Panther Daily News

PRESS RELEASE ABIA STATE DIASPORA COMMISSION CONGRATULATES SUPER FALCONS ON HISTORIC WAFCON VICTORY The Abia State Diaspora Commission, on behalf of the State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti and all Abians in diaspora, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the indomitable Super Falcons of Nigeria for their spectacular triumph as champions of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco. Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu described the victory of the girls as historic.  She said that the victory is not only a demonstration of skill, unity, and determination but also a powerful affirmation of Nigeria’s growing excellence in global women’s football.  According to Rev. Dr. Annie Onu, the Falcons’ performance showcased exceptional talent, remarkable discipline, and unwavering national pride that captured the hearts of millions across the continent and beyond...

PRESS RELEASE ABIA STATE DIASPORA COMMISSION CONGRATULATES SUPER FALCONS ON HISTORIC WAFCON VICTORY The Abia State Diaspora Commission, on behalf of the State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti and all Abians in diaspora, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the indomitable Super Falcons of Nigeria for their spectacular triumph as champions of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco. Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu described the victory of the girls as historic.  She said that the victory is not only a demonstration of skill, unity, and determination but also a powerful affirmation of Nigeria’s growing excellence in global women’s football.  According to Rev. Dr. Annie Onu, the Falcons’ performance showcased exceptional talent, remarkable discipline, and unwavering national pride that captured the hearts of millions across the continent and beyond...

An erstwhile Mayor of Arochukwu LGA in Abia State, Hon. Chibuike Jonas, has expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the allocation of $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail Line. Hon. Jonas, an APC Stakeholder in Abia while parleying with the Press in Aba described it as a Glorious Economic monument that will result in economic boom not only in the Southeast but the Nation at large. Jonas went further to thank  Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu-the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives (The Convener of RENEWED HOPE PARTNERS, ABIA-STATE) for creating a Renewed hope of Friendship between the President and the People of South -East.

Peter Obi Donates Over N530 Million To Schools, Hospitals In 2025 Peter Obi Donates Over N530 Million To Schools, Hospitals In 2025 Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has donated over ₦530 million to schools, hospitals, and community institutions across Nigeria since January 2025. The donations, which span various parts of the country, reflect Obi’s consistent emphasis on improving education and healthcare, two sectors he has repeatedly described as “the foundation of national development.” His interventions include direct support to nursing schools, university faculties, community hospitals and secondary schools, with a focus on underfunded institutions and rural communities. In May, Obi presented ₦10 million each to the Anglican Comprehensive Secondary School and the Anglican Hospital in Kubwa, Abuja, to support the upgrade of science laboratories and essential medical services. The donation was received by officials of t...

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The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said that creating additional 31 States as being sought by various ethnic nationalities in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution would pose a serious economic burden on the Nigerian state. He also described the exercise as an opportunity for Nigerians to give the country a sense of direction in the way it should be properly governed. Otti stated these on Saturday in his address at the South-East Zonal Constitution Review for Abia and Imo States held in Owerri by the House of Representatives Committee On Constitution Review. Represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor urged Indigenes of both States regardless of their political leanings to make their input felt in a bid to sanitise the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He said, “I will share my thoughts on some of the key agenda for debates and considerations in the 2025 constitutional review process. As many in this auditorium may know, the positions I would be sharin...

“We Will Go Anywhere In Nigeria That We Want Because Nigeria Is A Free Country" - ADC According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday, July 19, 2025, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it will not be intimidated by threats from any state governor, affirming its constitutional right to operate and mobilize anywhere within Nigeria. The party’s declaration follows reports that governors from Benue and Edo states threatened to stop opposition figures like Peter Obi and other coalition leaders from entering their states. At a press briefing on Saturday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the alleged threats as “unacceptable” and “anti-democratic.” He asserted that Nigeria belongs to every citizen, not a privileged few in government. “We don’t need anybody’s permission to go to any part of our country. Nigeria is a free country, and no governor has the power to stop us from visiting any state,” Abdullahi said. He emphasi...

