The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has announced plans to deploy at least 3,150 personnel across the state’s 20 local government areas and wards for the November 16 local government election. State Commandant Remi Ekundayo disclosed this during a send-off ceremony for outgoing Commandant David Ojelabi at the NSCDC Ogun Command Headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday. Ekundayo emphasized that the deployment aims to ensure voter safety and prevent any form of violence during the election. “Our primary goal is to uphold peace and safety during the election,” Ekundayo stated, highlighting the Command’s commitment…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, candidates from 17 political parties have signed a peace accord, pledging a commitment to a peaceful electoral process. The peace accord ceremony, organized by the National Peace Committee, took place in Akure, the state capital. Key candidates who signed the accord include Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Edema of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Bamidele Akingboye of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sola Ebiseni of the Labour Party (LP), and Abass Mimiko of the Zenith Labour…
The Kwara State Police Command has paraded six suspects, including five men and one woman, for alleged involvement in various offenses, including culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy, public disturbance, and mischief. Commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya, addressing journalists during the parade on Thursday, stated that three suspects—Peter Samuel, Jeremiah Tiozinda, and Sunday Agbenke—were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly murdering and decapitating 34-year-old Rafiu Alao on November 4, 2024. The commissioner detailed that the murder took place in the Asunlere community of Oke Oyi, Ilorin, Kwara’s capital. On Monday evening, local residents reported the discovery of a headless body near a stream…
A Jos Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 19-year-old trader to nine months in prison for robbing an elderly woman in her home. Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos issued the sentence on Friday after the accused pleaded guilty to the charge. Bokkos offered the convict an option of a N20,000 fine in lieu of six months imprisonment. Additionally, the magistrate ordered the convict to pay N30,000 in damages to the victim or serve an additional three months in prison if unable to pay. Prosecutor Insp. Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that the case was reported on August 23 at the Laranto Police Station…
A newborn baby was discovered abandoned in a deep gutter on Umuwaya Road, opposite Abam Street, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Thursday. The identity of the person responsible remains unknown. By Thursday evening, it was unclear whether the infant was still alive. A crowd quickly gathered at the scene, expressing shock and anger at the incident, and condemning the act as cruel and inhumane. Onlookers lamented the situation, suggesting that the mother could have turned to the Abia State government, a church, or a motherless babies’ home instead of discarding the child. Efforts to reach the Abia State…
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigeria to take lessons from the recent U.S. election, where Republican candidate Donald Trump emerged as President-elect, defeating his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris. Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of a credible electoral process. He highlighted the integrity of the process as key to achieving credible outcomes in future Nigerian elections. “The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome,” Atiku stated, underscoring the need for transparency in…
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on Osun indigenes residing in Ondo State to vote en masse for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, in the upcoming Ondo governorship election. During a meeting in Akure with Osun residents, Adeleke emphasized that supporting Ajayi would be a strong show of loyalty and commitment to his administration. He argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in Ondo should be replaced to pave the way for development and prosperity in the state. Adeleke urged voters to consider the ongoing hardships in the country as a reminder of the need…
A coalition of 51 anti-corruption organizations has submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the immediate arrest and prosecution of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The petition, dated November 4, 2024, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, outlines multiple allegations of bribery and financial misappropriation during Ganduje’s tenure as Kano State governor from 2015 to 2023. The former governor is also facing a recent fraud charge filed by the Kano State government. The petition accuses Ganduje of operating a scheme…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in the Ondo State governorship poll scheduled for next Saturday. INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu gave this assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting with all 17 governorship candidates, outlining the commission’s extensive preparations for a transparent process. Yakubu confirmed that INEC would deploy Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for voter accreditation at polling units and to upload results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. Warning staff against any lapses, Yakubu emphasized that negligence would carry consequences. He detailed INEC’s preparations, including voter…
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden has described selecting Kamala Harris as his vice president as “the best decision” he made during his tenure. Biden expressed admiration for Harris, applauding her integrity, courage, and vision in a recent post on X, formerly Twitter. In the post titled “What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire,” Biden said, “She’s been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character.” Biden acknowledged Harris’ recent loss to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who won by a significant margin. Despite the outcome, Biden emphasized that Harris’ campaign…
