Strike May Resume, No Agreement Signed With Dangote Refinery – PENGASSAN

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October 2, 2025

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has clarified that it did not sign the communiqué presented after the suspension of its nationwide strike against the Dangote Refinery, warning that the industrial action could resume at any time.

The strike, which began on Sunday, was called off on Wednesday following the intervention of the Federal Government.

However, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, told journalists in Abuja that the union’s concerns were not fully addressed and described the resolutions as incomplete.

“We did not sign that communiqué because we found certain provisions unacceptable,” Osifo explained.

“Normally, three parties should endorse such a document, but what was presented was merely a statement from the Minister of Labour, Muhammadu Dingyadi, who acted as conciliator.”

PENGASSAN had accused the refinery of unlawfully dismissing more than 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with over 2,000 expatriates from India.

The union insisted on the immediate reinstatement of the affected workers.

Osifo disclosed that Dangote initially resisted the demand but later agreed to review the decision after government pressure.

He dismissed the company’s earlier claim that the disengaged workers had engaged in sabotage, describing it as damaging and untrue.

“If we had allowed that sabotage allegation to stand, those 800 workers would have carried that stigma for life, making it almost impossible for them to secure jobs again,” Osifo said.

“Getting that false claim cleared was a big win for us.”

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Osifo stressed that the strike was suspended in good faith but could be reactivated without notice if the refinery management fails to comply with the resolutions.

“When we took the communiqué to our NEC, we prioritised members’ welfare and their ability to return to work. Suggestions that we were only fighting for check-off dues are false. This struggle is about protecting Nigerian workers,” he maintained.

He added that PENGASSAN’s fight was not about self-interest but about defending workers’ rights.

“We have been around for 50 years before the Dangote Refinery came on stream. If management does not do the needful, our tools are always ready. We won’t hesitate to act again,” Osifo warned.

2027: I’ll Quit Presidential Race If Younger Aspirant Wins ADC Ticket – Atiku

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Dailygazettenig

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October 2, 2025

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he would step aside from the 2027 presidential contest if a younger aspirant defeats him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, Atiku explained that he would not only accept such an outcome but also support and mentor the younger candidate.

“If I contest and a young man defeats me, I will accept that,” Atiku said.

“The party we joined now prioritises youth and women, and I will stand by that.”

The former PDP presidential flag bearer, however, stopped short of confirming whether he would formally join the 2027 race.

“This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” he added.

Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of infiltrating and destabilising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming the federal government used some PDP leaders to frustrate opposition unity.

“As the days went by, the PDP crisis worsened, and the hope of resolving it quickly disappeared because the government was allegedly using senior members to destabilise the party further,” he alleged.

Atiku also expressed frustration that his advice was ignored by PDP leaders.

“I could have taken firm decisions to fix the party if I were the chairman or secretary, or if someone who listened to me held those positions.”

“Unfortunately, those in charge had their own personal interests,” he lamented.

On suspicions that he might later abandon the ADC, Atiku dismissed the idea.

“I am not known for that. If I say so, then I will go that way. I am a man of one Qibla,” he said.

The former vice president maintained that he is committed to building the ADC into a strong political force.

According to him, the party has completed its national structure and is now focused on consolidating state and local government leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Our goal is to ensure the ADC has firm structures across the states and local governments. The national leadership is in place and is working towards strengthening the party at all levels,” Atiku said.

JUST IN: Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Rivers Emergency Rule Collapses In Court

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Dailygazettenig

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October 2, 2025

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The case, instituted by Belema Briggs and four others, was struck out on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho, who ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the matter before the court.

According to the judge, only the Supreme Court has the jurisdiction to determine issues surrounding a presidential proclamation of a state of emergency.

He further explained that none of the plaintiffs was a member of the Rivers State Executive Council or House of Assembly, nor did they demonstrate that they suffered any peculiar injury.

The court also faulted the plaintiffs for not obtaining the consent of either the Attorney General of the Federation or the citizens of Rivers State before instituting the case.

Justice Omotosho described the suit as “frivolous and baseless.”

