Felix Akhabue, a former governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 election in Edo State, has tendered his resignation from the party. Akhabue’s decision to resign comes after being one of the 10 governorship aspirants who protested against the conduct of ward and local government congresses of the party leading up to the primary election held in February. In a letter dated May 6, 2024, addressed to the Ward 7 chairman of the party in Esan West Local Government Area, Akhabue cited the party leadership’s prejudicial activities as the reason for his resignation, stating, “My…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
The Adamawa State Government has postponed the resumption of schools for the third term due to a measles outbreak in some Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. The state Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development issued a circular on May 6, 2024, stating that the resumption date, initially scheduled for May 6, 2024, has been postponed to May 13, 2024. The circular, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Aisha Umar, explained that the postponement is aimed at mitigating the spread of the disease and enabling the Primary Health Care Agency to vaccinate the age group of children vulnerable to…
Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has refuted claims of factionalism within the party, stating that he remains the sole founder and father of the NNPP since its inception in 2002. In a statement issued on Monday in Lagos, Aniebonam clarified, “I do not know that there is a faction in the NNPP,” urging the media to cease referring to him as a leader of a faction within the party. He emphasized that any perceived faction was represented by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and his followers, who were considered a faction before Kwankwaso’s expulsion from…
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has refuted viral reports alleging that his administration has borrowed N10 billion from foreign bodies. A report had earlier surfaced claiming that the governor secured the sum of N10,022,382,348.40 billion in loans from various foreign bodies and organizations in 2023. In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke countered the report, stating that he has not borrowed any money since assuming office. Describing the report as fake, the governor clarified that what the report referred to as loans were actually World Bank development financing inherited from previous administrations. He…
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has strongly opposed the proposed relocation of United States and French military bases to Nigeria, warning of the dangers it poses to the country’s sovereignty and security. In a statement issued on Monday by the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, the PRP advised the Nigerian government against entering into any agreements that would lead to the establishment of foreign military bases on Nigerian soil. The party expressed concerns that the presence of foreign military bases could gradually erode Nigeria’s national sovereignty and expose the country to new security threats, including…
Segun Sowunmi, former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has called for a complete overhaul of the party to ensure stability in future elections in the country. Speaking at a media briefing organized by the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sowunmi expressed concern over the PDP’s recent electoral losses in three consecutive governorship elections in Ogun State. He emphasized the urgent need for the party to restructure its internal workings for optimal capacity and efficiency, suggesting a revisit of its core values and ideology to restore its lost glory. Sowunmi…
Mr. Callistus Uju Okafor, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) and former Deputy National Chairman of the party, has attributed the crisis in the party to the national chairman, Barr Julius Abure, and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). In an interview with journalists, Okafor expressed concern over the exclusion of key stakeholders, including himself and groups such as the Trade Union Congress (TUC), from crucial meetings aimed at reconciling the party. He stated, “The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Abure faction were the causes of the crisis in our party. We and some…
Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, has labeled Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), as a bitter person. Onanuga made this assertion in a post on his social media handle on Monday, sharing a post by Nwachukwu Chigozie @chigozie0102 about Obi. Chigozie referred to Obi as ‘chief mourner,’ criticizing him for allegedly demarketing Nigeria during a visit to Canada. He claimed that while Obi was speaking negatively about Nigeria, the Mayor of the town praised Nigeria, particularly Lagos, which allegedly led to Obi joining the applause for the mayor. The statement appears to be a…
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to the recent electricity tariff hike, stating that there will be no reversal despite the two-week ultimatum issued by the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Florence Eke, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Power, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday, reaffirming the justification provided by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a Senate public hearing last week. Eke emphasized that the government is not aligning with the trade unions’ stance on the issue of electricity tariffs. Despite the government’s position, the TUC has maintained its two-week ultimatum for the federal government to…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will stand alone and defend itself against its enemies, expressing hope for victory over its “genocidal enemies.” Speaking at the opening ceremony for Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination to defend itself, stating that no amount of pressure or decisions from international forums will deter Israel from protecting its people. In a post on social media, Netanyahu highlighted the historical vulnerability of the Jewish people during the Holocaust and compared it to Israel’s current challenges. He pledged that if Israel is forced to stand alone,…
