Nigeria woke up to a mix of economic tension, political drama, legal controversy, traditional disputes, and sports headlines as several major stories unfolded across the country and beyond.
In the downstream petroleum sector, competition has intensified as fuel retailers slashed petrol pump prices below Dangote Refinery’s ₦739 per litre benchmark. Filling stations operated by marketers such as NIPCO, SAO and Akiavic were seen selling below the refinery’s price in a bid to attract customers, deepening what industry watchers now describe as a full-blown price war driven by shrinking margins and mounting losses.
Political tension also continued to simmer in Rivers State, where the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ended his tour of local government areas. This development came as the Rivers State House of Assembly alleged that moves were underway to secure a court order aimed at stalling the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The lawmakers insist the impeachment notices remain active, signalling another escalation in the long-running political crisis in the state.
In Lagos, legal representatives of celebrated writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have written formally to a private hospital over the death of her 21-month-old son. The letter reportedly alleges breaches of medical duty and demands full disclosure of records. In response, the Lagos State Government confirmed that a doctor involved in the case has been suspended, as investigations into the tragic incident continue.
Traditional institutions were also in the spotlight after the Awujale ruling house rejected a protest letter written by Fuji music star King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1. The ruling house described the claims in the letter as unfounded, insisting that the chieftaincy selection process followed due tradition and established declarations.
On the sports front, controversy trailed Algeria’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after a post-match brawl involving Luca Zidane, son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane. Luca’s involvement in the fracas following Algeria’s defeat to Nigeria sparked criticism online, with fans and analysts debating his conduct after the final whistle.
From fuel prices to politics, law, culture, and football, the stories underline a morning filled with developments shaping public conversation across Nigeria and beyond.
