United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the next few days will reveal how serious Russian President Vladimir Putin is about achieving peace in Ukraine. Rubio’s remarks come as U.S. officials travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian representatives. Meanwhile, the U.S. diplomat downplayed European concerns over being excluded from the initial negotiations, emphasizing that formal peace talks had yet to begin. Reports earlier on Sunday indicated that U.S. officials had provided European leaders with a questionnaire, inquiring about potential troop contributions for enforcing a peace agreement. However, no European allies were invited to Saudi Arabia,…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called for a public audit and full accountability of funds accrued to the Taraba State Government. In a statement on Sunday, the party’s Caretaker Committee Chairman in the state, Idris Tantano, lamented the continued suffering of Taraba residents due to inadequate infrastructure, poor healthcare, and limited economic opportunities. Tantano accused the current administration of mismanaging state resources, alleging that billions of naira were spent on luxury vehicles for the elite instead of attracting investors and creating jobs. “The procurement of JAC Jeeps presented a perfect opportunity for the state to negotiate with investors to…
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has announced the re-commencement of its membership registration and revalidation exercise. In a press release issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ejimofor Opara, APGA stated that the exercise, which began on June 1, 2024, aims to strengthen its grassroots structure and update membership records. “Old and new members are encouraged to participate in this exercise by visiting their respective wards to collect membership forms from their ward chairman,” the statement read. The party also provided an online registration option but clarified that those who had previously registered via the online platform do…
The Kano State Government has strongly condemned a recent statement by Alhaji Usman Alhaji, leader of the APC Patriotic Volunteers, announcing plans to establish a shadow government in the state. Describing the move as illegal and unconstitutional, the government warned that such actions could have serious social and legal consequences for Kano State and Nigeria’s democratic system. In a statement issued on Saturday, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, reminded the APC that Nigeria operates a presidential system, which does not recognize shadow governments, unlike the parliamentary model in the United Kingdom. “The idea…
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declared that he is prepared to remain in detention indefinitely until his case is handled by a proper and impartial judge. In an open letter personally signed by him, Kanu alleged that both the executive and judiciary have conspired to deny him justice since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021. He accused the Federal Government of shielding his case from judges willing to deliver fair rulings, stating that he would not submit to a trial that he believes is predetermined. Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected a United States proposal to take ownership of 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth mineral rights in exchange for past military assistance. The offer was reportedly made by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, following remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that the U.S. was owed half a trillion dollars’ worth of Ukraine’s resources. According to the Financial Times, Zelenskyy is seeking U.S. and European security guarantees to be directly linked to any agreement on Ukraine’s mineral reserves. He also wants EU nations and other allies to…
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has received 22 high-profile defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a zonal rally in Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna. The defectors include serving and former federal legislators, lawmakers from the Kaduna State House of Assembly, former council chairmen, state party chairmen, and opposition party flagbearers. Speaking at the event, Governor Sani declared that the APC is making inroads into Southern Kaduna, a traditional stronghold of the PDP, attributing the shift to his administration’s commitment to justice and fairness. “APC is taking over Southern…
The leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Jigawa State and its 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, has criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for exacerbating economic and social challenges in the state and across the country. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Hadejia, Jigawa State, Ringim condemned several policies of the state government, arguing that they fail to address the needs of ordinary citizens. He specifically criticized the recently launched citizens’ engagement programme by the Jigawa State Government, claiming it does not offer an effective platform for public participation. “A common man should be…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Northwest has reiterated its determination to reclaim power in the 2027 elections, emphasizing unity and strategic leadership. In a communiqué issued at the end of a high-level strategic meeting, PDP Northwest Chairman, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, underscored the party’s resolve to reposition itself for national leadership. “The PDP of the Northwest zone should take its rightful position in the nation by providing quality leadership,” the communiqué stated. The party also called for the swift resolution of internal conflicts at the national level, asserting that Nigerians are looking to the PDP for direction and governance. Despite…
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has established an emergency security committee to tackle security challenges in the state. The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, will work closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property. Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Governor Yusuf stated that members were selected based on merit and expressed confidence in their ability to enhance security and promote peace across the state. He identified youth idleness and loitering as major contributors to insecurity and reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering young…
