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…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
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,…
In response to the recent brutal attack on a female nurse by masquerades, the Nsukka Town Federated Union has indefinitely suspended the activities of masquerades in the nine communities comprising Nsukka town, Enugu State. The incident, which occurred as the nurse was heading to her duty call at the University of Nigeria town of Nsukka, drew widespread condemnation. Following a meeting of stakeholders from the area, including the Oha Nsukka, the Akpuruaru Nsukka, the Igwes, the PGs of the nine autonomous communities, and the youths, a decision was made to suspend the operations of the Oriokpa Masquerade until further notice.…
Yemi Adaramodu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Community Engagement, has stated that the recently passed National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund Bill will create job opportunities for graduates. Adaramodu made this known during an official visit to the Oyo State NYSC Orientation Camp in Iseyin, where he led a delegation of the committee on Saturday. He explained that the bill, which has passed first and second readings and other legislative stages, will soon be sent to the President for assent. According to Adaramodu, the primary aim of the bill is to ensure that NYSC corps…
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, asserted that the ‘establishment of criminality’ prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) servers from functioning during the last presidential election. Obi emphasized that the servers must eventually be made operational, citing Amazon’s testimony that there were no global glitches recorded on the day of the presidential election. Speaking in Canada during a visit for a “thank you” tour to appreciate Nigerians living in the country for their support during the 2023 campaign/general elections, Obi addressed various issues surrounding the last general election, including the INEC servers. Obi defended…
During the Jenjo Cultural Day Celebration at the Major General Boniface Robert Sinjen Sports and Cultural Centre, David Robert, the paramount ruler of Jenjo community in Karim-Lamido local government council, urged the Taraba State government to elevate the Jen chiefdom to second class status and appoint more district heads. Robert emphasized that this upgrade would instill a sense of belonging among the Jenjo people, highlighting their historical standing among neighboring chiefdoms like Zing, Kona, and Bali. He noted that while Zing has attained first-class status and Bali and Bakundi are second-class chiefdoms, Jen has remained a third-class chiefdom since the…
Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has identified poverty and lack of economic opportunities as the major causes of insecurity in northern Nigeria. In a statement released on Saturday and made available to the media, Mumuni emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the issue. According to Mumuni, the government must focus on investing in economic development projects, creating jobs, and ensuring infrastructural improvements to combat insecurity effectively. Abayomi further suggested the introduction of social reforms, strengthening of security forces, community engagement, and empowerment of women and youth in the region. Mumuni…
Dennis Idahosa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate for the September 21, 2024 election in Edo State, has filed a N2.15 billion libel suit against Olu Martins, the Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign council. In the suit filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory with suit number CS/2259/24, Idahosa accused Martins of authoring an article that portrayed him as a fraudster. The incumbent lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency demanded N2 billion as general, punitive, aggravated, and exemplary damages from Martins for the alleged libelous and malicious…
The Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Frontier has rejected Mona Anyebe as the consensus chairmanship candidate of the party in the state. In a statement signed by the President, Umar Francis, the group insisted that the chairman must emerge from among the interested candidates who were screened by the committee. Francis stated, “Any individual who didn’t undergo this process cannot stand to benefit from it.” He also highlighted that a petition was submitted to the state caretaker committee and the national headquarters of the party, with evidence showing that Mr. Mona Anyebe was suspended from his Ogugu Ward…
The Benue State Urban Development Board has demolished over 40 illegal structures defacing major roads and streets in Makurdi, the state capital. The board has also identified and earmarked over 800 houses built on waterways and drainages for demolition within the Makurdi metropolis. General Manager of the State Urban Development Board, Town Planner Mede Ternongo, disclosed this to journalists in Makurdi. He stated that the exercise was part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s determination to revitalize the state capital and that the board was mandated to restore the city to its proper state. Ternongo explained that in the first phase of…
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey’s decision to cease trade with Israel was solely aimed at compelling the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Erdogan made these remarks during a meeting with the board of directors of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association in Istanbul, as reported on the presidency’s website. Erdogan emphasized that the Turkish government would collaborate with the business community to manage the repercussions of halting trade with Israel. The decision to halt trade activities with Israel came in response to what Turkey described as Israel’s “non-stop violence” against Palestinians…
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of some of its personnel allegedly involved in the kidnapping of minors in the state. The command’s spokesman, ASP Ahmad Rufai, identified the arrested officers as ASP Kulu and another officer named Elizabeth. According to Rufai, the command has launched an investigation into the alleged abduction of five children from the state. Among those abducted were three toddlers under the age of two and a five-year-old named Asmau Ya’u, who was reportedly abducted while on her way to an Islamiyya school in Sokoto. The suspects were apprehended while traveling from Sokoto…
Tragedy struck Ometan community in Okpe local government area of Delta State as an oil tanker fire claimed the lives of at least eight individuals. The incident, which occurred on Friday, resulted in a devastating fire that engulfed buildings in the vicinity. Reports indicate that the tanker lost control while overtaking another truck near the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses recounted that the front part of the tanker detached from the rear compartment while in motion, leading to a sudden explosion. Several buildings in the community were razed, and some residents trapped in the inferno…