phone.

According to him, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦30 million before they would release the 60-year-old educator.

 

Abiola appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue his father safely, saying the incident had left the family devastated and in deep distress.

The search for the headmaster continued on Sunday morning when a team reportedly discovered his abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m., heightening fears over his safety.

 

The abduction has triggered concern among residents, colleagues and members of the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, who described the incident as a painful development.

They appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Kolawale’s immediate and unconditional release.

 

The family also urged members of the public to provide any useful information that could assist security operatives in locating the kidnapped headmaster.

 

Meanwhile, residents of the area have been advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activities to security agencies as efforts continue to secure the victim’s safe return. GWG.

FG suspends planned WAEC, NECO fee increase

 

 

Following torrential outcry over hike in the registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), the Federal Government has suspended the proposal.

It said the decision was to allow wider consultations with stakeholders as contained in a statement on Monday through the Federal Ministry of Education (FME).

 

The Ministry explained that the proposed review was necessitated by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible national examinations, noting that registration fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite increases in expenses.

 

The statement listed logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services as some of the major cost drivers behind the proposed adjustment.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa said the suspension was in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

 

Government thanked Nigerians for their understanding and support and pledged to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process. Sunrisereporters.

Nigeria’s FX market sheds $1.42bn in biggest weekly fall of 2026

 

Nigeria’s foreign exchange market experienced a dramatic shift in momentum during the second week of July, recording its sharpest weekly turnover decline of 2026. Total transactions across the FX spot and derivatives markets plunged by 46.57%, falling to $1.631 billion for the week ended July 10, 2026. This steep drop follows a blockbuster preceding week where transaction volumes peaked at an impressive $3.053 billion.

 

Data obtained from the latest FMDQ weekly FX market commentary reveals that the resulting $1.421 billion week-on-week decline represents the largest single-week contraction recorded in the official market so far this year. The slowdown affected both the spot and derivatives segments simultaneously, signaling a coordinated pullback in interbank and client-driven currency demand across the five-day trading period. This shift dragged the daily trading average down to $326.22 million from the previous week’s average of $610.60 million.

 

The FX spot segment bore the heaviest share of the nominal decline, with its weekly turnover diving 46.62% to $1.580 billion from $2.960 billion in the prior week. Despite this sharp contraction, the spot market maintained its iron clad grip on the ecosystem, commanding 96.86% of all market activity. Meanwhile, the FX forwards market experienced a similar trend, shrinking by 45.19% to settle at $51.22 million, down from $93.45 million the week before.

 

While a near-halving of market turnover may trigger immediate concerns about dollar scarcity, financial analysts suggest the data points toward a natural stabilization rather than a structural deterioration of market liquidity. The preceding week’s surge to over $3 billion was an unusually aggressive start to the new quarter, fueled by intense corporate demand and heavy interbank positioning. The subsequent dip reflects a routine mid-month lull and a temporary reduction in import financing requirements, keeping overall volumes safely within the broader performance bands established throughout June.

 

This latest contraction highlights the inherent volatility and changing demand patterns that have come to characterize Nigeria’s official foreign exchange market. Before this downturn, the market had enjoyed three consecutive weeks of accelerating momentum, climbing steadily from $2.32 billion in mid-June to a three-month high in early July. Operating under the unified, market-determined exchange rate framework introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the FMDQ data confirms that the foundational liquidity of the official market remains intact, even as participants pull back from recent peaks. Newsscroll.

The seal of continuity: Why the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for 2027 is a strategic masterstroke

 

 

By: Yakubu Ahmed BK

 

The political landscape of Nigeria shifted decisively this week as the All Progressives Congress (APC) moved to formalize its path for the next general elections. In a ceremony characterized by high-level diplomacy and a clear message of internal cohesion, the party officially received the nomination forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. This act effectively draws the curtain on months of intense lobbying and subterranean maneuvers aimed at altering the nation’s leadership structure.

 

The submission of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms at the Continental Hotel was more than a procedural requirement; it was a powerful rebuttal to the rumors that had suggested a rift in the presidency. By retaining Shettima, President Tinubu has doubled down on a partnership that has navigated one of the most economically turbulent periods in Nigeria’s recent history, signaling that the “Renewed Hope” agenda requires a steady, familiar hand at the helm.

 

Historically, the position of the Vice President in Nigeria has often been a point of friction, yet the last three years have told a different story. Since assuming office in May 2023, Kashim Shettima has functioned not just as a deputy, but as a strategic envoy. From representing the President at high-level global summits like the UN General Assembly and the World Economic Forum to managing sensitive domestic issues, his performance has been described by insiders as a masterclass in administrative loyalty.

