The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has officially passed a bill aimed at prohibiting the stigmatization and discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The bill also seeks to regulate the practice of HIV counselling and testing across the state. This landmark decision followed the presentation of a detailed report by the House Committee on Health, which highlighted the importance of safeguarding the constitutional rights of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. According to the committee, the bill will play a crucial role in enhancing early detection of the virus and in reinforcing government-led public health awareness initiatives. The Speaker of the…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
The Lagos State Government has sealed the Celestial Church of Christ, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and seven other companies and hotels in Ikeja, Mushin, Gbagada, and Maryland areas for violating environmental regulations. The crackdown was confirmed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday. Wahab noted that the enforcement, led by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), was part of efforts to tackle noise pollution and other environmental infractions across the state. The sealed establishments include Vital Products Limited, A & P Nigeria Limited, Polite…
Police in Anambra State have arrested a man accused of supplying food and gunpowder to armed criminal groups operating in various forested areas of the state. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended while transporting three bags of cassava flakes, locally known as garri, with gunpowder concealed within. The arrest took place in Nanka, Aguata Local Government Area. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in a press release, stating that the suspect was intercepted by a joint police-led security force during a routine patrol in the Pillar Pole area on September 22, 2024.…
A 19-year-old, Julius Francis, was arraigned before a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for allegedly stealing cables valued at N475,000. The defendant, a resident of Barnawa, Kaduna, faced a one-count charge of theft. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Chidi Leo, the alleged offence took place on September 21 at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna. Leo stated that the defendant was accused of stealing 150 metres of 1.5mm cables belonging to Williams Investment Ltd. The stolen cables were valued at N475,000. The prosecutor further explained that the defendant was apprehended by a security guard before he could escape with the stolen cables…
The newly confirmed Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a stern warning to judicial officers, cautioning that corruption, frivolous ex-parte orders, and interim injunctions will not be tolerated under her leadership. Speaking before the Senate during her confirmation screening at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Kekere-Ekun emphasised her commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of the judiciary. She stated, “Integrity and zero tolerance for corruption are some of the things I’m known for. Under my leadership, the judiciary will not be associated with corruption, nor with the granting of frivolous…
South-South leader and elder statesman, Edwin Clark, has urged the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to resist any attempts by powerful politicians to take control of state judiciaries and local governments. Clark issued this warning in a statement released on Wednesday, raising concerns over what he described as a regrouping of anti-democratic forces within the National Assembly. The leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum cautioned Akpabio to be vigilant against political figures attempting to hijack state assemblies and stifle public debates. He stressed the need for the Senate President to halt any such attempts, noting that…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has expressed that his aspiration was never about gaining power but stemmed from a genuine desire to serve the people of Edo State. Ighodalo made this statement in a heartfelt message of appreciation to the people of the state on Monday, following the election results. In his address, Ighodalo expressed deep gratitude to the electorate, stressing that his vision was focused on creating prosperity and a brighter future for all residents of Edo. “My good people of Edo State, in all things, we must…
Labour Party (LP) candidate in the Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata, has stated that he has no sympathy for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over their complaints following their defeat in the election. Akpata made this declaration during a press conference held in Benin City on Monday, where he addressed the outcome of the election, in which he placed third with 22,763 votes. In his statement, titled “Unbowed, Unbent, and Unbroken: Statement on the 2024 Edo State Gubernatorial Election Results,” Akpata criticised the PDP for lamenting their loss, accusing them of being complicit in the electoral malpractices they now…
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has vowed to intensify efforts to tackle corruption within Nigeria’s basic education sector. The commission’s Chairman, Musa Aliyu, made this commitment during a three-day capacity-building workshop for officials of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) on Tuesday in Abuja. Represented by the ICPC Director of Special Services, Mrs. Grace Agha-Ibe, Aliyu expressed deep concern over the detrimental effects corrupt practices have had on the education system. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to curb corruption, stressing that the basic…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State has announced the formation of a reconciliation committee aimed at resolving internal grievances within the party. In a statement released to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, on Tuesday, the party outlined the committee’s mission to mediate conflicts and strengthen party unity ahead of future political activities. The statement, signed by PDP spokesperson Andeta’rang Iremea, stressed that the reconciliation effort is crucial for addressing issues that have caused divisions among members. “The committee is expected to mediate and find solutions to conflicts within the party, ensuring that all concerns are addressed in…
