Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso

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…

A 55-year-old woman, identified simply as Ifeoma, tragically passed away during a church service in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State on Sunday. The incident, which has left the congregation and community in shock, occurred as Ifeoma was sharing a testimony during the service. Her sudden collapse stunned worshippers who were present to witness what was supposed to be a moment of gratitude and celebration. The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident on Wednesday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). According to the police report, Ifeoma had taken to the altar to share her…

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced that the state government is unable to implement the new minimum wage at this time due to the absence of a standardised template from the Federal Government. Governor Oborevwori made this disclosure during a thanksgiving service held in Asaba on Tuesday to honour Mrs Lyna Ocholor, his Principal Secretary, who recently retired from civil service. Mrs Ocholor also served as the Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly, contributing significantly to the legislative process during her tenure. Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori explained that the state government is eager to adopt…

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns over the government’s indifference and insensitivity towards the struggles of Nigerians. In an open letter titled “President Bola Tinubu, Time is Going,” Adams expressed his discontent with the current state of the nation, highlighting the unfulfilled expectations of many who had placed their hopes in Tinubu’s leadership. In his letter, Adams lamented the severe economic hardship that has plagued Nigeria under Tinubu’s government. He criticised the administration for its failure to address key issues such as the soaring…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to complying with court orders affecting candidate lists in the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for 21 September 2024. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made these remarks during a key stakeholders’ meeting held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State. The meeting was convened to review the Commission’s preparations for the election and to address the concerns of various political parties, candidates, and stakeholders involved in the electoral process. Among the attendees were the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in…

Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has confirmed that her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, will not be entering the presidential race in 2027. According to her, Jonathan has already served in the highest political office in Nigeria and has no further political ambitions. This revelation was made during an engagement with the Greater Igbo Forum in Abuja, where the former First Lady addressed various political and social issues. Speaking to the group, Dame Patience Jonathan highlighted her husband’s extensive political journey, noting that he had occupied numerous significant roles in Nigeria’s political landscape, including serving as President, Vice President,…

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial election, set for 21st September 2024, is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Emphasising the importance of credibility, the rights group urged INEC to seize the opportunity to restore public confidence after controversies marred the 2023 general elections. In a statement released by Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, the association stressed that the Edo governorship election is a critical test for INEC, particularly under the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. HURIWA…

As Edo State gears up for the governorship election on 21st September, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reassured stakeholders of its comprehensive preparedness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. This commitment was emphasised by the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin City. Addressing representatives of political parties, candidates, accredited observers, media personnel, and other key stakeholders, Professor Yakubu called for collaboration to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. Professor Yakubu outlined that such stakeholder meetings are a standard procedure convened on the eve of major off-cycle elections.…

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has raised serious concerns regarding the neutrality of the Peace Accord intended to foster a peaceful atmosphere during the upcoming governorship election. He suggested that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might refuse to sign the agreement due to alleged partiality exhibited by the police, whom he accused of favouring the All Progressives Congress (APC) and undermining the democratic process. Governor Obaseki voiced his concerns during a meeting with General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), who visited the Government House in Benin City ahead of the scheduled signing of the Peace…

Police operatives in Bauchi State have arrested five individuals, including a female suspect, for their involvement in the theft and sale of tricycles stolen from Kano State. The arrests were made following a coordinated operation by the State Intelligence Department, which acted on credible information regarding the illicit activities of the suspects. The police have successfully recovered seven stolen tricycles, locally known as “Keke Napep,” that had been sold within Bauchi. In a statement released on Tuesday, SP Ahmed Wakil, the Spokesperson for the Bauchi Police Command, identified the female suspect as Maryam Ibrahim. She is accused of receiving and…

Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has expressed his deepest condolences to the governments and people of Borno and Bauchi States following the recent catastrophic floods that have claimed many lives, destroyed property, and displaced thousands. The floods, which have wreaked havoc across the region, have left communities reeling from the loss of life and destruction of homes and livelihoods. In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio sympathised with the victims and assured them of his support during this difficult time. He expressed solidarity with the affected communities and…

Edo State is in the grip of political tension as Governor Godwin Obaseki has raised alarm over what he describes as a concerning alliance between the Nigeria Police Force and the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). With less than two weeks to the governorship election, Obaseki accuses the police of collaborating with the APC to unlawfully arrest and intimidate members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he leads in the state. The political climate in Edo State has grown increasingly charged, with various parties pulling out all the stops to secure a win in the forthcoming…

Senator Olaka Nwogu, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Committee, has refuted reports suggesting that the party summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Nwogu clarified that the committee has not yet convened to discuss or deliberate on any matters relating to Wike, contradicting recent statements that have circulated in the media. Recently, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, made headlines when he announced that the party had summoned Nyesom Wike over allegations of anti-party activities. According to Abdullahi, Wike was expected to appear before the PDP’s disciplinary committee to…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 19 to hear a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking the disqualification of Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State. The hearing date was set by Justice Peter Lifu after legal representatives for all parties involved agreed to adjourn to allow PDP’s counsel, Oyetola Atoyebi, SAN, to respond to the APC’s amended originating summons. The APC, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1001/2024, named the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Asue Ighodalo, and the PDP as the first, second,…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to carry out comprehensive medical examinations on its President, Joe Ajaero, following his recent release from detention by the Department of State Services (DSS). Ajaero was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a conference on workers’ rights and social justice. The arrest of Ajaero sparked widespread concern among labour unions, civil society organisations, and the international community, who viewed it as a direct attack on the leadership of the NLC and an affront to the rights of Nigerian workers. In…