Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized activist and politician Omoyele Sowore for labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, Abuja, Wike said Sowore was “lucky” that Tinubu respects the rule of law, warning that not all leaders would tolerate such remarks.

“You Are Lucky,” Wike Tells Sowore

According to Wike:

“This is a country where somebody will go on social media and say Mr. President is a criminal and nothing will happen.

No matter how you see people criticize Trump, have you ever seen any Nigerian citizen on social media or in public say our president is a criminal? Have you ever heard that?

You are lucky you have a president that believes in the rule of law.

You are lucky, continue to be lucky because there are those you will meet and you won’t be lucky again.”

Wike Cites Nigeria’s Freedom of Speech

The minister argued that the ability of citizens to openly criticize Tinubu demonstrates the level of freedom in Nigeria compared to other countries, including the United States.

His comments come amid growing political tensions, with Sowore and other critics frequently attacking the administration over governance, economy, and democracy.

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Shoprite’s Struggles in Nigeria Deepen

Shoprite’s operations in Nigeria appear to be in crisis, four years after the South African retail giant exited the supermarket business.

Reports by Daily Trust confirm that outlets in Ibadan and Ilorin have closed, while stores still operating in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities now have largely empty shelves.

From Expansion to Decline

Since opening its first Nigerian outlet in Lagos in 2005, Shoprite became a household name, growing into more than 25 stores across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory. At its peak, the chain directly employed over 2,000 workers and supported hundreds of local suppliers, particularly farmers.

But rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and growing competition from local supermarkets have steadily weakened its dominance, pushing the brand into financial distress.

In 2021, Shoprite Holdings Limited sold its Nigerian business to local investors after retreating from several African markets including Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda—citing harsh operating conditions.

Nigerians React on Social Media

The closures have sparked a wave of reactions across social media, where Nigerians expressed a mix of nostalgia, disappointment, and calls for stronger homegrown supermarket chains.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #ShopriteNigeria, #ShopriteClosure, and #NigerianRetail began trending:

“Shoprite shutting down is an end of an era. That place was our mini mall culture in the 2000s.” – @lagos_girl

“This should be a wake-up call. We need to support Nigerian-owned supermarkets like Justrite, Hubmart, and Ebeano.” – @naija_economist

“No more weekend hangouts at Shoprite. Sad, but not surprising with the way inflation is going.” – @femiwrites

“Shoprite was not just a supermarket, it was a social spot. I met my wife there in 2012. This hits different.” – @deji_lagos

“If Shoprite can’t survive here, it tells you everything about Nigeria’s business environment.” – @uchechukwu_onyi

What’s Next for Retail in Nigeria?

While many lament the decline of Shoprite, others see opportunity for local supermarkets to step into the gap. Brands like Justrite, Hubmart, Ebeano, and Spar could potentially take advantage of the vacuum.

With Shoprite’s uncertain future, the question remains: will Nigeria’s supermarket culture fade with its departure—or will indigenous brands reinvent it?

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday reconvened for plenary, marking its first session since the expiration of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The sitting, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, held at the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt, comes just a day after Tinubu lifted emergency rule at midnight on September 17.

The emergency had been declared on March 18, 2025, following a constitutional impasse between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Assembly that crippled governance.

Before resumption, the outgone state administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, officially handed over to Governor Fubara and, in his farewell address, urged Rivers people to support the reinstated governor.

At Thursday’s plenary, the House passed two key resolutions: calling on Governor Fubara to immediately forward a list of Commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation, and urging him to initiate the process of drafting an Appropriation Law for the remainder of the year.

Speaker Amaewhule stressed that these steps are vital for stabilising governance and ensuring effective service delivery. Lawmakers say the resolutions are aimed at normalising the state’s administration and addressing urgent citizen needs after months of political turbulence.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the suspension and reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the Assembly, describing Tinubu’s actions as “unconstitutional, illegal, and a clear sign of dictatorship.”

Governor Fubara is yet to respond publicly to the House’s resolutions.

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Dangote Refinery has dismissed claims by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), insisting that it will not bow to pressure to fund a subsidy of more than ₦1.5 trillion annually.

In a statement issued yesterday, the refinery said the controversy with DAPPMAN stems from marketers’ demand for an annual subsidy of ₦1.505 trillion to cover coastal freight, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) charges, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) fees, and pumping costs. This, according to Dangote, would translate to an additional ₦75 per litre on petrol and diesel, which the marketers expect the refinery to absorb.

