The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Tuesday launched an enforcement operation at Utako Market in Abuja, sealing shops allegedly involved in the fraudulent rebagging of local rice into premium foreign brands such as Mama Gold and Stallion, among others—brands that, according to the Commission, are no longer officially sold in the Nigerian market.

The raid was led by FCCPC’s director of surveillance and investigation, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka was based on what she described as “credible intelligence” from brand owners and market sources.

“These traders are deliberately deceiving consumers by putting cheaper or unknown-quality rice into branded sacks,” Adeyinka said during the operation. “They pass these off as trusted, premium brands to profit significantly. It’s a deceptive and unfair trade practice.”

She added that the Commission views the scheme as a coordinated cartel operation aimed at exploiting consumer trust and demand for imported rice despite an official halt in selling such brands within the country.

“For example, Mama Gold stopped selling rice in Nigeria in 2015. Yet, traders are repackaging local rice into these foreign-branded bags to deceive consumers who still crave imported rice,” Adeyinka said.

According to her, this practice not only cheats consumers but also threatens legitimate businesses trying to compete fairly in the market.

She warned that those found culpable could face prosecution under the FCCPC Act, which prohibits misleading representations and other unfair market practices.

“The owners of these brands have publicly notified consumers that they no longer bring these rice products into Nigeria. Despite this, cartels flood the market with repackaged local rice in foreign-branded sacks,” Adeyinka added.

She emphasised that consumers deserved value and safety for their money and stressed that rebagging local rice into premium brand sacks amounts to criminal misrepresentation and could endanger public health.

“This practice is not just unethical—it’s exploitative,” she said. “It undermines the economic interests of consumers and erodes public trust in the marketplace.”

During the operation, the FCCPC seized large volumes of repackaged rice and shut several shops allegedly linked to the scheme. Adeyinka said the Commission intends to trace the entire supply chain to identify the key producers and suppliers behind the rebagging network.

“We will continue to evacuate and remove these deceptive products from the market and hold perpetrators accountable,” she added.

She urged consumers to avoid purchasing rice from unverifiable sources or compromised packaging.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has said that the suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has not tried to seek forgiveness, which Wike identifies as a crucial step before contemplating reconciliation.

Wike, through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, responded to calls from Niger Delta ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, who urged Wike to set aside his grievances and forgive Fubara, his former political ally.

In a recent statement regarding the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, Tompolo stressed the importance of unity and restraint, suggesting that Wike should “calm down for the good of all” and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.

“And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems,” Tompolo remarked. “We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and Fubara will return to his seat.”

The minister, however, firmly countered the appeal, stating he has not accused Fubara of any personal wrongdoing but has only called for a commitment to sound governance principles.

He emphasised that for reconciliation to occur, an offender must first acknowledge their missteps.

“There is no offence. It is only when someone offends you personally that forgiveness becomes necessary. As Christians, let’s even assume that Fubara has offended the Minister. Do you forgive someone who hasn’t come to seek forgiveness?

“The person must first acknowledge in his heart that he has done wrong. Has Fubara come to seek forgiveness? I’m not saying there is an offence and that forgiveness is required, but he hasn’t even made that move.

“Fubara should govern according to the rule of law and not abandon those who risked their lives and resources to make him governor. That’s not too much to ask. He should consider apologising to the President instead.

“You’re begging a doctor to provide medicine for someone who is sick, but you’re not asking the sick person to take the medicine. So what happens then?” he stated

Upset by the stance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he and members of the coalition would adopt any platform that ensures good governance in their bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Atiku, a PDP presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, made the declaration on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation of young Nigerians under the name National Opinion Leaders.

The former vice president’s stance comes three days after PDP governors distanced themselves from his opposition coalition movement ahead of the 2027 election.

Atiku, Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) have been leading prominent politicians in a political coalition against President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

El-Rufai, who dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been wooing members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to join the coalition.

The presidency has dismissed the antics of the coalition movement ahead of 2027.

Equally, the chairman of the ruling APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the coalition’s chances of success, citing the overriding personal interests of its leaders.

PDP governors, rising from their meeting on Monday, also distanced themselves and the party from the coalition movement.

The PDP Governors’ Forum issued a communiqué at the end of its meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, read by its chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed.

The communiqué stated the forum had resolved not to join any coalition or merger.

The PDP acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and other party leaders were also present at the meeting.

However, they expressed readiness to welcome any individual, group, or party willing to join the PDP in 2027 to wrest power and enthrone good leadership.

Subsequently, two PDP governors, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, declared their support for President Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 election.

The PDP governors’ stance was a clear indication that the main opposition party would not align with the Atiku-led coalition movement.

