The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced its intention to monitor and investigate unusual price hikes in goods and services, despite the recent strengthening of the Naira against the Dollar. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, expressed concern over the continued increase in costs faced by consumers, despite the Naira’s recent gains. While the FCCPC clarified that it cannot directly regulate prices, it emphasized its commitment to enforcing fair competition and consumer protection provisions within its legal framework. Dr. Abdullahi stated, “The FCCPC is aware of the…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
The 2023 House of Assembly candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) for Bende North Constituency in Abia State, Hon. Chidiebere Okoh, and teeming supporters across the five electoral wards that form the state constituency, have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Among them were the ward chairmen, youth, and women leaders of the ADP. Speaking at an event held in Okoko Item Civic Hall on Sunday, Okoh stated that he was not joining the APC solely to contest elections under its platform, but rather to team up with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu,…
The Israeli army issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that Iran would not escape repercussions for the series of missiles launched over the weekend. Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for an attack on its consulate in Syria, resulting in the deaths of some generals on April 1. While most of the projectiles aimed at Israel were intercepted by the Israeli defence system with support from the United States and other countries, the Israeli Army spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, emphasized that “Iran will not get (off) scot-free with this aggression.” Speaking to journalists at…
The Gombe State government has introduced a compulsory monthly sanitation exercise to improve environmental cleanliness and sustainability in the state. Governor Inuwa Yahaya approved the exercise to be held every last Saturday of the month, with the first session scheduled for April. Mohammed Fawu, the Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, emphasized the importance of the exercise and encouraged residents to participate actively in cleaning up their environment. “In line with this administration’s commitment to providing a sustainable and healthy environment for human habitation, Gov. Yahaya has approved the conduct of a monthly general environmental sanitation exercise in the…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the major opposition party in Jigawa State, has distanced itself from the Inter-Party Advisory Council’s (IPAC) decision requesting an extension of the local government council election by one year. Alhaji Sa’adu Barwa, the PDP chairman in Dutse local government, stated that the IPAC decision was not a popular idea but a decision of a few individuals. IPAC had called for an amendment to the state’s electoral law to give political parties notice of 360 days to prepare for elections. Barwa emphasized that the tenure of any elected position is clearly stated by the law, noting…
The Kogi State government has inaugurated a steering committee on the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to enhance citizens’ participation in governance. Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, inaugurated the committee, emphasizing that transparency and accountability have been fundamental in the past eight years of the immediate past administration of Yahaya Bello. Ayoade explained that the OGP is a multilateral initiative aimed at securing concrete commitments from national and sub-national governments to promote open government, empower citizens, fight corruption, and leverage new technologies to strengthen governance. She highlighted that the program will position Kogi State on…
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the Concerned APC Members (CAM) have expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged suspension of Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the party. Ganduje was reportedly suspended by the APC in his ward in the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State on Monday. However, the state leadership of the party denied the suspension, labeling those behind it as impostors. CAM, led by Okpokwu Ogenyi, addressed the issue at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged suspension. Ogenyi emphasized the need for…
Pa Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called on the Federal Government to appoint a special task force to ensure the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls held by Boko Haram. Speaking at a briefing in Abuja to mark the 10th anniversary of the Chibok girls’ abduction, Clark expressed dissatisfaction with past administrations’ failure to rescue the girls. He urged President Bola Tinubu to spare no effort in securing their release. Clark highlighted that about 90 girls are still missing after a decade, emphasizing the urgency of their rescue. He recommended the appointment of a special…
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called for an emergency security council meeting to address the increasing cases of kidnappings and other security challenges in the state. The meeting, held at the Government House on Monday, was called in response to the escalation of security threats, including kidnappings and activities of ethnic militia groups, particularly in areas such as Keffi, Doma, Lafia, Awe, Obi, Keana, Karu, and Nasarawa Local Government Areas. During the meeting, Governor Sule expressed concern over the rise in kidnappings and militia activities, citing incidents in villages around Shegye, Katakpa, and other areas in Toto Local…
Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has commented on the suspension of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at the ward level. Ahmad noted that the same tactics used in suspending the former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, were employed in Ganduje’s situation. Ganduje was suspended on Monday by his ward in DawakinTofa local government area of Kano State over alleged corruption. The ward’s legal adviser, Haladu Gwanjo, accused Ganduje of gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds during his tenure as Kano State governor. Ahmad stated that if Ganduje’s suspension…
