Alaowei Cleric Ebikonbowei, a prominent human rights activist and legal practitioner, has voiced deep concerns over the environmental degradation affecting Eseimogbene and Ayakoromo communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. These Niger Delta communities, like many others in the region, have suffered extensive damage due to the unchecked activities of oil exploration, leaving the residents grappling with the devastating consequences. As the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC), Ebikonbowei has been a strong advocate for the protection of the environment and the rights of those impacted by oil-related activities in…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
In a bold statement on Saturday, Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, confidently declared that Nigeria is winning the war against terrorism. His declaration came in response to the elimination of the notorious terrorist leader, Sani Wala Burki, by Nigerian military forces in Katsina State. The death of Burki is seen as another victory in the ongoing struggle to restore peace and security to regions long plagued by insurgency and terrorism. Sani Wala Burki, a notorious terrorist leader responsible for numerous attacks and disruptions, was killed by Nigerian troops in Katsina State. Burki’s death represents a…
The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State has issued a stern warning, threatening to boycott the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for September 28. This announcement was made following concerns over unauthorised candidates being associated with the party, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process in the area. Party Officials Raise the Alarm In a statement released in Awka on Friday, the Local Government Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Chidi Chinwuba, alongside the party’s Secretary, Mr. Onyeka Aghadiuno, expressed their dissatisfaction with the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). The party’s…
The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to be cautious of fraudulent individuals and groups posing as legitimate tax collectors. The agency raised the alarm over the growing number of impostors operating in strategic areas of the state, deceiving unsuspecting citizens into paying taxes, levies, and fines to unauthorised persons. Speaking at a news conference held on Friday in Kaduna, the Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Mr Jerry Adams, expressed concern over the illegal activities of these fraudulent tax collectors. According to Adams, the agency had been alerted to the operations of…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made a firm declaration that he will no longer support the political ambitions of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This vow comes amidst a growing political rift between the two, stemming from allegations of dishonesty and betrayal. In a recent interview on Politics Today, aired on Channels Television, Wike publicly voiced his disappointment with Fubara, accusing the governor of fabricating lies about him in a bid to tarnish his reputation. During the interview, Wike expressed deep frustration over claims made by Governor Fubara that Wike had asked him for…
Five rural communities within the Gassol district of Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, have raised their voices against what they describe as the illegal confiscation of their ancestral farmlands by Senator Sanusi Dagash. The affected communities, whose primary livelihood is farming, have expressed their determination to resist the alleged land grab, staging a peaceful protest to show their disapproval and demand intervention from the state’s leadership. On Friday, representatives from the five communities held a peaceful demonstration, marching through the council headquarters to express their displeasure. They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Dagash, stop land grab in our…
The Ijumu chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the letter of suspension issued against Senator Dino Melaye, labelling it as a forgery that holds no legal standing. The local chapter’s leadership expressed firm support for Melaye, condemning the actions of external forces attempting to destabilise the party. In a communiqué released on Friday, the Chairman of the PDP in Ijumu Local Government Area, Hon. Olorunmaiye Olabode, categorically stated that the suspension of Senator Dino Melaye is not only invalid but a deliberate attempt to undermine the senator’s position within the party. The communiqué, made available to news…
Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing claims that he is an outsider or a mole within the party. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Wike addressed speculations that he was distancing himself from the PDP, particularly after accepting a ministerial appointment in the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Bola Tinubu. Wike, who has been a vocal and influential figure in Nigerian politics, made it clear that no governor within the PDP could question his…
In a tragic turn of events, five individuals lost their lives in a horrific road accident involving a commercial bus and a gas tanker on the Ife/Ibadan/Lagos Expressway in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday. The fatal collision caused significant gridlock, leaving travellers stranded on the busy highway for hours. The accident, which took place on September 12, 2024, has since been confirmed by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Kehinde Adeleke, the NSCDC spokesperson, released a statement on Friday detailing the incident and confirming the number of casualties. According to Adeleke, the crash occurred when a gas tanker…
As the Ogun State Local Government elections scheduled for November 16 draw closer, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has given assurances of fairness and equal opportunities for all political parties. This commitment is aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility throughout the election process, ensuring that the people’s will is accurately reflected. Babatunde Osibodu, the Chairman of OGSIEC, made these remarks during a media briefing held in Abeokuta on Friday. During this engagement, Osibodu reiterated the commission’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the state’s local government areas. He emphasised the commission’s…
