The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has given a firm commitment to ensuring that the public servants in the state receive timely promotions, thereby preventing the accumulation of backlogs. Speaking at an event marking the 2024 Public Service Week, Abiodun stressed that his administration would continue to value and recognise the contributions of public servants to the development of the state. The event, held at the Oba’s Complex in the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was themed ‘Building a Socially Responsive Public Service in the 21st Century: The Place of Ethics and Values’. In his address, Governor Abiodun underscored the…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
In a decisive move to reduce government expenditure and promote accountability, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive restricting attendance at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to only those with official duties. This announcement comes amidst growing concerns about the cost of governance and the need for a more prudent allocation of resources. The directive was revealed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for leaders of government agencies under its jurisdiction. Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s clear intent to enforce a more disciplined approach…
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), under the leadership of Edozie Njoku, has raised serious concerns about an alleged scheme by the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to marginalise the party in the forthcoming local government elections. The party claims that efforts are being made to obstruct its participation in the polls, an action it vows to resist with all its might. Over the weekend, Okoro Chinedum Benedict, the National Administrative Secretary of APGA, was in Anambra State, where he addressed the media on the issue. Benedict alleged that thugs have been deployed to harass both state and national…
In a surprising twist, the Labour Party (LP) in Bauchi State has emerged as the dominant force in the recent councillorship election held in Lusa B Ward, Bogoro Local Government Area, despite not fielding an official candidate. This unexpected outcome has raised eyebrows across the political landscape, as the party managed to secure the highest number of votes without even having a contender in the race. The election results, announced by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), revealed that the Labour Party, remarkably, garnered 2,200 votes. Despite this overwhelming support from the electorate, the absence of an LP candidate…
In a recent ruling, a Jos Magistrates’ Court ordered that a 14-year-old boy, found guilty of stealing two grinding machines, be detained in a juvenile home for a period of six months. The court’s decision came after the minor confessed to committing the crime during his trial. Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos presided over the case, summarily trying and sentencing the young offender after his guilty plea. Alongside the detention, the magistrate imposed a fine of ₦20,000 on the teenager, a sum he must pay as part of his punishment. During the proceedings, Magistrate Bokkos took a moment to advise the young…
The Imo State Police Command has successfully apprehended three notorious criminals involved in a series of armed robberies and violent crimes across the state. Among the suspects paraded is 23-year-old Elijah Chigemezu, a known specialist in snatching phones and valuables from unsuspecting victims at gunpoint. Alongside him, the police also arrested 27-year-old John Chukwudi, a native of Ntu in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, and 32-year-old Chibeze Tasie, who was apprehended in Naze. According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the arrests were the result of a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out by the…
In a significant military operation, troops from the 1 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force (North West) of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), under the banner of Operation Sahel Sanity II, have successfully neutralised two extremists in Zamfara State. The operation took place on 16th August 2024, in the Unguwar Sarkin Musulmi area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, where violent extremist activities had been reported. Lieutenant Suleiman Omale of OPHD, in a statement released on Saturday, detailed the events of the operation. He explained that the troops acted swiftly on credible intelligence, which alerted them to the presence of…
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly declared its commitment to maintaining the previously announced timetable for the upcoming local government elections. The State Working Committee (SWC) of the party has confirmed that the schedule will proceed as planned, with any changes being communicated promptly if necessary. In a statement released on Friday by Abraham Alberah Catoh, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, the party reiterated its stance on moving forward with the elections as per the outlined timetable. Catoh emphasised that all members and supporters should prepare for the councillorship and chairmanship primaries, set to…
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has expressed his belief that Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the forthcoming governorship election on 21 September 2024, lacks support from the people of the state. According to Shaibu, Ighodalo, who is being endorsed by the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, is facing rejection even from his own community, primarily due to his inability to speak their native language. During his appearance on a Channels TV programme on Friday, Shaibu did not hold back his criticism of the PDP’s choice of candidate. He confidently asserted that Ighodalo would face…
Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Company, a Chinese firm, has announced the release of one of three Nigerian presidential jets that were seized under a French court order. This development was confirmed in a statement released by the company on Friday, where it was highlighted that the gesture was made in consideration of an upcoming diplomatic meeting. The company’s spokesperson explained that the decision to release the aircraft was prompted by the need for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to use the jet for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. According to the statement, “It has come to our attention…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to intensify its efforts to fast-track Nigeria’s journey towards universal electricity access. In a clear message of support, Shettima granted the REA’s request to collaborate with the National Economic Council (NEC), enabling the agency to engage state governors more effectively in the nationwide electrification drive. During a meeting with the REA delegation, led by its Managing Director and CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima expressed his strong backing for the agency’s initiatives. The REA’s presentation focused on the National Electrification and Implementation Plan…