Emefiele: When The Currency Was Being Changed, There Was A Need For President To Approve It -Fashola Former Works Minister Babatunde Fashola has indicated that the controversial currency redesign policy implemented by CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele during Muhammadu Buhari's presidency may have proceeded without proper presidential authorization. Speaking in an interview with Channels TV, Fashola questioned the approval process for the naira redesign that caused widespread hardship across Nigeria in early 2023. "I remember at the time when the currency was being changed, I realized that there was a requirement for the president to approve it," Fashola stated, suggesting that then-Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele may have acted without following proper procedures. The former Lagos State governor also criticized the National Assembly's oversight role during the currency crisis, questioning why lawmakers failed to intervene despite having legislative autho...

Former Minister Babatunde Fashola commented on a new political coalition formed by key opposition leaders. He believes the coalition counters fears of Nigeria moving towards a one-party system. Fashola highlighted the coalition’s choice of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform, emphasizing the constitutional right to political association. Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has weighed in on the recent formation of a new political coalition involving key opposition leaders, asserting that the development disproves concerns that Nigeria is heading toward a one-party system. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Saturday, Fashola said the decision to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the coalition’s platform reinforces the constitutional right of Nigerians to freely associate politically. However, he raised questions about the ideological depth and sustainability of the alliance. “There’s something significant ...

A political associate of former President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed that the late president was poisoned during the early years of his administration. Professor Kailani Mohammed made these allegations during an interview with Daily Trust, claiming that Buhari's extended medical absence abroad in 2017 resulted from poisoning rather than natural illness. "They poisoned the man, a very nice man, when he came back after 6 months of medical treatment, he wasn't himself again. He has not been sick since before he got to power," he alleged. The professor, who described himself as one of Buhari's earliest supporters, painted a picture of a small, dedicated circle that backed the future president through years of political struggle. "Many of the people being mentioned with Buhari today were not there. There was a time only three of us were behind Buhari, and we kept fighting for good 16 years," Mohammed claimed. "People were maimed, and people...

News Board appointments: Remember South-East – Ndume advises Tinubu Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume has commended President Bola Tinubu over fresh appointments into Boards of key federal agencies. However, Ndume urged Tinubu to accommodate more southeasterners in his next set of board appointments. The new appointees unveiled during the weekend include Muhammad Babangida son of former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, who was named the Chairman of the revamped Bank of Agriculture. Others were Lydia Kalat Musa, Chairperson of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority; Jamilu Wada Aliyu, chairman of the National Educational Research and Development Council; Yahuza Ado Inuwa, Standards Organisation of Nigeria and Sanusi Musa, named Chairman of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution. The list also includes Professor Al-Mustapha Aliyu as Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa; Sanusi Garba Rikiji as Director-General of the Nigerian Of...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has ruled out former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from contesting for the presidency under its banner in 2027, citing constitutional provisions that bar individuals affiliated with other political parties. Despite Obi’s open association with the ADC and his declared ambition to run in the next general election, the party’s constitution makes it clear that only registered, card-carrying members who have fully severed ties with other political parties are eligible to seek its nomination. According to the ADC’s third schedule on primary election guidelines, Article 8 on membership stipulates that an aspirant “must not belong to any other political party,” and if previously affiliated with one, must have formally resigned. This clause presents a major hurdle for Obi, who remains a prominent member and current leader of the Labour Party. His media aide, Tanko Yunusa, confirmed that Obi has not left the Labour Party, stating,...

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised former President Muhammadu Buhari as a steadfast patriot whose legacy of service to Nigeria spans both military and civilian eras, describing him as a leader who left lasting imprints on the nation’s path. In a stirring tribute, Akpabio reflected on Buhari’s decades of service, highlighting a consistent dedication to Nigeria regardless of the uniform he wore. “He served this nation first in uniform and decades later he returned to serve it once more — this time in flowing Abada,” Akpabio remarked. “Whether clad in khaki or in civilian robes, through coups and campaigns, criticisms and crisis, he never wavered in his belief in the promise of Nigeria.” Akpabio emphasized that Buhari's leadership was characterized by principles that went beyond political ambition. According to him, Buhari’s unshakeable commitment to discipline and integrity shaped the ethos of his administration and made a significant impact on the country’s go...