The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) has issued certificates of return to the winners of the April 6 Local Government Area elections. The certificates were presented to the eight Local Government Council Chairmen and their Vice Chairmen, all from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The ceremony took place at the NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa. Dr. Peter Singabele, Chairman of BYSIEC, described the event as the fulfillment of the commission’s mandate to issue certificates of return, marking the final step in the 2024 election process. He stated, “Once you have your certificate and are sworn in, you can…
In anticipation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Ondo State, Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, a female aspirant, has cautioned the party’s leadership regarding the unwritten zoning arrangements in the state. Waheed-Adekojo expressed concern over the party’s stance on zoning, warning that it could have counterproductive consequences for the party. Speaking to newsmen in Akure, the state capital, the aspirant emphasized the importance of prioritizing competency over zoning in selecting candidates for the governorship polls. Waheed-Adekojo is the sole aspirant from the northern senatorial district out of the 16 aspirants, with the remaining 15 from the southern senatorial district. She…
At least four individuals have lost their lives in the eastern Ukrainian city of Siversk due to shelling by Russian forces. The regional military governor of Donetsk, Vadym Filashkin, confirmed the casualties on Monday, noting that the deceased were men ranging from 36 to 86 years old. In a statement on Telegram, Filashkin urged the remaining residents of Siversk to evacuate the city, located approximately 10 kilometers west of the front line. Before the conflict, Siversk had a population exceeding 10,000. Despite Russia’s assertion of the entire Donetsk region as part of its territory, its control in the area remains…
The former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that he is not interested in becoming a godfather to any governor in the state. El-Rufai made this known during a Capacity-Enhancement Workshop for Senior Government Officials in Borno State on Monday. He emphasized his hands-off approach to Kaduna’s governance since leaving office, noting that he has only visited the state five times in nearly a year. “I don’t want to be a godfather, and that’s why I don’t interfere in what is happening in Kaduna. I want him (the governor) to learn and get the job done by…
Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has expressed confidence in having people of integrity and character standing with him amidst his recent face-off with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike. Speaking at Ndoni Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state over the weekend, Fubara emphasized the importance of integrity, citing former Governor Peter Odili as an example. Fubara stated, “I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again: it doesn’t matter the number of people that stand with you. Even if you’re standing alone, no matter the side you’re standing, provided you are standing…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) state working committee in Kano has taken decisive action against some Ward Party Leaders who suspended the National Chairman of the Party, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje. Reports indicated that the APC Ganduje ward in Dawakin Tofa Local Government had suspended Ganduje. However, the party’s local government officials quickly thwarted the suspension and removed those responsible. The APC Dawakin Tofa Local Government Chairman, Inusa Dawanau, informed reporters that those behind the suspension of the National Chairman were engaged in anti-party activities, and their records of meetings with the opposition had been exposed. In response to the suspension…
Members of the Ganduje Ward in the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State have suspended the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje. The suspension was announced by the Executive Council of Ganduje Ward, led by Haruna Gwanjo, during a press briefing in Kano on Monday. Gwanjo stated that the former governor must address corruption allegations related to his long-standing dollar bribery video case before his suspension can be lifted.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned five individuals before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an illegal deal involving petroleum products. The defendants, including a vessel named Mt Vinnalaris, Azeez Abubakar, Wisdom Borborley, Samuel Akpan, and Freedom Otuagoma, appeared before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on two counts bordering on unlawful dealings in petroleum products. They all pleaded guilty. Prosecutor R.A. Abdurasheed informed the court that the prosecution had filed a plea bargain agreement with the defendants. Consequently, the court adjourned the case until April 25 for the adoption of the plea bargain agreement. The court ordered…
Amidst tears and anguish, three corpses of individuals allegedly killed by soldiers in Gashu’a town, Yobe State, were buried on Monday. The Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, and the chairman of Bade Local Government Council, Ibrahim Babagana, were among the dignitaries who attended the funeral prayers of the victims. The tragic incident occurred after soldiers reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters expressing their anger over the alleged reckless conduct of soldiers in the town, which led to a fatal accident involving their patrol vehicle and a tricycle. Governor Mai Mala Buni, who called for calm after the incident,…
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government is currently subsidizing fuel for Nigerians, contrary to President Tinubu’s earlier declaration that the country can no longer afford fuel subsidies. El-Rufai made this assertion while speaking to journalists in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday. He claimed that the government is now paying more for fuel subsidies than before. The President had announced the end of fuel subsidies during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, leading to a significant increase in fuel prices and triggering economic hardships across the nation. However, El-Rufai stated…