However, in a video of the meeting shared on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Atiku assured that the “coalition train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades.”

While addressing the youth-dominated delegation of National Opinion Leaders, Atiku urged them to remain focused and not be swayed by short-term inducements.

“Don’t be disrupted by people giving you pennies or kobo here and there, and naira here and there, and then abandon your future and your children’s future,” he said.

“Now, because of that, that’s why a number of us leaders from the parties I have mentioned—APC, PDP, Labour and others—have come together to say we are going to have what I call in Hausa ‘Sabuwar tafiya’, which in English means a new path, a new pathway to a new Nigeria.

“And we have been meeting, and by the grace of God, very soon we will announce, and we hope—and we appeal to you all—to be part of this movement.”

The former vice president said the primary objective of the coalition was to ensure good governance.

“Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance for the future of our children and grandchildren, that is the vehicle we are going to ride on,” he declared.

He concluded by urging the delegation to start planning and mobilising support.

“Get to planning and working together and getting as many Nigerians as possible to get converted to this new pathway,” he told them.

PDP Governors Playing Tinubu’s Spoiler Game – Opposition Coalition

Meanwhile, the opposition coalition has lambasted PDP governors for wittingly or unwittingly handing advantage to President Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, and expecting Nigerians to take them seriously.

The coalition said this in reaction to the PDP governors’ resolve not to join any coalition or merger before the 2027 polls.

On Wednesday, Salihu Lukman, the coalition’s chief strategist, said the alliance was a viable option to defeat the APC and President Tinubu and rescue Nigeria’s democracy from imminent collapse.

Lukman said that even though the PDP governors and some party leaders opposed the idea of joining the coalition, the movement extended its hands of fellowship to all political actors in the country, to join it in rescuing Nigerian democracy.

“All we have seen of the PDP governors is the flagrant usurpation of the powers assigned to the party’s organs (PDP). This is wrong. It is also a clear demonstration that, if left alone, the PDP governors will only continue destroying democratic institutions in the country.

“As it is, all patriotic Nigerians who are committed to rescuing Nigerian democracy should recognise that the challenge facing us as a nation is beyond the romantic affiliation to so-called political parties such as the PDP, with many of its leaders operating as Trojan horses to the APC and President Tinubu’s government.

“It makes no sense to invest energy and resources in a party whose leaders are either appointees of the APC government or undercover supporters. Otherwise, how can anyone justify how the PDP and its leaders are mismanaging themselves and practically putting themselves in self-destruction and political irrelevance?”

He went on to espouse the mission of the coalition.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the coalition is fundamentally about rebuilding Nigeria’s democracy. Leaders of the coalition recognise this and, more importantly, identify all the challenges ahead.

“Resolving these challenges and building the confidence of Nigerians is about restoring the value of political negotiations as critical and fundamental to guaranteeing the survival of democracy. Over the years, both the PDP and APC have demonstrated contempt for political negotiations and, to that extent, disrespected agreements in various ways,” he said.

According to him, since the PDP has been out of power for more than ten years, Nigerians had waited for the party to provide a viable opposition.

“Instead, the party went into suspended animation until the rampaging Tinubu-led APC finally found a willing undertaker to put it to rest. The governors know that the virus that afflicts the PDP has no cure. They are only grandstanding. They know that Nigerians cannot accept this PDP as the alternative because it is clear to all discerning Nigerians that the ruling party has hijacked its soul,” he said.

Lukman noted that Nyesom Wike is the untouchable super minister in the APC government not because of the sterling job he is doing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but because he has done a great job of ensuring that the PDP is not able to present a presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu in 2027.

“However, with the growing coalition, that mandate has been adjusted recently. The new agenda is to revive the PDP to stand as a counterforce to the coalition and present a candidate that would split the vote in 2027.

“This PDP Governors’ Forum is wittingly or unwittingly playing Asiwaju’s spoiler game, and it expects Nigerians to take it seriously.”

Lukman further stated that the survival of Nigeria and the future of democracy largely depend on how political actors seek to reverse this ugly reality, and that the coalition leaders were working hard to finalise negotiations to unveil the coalition, its structure, and programme of action for rescuing Nigeria.

Lukman added that Nigeria was in dire need of rescue.

“The future of our republic depends on the courage and clarity of its opposition leaders and institutions. We call on all true democrats across the political spectrum to set aside ego, ambition, and party barriers and commit to building a coalition for national salvation,” the former APC national vice chairman added.

CPC Bloc Pledges Loyalty, Commitment to APC, Tinubu

Over 20 leaders and members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which merged with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 election, have reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to the ruling party and expressed strong solidarity with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

They said recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded, stressing that they remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.

The CPC bloc made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by prominent leaders, including former Nasarawa and Katsina state governors Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and former education minister Adamu Adamu.