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has approved the appointment of 12 new Permanent Secretaries to strengthen the administrative capacity of the government for improved service delivery. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, announced the appointments in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Suleiman Ahmad Tudu, and made available to journalists in Gusau. According to the statement, the appointment process was conducted through due process and coordinated by the Office of the Head of the State Civil Service. The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are: Muhammad Salihu Sani Abubakar Hassan Shehu Usman…
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of using state power to suppress opposition, following the Court of Appeal’s ruling reinstating local government chairmen sacked by his administration. In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, warned Adeleke against actions that could trigger political unrest in the state. The APC insisted that the court’s ruling was binding and must be respected by all parties, including the state government. “The earlier Governor Adeleke realizes that Osun State is governed by law and not as an extension…
The Director of Finance, Hadejia Jama’are River Basin, Alhaji Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has dismissed the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) as lacking the political influence to hinder President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in northern Nigeria come 2027. Illiyasu Kwankwaso, a staunch supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, backed the position that the North should wait until 2031 to reclaim power. He accused the ACF of being politically irrelevant, questioning its ability to speak for the region. “Most of you in this forum were in power for decades, but what did you do for the…
The Strengthening of Democracy in Nigeria Project has urged the decentralization of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance efficiency in electoral processes. Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the group’s Advocacy Lead, Ezenwa Nwagwu, also called on the National Assembly to prioritize electoral laws that promote inclusivity, such as diaspora voting. Nwagwu assured that civil society organizations (CSOs) would intensify advocacy for electoral reforms, ensuring judicial impartiality in electoral disputes and INEC’s independence and transparency in managing elections. He lamented the persistence of electoral malpractice, weak governance structures, political party inefficiencies, and growing public distrust…
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced one Eze Kingsley to death by hanging for the murder of Wagbara David. Kingsley was found guilty of committing the crime on December 7, 2018, at No. 4, Rumumasi Community along the East-West Road, Port Harcourt. The convict, who was on trial for three counts of murder and infliction of grievous bodily harm, was reported to have stabbed David with a sharp object, leading to his death. A doctor at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) later confirmed David’s demise. Reports indicate that an argument…
Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has stated that his client is not avoiding trial but will challenge any court that fails to uphold the rule of law. Ejimakor made this known in a statement following a routine meeting between Kanu and his legal team at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja. He emphasized that Kanu would no longer tolerate institutional bias against him in court proceedings. “During our visitation today, ONYENDU Mazi Nnamdi Kanu instructed us to convey to the civilised world his resolve to take his…
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed Russia’s readiness to collaborate with international partners to help restore stability in Sudan. Lavrov made this known on Wednesday during a meeting with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf Al-Sharif, where he reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at normalizing the situation in the war-torn country. “As true friends, we are deeply concerned about the dramatic events unfolding in Sudan,” Lavrov said. “We are ready to join other external players in supporting efforts to normalise the situation.” He also noted that the full resumption of bilateral cooperation between Russia and Sudan would depend…
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdulmajid Dan Bilki Commander, has expressed deep regret over his decision to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general election, citing the administration’s failure to meet Nigerians’ expectations. Speaking in a telephone interview with Daily Trust, Commander lamented that Tinubu’s leadership has disappointed many who voted for him. “In my entire life, I have never regretted an action as much as I regret campaigning for President Tinubu,” he stated. He acknowledged that while he remains an active APC member, he can no longer ignore the hardships Nigerians are…
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Yunusa Hudu Ari, the dismissed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa State, over his recent comments on the 2023 governorship election. In a press briefing held in Yola, IPAC Chairman in Adamawa State, Bello Babajo, condemned Ari’s statements, describing them as a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s judiciary and democratic processes. He accused the former REC of making “deliberate and misleading” remarks and called for decisive action against individuals seeking to destabilize the electoral system. Ari, in a widely…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended the Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Adolphus Wabara. Wabara’s suspension was carried out by the Abia State Working Committee (SWC) of the party during a meeting presided over by the State Chairman, Abraham Amah. Confirming the development, Amah told Newsmen that Wabara had indeed been suspended, promising to release further details in due course. “Yes, it is true. He has been suspended,” Amah stated. Political Power Struggle in PDP Wabara’s suspension is widely believed to be linked to the ongoing power tussle between loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital…