Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has said that Nigeria is yet to recover from the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and other leaders during the 1966 military coup. In a social media post on Wednesday, Sani described Bello’s murder and that of others as the “seed of evil” that continues to plague the country. He highlighted Bello’s selfless service to his people and the nation, noting that the former Premier of Northern Nigeria died a materially poor man. “For those of us in Kaduna, where the Late Premier of Northern Nigeria lived, led, and was…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls in 2027, accusing the ruling party of failing to address the nation’s growing insecurity. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, the CUPP expressed outrage over the recent massacre of 40 farmers in Borno State by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on January 12. Adebayo described the incident as a tragic example of the Federal Government’s inability to protect its citizens. “The escalating insecurity across Nigeria, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced due…
The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has expressed deep concerns over the resurgence of terrorism and worsening security challenges in northern Nigeria, alongside the nation’s deteriorating economy. In a statement by its National Vice Chairman for the North-West, Abba Sule Namatazu, the PRP described the insecurity in parts of the north as alarming. Namatazu criticized the Federal Government’s approach to engaging in dialogue with terrorists, stating that such negotiations only embolden violent groups. “Vast tracts of productive farmland across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions remain abandoned, resulting in a severe food crisis nationwide. The PRP believes all stakeholders must collaborate…
Former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bafarawa, who served as the executive governor of Sokoto State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007, made the announcement in a letter addressed to the PDP National Chairman. In the letter, Bafarawa revealed his decision to rededicate himself to a new youth movement with a transformative agenda, emphasizing his commitment to youth empowerment while avoiding potential conflicts of interest. Meanwhile, as political activities heat up ahead of the 2027 elections, InfoStride News reports that Abbas Sani Abbas, a former Commissioner for Rural…
The Kano State Police Command has arraigned Abdussalam Lawan, one of the suspects accused of killing a police officer, Murtala Auwalu, on France Road, Kano, while on duty on January 1, 2025. Lawan appeared before the Magistrate Court in Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano, presided over by Magistrate Haulatu Magaji. He faces charges of conspiracy and murder, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code. However, the suspect denied the allegations. According to the police, Lawan and several accomplices, who are still at large, were directly involved in the officer’s murder. Magistrate Magaji adjourned the case to February 11, 2025, for further advice…
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has sentenced a 23-year-old security guard, David Nanbur, to six months imprisonment for stealing mattresses valued at ₦450,000 from his employer’s house. Nanbur pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of stealing and malicious damage during his arraignment. Presiding over the case, Magistrate M.M. Olagbenro convicted the defendant and sentenced him to six months imprisonment. However, she gave him the option to pay a fine of ₦30,000 to the Oyo State Government. The magistrate also provided an alternative of one month’s community service for the convict. Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Foluke Adedosu, informed the…
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has revealed a significant reduction in tension in the Southeast following the arrest of Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa. General Musa made this disclosure on Tuesday while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to defend the 2025 budget proposal. According to him, the enforcement of Operation Udoka by the Defence Headquarters, along with Ekpa’s arrest, has led to the gradual fading of the sit-at-home directive in the region. “With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension. Also, with Operation Udoka, we’re picking up most of…
The Nigerian Senate and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on Tuesday resolved a dispute concerning abandoned projects handled by the construction firm. Following the resolution, the Senate withdrew the warrant of arrest earlier issued against the company’s Managing Director, Peer Lubasch, for failing to appear before its Committee on Works. The Senate had, on December 12, 2024, issued the warrant after Mr. Lubasch repeatedly declined invitations to explain delays and cost escalations in ongoing projects. The resolution followed a motion moved by Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), and co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) and Mpigi…
The National Assembly has stepped down the 2025 budget proposal for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation due to concerns over inadequate funding. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Senator Kenneth Eze, disclosed this in a video shared on X on Tuesday during the ministry’s budget defense. According to Senator Eze, the proposed budget allocation for the ministry is insufficient and amounts to a “national embarrassment.” “The budget is nothing to write home about. It is more like a national embarrassment to give the ministry what is being budgeted for,” he stated. Supporting the decision,…
The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in Kano State, sparking concerns over its potential spread across Nigeria’s northern region. A circular issued by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Columba Teru Vakuru, emphasized the urgency of containing the outbreak and outlined measures to mitigate its spread. “We urge all state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate their surveillance systems immediately. Strict biosecurity measures must be implemented, and public awareness campaigns intensified to curb the spread of the virus,” the circular read. Bird flu affects various bird…