 

Despite this track record, the path to 2027 was not without its obstacles. The same “political hawks” who initially opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 were once again active. These detractors, led by various interest groups and some former party stalwarts, attempted to leverage religious sensibilities to push for a northern Christian replacement. Their argument was that a change was necessary to “balance” the ticket, but many saw this as a thinly veiled attempt to weaken Shettima’s rising political profile.

 

The intensity of the opposition was reminiscent of the 2023 campaign, when figures like former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal waged a public war against Shettima’s nomination. The vitriol back then was unprecedented, with critics predicting electoral disaster and national upheaval. However, the ticket’s victory and the subsequent period of governance have largely debunked the notion that religious pairing is the sole determinant of administrative success or national stability.

 

For the Vice President, the last three years have been a test of character. While opponents were busy “baying for his blood” through media campaigns and fabricated reports of internal discord, Shettima maintained what observers call a “legendary decorum.” He refrained from public spats, choosing instead to focus on his constitutional duties and his role as the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), where he has overseen critical discussions on state-level economic reforms.

 

President Tinubu’s endorsement of his deputy was not a sudden decision but a calculated one based on performance. During Shettima’s 59th birthday celebration in September 2025, the President was vocal in his praise, describing their partnership as a “perfect match.” He noted that Shettima had justified his selection through his intellect and political experience, effectively silencing those who were hoping for a reshuffle in the 2027 lineup.

 

The primary results of May 2026 further solidified the ticket’s standing. President Tinubu secured the APC nomination with a staggering 10.9 million votes, a landslide victory that gave him the political capital to choose his running mate without succumbing to external pressure. The formalization of the ticket on July 10 serves as the final nail in the coffin of the “anti-Shettima project” that had been brewing in certain political circles.

 

The presence of influential northern governors at the form submission – including the governors of Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Kano, and Kaduna – underscores the regional buy-in for this ticket. These leaders recognize that Shettima represents a bridge to the North, a region that remains the heartbeat of Nigerian electoral politics. His experience in governing Borno State during the height of the insurgency provides him with a unique perspective on security and humanitarian issues that are vital to the administration’s success.

 

As the APC shifts its focus to the general elections scheduled for February 20, 2027, the emphasis is now on party unity. The National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on all factions to “sheath their swords.” The message is clear: the time for internal contestation has ended, and the time for collective mobilization has begun. The party realizes that any lingering division could be exploited by an opposition eager to regain power.

 

Strategically, the retention of Shettima allows the APC to campaign on a platform of continuity. They can point to the synergy between the President and Vice President as a sign of government stability, contrasting it with the often-fractious relationships seen in previous administrations. This “partnership of trust” is being marketed as a core strength of the APC’s bid for another four-year term.

 

The decision also sends a message to the international community and investors that Nigeria’s policy direction will remain consistent. In a period where foreign direct investment is critical, the appearance of a united and stable leadership team is a valuable asset. Shettima’s frequent role as the face of Nigeria at international investment forums has helped build this narrative of a reliable administration.

 

However, the road to 2027 will still require significant political maneuvering. While the ticket is set, the party must now address the concerns of those who felt marginalized by the decision. The APC leadership has indicated that inclusive governance will remain a priority, ensuring that all regions and interest groups feel represented within the broader “Renewed Hope” framework.

 

Ultimately, the formalization of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket is a victory for political pragmatism over ideological sentiment. It proves that in the eyes of President Tinubu, a loyal and competent deputy is far more valuable than a politically “correct” one. The duo now moves forward, tasked with the challenge of convincing Nigerians that the foundations they have laid since 2023 deserve to be built upon in 2027.

 

As the nation looks toward the February polls, the APC has sent its most definitive signal yet. The battle for the soul of the party has been won by the advocates of continuity, and the Tinubu-Shettima partnership remains the vehicle through which the ruling party intends to steer Nigeria into its next chapter.

Ahmed BK is the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Kebbi state.

Obi bemoans renewed Killings in Benue and Plateau States

 

By Okey Muogbo

The frontline opposition leader and the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has decried the renewed heartless Killings in Benue and Plateau States.

 

Obi, writing on his X handle Monday morning, said the unending violence in the region is worrisome and deserves special attention.

According to the former Anambra State Governor, “the tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing.

“The reported murder of at least sixteen innocent Nigerians in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the horrific killing of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, once again reminds us that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long.

 

“For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement. Mothers have buried their children, children have become orphans overnight, farmers have abandoned their lands, and entire communities have been left devastated. We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as though it were normal. It is not.”

 

Decrying the inability of the Federal Government to end the killings, Obi said: “The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many.

“These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short.