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Edo State has confirmed the rescue of six passengers and the recovery of two bodies after a tragic accident in which a bus plunged into the Ovia River. The accident, which occurred along the busy Lagos-Port Harcourt route, has sent shockwaves through the community as rescue operations continue, with the chances of finding more survivors looking increasingly slim. Cyril Mathew, the Edo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, shared the details of the incident with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, stating that the rescue mission had been in full swing…
Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Governor of Kano State and seasoned politician, has issued a stern warning about the dangers of godfatherism in the selection of political leaders in Nigeria. Speaking at a recent retreat organised for members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and top management staff of the National Assembly in Abuja, Shekarau expressed concerns over the negative impact that godfatherism has on the nation’s political system. He emphasised that this practice, which allows powerful individuals to hand-pick leaders based on personal interests rather than merit, is responsible for the emergence of incompetent and morally bankrupt politicians. The…
Former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made bold claims regarding accusations from within his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The accusations stem from his involvement with the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration under President Bola Tinubu. Wike, a long-standing member of the PDP, has faced allegations of acting as a mole within his party, and his appointment as a minister in Tinubu’s government has only fuelled these suspicions. However, in a recent public statement, Wike has not only defended his actions but also turned the spotlight on his…
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting gender diversity and recognising the capabilities of women in leadership roles. During a ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, Governor Alia made history by swearing in Barrister Aber Deborah as the first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Benue State. This milestone not only highlights the governor’s confidence in the abilities of Benue women but also marks a significant step towards inclusivity and meritocracy in governance. Governor Alia, in his address, emphasised the critical roles that women play…
As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has made a passionate appeal to Labour Party (LP) supporters to remain vigilant and protect their votes. Speaking at campaign rallies in Benin alongside Olumide Akpata, the LP’s gubernatorial candidate, Otti stressed the importance of ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the election results. Governor Otti, who has firsthand experience with the challenges of securing electoral victories in Nigeria, urged supporters not to let their guard down during the voting and collation processes. He recounted his own experiences in…
In anticipation of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for 21 September 2024, seventeen out of the eighteen participating political parties have committed to a peace accord, aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process. However, the event was marked by controversy as the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi and its candidate Asue Ighodalo, refused to sign the agreement. This decision stems from the arrest and detention of ten PDP members by the police in Abuja, a move the party views as unjust and politically motivated. Speaking to the media, Aziegbemi stated,…
The Kano State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed its participation in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 24. This announcement was made by the state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Abbas, during a press briefing in Kano. The APC is gearing up to mobilise its supporters and field strong candidates across all 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, expressing confidence in securing a favourable outcome. Abdullahi Abbas highlighted the party’s commitment to democratic processes, revealing that preparations were underway to conduct primary elections. These primaries will serve as the platform for…
An Open Letter to President Bola Tinubu by Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland on Call for Urgent Reforms in Nigeria reads in full: “Your Excellency, *I bring you warm greetings from the over 65 million Yoruba people residing in the South-West of Nigeria, including parts of Edo, Delta, Kwara, and Kogi States. “I write this letter not just as a representative of the Yoruba people but also as a concerned citizen among the more than 200 million individuals that make up our great nation. “Nigeria is a land blessed beyond measure, endowed with abundant…
In a harrowing turn of events, gunmen have abducted Japheth Zarma Yakubu, a councillorship aspirant from Kurmin-Kare community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The kidnappers are demanding a hefty ransom of N20 million and two motorcycles for his release. The abduction, which occurred last Thursday while Yakubu was inspecting his farm, has thrown the community into turmoil as his family and loved ones scramble to secure his freedom. A source close to the family revealed to Newsmen that the kidnappers contacted Yakubu’s family using the victim’s phone at around 11:45 am on Sunday. During the call, the…
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State has apprehended five individuals for alleged illegal mining activities. The suspects were arrested in Ibadan on Wednesday, and were found in possession of two trucks loaded with solid minerals suspected to be lithium powder, weighing approximately 60 tonnes. Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, Augustine Padonu, made this announcement while parading the suspects before the media. According to Commandant Padonu, the arrests were made as part of the NSCDC’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s natural resources. He explained that the suspects were intercepted by the NSCDC monitoring team…