The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has strongly opposed the recent bill introduced by the Senate seeking to establish a Local Government Election Commission. The party described the proposed legislation as a calculated move to undermine democracy in Nigeria. The bill, titled “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531),” was sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. It has already passed its first reading and aims to create an autonomous body responsible for organising, overseeing, and conducting local government elections across all states for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors.…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that its officers sealed the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt. Earlier reports had suggested that the RSIEC secretariat was sealed following a Federal High Court order halting the local government elections scheduled for October 5. However, the Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, clarified to journalists in Port Harcourt that these reports were false. She explained that police officers were stationed at the RSIEC office purely for security reasons amid the ongoing October 1 nationwide protests in the state capital. “The police presence at…
A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, Alhaji Isa Rabiu, has called on former governor Nasir El-Rufai to exercise patience and allow a thorough investigation into his eight-year administration in the state. Rabiu made the statement in an interview with Newsmen on Wednesday in Kaduna, responding to El-Rufai’s recent claims of innocence regarding allegations of corruption during his tenure. El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023, had declared that he did not embezzle public funds and expressed his readiness to swear on the Holy Quran to affirm his integrity. In response,…
Residents of Karaworo Street in Lokoja, Kogi State, were left in shock on Wednesday morning after a day-old baby boy was discovered abandoned in a drainage near the Kutepa Juma’at Mosque. An eyewitness, Talatu Ibrahim, a 45-year-old resident, found the baby after hearing his cries. Speaking to Newsmen, Ibrahim recounted the moment she discovered the infant in the gutter beside her window. “I heard the cry of a baby around 5 a.m. this morning. When I ran outside, I found a newly born baby boy dumped in the gutter beside my window,” she explained. Ibrahim immediately raised an alarm, drawing…
Ogun State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the killing of a fisherman, Segun Sikiru, whose body was found dumped in a lagoon in Iwopin, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area. The suspects, all members of the local community, have been identified as Saheed Mureni, Afeez Mureni, Saheed Taidi, Thompson Samuel, and Ogoji Olorunwa. According to reports, Sikiru and his two sons had gone out fishing when they noticed suspicious activity around their fish trap. The suspects were allegedly caught stealing from the trap, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence. The Ogun State Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola,…
The Yola Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of displaying insensitivity by failing to implement long-standing agreements reached with the union over several years. The zone, which comprises six university branches, expressed frustration over the government’s consistent reneging on commitments aimed at addressing the challenges in public universities. In a statement issued on Wednesday by Dani Mamman, the ASUU Yola Zonal Chairman, the union urged the government to uphold the terms of the 2022 agreement, which led to the suspension of a prolonged strike that year. The ASUU Yola Zone includes branches…
The leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), Simon Ekpa, has issued a stern warning against the misrepresentation of the Biafra struggle. Ekpa, who claims to be the Prime Minister of BRGIE, raised concerns over an alleged plan to settle refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Imo State. In a statement shared via his official X account, Ekpa addressed a recent viral video that purportedly claimed the government was planning to resettle refugees, IDPs, and migrants at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centre in Nsu, Ehime Mbano. Ekpa condemned the alleged plan and…
The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has revealed that he will not contest any election in 2027, stating that it was a directive from God. Ortom made this statement on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) G-14 group in Makurdi. The G-14 group consists of PDP elders from the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas of Benue State. During the meeting, Ortom emphasised that he has no choice but to honour God’s instruction. The former governor candidly admitted that his failure to consult God before participating in the 2023 elections was…
In his national broadcast marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary on October 1, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged the struggles Nigerians face due to rising living costs and employment challenges but assured citizens that his administration is working towards sustainable solutions. He called for patience, stating that the reforms implemented are beginning to yield positive results. President Tinubu reflected on the progress made since Nigeria gained independence 64 years ago, praising the country’s intellectual capacity and industry. He highlighted Nigeria’s resilience through crises, including the civil war, and emphasised the importance of unity and managing the country’s diversity. On security,…
The Lagos State Government has impounded 241 vehicles during a recent enforcement exercise conducted by the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS). The operation aimed to clamp down on unlicensed vehicles and violations of the state’s transportation regulations. The enforcement action was announced via a post on the official X handle of the Lagos State Government on Tuesday, October 1. The post stated: “In accordance with Sections 15 and 16 of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018, the Lagos State Government has impounded 241 vehicles during a recent enforcement exercise conducted by the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS). The vehicles…