U.S. government announcement that its Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and not the visa granted will determine the length of visitors stay on its soil upon arrival into the country has sparked reactions among Nigerians on social media. In a post on X on Friday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced that “The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date. To see how long you can stay, check your I-94 (admit until date”
The post which has been seen by over 15,000 people, has garnered reactions from Nigerians on X. An X user, @MrKceec asked, “But why on arrival. One should be able to know how long he stay before even proceeding. Not when one is there already and 1 rogue decides how long you stay.” @edu_brazeal said: “Enough of this, stop disturbing us with this nonsense every 4 market days, going to the US no longer int...

Professor Mohammed Kailani, a close ally of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has spoken about why Buhari’s government failed to meet expectations. In an interview with Trust TV, he said that powerful people known as “cabals” surrounded Buhari and stopped him from doing what was right for Nigeria. Kailani shared how, at the beginning of Buhari's presidency, there was hope and excitement. Many professionals—engineers, doctors, and intellectuals—believed Buhari would bring real change. He said that these people were so loyal that if Buhari had asked them to walk from Abuja to Zaria on foot, they would have done it without question. He remembered attending a breakfast meeting at the Presidential Villa during Buhari's early months in power. The current president, Bola Tinubu, was also present. Kailani said he saw over 150 honest Nigerians who believed in the “change” promise. Unfortunately, their efforts were blocked by the same powerful cabals who didn’t want Buhari...

Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has disclosed that the deceased was devoid of corruption during his lifetime. Adesina said Buhari never demanded a “dime” from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The former presidential spokesman said this was disclosed to him by former NNPCL Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari. In a lengthy article in honour of Buhari, Adesina disclosed that the late President’s friends paid the school fees of his children. According to Adesina: “I must stop, though there are hundreds of stories still to tell. “How he refused the gift of an SUV from a contractor; instruction he gave Minister Babatunde Fashola to build the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos/Ibadan, Enugu/Port Harcourt, and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressways; how Mele Kyari, NNPCL GMD, told me Buhari never asked for a dime from the corporation that was a gravy train for many former leaders; what the President told me after ...

Former Governor Rochas Okorocha has stated that the late President Muhammadu Buhari was a child of destiny and had a strong connection with Nigerians even before he became president. In an interview with Channels Television, Okorocha said if Buhari had passed away before becoming a civilian president, many people might have treated his grave like a holy place and visited it regularly to worship him. Okorocha said Buhari had a natural kind of love from the public. In Okorocha's words: "Buhari is a child of destiny. Why do I say that? I think the greatest thing that demystified Buhari was his running for president. God forbid but if Buhari had died before becoming Nigeria's president you would have seen people going to his grave to worship him. He had that natural love from people. Some people believe he is not human, I don't know the mystery that surrounds him, it is very unusual and if you go close you can't understand why"

Dele Farotimi Warns Nigerians Against Becoming Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S. Under Trump Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate Dele Farotimi has issued a strong caution to Nigerians and other global citizens against becoming undocumented immigrants, particularly in the United States under the administration of President Donald Trump. In a statement posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Friday, July 18, 2025, Farotimi highlighted the risks and inhumane treatment that often accompany such status. "Whatever you do or do not do, please do not allow yourself to become an undocumented immigrant anywhere in the world," he warned. Farotimi further emphasized the heightened dangers facing undocumented individuals in the United States, citing the current political climate under Trump’s leadership. He stated, "And if you must suffer any such indignity, please avoid it being in the usa, in the age of Donald Trump." Describing the treatment...

Trump Threatens Tariffs on BRICS Nations, Vows to Protect U.S. Dollar and Reject Digital Currency According to a report by Reuters on Friday, July 18, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his combative rhetoric toward the BRICS alliance, warning that he would impose harsh tariffs on its member states if the group were to coalesce into a powerful economic bloc. Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House in the 2024 presidential election, made the comments during a campaign stop, reaffirming his protectionist stance on trade and global finance. Referring to the BRICS nations originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and recently expanded to include several new members Trump declared that any serious formation of the group would be swiftly dismantled under his leadership. “When I heard about this group from BRICS six countries, basically I hit them very, very hard,” Trump said. “And if they ever really form in a meaningful way,...