The Joint Committee on Livestock Development of the Senate and House of Representatives has rejected the proposed N11.8 billion budgetary allocation for the takeoff of the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in the 2025 fiscal year. Committee Chairman, Senator Musa Mustapha, noted that while lawmakers understand the challenges associated with establishing a new ministry, they will review the budget with the aim of making necessary adjustments. The Federal Government had allocated N10 billion for capital expenditure and N1.8 billion for overhead costs in the 2025 budget of the ministry, which began operations three months ago. The Minister of…
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbodiyan, has stated that the participation of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in the governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) poses a significant threat to the PDP’s stability. Ologbodiyan claimed that ongoing attempts to align the PDP with the APC could reduce the opposition party to a mere extension of the ruling party. He made these remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday amid the leadership crisis within the PDP. Addressing the issue, he said: “As a member of the…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has officially nominated former Governor Samuel Ortom as a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT). The nomination, which follows the expiration of the tenure of previous BOT members, marks a significant leadership shift within the party in the state. This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor. “In compliance with Sections 32(1)(g) and 32(4) of the PDP Constitution, the nomination was communicated via correspondence from the party secretariat to Chief Ortom, signed by the party Secretary, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh,” the statement read. The…
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure the 2025 national budget aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities. In a statement issued by its Secretary, Peter Ameh, CUPP emphasized the need for resource allocation to maximize impact and drive meaningful progress. “The success of the 2025 budget will depend on the government’s ability to implement its priorities effectively and efficiently,” the statement read. The 2025 budget, valued at ₦49 trillion, has sparked concerns regarding the nation’s capacity to achieve sustainable development. According to CUPP, ₦16 trillion—approximately 32% of the total budget—has been earmarked…
Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested a suspected internet fraudster, identified as Ajayi, for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Salome Enejo, for ritual purposes. The arrest followed an incident on Sunday in Agwan Sarki, Orozo, a boundary area between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the suspect was caught with a fresh human head. Confirming the incident on Monday, the Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ramhan Nansel, revealed that the suspect was rescued from an angry mob attempting to lynch him. “On Sunday evening, police operatives attached to the Karshi Division rescued one…
Governor Uba Sani has called on states facing security challenges to adopt the Kaduna State Model, emphasizing the success of its non-kinetic approach in addressing insecurity. Speaking on Sunday as the Special Guest of Honour at an event organized by the Association of Zamfara State Indigenes Resident in Kaduna, Governor Sani, represented by his Special Adviser on Community Engagement, Malam Mohammed Jalal, highlighted the positive impact of the strategy, particularly in previously volatile areas like Birnin Gwari. He noted that the non-kinetic approach, which focuses on dialogue and community engagement, has contributed to the restoration of peace in Birnin Gwari,…
The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise on Monday expressed displeasure over the refusal of heads of key government agencies to appear for an investigative hearing on the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the management of Nigeria’s borders. The hearing, which was jointly convened by the Committees on Customs and Excise and Interior, sought to examine the modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service (e-Customs) and the role of Webb Fontaine in the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP). The investigation also aimed to address issues related to illegal migration and border security through the adoption of modern…
Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has officially resumed office as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite ongoing controversy surrounding the party’s national leadership. According to Lancelot Obiaku, Publicity Secretary of the PDP Imo State Chapter, Anyanwu marked his resumption by inspecting the party’s national secretariat complex before addressing reporters who had gathered at his office. Obiaku noted that Anyanwu’s arrival was met with applause from party members, staff, and a crowd of supporters present at the complex. However, Anyanwu’s resumption comes in the wake of a contentious legal battle. A Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu had…
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has refuted claims that his criticism of certain federal government policies is politically motivated. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed clarified that his stance is rooted in constructive feedback aimed at national progress. This response comes after remarks by Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, suggesting political undertones in the governor’s comments. The statement noted that Governor Mohammed’s critique of the Tax Reform Bills is informed by his extensive experience as a former Federal Capital Territory…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a 40-foot trailer loaded with 2,217.6 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, in the Kagini area of Kubwa, Abuja. FCT Operation According to Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, the trailer was apprehended at an abandoned fuel station where the illicit consignment was being distributed into six vehicles for onward transportation to northern states. The intelligence-led operation, conducted on Saturday, January 11, 2025, also led to the seizure of the trailer and six vehicles, including a Toyota Van, Camry, Sienna bus, JAC Hilux truck, Corolla,…