The House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Crude Oil Thefts has delivered a stern warning to individuals involved in the sabotage of Nigeria’s oil industry, declaring that those responsible will face the full force of the law. The committee, chaired by Alhaji Ado Alhassan Doguwa, emphasised the seriousness of the issue, highlighting the damaging impact of such activities on the nation’s economy and its future. In a statement signed by Doguwa, he underscored the urgency of tackling this menace, particularly in light of the financial challenges facing the government. “We cannot allow the administration of President Tinubu and the All…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has announced the dates for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), scheduled from August 22 to August 30. This announcement comes as part of INEC’s efforts to ensure that eligible voters are adequately prepared to participate in the forthcoming elections. Timidi Wariowei, INEC’s Head of Department for Voter Education and Publicity in Edo State, made this known through an official statement released on Friday in Benin. He outlined the collection process, which is designed to be convenient and accessible to all registered voters across the state. According to Wariowei, the…
John Nwosu, a Labour Party governorship aspirant for the upcoming 2025 election in Anambra State, has raised strong objections against the proposed local government elections scheduled by the state’s independent electoral commission. In a detailed press release, Nwosu accused the process of being rushed and designed to favour the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, in his bid to tighten his grip on grassroots politics ahead of the state election. Nwosu expressed deep concerns about the legitimacy of the local government election, which is planned for 28th September 2024. He described the timing and organisation of the election as highly suspicious…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse across Plateau State, with significant achievements reported over the last two years. Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), the NDLEA Chairman, recently disclosed that the agency had seized an astounding 6,975.6 kilogrammes of illicit drugs in the state during this period. His remarks came during a meeting in Abuja with Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who visited to discuss further collaboration in tackling the drug menace. The seized substances included dangerous drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, among others. These seizures have led to the…
Activist Madubuachi Idam has urged the National Assembly to enact legislation that would more rigorously regulate international debt incurred by Nigerian states. His call comes in response to the recent seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets in France by a Chinese company, a development that Idam describes as a significant warning for the nation’s lawmakers to take immediate and decisive action. The incident that sparked this plea involved the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, which successfully petitioned a French court to seize several Nigerian presidential jets. These aircraft were undergoing routine maintenance in France when the court granted…
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed claims regarding his alleged Igbo paternity with a sense of humour, asserting that no one in Nigeria should be made to feel unwelcome in any part of the country. His remarks were made during a meeting with the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, a coalition representing major markets in Lagos State, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Thursday. Obasanjo’s reaction to the paternity claims was succinct. “It just makes me laugh,” he said, choosing not to delve further into the topic. The former president instead emphasised…
Muhammad Sulaiman, widely known as Mai-Kadama, has resigned from his role as a Senior Special Adviser to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. He has also severed ties with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a meeting with Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin. The unexpected defection was announced on Thursday after Sulaiman met with Senator Jibrin at his office in Abuja. Sulaiman, who had been serving as the Senior Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship to Governor Yusuf, has been a prominent figure within the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement, which is closely…
Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, has revealed that he is considering a presidential run but would withdraw his ambition if former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to contest. This announcement was made on Thursday after a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) encouraged him to step forward as a candidate for the presidency. Governor Mohammed highlighted Jonathan’s wealth of experience, asserting that the former president would be a strong candidate capable of effectively managing the country’s challenges if given the mandate. He acknowledged the need for seasoned leadership in Nigeria, particularly within the ranks of the opposition. “Regarding your call for me…
On Thursday, the Presidency addressed concerns regarding the recent attempts by the Chinese company Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited to seize offshore assets belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Presidency clarified that the Federal Government has no contractual obligations with Zhongshan and emphasised that the ongoing legal battle involves the company and the Ogun State Government specifically. The statement, issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, follows reports that Zhongshan had successfully petitioned for the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets. The French court’s decision to authorise this seizure was reportedly…