He maintained that President Tinubu’s action was within the ambit of the Emergency Rule Order, stressing that the government’s position that the measure was necessary to prevent a collapse of law and order in Rivers was not challenged.

President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March, citing rising political tensions and repeated attacks on oil facilities.

Under the proclamation, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly were suspended from office.

The President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Administrator of the state to oversee affairs during the period.

The federal government said the drastic measure was necessary to restore peace, protect vital oil infrastructure, and prevent an escalation of violence and instability in the region.

After six months, on September 17, Tinubu announced the suspension of the emergency rule, citing significant improvement in security and political cooperation.

Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the lawmakers immediately returned to office, receiving a warm reception from their supporters.

During the emergency, Rivers citizens had staged protests demanding a return to democratic governance.

Elon Musk Edges Closer To Becoming World’s First Trillionaire With $500 Billion Net Worth

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Dailygazettenig

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October 2, 2025

President Trump Holds Press Conference With Elon Musk in White House's Oval Office — WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: Tesla CEO Elon Musk removes his hat as he listens to a question from a reporter alongside U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Musk, who served as an adviser to Trump and led the Department of Government Efficiency, announced he would leave his role in the Trump administration to refocus on his businesses. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kevin Dietsch / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, has reached a new financial milestone that brings him closer to becoming the world’s first trillionaire.

According to Forbes’ “Real-Time Billionaires” tracker, Musk’s fortune briefly crossed the $500 billion mark on Wednesday, peaking at $500.1 billion before dipping slightly to $499.1 billion later in the day.

The 54-year-old tech mogul has benefited from a rebound in Tesla’s stock price following a turbulent period linked to his political activities, alongside continued gains in his other ventures.

The half-trillion mark cements his position as the world’s richest person.

Trailing Musk on the billionaire rankings is Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, whose net worth stands at $350.7 billion, while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg follows in third with $245.8 billion.

Forbes noted that Musk’s accumulation of wealth puts him nearly halfway to a record that no human has ever reached, a trillion-dollar fortune.

WHO Confirms 42 Deaths In New Ebola Outbreak In DR Congo

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Dailygazettenig

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October 2, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that an Ebola outbreak declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in early September has killed 42 people out of 64 confirmed cases.

In a statement on Wednesday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the risk of further spread remains “high at the national level” but is considered moderate across the wider region.

He said the UN health body and its partners are working closely with Congolese authorities to contain the epidemic.

Health officials in the DRC launched a vaccination campaign two weeks ago after the resurgence of the disease was confirmed in Kasai province.

So far, the International Coordination Group on Vaccine Supply has approved the delivery of 45,000 additional doses of the Ebola vaccine to support the response.

The outbreak has been linked to challenges including inadequate protective equipment, gaps in contact tracing, delayed case detection, unsafe burials, and widespread population mobility.

Authorities also noted that reliance on traditional healers has made containment efforts more difficult.

Ebola, a highly infectious viral disease, spreads through direct contact with body fluids. It often causes severe bleeding and multi-organ failure, with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90% depending on the strain and healthcare response.

The current outbreak is driven by the Zaire strain, for which a vaccine is available.

The WHO has estimated the case fatality rate at 45.7% so far.

The DRC has faced repeated Ebola outbreaks, with the deadliest between 2018 and 2020 claiming nearly 2,300 lives.

Since the virus was first identified in 1976, it has killed about 15,000 people across Africa.

Police Foil Kidnapping, Robbery Attempt On Keffi-Akwanga Highway

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Dailygazettenig

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October 2, 2025

The Nasarawa State Police Command has repelled an attempted kidnapping and armed robbery along the Keffi-Akwanga highway.

Police spokesman Ramhan Nansel said in a statement that the incident occurred on September 30, 2025, at about 12:25 pm, when armed men blocked the Federal Highway near Angwan Mayo.

A swift response by officers led to an exchange of gunfire, forcing the criminals to retreat into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately mobilised the Divisional Police Officer of Garaku Division and his team to the scene, where a counter-ambush was launched.

One suspect, identified as Aondoaver Thiom, was arrested.

Recovered exhibits included firearms, ammunition and military uniforms.

