Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed disappointment over the conduct of several individuals he assisted to attain political power during the 2023 general election, noting that many now avoid him. Speaking to newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday, Umahi revealed that even National Assembly members he helped to power were among those distancing themselves from him. He emphasized that their behavior did not disturb him. “It is only Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi who will openly acknowledge that I am his father and boss. The others feel that by doing so, the state governor, my successor, will be angry with them,” Umahi…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, has assured neutrality in all activities related to the upcoming governorship election in the state. Speaking on Thursday, Adegboye emphasized that no individual or political party would be allowed to hijack any part of the electoral process leading to the September 16 election. Addressing newsmen in Benin after a closed-door meeting between INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and security agencies, Adegboye stressed the importance of impartiality for the successful conduct of the election. He assured that a level playing field would be provided for all political players, stating, “There will not be anything…
Barely three months and three weeks to the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, Clement Aziegbemi, the younger brother of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, has resigned from the party. InfoStride News reports that Abass Momoh Jega, a former lawmaker who represented the Etsako East constituency in the State House of Assembly, has also left the party. Jega, a former commissioner for Works and Utilities, and commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Development during Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor’s tenure, was a prominent leader in the Etsako East Local Government Area. Other notable…
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Friday the temporary suspension of the controversial $300 helicopter landing fee. This decision follows the rejection of the fee by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who argued that it was commercially detrimental. According to a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi, a committee has been established to address the concerns raised by stakeholders and is expected to submit a report by the end of June. The statement reads: “Following a meeting with the AON executive on the issue of helicopter landing levies at aerodromes, helipads, airstrips, etc., Minister…
Negotiations for a new minimum wage for public service workers have hit a deadlock, with organized labour representatives walking out of the meeting once again. Sources at the meeting revealed that the government failed to offer a proposal higher than the N60,000 presented during Tuesday’s session. In response to this development, there are strong indications that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) may mobilize for a strike. The labour unions have scheduled a press conference for 4 PM at their national headquarters. Details to follow.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have declared an indefinite strike beginning on June 3, 2024. The decision came after the Federal Government refused to increase its offer of N60,000 at the resumption of the tripartite committee meeting in Abuja on Friday. NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo announced the strike at a joint press conference. Osifo stated, “As you are aware, we had the last meeting preceding today, which was on Tuesday. In that meeting, they [the government] offered N60,000. They invited us for a meeting today [Friday], and we deliberated…
The Abia State Government has announced a N25 million bounty for information leading to the capture of those responsible for the killing of five soldiers at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba. On Thursday, unknown gunmen attacked a military checkpoint, killing five soldiers and burning two patrol vans. The attackers allegedly seized the soldiers’ rifles and fled the scene. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the state government condemned the attack, extended condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Military High Command, and prayed for the peaceful repose of the…
During his sermon at the Kofar Kudu Central Mosque in Kano, Sanusi reminded worshippers that all events are predestined by God and urged them to remain steadfast in their faith during both good and bad times. “Whoever believes that Allah alone gives everything must accept Allah’s decisions wholeheartedly. No one questions Allah’s reasons for anything,” Sanusi stated. “We are taught that whoever does not accept destiny from Allah, his belief is not complete. One should be thankful in times of good and bad situations. We must believe that whatever happens to us is predestined by God and what we couldn’t…
The crisis within the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Friday when two factional chairmen attended a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The meeting, held in preparation for the September 21, 2024 governorship election, brought together political parties and security agencies. The two LP factional chairmen present were Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie and Kelly Ogbaloi. Ativie leads a 17-member caretaker committee loyal to Julius Abure, the national chairman of the party, while Ogbaloi is aligned with the party’s governorship candidate, Barrister Olumide Akpata. Last Friday, the Ogbaloi-led state executive ratified the suspension…
The Lagos State Government on Thursday swore in 13 new high court judges, urging them to dispense justice impartially and uphold Nigeria’s constitution at all times. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu issued this charge after the judges took their oaths of office at the Government House in Alausa, Ikeja. He congratulated the new judges and emphasized their dedication to justice administration. The 13 judges bring the total number of judges sworn in by Sanwo-Olu’s administration to 37, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). “This week is all about the judiciary—from the just-concluded summit to the swearing-in of 13 outstanding judges.…