 

“The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability. Those responsible for these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The culture of impunity must end.

 

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States. I pray that God grants comfort to all who mourn, healing to the injured, and strength to every community struggling to rebuild after these repeated tragedies.

 

“This is not about politics; it is about humanity. We must summon the collective will to secure our nation and restore hope to our people. No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked”

“A New Nigeria is Possible,”, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party assured. Sunrisereporters.

Police arrest 3 suspects for child trafficking in Anambra

 

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested three women suspected of involvement in child trafficking during an operation at a motor park in Onitsha.

The suspects, identified as Florence Nnakuzie, 45; Hannah Ugah, 52; and Chinasa Daniel, 27, were arrested on Saturday by police operatives attached to the Awada Divisional Headquarters.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that Chinasa Daniel allegedly brought two children—a two-week-old baby and a four-year-old child—on separate occasions between June and December 2025 and handed them over to Hannah Ugah.

He said further investigations indicated that the four-year-old child was subsequently handed over to Florence Nnakuzie and allegedly sold for ₦2 million, while the two-week-old baby was allegedly sold to another woman who is currently at large.

“Chinasa further disclosed that a four-year-old child was subsequently handed over to Florence Nnakuzie and allegedly sold for the sum of Two Million Naira, while the two-week-old baby was allegedly sold to another woman who is currently at large,” Ikenga stated.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described child trafficking as a grave violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.

The police commissioner directed that the case be immediately transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a comprehensive and discreet investigation.

He also ordered investigators to intensify efforts to identify and arrest all members of the suspected trafficking syndicate, while commencing coordinated operations to locate, rescue and reunite the trafficked children with their biological families.

 

The command commended members of the public whose timely and credible information led to the successful operation and urged residents to continue providing useful intelligence to support ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and other crimes in the state.

Authority

Threat to Life: Obidients demand fresh inquest into murder of Funsho Williams

 

Following the recent safety concerns raised by the Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, the Obidient Movement has called on the Federal Government to reopen investigation into the 2006 assassination of former Lagos State governorship aspirant, Engr. Funsho Williams.

 

The group said that the recent concerns raised by Obi, over his personal safety have renewed the urgency of addressing unresolved political killings.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement described the unresolved murder of Williams as “an enduring stain on Nigeria’s democratic history” and urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police to reopen the case immediately.

 

The group argued that nearly two decades after Williams was found murdered in his Lagos residence, Nigerians are yet to know those responsible for the crime, warning that the failure to resolve the case has continued to fuel public suspicion and erode confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.

 

According to the movement, reopening the investigation would demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to justice, transparency and accountability, irrespective of the political status of those who may be connected to the circumstances surrounding the killing.

 

Obi had recently expressed concerns about his safety ahead of the 2027 general election, saying he could not confidently guarantee that he would still be alive to contest the presidency because of what he described as persistent intimidation and hostility directed at him.

 

The Obidient Movement said such comments by a leading opposition figure should not be dismissed in a democratic society, noting that Nigeria’s history of unresolved political assassinations makes every allegation relating to the safety of political actors a matter of national concern.

 

It maintained that democracy cannot flourish where opposition politicians publicly express fears for their lives, adding that repeated failures to resolve politically sensitive murders have entrenched a culture of impunity.

 

The movement also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate security for Obi and other opposition leaders, stressing that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to participate in the democratic process without intimidation or fear.

 

While acknowledging that allegations surrounding the circumstances of Williams’ assassination have remained largely speculative, the group insisted that only a fresh, comprehensive and transparent investigation could establish the facts and restore public confidence.

 

It further argued that advances in forensic science and investigative technology now provide law enforcement agencies with tools that were unavailable when the murder occurred in 2006.

 

The movement said reopening the case would send a clear message that politically motivated crimes do not become immune from justice with the passage of time, urging the Inspector-General of Police to revisit the investigation without delay.

 

According to the group, resolving the Williams murder has become a broader test of Nigeria’s commitment to confronting political violence and ending the culture of impunity. Authority.

Dangote Refinery vs AGF: Matrix, AA Rano, AYM seek to join N100 billion import licence suit

 

 

Three major oil marketers—Matrix Energy, AA Rano, and AYM Shafa—have applied to join the fresh N100 billion import licence suit filed by Dangote Refinery against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

This is according to their Motion on Notice for joinder dated June 16, 2026, exclusively obtained by Nairametrics.

Nairametrics reports that Dangote Petroleum Refinery filed a fresh lawsuit seeking to void all import licences issued or renewed by the AGF or the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

 

The refinery is also asking the court to “seal off all tank farms, storage facilities, warehouses and stations” used by the licence holders to store imported petroleum products, where, according to the refinery, Nigeria is not experiencing a petroleum supply shortfall.

