Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has fired back at critics who have taken to social media to insult and misinterpret his posts. In a series of defiant remarks, El-Rufai emphasised his indifference towards the negative feedback, stating that the course of events would unfold as destined, regardless of public opinion. El-Rufai, posting on X (formerly Twitter) under the title “POLITICS & PUBLIC SERVICE?”, quoted the famous Latin phrase “veni, vidi, vici” attributed to Julius Caesar, meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered.” This quote sets the tone for his message, underscoring his resilience in the face of criticism. He…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has made startling claims regarding the political dynamics that shaped the emergence of President Bola Tinubu. According to Lamido, former President Muhammadu Buhari never wanted Tinubu to succeed him, nor did he trust his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to take the reins. Instead, Buhari’s preferred successor was ex-Senate President Ahmed Lawan. In a recent interview with *Tribune*, Lamido discussed Buhari’s perceived reluctance to support Tinubu’s presidential bid and how this influenced the political landscape leading up to the 2023 presidential election. Lamido emphasised that Tinubu’s rise to power was largely a result of…
The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) initiative, has expressed strong disapproval over the detention of Muktar Dahiru, a journalist based in Kano and working with Pyramid FM. Dahiru’s arrest has raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, where he was detained for allegedly sharing content deemed offensive by the state government. Reports indicate that Dahiru was arrested by the police on Thursday, 29 August 2024, following a post he made on his Facebook page. The content, which criticised Kano State government officials, including Governor…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a plan to interfere with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the upcoming September 21 governorship election. According to the PDP, the APC is allegedly recruiting fake Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff to manipulate the accreditation process in favour of their candidate. During a press briefing in Benin City on Friday, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, the state chairman of the PDP, detailed these allegations, asserting that the party’s intelligence unit had uncovered the APC’s scheme to deploy youths posing as INEC technical…
The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has expressed strong disapproval over the endorsement of Abdullahi Ganduje as the party’s national chairman by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who also serves as the Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum. The forum accused Governor Sule of prioritising personal interests over the collective good of the North Central region, the APC, and President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the North Central APC Forum, voiced these concerns during a press briefing in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday. He criticised Governor Sule’s recent visit to the APC secretariat in…
Nigerian-American Kelechi Ndukwe has made history as the first Nigerian to command a US Navy warship, marking a significant milestone in the annals of naval achievements. Recently promoted to the esteemed rank of Navy Captain from Commander, Ndukwe’s remarkable journey through the US Navy has been characterised by dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to service over the past two decades. His appointment to this prestigious role reflects his exemplary service and stands as a testament to his trailblazing career. Ndukwe’s naval journey began in 2003, following his completion of a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from…
The British Government has awarded the esteemed Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to 82 Nigerian students for the 2024 academic year, providing a significant opportunity for these scholars to pursue master’s and PhD programmes in the United Kingdom. Such initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering educational development in Nigeria and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. According to a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja, the scholarships were awarded to 32 Nigerians under the Chevening programme, and 50 were granted Commonwealth scholarships. This year’s cohort will study a broad range of disciplines across various UK institutions,…
Between 2021 and 2023, more than 1,425 international students who had gained admission to universities in the United Kingdom were denied entry upon arrival at UK airports. Among those affected were 161 Nigerians, whose visas were revoked at the point of entry, preventing them from starting their courses in the UK. This has raised significant concerns among education stakeholders and immigration experts about the conduct of border authorities and the increasing hurdles faced by foreign students. According to data obtained from the UK Home Office via the Freedom of Information Act, Indian students were the most affected, accounting for 644…
Sylvester Ezeokenwa, factional Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has voiced his confidence that the ongoing internal strife within the party will not undermine the re-election prospects of Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo. In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ezeokenwa addressed concerns regarding the party’s stability and its potential impact on upcoming elections. Ezeokenwa, who assumed the role of APGA chairman in May 2023 following an elective convention in Awka, Anambra State, drew parallels between the current situation and past crises within the party. He pointed out that APGA has faced and overcome similar challenges…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Congress Committee in Kogi State has accepted the withdrawal of Captain Joe Agada from the chairmanship race, marking a significant turn in the political landscape of the state. Agada, who had been one of the leading contenders, announced his withdrawal on Saturday morning, a decision that has sparked varied reactions within the party and beyond. In a statement released by the Head of the Media Committee, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, the PDP acknowledged Agada’s withdrawal and expressed its best wishes for his future endeavours. However, the acceptance of Agada’s decision was not without a pointed…
