Security aides rebel against outgoing Rivers Sole Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas

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Video: Security Aides Rebel Against Outgoing Rivers Sole Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Tensions have surfaced in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to resume office following his suspension.

Security officers and personnel attached to the outgoing Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd), reportedly staged a rebellion against him, citing alleged maltreatment during his six-month tenure.

The development comes just days before the official handover of authority to Governor Fubara.

Sources within the Government House indicate that the aggrieved officers accuse the outgoing Sole Administrator of poor welfare conditions, high-handedness, and neglect of their entitlements.

Officials close to the situation say security arrangements for the transition are being reviewed to avoid disruptions as Fubara assumes control of state affairs.

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Security officers attached to Rivers Sole Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas rebel ahead of Governor Sim Fubara’s return, citing six months of maltreatment.#bonanaija pic.twitter.com/PW05AxqGJC
— BONA NAIJA (@BonaNaija) September 17, 2025

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Rivers Assembly Resumes After Six-Month Emergency Rule, Tasks Fubara on Commissioners and Budget

Published

3 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Rivers Assembly Resumes After Emergency Rule, Tasks Fubara

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 Rejects DAPPMAN’s ₦1.5trn Subsidy Demand

Published

4 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Dangote Refinery rejects DAPPMAN ₦1.505 trillion subsidy demand

Refinery insists it will not absorb logistics costs as marketers push for annual discount; warns subsidy practices defrauded Nigeria for years.

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 Warns Soludo, Ekwunife, Ukachukwu Over Toxic Anambra 2025 Campaigns

Published

10 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Warns Soludo, Ekwunife, Ukachukwu Over Toxic Anambra 2025 Campaigns

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.

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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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Fidelity Bank Extends GAIM 6 Promo, Raises Cash Rewards to ₦189m

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Fidelity Bank extends GAIM 6 promo, increases rewards to ₦189 million

Fidelity Bank extends GAIM 6 promo to Nov 30, 2025, raising rewards to ₦189m. Over ₦30m and a ₦10m grand prize still up for grabs.

Fidelity Bank Plc has announced a three-month extension of its flagship savings promotion, the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season 6, with the campaign now set to run until November 30, 2025.

In addition to extending the deadline, the bank has increased the total cash rewards from ₦159 million to a record ₦189 million, citing overwhelming customer feedback and demand for more participation time.

Launched in November 2024 with an initial nine-month run ending in August 2025, the GAIM 6 promo has received full regulatory approval for its extension.

Speaking at a press briefing, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank, said:

“Our decision to extend the GAIM 6 campaign is borne out of the feedback we received from our customers and prospects. They asked for more opportunities to benefit from the promo, and we listened. With management and regulatory consent, we’re thrilled to keep the excitement going for another three months.”

So far, 20 customers across Nigeria have received ₦1 million each in the 7th and 8th monthly draws. Winners are selected through electronic draws supervised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other regulators to ensure fairness.

Over ₦30 million remains to be won in upcoming draws, including ₦2 million for the second runner-up, ₦5 million for the first runner-up, and a ₦10 million grand prize in the final draw.

Through GAIM 6, Fidelity Bank aims to deepen Nigeria’s savings culture while rewarding loyalty and supporting financial empowerment.

Fidelity Bank serves over 9.1 million customers through 255 business offices and digital platforms in Nigeria, as well as its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received multiple awards, including Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence, 2024) and Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking (BAFI Awards, 2024).

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Young African CEO and Google Alumna, Melissa Kariuki, to Shape Creative Export Discourse at WTO Forum

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Melissa Kariuki

Melissa Kariuki, Founder and CEO of Whip Music and one of the GRAMMYs’ 13 Women Shaping African Music (2025), will speak at the prestigious World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum 2025 in Geneva on 18 September 2025.

This invitation follows Kariuki’s recognition as a member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) and her inclusion on Hotlist Africa’s Top 30 Executives in the African Music Industry (2025), further establishing her as one of Africa’s most influential young leaders at the intersection of creativity, technology, and trade.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global organization that formulates and enforces the rules of trade between nations, with 166-member countries representing over 98 percent of global trade and GDP.

The Public Forum is the largest global trade policy platform, drawing government leaders, corporate executives, academics, and civil society to discuss the future of trade. Being invited to speak is exceptionally prestigious as it marks Kariuki as a recognized emerging global thought leader.

Kariuki will speak in a session titled “Bridging Digital Divides Through Local Solutions”, highlighting how enabling digital policies and technology infrastructure can allow African creators to scale globally and strengthen the continent’s role in the world economy.

“I am honoured to be invited by the WTO to share Africa’s perspective on digital trade and creativity as a driver of global growth. For too long, creativity has been seen as culture, but it is also one of Africa’s highest-potential commodities. With the right digital policies and local solutions, African creators can reach global markets, scale new industries, and shape the future of trade. As a young, African woman in technology and the creative economy, it is a privilege to represent our continent at this global forum and to ensure our voices and solutions are part of the world’s trade agenda.” – Melissa Kariuki.

Kariuki will join Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, and an influential lineup of speakers, including:

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD
Shamika N. Sirimanne, Director of Technology, UNCTAD
Aissatou Diallo, Chief, Office for Africa, International Trade Centre
Katherine Wang, Amazon Web Services, Manager of Trade and Supply Chain Policy
Claire Alexandra, Head of International Government Relations, PayPal
Christian Keller, Chair and General Manager, IBM Switzerland
Fancy Too, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office
Dr. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Executive Director, South African Institute of International Affairs

Creativity as Africa’s Next Global Commodity

Africa’s creative economy, currently valued at US$58.4 billion, accounts for roughly 4 percent of the continent’s GDP but represents less than 0.3 percent of global creative exports. For example, in one of Africa’s largest economies, South Africa, the creative sector generated roughly the same amount of revenue as agriculture at US$8.7 billion (R161 billion) in 2020. Analysts predict that with the right digital policies and trade frameworks, African creative exports could reach US$200 billion by 2030, potentially accounting for 10 percent of global creative goods trade.

Kariuki’s contribution to the WTO Public Forum underscores the growing recognition of creativity not only as cultural expression but also as a strategic commodity with transformative trade potential.

About Melissa Kariuki

Melissa Kariuki is the Founder and CEO of Whip Music, a music-tech company helping artists unlock their next one billion fans. Whip Music currently supports African artists in promoting their music across the US, the UK, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, and Canada, enabling them to export their music and grow global audiences.

Kariuki is also a Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) member, was recognized on the GRAMMYs’ 13 Women Shaping African Music (2025), and was named on Hotlist Africa’s Top 30 Executives in the African Music Industry (2025).

Her career includes product roles at Google and Meta, as well as experience across Asia, Europe, the United States, and Africa with organizations including Bain & Company, H&M, the Gates Foundation, and INSEAD. She holds a First-Class Honours degree from the African Leadership University in Mauritius and a Master of Management Science in Global Affairs as a Patrice Motsepe Fellow and Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University in Beijing, where she graduated with a 99 percent distinction for her thesis on blockchain, NFTs, and Web3 regulation.

About Whip Music

Whip Music is a music-tech company on a mission to help artists unlock their next one billion fans. The platform leverages technology to provide access to music and video distribution, editorial playlisting, TV placements, radio, press, influencer marketing, and social media advertising. Whether an artist has zero fans or one million, Whip Music empowers them to grow and monetize their fanbase globally.

About the World Trade Organization (WTO)

The WTO is the only global organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. With 166 member countries, it represents more than 98 per cent of global trade and GDP. Its mission is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible while serving as a forum for negotiating trade agreements and settling disputes.

The WTO Public Forum is the organization’s largest annual outreach event, providing a platform for world leaders, business executives, academics, and civil society to debate pressing trade and development issues.

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