“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.

“As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.

“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable,” they said

With the rising uncertainties due to the ongoing tariff wars, Nigeria and other emerging economies who are reliant on commodity exports are likely to experience budgetary pressures, the president of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga has cautioned.

Speaking during a virtual briefing ahead of the 2025 World Bank/ International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings, Ajay noted that the budgetary challenges may arise as global trade tensions escalate and economic growth slows.

The World Bank president warned that ongoing trade wars between major economies are injecting uncertainty into global markets, with uneven effects expected across developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In response to question on growth projections for emerging economies in Sub-Saharan Africa particularly in Nigeria due to the ongoing trade wars, he said: “Definitely there’s uncertainty and vulnerability; you will get reductions in global growth.

“I think the impact on different countries will be different. It’s a little difficult to predict exactly where that will go, country by country right now, because, for example, if you’re exposed to commodity exports, and if the prices of commodities come down because of a reduction in global growth, then you will have a challenge with the budget of that country.

“On the other hand, if you’re a smaller emerging market or a market that isn’t as well integrated into the system, or your domestic consumption is a higher percentage of your of your GDP than your exports, and therefore different balance of growth in your country, then it’s a different impact.

“We’re kind of going to have to work our way through that over the coming weeks, depending on how this uncertainty plays out, but overall, for the global economy, certainly uncertainty will lead to a slower growth than it was a few months ago.”

He also noted that uncertainty and volatility are contributing to a more cautious economic and business environment.

“I think that’s going to affect our governments and businesses make their investment decisions right now.

“Developing economies are playing a far more central role in global trade than they did, say, two decades ago. And in that time, global trade has nearly quadrupled in nominal terms, and that share of the developing countries in that trade has nearly doubled from what a fifth to almost two fifths. And again, half of the exports now go to other developing countries. Time back in 2000, that was just one quarter. I think this shift brings both an opportunity and exposure.

“Countries with export led growth models, particularly those reliant on commodities or manufactured goods, they’re much more vulnerable to disruption, but they also have policy levers to help manage the uncertainty and position themselves for a longer term resilience,” he said

The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maraban Rido, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have cried out to Nigerians for help amid the country’s hardships.

The IDP Camp Commander, Maraban Rido, Comrade Sule Adams, who spoke to journalists on Wednesday on the challenges of the IDPs, said that life is becoming unbearable for them.

According to Adams, most displaced persons cannot afford the necessities of life like food and clothing.

He appealed to Nigerians to assist the IDPs with food and educational materials, which he said would greatly improve their lives.

He, however, explained that the IDPs are currently observing the Lenten fast, urging Nigerians to show them love despite their difficult conditions.

“Many of them were displaced from their homes in Chikun Local Government Area due to persistent attacks by bandits and kidnappers and are now struggling to survive in new communities”.

One of the displaced persons, who identified herself as Mrs Grace, called on the government to intensify efforts to tackle banditry so she and her children can return to their village and continue farming.

“Life in the city is too expensive. We want to return home”.

Also, the District Head of Maraban Rido, Mallam Auta Alkali, praised the efforts of corporate organisations and civil society groups to support banditry victims.

He also thanked the Kaduna State Government for its continued assistance to the IDPs and urged them to do more.

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has invited Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the state’s sole administrator, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session on Thursday.

House leader and chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, said the engagement is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in discharging its oversight responsibilities in the public interest.

LEADERSHIP reports that Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday inaugurated a 21-member Ad-hoc Committee to oversee the emergency rule in Rivers State that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly and the appointment of Ibas as sole administrator.

According to the House spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, the panel held its inaugural meeting at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday when it resolved to invite the sole administrator.

“The Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, constituted by the House of Representatives following the resolution of the National Assembly approving the presidential proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, held its inaugural meeting today (Wednesday) at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

“The meeting, which followed the formal inauguration of the committee by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, provided a platform for members to deliberate on preliminary reports and developments emerging from Rivers State since the sole administrator assumed office.

“Pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session.

Opposition leader and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday night, reacted to the semifinal victory of English club Arsenal over Spanish side Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), saying it symbolised the essence of unity for the Opposition in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

LEADERSHIP reports that the Gunners were through to the semifinals of the UCL after beating trophy holders Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in their quarterfinal match to advance to the semifinals on Wednesday night.

Atiku, reacting to the outcome of the derby shortly after, took to his social media handles with a cryptic post emphasising the need for a coalition to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by President Bola Tinubu.

The former Vice President wrote: “Arsenal just taught us a lesson in consolidating our strengths in a coalition vehicle. Victory is assured when we stand united ?.”