Severe flooding has wreaked havoc in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, displacing more than 3,633 people across five communities. The devastating floods, which occurred on 25th August, have left families scrambling for shelter and struggling to rebuild their lives amidst significant loss and damage. Imam Garki, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Northwest Zonal Coordinator, highlighted the extent of the destruction in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna. According to Garki, the affected communities include Fadan Tsoho, Zonzon, Zangon Kataf, Unguwan Wakili, and Zonkwa, where many homes were submerged and…
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, three students from Faudiya School in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, were killed by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents. The attack, which took place at around 3 a.m. on Friday, targeted the school operated by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). This violent act has raised serious concerns about the ongoing security challenges in the region and the safety of educational institutions. According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen stormed the school premises under the cover of darkness, catching the students off guard as they slept. The attackers dragged…
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified the status of a legal dispute involving the party’s state chairman, Emeka Beke, and two other officials. The case, initiated by Omiete Efrebo and nine others, had sought to restrain Beke and his team from acting as party executives. However, the interim injunction that was granted has since been vacated by the same judge who issued it, clearing Beke and his colleagues of the suspension and allowing them to continue their roles within the party. The legal tussle began on April 12, 2023, when Efrebo and his group…
The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has confirmed eight nominees for the positions of Chairman and members of the Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). This decision follows a formal request from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who urged the Assembly to review and approve the nominees to strengthen the Bureau’s capacity in managing public procurement processes. The confirmation took place during a session on Friday, where Speaker Oko-Jumbo presented the nominees on the House floor. The individuals confirmed include Barrister Lawrence Oko-Jaja as Chairman, alongside Dr. Ernest Ibekwe Ekwe, Dr. Mina Ogbanga, Engr.…
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of 32-year-old Oluwaseun Shorinola, who was found dead in an apparent suicide in the Kémta area of Abeokuta. The lifeless body of Shorinola was discovered by his wife, hanging in their home, late on Wednesday night. This incident highlights the growing concerns over mental health and the impacts of economic hardship in Nigeria. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, the incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The police were alerted to the distressing scene when Temitope Oguntade reported to the Kémta Police Division after receiving a…
The Northern Youth Network on Peace, a prominent advocacy group, has strongly criticised former All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Chairman Dr Salihu Lukman over his recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The group has accused Lukman of engaging in divisive politics and acting without the mandate to represent the interests of the Northern region. Speaking on behalf of the group, Adaji Ajibili, the organisation’s spokesperson, expressed deep concern over Lukman’s statements, describing them as baseless and misleading. Ajibili argued that Lukman’s comments not only lack substance but also demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the current political landscape and the…
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has underscored the crucial role of youth empowerment in driving Nigeria’s socio-economic development. He reiterated his commitment to creating an environment where young people can realise their full potential, thus contributing significantly to the progress of the state. Speaking on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony of the Batch B, Stream II, of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu, Abiodun emphasised that empowering the youth is not just a policy but a strategic investment in the future of Ogun State and Nigeria at large. Represented by the Commissioner…
In the lead-up to the Edo State governorship election scheduled for 21 September 2024, Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata has declared his unwavering independence from political benefactors and godfathers. During an interview on Channels Television’s programme “Politics Today,” Akpata emphatically stated that if elected, he would not be influenced or controlled by any external forces other than the will of the people. Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stressed his commitment to serving the people of Edo State without the interference often associated with political sponsorship. “That is one reason why the people of Edo can…
In response to a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating that states conduct Local Government Council elections no later than October 2024, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSAIC) has rescheduled the state’s local government elections to 26th October 2024. This announcement marks a significant adjustment in the electoral timetable, aligning with the court’s directive and ensuring compliance with the new legal framework. Professor Sani Lawan Malumfashi, the chairman of KANSAIC, made the announcement on Friday during a press briefing at his office. He explained that the rescheduled date is part of broader adjustments to the election timetable, which are necessary…
Olumide Onabajo, the Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, has officially announced his candidacy for the Ifo Local Government chairmanship election. His decision to run for office stems from a profound commitment to address the pressing challenges faced by the community and to introduce innovative approaches to local governance that prioritise the welfare of the people. Onabajo has expressed deep concern over the longstanding neglect of Ifo Local Government, which has resulted in a lack of basic amenities and infrastructure. According to him, the area has been deprived of essential services for far too long,…