“We will not increase our gantry price to accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over ₦1.5 trillion — a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government,” the company said. “Marketers are free to lift products directly at our gantry and benefit from our logistics-free initiative.”

The refinery disclosed that it maintains a monthly closing stock of 500 million litres, adding that between June and September it exported 3.2 million metric tonnes of refined products. Over the same period, it alleged, marketers imported 3.6 million metric tonnes, describing the imports as “dumping” that undermines the economy and welfare of Nigerians.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, noting that its operations are helping to stabilise the naira, cushion the effect of subsidy removal, strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create jobs.

The company stressed that it enjoys a strong working relationship with government agencies but will not hesitate to hold institutions accountable where necessary.

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has issued a stern warning to leading candidates in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election over what it described as “shameful propaganda and divisive politicking.”

Anambra 2025 election

The group expressed deep concern at the conduct of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his wife Mrs. Nnonye Soludo, APC candidate Evangelist Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate Senator Uche Ekwunife, accusing them of dragging Anambra politics into “a pit of insults, hate speech, and public bickering.”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds Governor Soludo especially responsible for setting this toxic tone,” the statement read. “The exchange of vulgar attacks, including the altercations between Mrs. Soludo and Senator Ekwunife, is unbecoming of leaders and an affront to womanhood.”

While stressing its neutrality, Ohanaeze warned it may be forced to support a neutral candidate if the attacks persist. “Enough is enough. If this disgraceful charade continues, we will question the moral and ethical fitness of these candidates to govern Ndi Anambra,” the statement declared.

The body urged all candidates to return to issue-based campaigns, focusing on policies, development, and the future of the state rather than personal insults.

READ FULL TEXT

ANAMBRA 2025; STOP WASHING YOUR DIRTY LILIES OUTSIDE AND DISGRACEFUL CONTENT CREATIONS – OHANAEZE NDIGBO WARNS SOLUDO, WIFE, EKWUNIFE, AND UKACHUKWU

The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, hereby issues a stern rebuke against the abhorrent politicking, divisive rhetoric, and shameless propaganda currently orchestrated by the Anambra gubernatorial candidates. We call for an immediate cessation of this disreputable conduct and demand a resumption of issue-based political campaigns as we approach the Anambra State Governorship Elections on November 9, 2025.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels compelled by its foundational mission to address the unsettling behavior exhibited by prominent political figures, specifically targeting the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate and current Anambra Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo; his wife, Nnonye Soludo; the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy gubernatorial candidate, Iyom Uche Ekwunife; and the APC gubernatorial candidate, Evangelist Nicholas Ukachukwu. This distressing trend of engendering hate speech and broadcasting calumnies not only tarnishes the collective image of the Igbo Nation but also represents a significant departure from the hallmark of dignity and respect that our people are known for. 

The indignation felt by our tribe is profound as these once-respected political figures stagger embarrassingly into the public sphere, engaged in a sordid display of politicking that is captivating for all the wrong reasons. Their continuous descent into the vile pit of vulgarities and vituperations—aimed at each other’s political opponents—is unbecoming of esteemed individuals and demonstrates a blatant disregard for the cultural tenets of integrity and decorum that the Igbo people hold dear. 

Without hesitation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly holds Governor Soludo accountable for instigating this repugnant campaign of slander against his political adversaries. It is our duty to urge him to refrain from resorting to derogatory slogans and mockery, which undermine the very fabric of decency that should underpin political discourse. We categorically condemn the egregious verbal attacks exchanged between Governor Soludo’s wife and Senator Uche Ekwunife; such disgraceful behavior constitutes a lamentable affront to both motherhood and womanhood, and, as leaders, they must rise above this pettiness.

While Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains politically neutral in the forthcoming elections and does not endorse any particular candidate, we must unequivocally state that should Governor Soludo, his wife Nnonye, APC candidate Ukachukwu, and his running mate Ekwunife persist in their unscrupulous campaign tactics, we will be compelled to reconsider our stance. We may have no choice but to advocate for a neutral gubernatorial candidate in the elections as a drastic measure to quell this shameful spectacle. It becomes evident that continued participation in such a disgraceful charade raises serious questions about the moral and ethical qualifications of these candidates to govern the people of Anambra State.

In closing, let it be said with unwavering clarity: enough is enough. We implore all involved to return to issue-based campaigns and preserve the dignity of Anambra politics.

**Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro**  

Deputy President General  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo  

Chief Chinemeze Ohia

National Spokesman  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo  

17th September 2025

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