Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, experienced a lull in activities on Monday as many residents stayed indoors, and several businesses remained closed from morning till afternoon. Major businesses, including banks, petrol stations, and eateries, did not open, while motor parks were largely empty. A few commercial drivers who ventured out lamented the scarcity of passengers. Key roads such as Azikiwe Road, School Road, Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba Road, Uzuakoli Road, Bende Road, and Bank Road were noticeably deserted, with only a handful of vehicles and pedestrians visible. Government offices were also affected, with some civil servants absent, particularly those…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing all road projects inherited from previous administrations, alongside those initiated under his leadership. Speaking through the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, at a press conference held at the NUJ Press Center in Uyo, Eno emphasized the administration’s dedication to infrastructural development. He revealed that over N208.16 billion has been allocated to road projects and other infrastructure since his administration assumed office on May 29, 2023. Ibanga, flanked by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, and the Chairman of the Akwa…
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to hand over all facilities at the Nazari Livestock Development Centre in Jakusko Local Government Area to leaders of Fulani herdsmen. This directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Ministry’s Chief Information Officer, Aishatu Tijjani, and shared with newsmen. Governor Buni explained that the handover was necessary as the multi-billion-naira project is now ready for occupation and utilization. He noted that the reserve, developed in partnership with the Federal Government, represents a significant investment aimed at supporting the livestock sector. “Our…
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of 16 young men in Nibo, a community in Anambra State. Reports indicate that gunmen attacked the town during the Onwa Asaa traditional festival, killing the victims at an eatery. The attackers, said to have arrived in a black Lexus SUV, opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic and loss of lives. Reacting to the incident in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed deep sadness over the senseless killings, describing them as a significant loss to the families, the community, and…
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has vowed that the party will secure victories in Ondo, Oyo, and Osun states. Speaking on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Ganduje emphasized that the APC’s dominance in the Southwest would begin with the upcoming Ondo governorship election scheduled for November 16. “In this geopolitical zone, we must deliver 100 per cent in favour of APC. Ondo State must take the lead, followed by Oyo and Osun. We will capture them all, but I won’t reveal our strategy. Everything must align…
Ndifreke Saviour Mark, a Special Assistant to former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, has passed away. Fani-Kayode, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced the tragic development in a statement on Monday, revealing that Mark slumped and died at Mildy Lodge and Apartments in Garki, Abuja. According to the former minister, police operatives informed him that the deceased had checked into the hotel, where he spent time with an undisclosed individual before collapsing in the individual’s presence. Mark was rushed to the Asokoro District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Fani-Kayode disclosed that both the individual who was with…
The Lagos State Police on Monday arraigned a 36-year-old man, Samuel Kehinde, before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Badagry for allegedly stealing a motorcycle valued at N1,200,000. Kehinde, whose address remains unknown, is facing a two-count charge of felony and theft. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Inspector Ayodele Adeosun, informed the court that Kehinde committed the alleged offences on September 24 at around 11:00 a.m. at the Eyenkole Community, Ilogbo-Eremi, in Badagry, Lagos. Adeosun explained that the defendant conspired with others, still at large, to commit theft. “He stole a motorcycle with registration number DX…
Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed the reasons behind the removal of Prince Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prior to the 2023 general elections. Secondus, an elder statesman and former Chairman of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), held the position from 2017 until his suspension by the party in 2021. Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday while addressing PDP members and supporters, Wike said Secondus was removed because he allegedly attempted to impose his cousin, Tele Ikuru, as the party’s governorship candidate in Rivers State. “Why did we kick…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Lokoja Local Government Area in the October 19 council election, Yunusa Chado, has described the election as a “charade,” accusing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of insincerity in delivering credible and fair elections. In a statement issued on Sunday, Chado criticized the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), claiming it acted as a puppet under the control of the governor, reinforcing opposition fears about the election’s credibility. “I am completely disappointed in the APC-led government under Ahmed Usman Ododo. His administration initially appeared people-driven, but the rigging of the October 19 council elections…
Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that Peter Obi’s supporters are now at odds with him for refusing to align with their group ahead of the 2023 general elections. Wike disclosed that Obi’s camp heavily lobbied him prior to the elections, but he declined their overtures, believing that the Labour Party candidate had slim chances of victory. Speaking on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Wike emphasized that he was not willing to “waste” Rivers State votes on a candidate he felt was unlikely to succeed. “Peter Obi’s group lobbied me so much. They cannot deny it. And I…