Former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani, has lampooned former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on alleged deductions from federal allocations. Reacting via his verified Facebook page, Sani accused El-Rufai of hypocrisy, noting that the same El-Rufai who allegedly deducted and diverted local government allocations throughout his eight-year tenure as governor—without being impeached—is now faulting Tinubu for similar actions. “Is this not the same El-Rufai who allegedly tampered with LG funds consistently during his time as governor? How come no one held him accountable then?” Sani asked, echoing sentiments shared by many political commentators on social media. During El-Rufai’s administration, several local government chairmen reportedly raised concerns over irregular remittances and the lack of financial autonomy. However, despite persistent accusations,...

A group called the Sokoto Heritage Reloaded Initiative has urged President Bola Tinubu to implement a national pledge made by the late Buhari administration to name a national monument, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), after the late former President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. Shehu Shagari was Nigeria’s first executive president following the handover of power by military head of state General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979, which established the Second Nigerian Republic. The group’s request follows Tinubu’s announcement to rename UNIMAID after late President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13th in a London hospital following a brief illness. Speaking to Tinubu in a statement issued by Nuruddeen Muhammad Mahe, the convener of the Sokoto Heritage Reloaded Initiative, ex-President Shagari was described as a symbol of humility, integrity, and statesmanship, rather than just a leader. According to Nura, Shagari’s “vision for Nigeria, especially in the area of educ...

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata during a condolence visit to the family in Kano. The President hailed the renowned businessman and philanthropist as a paragon of integrity, humility, and selfless service. President Tinubu recalled Dantata’s significant influence not just in commerce, but also in national development and humanitarian efforts. He praised the late industrialist’s unwavering commitment to uplifting others through generous contributions to education, healthcare, and community welfare. The President shared personal reflections on his interactions with Dantata, recounting how he sought the elder statesman's prayers before the 2023 presidential election. “He offered me his blessings at a critical moment. I promised to come back and thank him, but instead of me visiting, he came to Abuja,” Tinubu recounted. Describing Dantata as a rare figure whose life embodied simplicity and sincerity, Tinubu said the late bus...

This allowed them to cash in on the price differential without incurring legitimate costs associated with logistics, retail station operations, or administrative compliance, making a fast profit. Dangote Refinery The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to reinstate its suspended N5 per-litre fuel discount scheme for strategic partners. The initiative was temporarily halted following reported violations by some participating marketers. PUNCH Online reported on Friday that the refinery uncovered a fresh racket involving some of its affiliate marketers and strategic partners who have been diverting subsidised refined petroleum products for profit, prompting the suspension of the refinery’s discounted fuel supply scheme. The rebate designed to support Dangote’s registered affiliate marketers in achieving stable profit margins amid price competition from fuel importers, while also guaranteeing nationwide availability of the refinery’s products, was paused on July 13 f...

Africa's heavy dependence on fuel imports has turned the continent into a dumping ground for substandard petroleum products, Aliko Dangote, has said. The president of Dangote Industries Limited and Africa's richest man made the remarks during an interview with journalists, where he highlighted the motivation behind building the $19 billion Dangote Refinery. He called for urgent investment in Africa's energy infrastructure. According to Dangote, the refinery project was born out of a desire to ensure Nigeria's self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and encourage similar initiatives across the continent. He said the current state of affairs is unacceptable, considering Africa's vast crude oil reserves. "Apart from Algeria and Libya, which are self-sufficient, virtually every other African country is an importer," adding that "Africa has no business importing fuel. We have oil, but we have failed to refine it." He lamented that t...

Coalition: We Fear and Advise Obi to Be Cautious and Careful Because That Is a Contraption- Ibrahim During an interview on Arise TV, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), voiced his concerns about the recent political dynamics that have included Peter Obi and Atiku. He also advised Obi to exercise caution, pointing out that the current alliance is problematic and that he should not join them. After highlighting the fact that many members of the PDP anticipated that Atiku would not celebrate Obi's loss when he left the party, he made this statement. This is especially true when considering the fact that Obi is currently being recruited into a coalition. Kwankwaso in Kano and the G5 governors led by Nyesom Wike were both unexpectedly defeated, and Abdullahi brought attention to both of these events. In light of the fact that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) had a strong possibility of regaining contro...