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has called on Nigerians to offer their support, cooperation, and prayers for the country’s leadership as the nation continues to face significant challenges. The Governor made the appeal in a statement issued by his Director-General of Press and Media, Mamman Mohammed, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary. Governor Buni highlighted the need for sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment to help Nigeria regain its former glory, noting that the country has endured a prolonged period of decline in various sectors. “The decay suffered by the country over a long period calls for sacrifice, perseverance, and…
As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence anniversary, the Allied Conservative Congress (ACC) has called for a period of deep reflection and soul-searching. The party noted that, despite enduring numerous challenges, including political instability, economic stagnation, socio-religious tension, and insecurity, the country has remained united by divine mercy. In a statement signed by Rev. Olusegun Peters, the National Chairman of the ACC, the party acknowledged the current difficulties faced by the nation but expressed hope for a brighter future. It emphasised that today’s hardships would eventually become a testimony of God’s faithfulness in the days ahead. Rev. Peters urged Nigerians to…
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has voiced concerns over the dwindling enthusiasm for Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, once a symbol of national pride and unity. The coalition attributed the lacklustre mood to the harsh economic realities many Nigerians are currently facing. In a statement signed by its national secretary, Peter Ameh, the CUPP noted that this year’s celebration marks another moment overshadowed by the struggles for survival. The coalition highlighted that many citizens are now indifferent to the day, which once inspired patriotic fervour. According to the CUPP, “The 64th anniversary serves as a stark reminder of unfulfilled…
An Ikeja High Court on Monday discharged and acquitted Ibrahim Yusuf, a 29-year-old man accused of killing a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer, Mr Olatunde Awotola. Justice Oyindamola Ogala, in her ruling, stated that the prosecution had failed to prove the two charges of involuntary manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm against Yusuf. The court held that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to support the charges. The judge noted the absence of key evidence, including a lack of documentary proof from the sole prosecution witness and no record that the incident had been reported to…
The newly sworn-in Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has pledged that obedience to court orders will be non-negotiable under her leadership. Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year and the inauguration of 87 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasised that no individual or institution, regardless of their status, will be allowed to undermine the authority of the judiciary. She made it clear that the judiciary remains steadfast in upholding the sanctity of court judgments in accordance with the rule of law, warning that disobedience to court…
As Nigeria approaches its 64th Independence Day celebration, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called on citizens not to lose hope despite the country’s numerous challenges, including broken promises, exploitation, and pervasive corruption. NLC President Joe Ajaero made the appeal in a statement on Monday, where he commended Nigerian workers for their resilience and sacrifice, despite what he described as betrayal by the nation’s political leaders. “We urge the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of these broken promises, exploitation, and corruption to not give up hope on their country,” Ajaero said. His message comes ahead of Nigeria’s…
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has granted pardons to two inmates in honour of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration. The pardon was in exercise of the governor’s constitutional powers. In a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, it was confirmed that the two beneficiaries were inmates at the Yola Old Medium Security Custodial Centre and the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Jada, respectively. The inmates, Chai Yerima and Mohammed Bapeto, were pardoned based on the recommendation of the Adamawa State Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, in line with Section 212 (1)(d) of…
As Nigeria approaches its Independence Day on Tuesday, October 1, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has expressed support for the planned nationwide protests, emphasising that the demonstration is within the rights of Nigerian citizens. The protests, led by Nigerian youths, are in response to rising hunger and the economic challenges facing the country. In a statement issued by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, on behalf of its leader, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, Afenifere affirmed the constitutional right of citizens to protest peacefully. “It is the right of the people to do so,” the statement read. However, Afenifere…
The Oyo State Police Command has urged parents and guardians to prevent their children from being used to instigate unrest during the state’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The warning was issued in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso. The statement highlighted the comprehensive security measures that have been put in place to ensure a peaceful celebration, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Sonubi Ayodele. It also cautioned against any attempts to disrupt the peace in the state. “As residents of Oyo State join the rest of the nation in celebrating her 64th Independence Anniversary,…
The ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) in Cross River State has taken another hit as Brian Odey, the lawmaker representing Yala State Constituency 1 in the House of Assembly, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection is seen as a significant blow to the already embattled party. Over the weekend, Odey, along with several other defectors, was formally received into the APC at a grand event hosted by the party leadership. The defection ceremony took place in Yahe Ward, Yala Local Government Area (LGA), where Odey officially joined the state’s ruling party. The leadership crisis…