The Enugu State Government has dismissed an illegal sit-at-home order circulated by unidentified individuals, stating that the state has moved beyond such disruptions. The government encouraged residents to continue their lawful activities, assuring them that security measures are in place to protect lives and property. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, issued a statement on Sunday, addressing a viral video on social media that called for residents of the South East to stay at home on Monday and Tuesday. “The Enugu State Government frowns at such impudence. The state has long gone past the dark era…
The Department of State Services (DSS) has removed Adegboyega Fasasi as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Fasasi was replaced by Rasheed Atanda Lawal, a Deputy Director in the DSS, according to reports by The Nation. While the exact reason for Fasasi’s removal remains unclear, sources indicate that the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, requested President Tinubu’s approval for Fasasi’s release to enable him to attend a strategic training course. A source familiar with the development explained, “This change of guards is typical when a new DSS Director-General is appointed. The agency works with sensitive intelligence, and…
The Nigerian Army has officially retired 15 generals from its Artillery Corps, comprising 11 major generals and four brigadier generals. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Army confirmed that the retirement ceremony took place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State. “The Nigerian Army formally pulled out 15 retired generals from the Artillery Corps on Saturday, October 19, 2024, during a ceremony at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State,” the post read. The Artillery Corps plays a crucial role in providing heavy firepower support…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has dismissed rumors suggesting that it instructed members to boycott today’s local government elections across the state’s 23 local government areas. State Chairman of the PDP, Edward Masha, clarified the party’s position during an interview with journalists in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area, stating that neither his office nor the party endorsed any call for a boycott. Masha explained: “While our agents were inspecting sensitive materials at the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) office in Kaduna, we discovered that one of the most critical items—the result sheets—was missing, which…
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has announced that it will not join protests or pursue legal action against the Chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC), Professor George Chima, over the upcoming November 2 local government elections. This position comes amidst demands from the Action Alliance (AA) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for Professor Chima’s removal, a boycott of the elections, and threats of legal action. The aggrieved parties cited high administrative fees imposed by ABSIEC and other challenges as reasons for their opposition. However, in a statement released on Saturday by CUPP’s State Secretary,…
Two key stakeholders of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State have been abducted by unknown gunmen, raising concerns about the state’s security situation. The incident occurred during a Labour Party meeting at a hotel in Aba, the state’s commercial hub. Eyewitnesses reported that the heavily armed, masked assailants stormed the venue and disrupted the gathering, claiming to be acting on “orders from above” without further clarification. Among those kidnapped were the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Ceekay Igara, and the Acting State Chairman, Prince G. O. Ndubueze. Sources told Journalists that Ndubueze was forced into an unmarked vehicle,…
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the killing of one Paul Eyo, suspected to be a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, and the beheading of another individual, identified as “Ekpe,” believed to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity. Both incidents occurred in Eyo-Abasi, Mbo Local Government Area of the state. Addressing journalists during a press conference at the police headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, the State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, disclosed that officers were alerted by the local youth leader, prompting immediate police action. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the murders. “On…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over the growing insecurity in Nigeria, urging current leaders to take proactive steps to address the menace. Speaking during a visit to Bauchi on Sunday, where he met with the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Adamu, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of local cooperation in tackling crime, noting that many criminals operate from within communities. “During our time in office, we prioritized the security of lives and property across the country. Right now, we need to act urgently,” Obasanjo said. He advocated for community policing as an effective solution. “The best form of security…
The embattled former Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, has warned that Governor Sim Fubara is creating challenges for himself, which could harm his political prospects ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Okocha criticized Fubara’s actions, hinting that efforts would be made to weaken the governor’s standing in the state. “Fubara is creating problems for himself. It is our business to de-market him and his party so we can win in 2027,” he stated. The political rift between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike has persisted…
The National Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has criticized the Kogi State Government for proceeding with Saturday’s Local Government Council election despite severe flooding and a court injunction. In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, and made available to Newsmen in Abuja, the SDP urged the government to prioritize public safety and avoid further catastrophe in the state. “Kogi must recognize that the entire country is grappling with a hunger crisis, while the state itself is overwhelmed by heavy floods and mismanagement,” the statement read. The party described the decision…