The suspect reportedly confessed to being part of a syndicate operating between Yelwata in Benue State and Kadarko in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The Commissioner has directed the Divisional Police Officer and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Lafia to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

Insecurity Forces Closure Of Over 180 Schools In Northern Nigeria

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Dailygazettenig

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October 2, 2025

At least 188 public schools have been shut across northern Nigeria due to rising insecurity.

The closures, which cut across Zamfara, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Benue and Kebbi states, have left thousands of children out of school, with many classrooms converted into shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) or bases for security operatives.

Reporters, however, warn that the figure could be higher, as many communities remain inaccessible due to persistent attacks.

In Zamfara State alone, 39 schools, 20 primary and 19 secondary, remain closed in bandits-prone LGAs such as Anka, Tsafe and Kaura Namoda.

Some are now occupied by troops, while others lie abandoned, leaving children without access to education for over six years.

Similar closures have been recorded in Niger State, where at least 30 schools, including the Government Science College, Kagara, have been deserted or converted to military camps.

Sokoto and Kaduna each reported six schools shut, many of them boarding institutions.

In Katsina, a 2024 UNICEF-backed report found that 52 schools had been closed, particularly in Batsari, Faskari, and Kankara LGAs, areas that have witnessed repeated mass abductions of students.

Benue has also seen widespread disruption, with Amnesty International confirming that 55 schools were destroyed or closed in 2024 alone, many of them now IDP shelters.

The crisis comes amid Nigeria’s already alarming education statistics, with UNICEF estimating that between 10 and 20 million children are out of school nationwide. Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi states rank highest, with millions of children outside classrooms due to displacement, fear, or direct attacks on schools.

Communities interviewed described classrooms overtaken by bandits, children relocating to distant urban centres, and others abandoning education entirely.

In some IDP camps, makeshift schools have been opened, but educationists warn this is far from sufficient.

“This is a serious blow to the future of our children. Without urgent action, a whole generation risks being lost to illiteracy, poverty, and crime,” warned educationists and security analysts who spoke with reporters.

Parents, teachers and local leaders across the affected states described their frustration, noting that some schools have been empty for years, while others function intermittently depending on the movement of armed groups.

Experts fear the long-term consequences will be devastating.

UNICEF officials have warned that every year of lost schooling deepens “learning poverty” and risks locking millions of children into cycles of violence and hopelessness.

Security experts also caution that many out-of-school children could be recruited into bandit groups or other criminal activities.

Despite repeated calls, both the Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters offered no official comment at the time of filing this report.

Fresh Crisis Hits PDP As Anyanwu Rejects NWC Decision On Akwa Ibom Exco

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Dailygazettenig

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October 2, 2025

The internal wrangling in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened ahead of its November 15–16 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a fresh confrontation has broken out within the National Working Committee (NWC).

DAILY GAZETTE gathered that the NWC is now sharply divided along two lines: PDP governors backing acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

Wike, who has openly declared his intention to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, is said to have been issuing new conditions that further complicate reconciliation moves.

A top party source disclosed that his loyalists have boycotted recent NWC meetings, heightening tension as the convention approaches.

“Wike is deliberately frustrating the process. Each time his demands are met, he presents fresh ones. But this time, governors have decided to move ahead without him,” the source said.

The crisis took a dramatic turn on September 30 when PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State executive committee.

He said a caretaker committee had been appointed for three months, with Igwat Umoren as chairman, Harrison Ekpo as deputy chairman, and Borono Bassey as secretary.

However, in a counter-statement dated October 1, Senator Anyanwu faulted the announcement, declaring it “null and void” since no properly convened NWC meeting had sanctioned the decision.

He maintained that the Akwa Ibom executive remains intact in line with the PDP constitution, directing the chapter to continue in office.

When contacted, Anyanwu confirmed issuing the letter but declined to provide further details.
Meanwhile, Ologunagba has insisted that some PDP members are working with the APC to destabilize the party.

He vowed that such individuals would be sanctioned soon and assured that preparations for the Ibadan convention were already concluded.

As the convention date draws closer, the party faces a battle of survival, with governors daring Wike to “do his worst,” while the minister continues to project himself as a formidable force within the opposition.