In the pending case seen by Nairametrics, the refinery listed the AGF as the defendant, thereby reigniting tensions over petrol importation in Nigeria.

 

What they are saying

In their motion, filed by Ahmed Raji, SAN, and Sir Chris Ekemezie, the trio seeks an order joining them as defendants, being “necessary parties,” arguing that without them, all the issues in the pending case cannot be effectively and completely determined.

 

The applicants argued that they, along with other licensed major oil marketers in Nigeria, have invested more than $20 billion in infrastructure, logistics, and retail networks to support the smooth operation of their licensed petroleum products businesses.

 

They maintained that they are licensed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to import and distribute petroleum products into Nigeria and have been doing so for more than two decades, long before “Dangote Refinery’s foray into the said sector.”

The applicants alleged that since Dangote Refinery commenced operations, it has championed calls for the cessation of petroleum product imports into Nigeria, citing calls by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, for the inclusion of refined petroleum products on the list of items banned under the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy.

The applicants further alleged that, through the pending action, the plaintiff seeks to force its competitors out of business and entrench a monopoly, which, according to them, is expressly prohibited by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

They also argued that, should the refinery’s prayers be granted, the consequences for their businesses, employees, the oil and gas industry, and the Nigerian economy at large would be unquantified.

The applicants further urged the court to hold that the instant suit amounts to an abuse of court process in view of the refinery’s earlier import licence suit, which was previously dismissed by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

 

More insights

Following a review of associated court documents, Nairametrics reports that in April 2026, the refinery filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction restraining the AGF and other government agencies, particularly the NMDPRA, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), from issuing or renewing import licences to any person or company for the importation of petroleum products pending the determination of its Motion on Notice.

 

However, the trial court, presided over by Justice C. J. Aneke, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the Motion on Notice, which was filed simultaneously with the ex parte application.

 

In the refinery’s Motion on Notice, it accused the NMDPRA of proceeding to issue import licences in what it described as an “active breach of the orders of the court.”

 

Nairametrics reports that the matter has been adjourned until October 7, 2026.

 

What you should know

The latest legal move comes after recent reports from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that Nigeria’s petrol imports dropped sharply in the first quarter of 2026 as supply from local refineries climbed to about 3.18 billion litres.

 

Dangote Refinery argued in its fresh court filing that the continued issuance of import licences contravenes Nigerian law, which, according to the company, permits fuel imports only when local supply is insufficient to meet demand.

This is not the first time Dangote Refinery has challenged fuel import licences issued by the NMDPRA.

 

In 2025, the refinery filed a similar suit asking a Nigerian court to nullify fuel import licences granted to NNPC Ltd, AYM Shafa Ltd, AA Rano Ltd, T. Time Petroleum Ltd, 2015 Petroleum Ltd, and Matrix Petroleum Services Ltd.

In that earlier case, Africa’s largest refinery also sought N100 billion in damages.

However, in July 2025, Dangote Refinery unexpectedly withdrew the lawsuit, telling the court: “Take notice that the plaintiff herein discontinues this suit against the defendants forthwith.”

Nigeria has historically depended heavily on imported petrol because of the poor performance of state-owned refineries over several decades.

 

However, the emergence of Dangote Refinery, widely regarded as Africa’s largest single-train refinery, has significantly altered the country’s fuel supply dynamics.

 

Recent data analysed by Nairametrics showed that petrol imports fell to about 965.52 million litres in the first quarter of 2026, down from an estimated 2.43 billion litres recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a steep 60.2% year-on-year decline.

At the same time, supply from local refineries rose from 1.996 billion litres in Q1 2025 to 3.179 billion litres in Q1 2026, marking a 59.2% increase.

The figures showed that domestic refineries accounted for roughly 76.7% of Nigeria’s total petrol supply in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 45.2% in the corresponding period of 2025. Nairametrics.

Atiku criticises proposed N50,000 WAEC, NECO examination fees

 

 

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government over the proposed ₦50,000 examination fee for candidates sitting WAEC and NECO examinations from 2027.

In a statement released on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the proposed fee and the recent increase in Federal Unity School fees would make education more expensive for many Nigerian families already struggling with economic hardship.

 

He said many households are facing rising food prices, transportation costs, electricity tariffs, unemployment and declining purchasing power. According to him, asking parents to pay more for education could force them to choose between feeding their families, accessing healthcare and educating their children.

Atiku stressed that education should remain affordable and accessible to all Nigerians regardless of economic conditions. He argued that government policies should remove barriers to education rather than create new ones. Newspot.