The Federal Government has stated that Nnamdi Kanu’s repeated declaration as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and his calls for the breakup of Nigeria should not be taken as empty threats. According to the government, Kanu’s actions and rhetoric go beyond mere boasting, as they have actively fueled unrest and insecurity in parts of the country. According to a report by Leadership News, government officials emphasized that IPOB’s activities, under Kanu’s leadership, have disrupted socio-economic stability in the South-East region. They noted that his inflammatory speeches and directives to his followers have emboldened violent elements, resulting in attacks on security formations and public infrastructure. The government maintained that Kanu’s stance poses a direct challenge to Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty, warning that such threats would be met with lawful measures to protect national security. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no individu...

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a letter dated July 14 and made public on Wednesday, Atiku announced his resignation, stating that the decision was necessitated by what he described as a departure from the founding ideals of the party. “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” the letter reads. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the Party. Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life. “As a founding father of this esteemed Party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision. “However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we...

The National Assembly has announced the suspension of all legislative proceedings in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 81. The suspension, which takes effect immediately, was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana. “I am directed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives to inform all members of the national assembly and the general public that all legislative activities are hereby suspended immediately until Tuesday, 22 July, 2025,” the statement said. Ogunlana added that lawmakers are expected to adjust their schedules in order to fully participate in the forthcoming burial activities. “All members of the national assembly are urged to reschedule their engagements to enable full participation in the burial activities of the late president,” he stated. The leadership of both chambers also conveyed condolences to the government...

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari. The declaration is in furtherance of the seven days of national mourning earlier declared by President Bola Tinubu in honour of Buhari. Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. The minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late president’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development. “President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the minister said. He urged citizens to ...

Result — Chelsea 3-0 PSG Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Cole Palmer struck twice in the opening half before summer signing Joao Pedro scored his third goal of the tournament to stun PSG, the reigning European champions. Chelsea’s players received their medals from President Trump, who watched the game at the MetLife Stadium alongside FIFA’s Gianni Infantino. Chelsea are Club World Cup champions for the second time after they first won the tournament in 2021. Trump inserts himself Trump inserts himself  Getty Images I have to return to the sight of President Trump staying on stage for Chelsea's trophy lift. When people say things like we live in a simulation, this is what they're referring to. Trump has made a political career out of breaking norms, but this has to be one of the weirdest things we've seen him do. Reece James and Robert Sanchez were both clearly confused an...

Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, has joined millions of Nigerians and world leaders in mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier today at the age of 82. In an emotional tribute released from his country home in Uturu, Abia State, Dr. Ogah described Buhari as “a disciplined, visionary and selfless leader who served Nigeria with unwavering commitment.” “I am deeply pained by the loss of a man I had the honour of serving under – a leader who redefined integrity in public service. President Buhari was not just a statesman, but a father figure to many of us. His love for Nigeria was pure, his vision clear, and his dedication unquestionable,” Ogah said. Dr. Ogah, who served in President Buhari’s cabinet between 2019 and 2023, praised the late president’s efforts in reforming the mining and solid minerals sector, recalling his personal encouragement and support during difficult reform deci...

The former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has refuted claims that the former president was a religious bigot, drawing from personal experiences during their time in office. He recalled how, right from their first Christmas in 2015, Buhari encouraged Christian staff to spend the holiday season with their families—a gesture that continued throughout his eight-year administration. He stated that Buhari consistently allowed his Christian aides time off during festive periods like Easter and Christmas, reinforcing his view that the former president was respectful of religious diversity despite public misconceptions. He said in an interview with Channels TV, "I remember our first Christmas, December 2015. He called me. He said, 'Adesina, I know you are a church person. When it is Christmas, go and be with your family, and when you come back in January, me too, I'll then take a short leave.' And throughout ou...