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the Chief Spokesman for the Obi-Datti Campaign, has refuted claims by Mr. Calistus Okafor that the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Bar Julius Abure, provided N850 million to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the 2023 election. In a statement to media outlets on Wednesday, Tanko described the claim as false, asserting that Obi did not receive any funds from the party. Instead, Tanko stated, it was Obi who financially supported the party. Tanko challenged Okafor to present evidence if the chairman indeed claimed to have given Obi money for campaigning purposes. He emphasized that…
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released an updated list of its members for the Edo Governorship Election National Campaign Council. This update was announced in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Wednesday. The NWC’s update underscores its commitment to securing victory in the Edo election, scheduled for September 21. The council is chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor Kefas Agbu serving as Deputy Chairmen. Other notable members include former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi…
Founder of the NNPP, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, appraised Tinubu’s administration over the past year, acknowledging that the President was aware of the country’s crises before taking power. Aniebonam told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” was conceived in recognition of these challenges. “Members of the NNPP believe that a great leader is one who makes decisions, even wrong ones, rather than taking none on urgent state matters,” Aniebonam said. “The President is human and may have made some wrong decisions, like removing the corruption-infested oil subsidy without planning for its effects, but it will…
An Appeal Court in Port Harcourt will deliver a ruling on June 2, 2024, regarding an application by pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, contesting a Rivers State High Court decision that barred them from acting as members of the State Assembly. This legal dispute originates from a suit filed by the pro-Fubara faction of the Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. Justice C.N. Wali of the Rivers State High Court had issued an ex parte order restraining Amaewhule and 24 others from parading as House members or holding sessions. In response, Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers appealed the order, seeking…
President Bola Tinubu has criticized state Governors for what he termed their overbearing influence on the administration of local government councils in the country. According to the president, issues of accountability and ineffectiveness hinder the growth of local council authorities, and state governors must be held accountable. The president made these remarks on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. His criticism comes just days after the Federal Government sued the 36 state governors over local government autonomy. Taking a swipe at the governors, Tinubu pointed out that during…
The South East Governors’ Forum has condemned the Thursday morning attack that left two soldiers dead at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State. The attack, which occurred at Obikabia junction, was reportedly carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as part of their efforts to enforce a sit-at-home directive meant to commemorate Biafra Day. The assailants also burned down security patrol vehicles. Addressing newsmen in Owerri on Thursday, Chairman of the Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, described the attack as “unfortunate.” “On behalf of my fellow governors in the South East Governors’…
The staff of the Delta State Legislature, under the umbrella of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), have embarked on an indefinite strike. A visit to the Delta State Assembly complex on Thursday morning revealed that the gates were locked. The workers are protesting the governor’s alleged failure to implement key campaign promises, accusing him of being indifferent to their legitimate welfare demands. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had pledged to implement the Staff Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) upon assuming office. However, one year later, the promise remains unfulfilled, leading to widespread disappointment and frustration among the assembly staff. Before…
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, assured farmers that they will receive the right value for their produce through new innovations introduced by the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC). Speaking at the commissioning of BIPC projects in Makurdi, Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalize and establish a minimum of 10 industries within his first four years in office. Governor Alia emphasized his government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and providing opportunities for citizens to prosper. He highlighted that the BIPC requires liquidity of at least N7 billion to stabilize and drive…
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has strongly condemned the attack on a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction in the Ogbor Hill area of Aba, Abia State, on Thursday. The assault by unidentified assailants reportedly left four soldiers dead. In a statement on Thursday, Kalu described the killing of the military personnel, who were performing their lawful duties, as unwarranted, outrageous, unjust, cruel, and absolutely condemnable. Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, emphasized that the people of Aba, known for their enterprising spirit and technical skills, should not be misled into…
Terrorists reportedly killed 12 people and injured 20 others on Wednesday in an attack on the Maro Ward market, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A former chairman of the local government, Cafra Caino, confirmed the incident to the media, stating that the assailants invaded the market around 3 pm, shooting sporadically. “12 bodies have so far been recovered while 20 others who sustained various degrees of injuries are now receiving treatment at a nearby hospital,” Caino said. He noted that this was the second attack on the weekly market by terrorists, causing panic among business owners and customers.…