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ondo State has condemned political figures calling for the redeployment of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, ahead of the November 16 governorship election. Speaking on Thursday, the coalition’s chairman, Comrade Franklin Oloniju, voiced concerns over the actions of some political leaders in the state, describing them as an attempt to undermine the electoral process. “We are particularly worried about the ongoing mobilization against the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state,” Oloniju stated. “It appears this mobilization is intended to pre-empt the election outcome, disrupt the peaceful…
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has requested the Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal to dismiss an appeal filed by former Governor Samuel Ortom. Ortom’s appeal challenges a Benue State High Court decision that dismissed his case against the establishment of an Income and Expenditures Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Alia to investigate the state’s finances from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023. At the hearing on Thursday, counsel for the 1st and 2nd respondents, Matthew Burkaa, argued a preliminary objection, questioning the competence of Ortom’s appeal. Burkaa asserted that the issues in Ortom’s brief were…
Former U.S. President Barack Obama expressed disappointment on Wednesday following the recent presidential election outcome, which saw President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance win the race. In a statement shared on his official X account, Obama acknowledged the democratic process but voiced concerns over key policy differences with the newly elected Republican leadership. “Over the last few weeks and through Election Day, millions of Americans cast their votes – not just for president, but for leaders at every level,” Obama said. “Now the results are in, and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory.”…
The Katsina State Police Command, in collaboration with the Army, State Community Watch Corps, and Vigilantes, successfully foiled simultaneous attacks on three quarters in Jibia Township, rescuing 21 abducted victims. ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, revealing that the coordinated attacks took place on the night of November 7, 2024, at Ka’ida, Unguwar One Boy, and Danmarke quarters in Jibia Local Government Area. At approximately 9:15 pm, suspected armed bandits launched the attacks, but a swift response by the joint security team, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia, repelled…
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has announced plans to reshuffle his cabinet to bring in fresh talent capable of driving the state forward. The governor stated that the move aligns with his commitment to remove underperforming members and replace them with individuals who meet the administration’s performance standards. Speaking on Friday at the Government House after receiving a report from the committee on cabinet member performance, Yusuf said the public would soon witness the next steps in his reorganization efforts. The governor highlighted his administration’s dedication to achieving tangible results and retaining public confidence. He also noted that none of…
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has pledged continued advocacy for the welfare of workers in Rivers State, according to NLC National President Joe Ajaero. Speaking at the NLC National Executive Council meeting in Rivers State on Friday, Ajaero emphasized that the union would not remain silent while workers face hardships. Ajaero assured workers that the NLC would strongly oppose any actions threatening the timely payment of salaries in the state, pledging firm action against any policies that could impact workers’ rights. He also cautioned the judiciary to avoid actions that could jeopardize its integrity, warning that decisions destabilizing the state…
Outgoing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on Friday dissolved his cabinet, just days before the November 12, 2024, swearing-in of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the new governor of Edo State. The dissolution comes five days before the completion of Obaseki’s two terms as governor. The State Executive Council (Exco) for 2020–2024 was dissolved following a valedictory session held at the Government House in Benin City. Deputy Governor Godwin Omobayo moved the motion for dissolution, seconded by Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Osilama Okuofu. During the session, Obaseki commended his cabinet members for…
The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, has apprehended three suspected oil thieves transporting a boat loaded with crude oil valued at N32 million. Captain Uche Aneke, Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, disclosed the arrest while handing over the suspects and seized items to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Akwa Ibom Command on Thursday in Ibaka. Aneke explained that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday at approximately 9:05 a.m. following intelligence reports on suspected crude oil theft activities within the Navy’s operational area. “With the necessary support of FOB Ibaka, the Tantita team…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City, Edo State. The arrests were carried out by EFCC operatives on Tuesday, following actionable intelligence on the suspects’ alleged involvement in internet-related fraud, according to a statement on the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) page. Items recovered from the suspects include 10 exotic cars, laptops, and mobile phones. The EFCC confirmed that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of investigations.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has stated that Nigeria is experiencing a “fundamental and disruptive reset” following the removal of subsidies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Soludo made this remark during the 13th Convocation Lecture at Veritas University in Abuja on Thursday. In his lecture titled “Let Us Make a New Deal for Nigeria,” Soludo addressed the nation’s pressing challenges and emphasized the need to shift from subsidies, which primarily benefited the urban elite, toward a productive social contract that creates opportunities for all Nigerians. He noted that the era of fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity subsidies has ended,…