Markets and other public facilities have reportedly closed as tension heightens in parts of Aba, Abia State, following the gruesome murder of five military personnel by gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The InfoStride News reports that the bloodthirsty gunmen, who have been wreaking havoc in the Southeast, attacked a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill in Obingwa Local Government Area on Thursday. The incident, which claimed the lives of five soldiers, occurred when members of the proscribed secessionist group were enforcing a sit-at-home order to mark the 2024 Biafra Heroes Day. The…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
The House of Representatives Chairman of the Downstream Petroleum Committee, Alhaji Ado Alhassan Doguwa, has stressed the importance of local government autonomy in Nigeria. Speaking to journalists in Kano on Saturday, Doguwa stated, “Today’s insecurities, poverty, and lack of development are all results of the malfunction of the local government areas in the country.” Doguwa, appearing in traditional chieftain regalia, highlighted his ongoing role despite controversies, saying, “I remain the Sardauna Doguwa because, as far as I am concerned, the controversy surrounding the dissolution of the Kano emirates remains a subject of litigation.” Reflecting on legislative achievements, Doguwa noted, “It…
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has cautioned that the N494,000 national minimum wage demanded by organised labour, which would total N9.5 trillion, could destabilise the economy and jeopardise the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians. Idris addressed a news conference in Abuja in response to the threat by organised labour to strike if their demands were not met. He highlighted that the Federal Government’s offer of a N60,000 minimum wage, representing a 100% increase from the existing 2019 wage, has been accepted by the organised private sector, a member of the tripartite committee. “The Federal Government’s…
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that the federal government will take strong measures against those who habitually attack the officers and men of Nigeria’s armed forces. Speaking on Saturday evening in Abuja, Tinubu condemned the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State, during an alleged commemoration by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a statement personally issued to reporters, Tinubu declared that no one should have the audacity to kill state agents under any guise. “The federal government and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors making our communities unsafe,” he warned. Reacting to…
The Federal Government has responded to the proposed strike by organized labour, scheduled to commence on Monday, cautioning that it would exacerbate the economic challenges facing the nation. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, speaking on behalf of the government, emphasized that any new minimum wage should not result in widespread job losses, particularly within the Organised Private Sector, which employs a significant portion of the workforce. Onyejeocha warned that the strike is not in the best interest of the country and its citizens, especially as negotiations are still ongoing. “Going on strike in the middle…
The Abia State Police have pledged to capture those responsible for the killing of soldiers at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, in Aba. State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, made this commitment during an expanded meeting of the State Security Council and the newly inaugurated members of the Abia Security Advisory Council in Umuahia. Onwuemelie condemned the incident, describing it as unfortunate and cowardly. “The point is that it is a very unfortunate incident, and it is highly condemnable and, indeed, cowardly,” Onwuemelie stated. InfoStride News had reported that unknown gunmen attacked a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction on Thursday…
The Lagos State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on Friday commended Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State for his efforts in preserving the state’s cultural heritage. Mr. Richard Benson, the State’s Publicity Secretary, praised the re-enthronement of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano, describing it as a significant move to uphold tradition. Benson also acknowledged the contributions of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and NNPP’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, in preserving the state’s traditions. “We, the New Nigeria People’s Party, Lagos State chapter, commend…
The Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, has asserted that detractors cannot thwart the destiny of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Dungurawa claimed that those opposing Kwankwaso were behind reports that he is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N2.5 billion fraud. Addressing journalists in Kano, the NNPP chieftain dismissed the reports as baseless, emphasizing Kwankwaso’s integrity and capability. “We have seen this kind of rumour several times on different occasions,” Dungurawa stated. “Let them continue with the rumour. Whether they like it…
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that he is not the sole leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State. Addressing members of the One Delta APC political media group on Saturday, Keyamo emphasized that his primary interest as a party leader is to foster growth, development, unity, and peace within the APC. He stressed that these elements are crucial for securing electoral victories in the future. “Electoral victory is more important than the title of ‘sole leader’ of the party in the state,” Keyamo stated. He underscored the importance of unity among…
The Ogun State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the March 18, 2023 governorship election, Ladi Adebutu, asserted that the PDP uniquely understands governance and leadership. Adebutu made this statement on Friday during the revalidation of his PDP membership at Ward 4, Odo Alaro in Odogbolu Local Government Area. Adebutu emphasized that unlike the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP is responsive, transparent, and attuned to the people’s needs. “We are a very responsive and people-oriented party. We understand the act of governance matters, we imbibe that culture, and we have been able to succeed on it,” he stated. He…
U.S. President Joe Biden has called on Americans to ensure that his predecessor, Donald Trump, does not return to the White House. Biden emphasized that the only way to prevent Trump from reclaiming the presidency is through the ballot box. Trump, who served as President from 2017 to 2021, was defeated by Biden in the last election but has announced his intention to run again in the November 5, 2024 election. Posting on X, Biden stated, “There’s only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: At the ballot box. Donate to our campaign today.” He further…
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called on the Federal Government to explore a political solution to the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a statement on Friday, Atiku condemned the recent killing of soldiers in the Aba area of Abia State during Thursday’s sit-at-home exercise. He also expressed concern about the impact of the sit-at-home order on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams being conducted across the Southeast. Posting on X, Atiku stated, “The violence that led to the killing of soldiers…
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…
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…