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Austin Nwachukwu, has condemned the recent local government elections, describing the process as a “murder of democracy.” Nwachukwu accused the State Electoral Commission of being a willing tool in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration under Governor Hope Uzodinma. During a press briefing in Owerri, Nwachukwu expressed his dissatisfaction with the election process, claiming it lacked basic democratic principles. He alleged that the elections were not conducted at designated polling units as required by law, but rather in hotel rooms and offices of Sole Administrators across…
Former Governor of Edo State and current Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has declared that the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki is “politically dead” following the outcome of the recent gubernatorial election in the state. Oshiomhole made this remark during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, while reflecting on the election results. On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Edo State gubernatorial election. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who polled 247,274 votes.…
Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has alleged that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been infiltrated by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun. Melaye made this claim in response to the recently concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State, where the PDP suffered a defeat. In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Melaye expressed concern over the future of the PDP, pointing to the election result as evidence of internal sabotage. “With the destroyer called Damagun on the…
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has revealed the party’s intention to shift focus to Anambra State following its recent victory in Edo State. Ganduje made this known at the APC national secretariat in Abuja after Senator Monday Okpebholo was declared the winner of the Edo gubernatorial election. During his address, Ganduje outlined the party’s strategic plan to challenge the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra next year, with the aim of expanding the APC’s influence in the southeastern region of Nigeria. He stressed that the party is determined to replicate its successful…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its gratitude to the people of Edo State for their support in electing its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as the new governor of the state. The party’s appreciation follows the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, confirming Okpebholo’s victory in the Edo State gubernatorial election. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes to emerge victorious, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. The announcement was made by the Returning Officer, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Kuta revealed…
The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed its views on the recent victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Okpebholo the winner on Sunday. In a statement released on Monday by Mrs Chinyere Kalu, the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, the council hailed the outcome as a victory for democracy, noting that it would further strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process. “The good people of Edo State have spoken with their votes and expressed their confidence in the…
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy, Godwins Omobayo, and the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, all suffered defeats in their respective local government areas during Saturday’s governorship election. The election, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on September 21, 2024, saw the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) making significant inroads, defeating key figures from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Governor Obaseki, who hails from Oredo Local Government Area, lost to the APC, with the opposition party securing 30,780 votes, while the PDP trailed behind with 24,938 votes. Similarly, Dennis Idahosa, the…
In a pointed critique, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has questioned the seriousness of any political aspirants hoping to become Nigeria’s president in 2027 without addressing the perceived issues within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Amadi’s comments came in the wake of the INEC’s announcement declaring Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Edo State governorship election. The result has sparked controversy, with opposition parties expressing concerns over the integrity of the election process. Taking to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Amadi expressed…
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has congratulated Monday Okpebholo on his victory as the Edo State Governor-elect following the recent gubernatorial election. In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje described Okpebholo’s win as well-deserved, noting that it reflected the trust and confidence the people of Edo State had in the progressive agenda of the APC-led administration under President Bola Tinubu. “The triumph of Monday Okpebholo is a testament to the confidence the good people of Edo have in the progressive vision and leadership of the…
The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has strongly criticised the outcome of the Edo State governorship election, expressing deep concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy. His reaction follows the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, which named Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21 election. In a statement issued on Sunday, Fintiri condemned the conduct of the election, describing it as “shameful” and raising doubts about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. “I weep for Nigeria’s democracy after witnessing the shameful Edo Gubernatorial poll,” Fintiri said,…