LEADERSHIP recalls that the governors elected on the platform of Atiku’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had on Tuesday rejected any possible merger or coalition arrangement with any group or political parties for the purpose of contesting the presidency in 2027 general election

Arsenal are through to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), beating holders Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in their quarterfinal match to advance on Wednesday night.

The Gunners were too much for Real Madrid, as they secured a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in their second match on Wednesday to reach the semifinals with a 5-1 aggregate win.

Wednesday’s quarterfinal burst into action after a pair of first-half penalty decisions. Bukayo Saka’s penalty was easily saved by Thibaut Courtois, while Madrid’s renewed optimism was dented minutes later after a penalty call of their own was overturned by the referee after a long VAR review.

Arsenal stymied Madrid’s attack in the second half before Saka made amends for his penalty miss with the game’s first goal. But a mistake by William Saliba immediately after led to Vinicius Junior scoring for the reigning European champions.

Gabriel Martinelli scored in injury time to cap off a memorable night for Arsenal and set up a date with Paris Saint-Germain in the team’s first semifinal appearance s

ince 2009.

A one-time Senator representing Kaduna Central, Comrade Shehu Sani, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), dismissing claims that his selection was an ethnic favouritism towards the Yorubas by President Bola Tinubu.

LEADERSHIP reports that Ojulari hails from Kwara State in North-Central geo-political zone of Nigeria.

In a post on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday evening, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain described the criticism as “unfortunate” and called on Nigerians to focus on the potential of the appointment for Northern Nigeria rather than its ethnic implications.

“Those who think that the new CEO of NNPCL, Bayo, is another Yoruba appointment despite the fact that he is from Kwara State in the geographical north of the country is unfortunate,” the former federal lawmaker said.

He emphasised that ‘antagonising Ojulari makes no sense’, adding that his appointment should be seen as an opportunity to re-activate oil exploration in Northern Nigeria.

“This should rather be another opportunity to appreciate his appointment and demand that he reactivate the oil exploration activities in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Borno, Bauchi, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kebbi states,” he wrote.

Senator Shehu Sani also took a swipe at those stoking ethnic division, urging them to let go of narrow sentiments. “Ethnic jingoists should go and rest,” he stated bluntly.

LEADERSHIP recalls that on April 2, 2025, President Tinubu dissolved the board of NNPC Limited and appointed Bayo Ojulari as the new group chief executive officer of the oil company. Ahmadu Musa Kida was appointed the new non-executive chairman, replacing Chief Pius Akinyelure. This, however, sparked arguments in the country with some critics accusing the president of being bias in his appointment

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate return of President Bola Tinubu to Nigeria.

Atiku, in a statement on Wednesday, said Tinubu’s trip to France is grossly unjustified and an insult to Nigerians.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) added that President Tinubu has abandoned the country at a time when Nigerians are battling poverty, insecurity, and despair.

He described Tinubu’s absence in the country at a time attacks are being recorded in Plateau and Borno States as a dereliction of duty.

Naija News reports that Atiku submitted that there is nothing Tinubu is doing in France that can’t be done anywhere in Nigeria.

“On April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flew out to France. Had this absurd announcement come just a day earlier, Nigerians would have dismissed it as an April Fool’s joke. But sadly, it’s no prank — just another insult to a nation pushed to the brink by a presidency that treats its citizens like fools.

“The official excuse? A so-called “working visit.” But Nigerians aren’t buying the spin. The presidency scrambled to clarify that it wasn’t a medical trip — how noble. But even if it’s not medical tourism, what justification is there for gallivanting across Europe while Nigeria bleeds? What kind of leader borrows billions only to blow scarce funds on vanity trips abroad? It’s not just irresponsible— it’s contemptuous.

“Let the facts speak for themselves. By the time Tinubu struts back from this latest escapade, he will have racked up a staggering 59 days in France since assuming office. “See Paris and die?” No — see Paris and abandon your country.

“While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks. Benue is bleeding. Boko Haram is seizing territory. And every single day, Nigerians sink deeper into poverty, insecurity, and despair.

“This isn’t just negligence. It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale.

“If Tinubu had even a shred of empathy, he would cut his trip short and return immediately. A leader with an ounce of patriotism wouldn’t need to be begged to show up in times of crisis. The constitution says the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government. But under Tinubu, that sacred duty has been trashed.

“Let’s be honest: there is absolutely nothing Tinubu is doing in France that he couldn’t do in Lagos, or even in Iragbiji. This so-called “working visit” is nothing more than a vacation cloaked in official jargon.

“Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency. Not a contrived political emergency like what Tinubu declared in Rivers for partisan gain — this is a national collapse. So when, exactly, will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous presidency? Atiku asked in the statement signed by his media aide, Paul Ibe