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has issued a stern warning to members of the “Legacy Group,” a faction within the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), threatening to take decisive action if they continue to sow division within the party. During the inauguration of a 363-member Governorship Campaign Council in Benin City, Governor Obaseki expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to win the September 21 governorship election, stating that the party has the necessary structures and programs in place for victory. Accusing the Legacy Group faction of accepting money from the opposition to destabilize the party, Governor…
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) campaign council for the September 21 governorship election will secure victory, delivering 80% of the votes to Asuerinme Ighodalo, the party’s candidate. Speaking at the inauguration of the campaign council in Benin, Governor Obaseki emphasized that the PDP has the best candidate who will build on the achievements of his administration. He highlighted that the campaign council’s structure extends to all 192 wards across the state, ensuring representation from every organ of the party. “The campaign is going to be based on what we have…
The United Kingdom (UK) has clarified its policy regarding the eligibility of international students to bring dependents into the country, stating that only those coming for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies are eligible to do so. British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, explaining that the policy change earlier this year was aimed at curbing the increasing number of foreign students bringing in dependents. Montgomery emphasized that the surge in dependents was putting unsustainable pressure on many universities, citing challenges such as accommodation, access to medical…
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for their essential role in ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of citizens. Speaking at the presentation of a report on the NYSC’s role in improving policing in Nigeria in Abuja, Senator Gaidam emphasized the importance of the corps members’ services in the ministry. He stated that their dedication to serving and protecting the country demonstrates their commitment to honor and integrity. Senator Gaidam highlighted the significance of the NYSC programme as a catalyst for accelerated national development. He urged the corps members…
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have issued a stern warning to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), demanding improved power supply in the Southeast region or face eviction. In a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group accused EEDC of defrauding Southeast residents through excessive billing and an unreliable estimated billing system. IPOB has threatened to close down EEDC offices in the Southeast if the electricity supply situation does not improve. The statement emphasized the need for EEDC to provide adequate electricity or make way for more efficient companies. According to the statement, EEDC’s billing practices have…
The Department of State Services (DSS) has sealed off the Al-Ihsan clinic in Ungwan Rogo community, Jos North local government area of Plateau State, following allegations of quackery and the reported death of a patient who received treatment at the clinic. According to Daily Trust, the action was taken by the secret police on Sunday, prompted by the death of a woman in the clinic last week after a surgery reportedly performed by one Mr. Lukuma Abdul. Abdul denied the accusation, stating that the surgery did not lead to her death. The incident has sparked reactions, with many attributing the…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has distanced itself from a report circulating in the media claiming that it had released a list of former governors being investigated for corruption. The report, titled “EFCC Releases Full List of 58 Ex-Governors that Embezzled N2.187 Trillion,” was described by the EFCC as false and mischievous. Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity of the anti-graft agency, denounced the report as a disingenuous fabrication. He stated, “EFCC feels obliged to dissociate itself from a phantom report circulating in sections of the media claiming it has released a full list of ex-governors…
Kenneth Gbagi, a former Nigerian Minister of Education and 2023 governorship candidate, has passed away at the age of 62. His death was confirmed on Saturday in a statement by his eldest son, Emuoboh Gbagi. “It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother, Orogun Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, former Minister of Education,” the statement read. Gbagi, who was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last election in Delta State, passed away on May 4, 2024. The statement requested thoughts and prayers for…
The youth wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to ensure that the state’s resources are used for the benefit of the citizens. Expressing their concerns, the APC youths questioned why Governor Lawal had not established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the immediate past governor, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for alleged corruption. They pointed out that there is no existing court order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating, arresting, and prosecuting Matawalle. The youths also urged the EFCC and other relevant anti-graft agencies to investigate contractors…
The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has urged the Inspector General of Police to stop the Cybercrime Act, 2015, from being used to harass and arbitrarily detain journalists and media workers. This call came in response to the reported arrest and continued detention of Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), for alleged violation of the Cybercrime Act by the Nigeria Police. In a statement signed by Busola Ajibola, Deputy Director of the Centre for Journalism Innovation Development (CJID), the coalition expressed dismay that Ojukwu’s family only learned on Friday, May 3,…