The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has expressed his belief that Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the forthcoming governorship election on 21 September 2024, lacks support from the people of the state. According to Shaibu, Ighodalo, who is being endorsed by the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, is facing rejection even from his own community, primarily due to his inability to speak their native language. During his appearance on a Channels TV programme on Friday, Shaibu did not hold back his criticism of the PDP’s choice of candidate. He confidently asserted that Ighodalo would face…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Company, a Chinese firm, has announced the release of one of three Nigerian presidential jets that were seized under a French court order. This development was confirmed in a statement released by the company on Friday, where it was highlighted that the gesture was made in consideration of an upcoming diplomatic meeting. The company’s spokesperson explained that the decision to release the aircraft was prompted by the need for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to use the jet for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. According to the statement, “It has come to our attention…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to intensify its efforts to fast-track Nigeria’s journey towards universal electricity access. In a clear message of support, Shettima granted the REA’s request to collaborate with the National Economic Council (NEC), enabling the agency to engage state governors more effectively in the nationwide electrification drive. During a meeting with the REA delegation, led by its Managing Director and CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima expressed his strong backing for the agency’s initiatives. The REA’s presentation focused on the National Electrification and Implementation Plan…
The House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Crude Oil Thefts has delivered a stern warning to individuals involved in the sabotage of Nigeria’s oil industry, declaring that those responsible will face the full force of the law. The committee, chaired by Alhaji Ado Alhassan Doguwa, emphasised the seriousness of the issue, highlighting the damaging impact of such activities on the nation’s economy and its future. In a statement signed by Doguwa, he underscored the urgency of tackling this menace, particularly in light of the financial challenges facing the government. “We cannot allow the administration of President Tinubu and the All…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has announced the dates for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), scheduled from August 22 to August 30. This announcement comes as part of INEC’s efforts to ensure that eligible voters are adequately prepared to participate in the forthcoming elections. Timidi Wariowei, INEC’s Head of Department for Voter Education and Publicity in Edo State, made this known through an official statement released on Friday in Benin. He outlined the collection process, which is designed to be convenient and accessible to all registered voters across the state. According to Wariowei, the…
John Nwosu, a Labour Party governorship aspirant for the upcoming 2025 election in Anambra State, has raised strong objections against the proposed local government elections scheduled by the state’s independent electoral commission. In a detailed press release, Nwosu accused the process of being rushed and designed to favour the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, in his bid to tighten his grip on grassroots politics ahead of the state election. Nwosu expressed deep concerns about the legitimacy of the local government election, which is planned for 28th September 2024. He described the timing and organisation of the election as highly suspicious…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse across Plateau State, with significant achievements reported over the last two years. Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), the NDLEA Chairman, recently disclosed that the agency had seized an astounding 6,975.6 kilogrammes of illicit drugs in the state during this period. His remarks came during a meeting in Abuja with Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who visited to discuss further collaboration in tackling the drug menace. The seized substances included dangerous drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, among others. These seizures have led to the…
Activist Madubuachi Idam has urged the National Assembly to enact legislation that would more rigorously regulate international debt incurred by Nigerian states. His call comes in response to the recent seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets in France by a Chinese company, a development that Idam describes as a significant warning for the nation’s lawmakers to take immediate and decisive action. The incident that sparked this plea involved the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, which successfully petitioned a French court to seize several Nigerian presidential jets. These aircraft were undergoing routine maintenance in France when the court granted…
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed claims regarding his alleged Igbo paternity with a sense of humour, asserting that no one in Nigeria should be made to feel unwelcome in any part of the country. His remarks were made during a meeting with the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, a coalition representing major markets in Lagos State, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Thursday. Obasanjo’s reaction to the paternity claims was succinct. “It just makes me laugh,” he said, choosing not to delve further into the topic. The former president instead emphasised…
Muhammad Sulaiman, widely known as Mai-Kadama, has resigned from his role as a Senior Special Adviser to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. He has also severed ties with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a meeting with Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin. The unexpected defection was announced on Thursday after Sulaiman met with Senator Jibrin at his office in Abuja. Sulaiman, who had been serving as the Senior Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship to Governor Yusuf, has been a prominent figure within the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement, which is closely…
Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, has revealed that he is considering a presidential run but would withdraw his ambition if former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to contest. This announcement was made on Thursday after a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) encouraged him to step forward as a candidate for the presidency. Governor Mohammed highlighted Jonathan’s wealth of experience, asserting that the former president would be a strong candidate capable of effectively managing the country’s challenges if given the mandate. He acknowledged the need for seasoned leadership in Nigeria, particularly within the ranks of the opposition. “Regarding your call for me…
On Thursday, the Presidency addressed concerns regarding the recent attempts by the Chinese company Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited to seize offshore assets belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Presidency clarified that the Federal Government has no contractual obligations with Zhongshan and emphasised that the ongoing legal battle involves the company and the Ogun State Government specifically. The statement, issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, follows reports that Zhongshan had successfully petitioned for the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets. The French court’s decision to authorise this seizure was reportedly…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties involved in the upcoming Edo State governorship election to adhere strictly to electoral guidelines. This call was made by Dr Anugbum Onuoha, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, during an interactive session held in Benin on Thursday. The session was attended by traditional, religious, and political party leaders from the state. Dr Onuoha highlighted a significant concern regarding the commencement of political campaigns, which officially began on April 24. He noted that many political parties had failed to inform INEC of their campaign activities. Such communication is crucial,…
In Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, a dramatic protest unfolded as irate youths from the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over the road leading to the secretariat of the Austin Agada-led faction of the party. Such demonstration was driven by dissatisfaction with the ongoing factional leadership of Agada, which the protesters believe undermines the authority of the state and the party. The protest began early Thursday morning as the aggrieved youths, determined to voice their frustration, diverted vehicles and motorbikes away from the APC secretariat. They redirected traffic to Atiku Abubakar Way and Kasim Ibrahim Road, creating significant disruptions.…
On Thursday, a noteworthy scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja as three prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) simultaneously announced their representation for Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This development occurred in relation to a legal challenge concerning the conduct of congresses by the PDP’s Rivers State chapter. The case’s origins trace back to last month when Justice Peter Lifu issued an order prohibiting the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and relevant security agencies from impeding or disrupting the scheduled wards, local governments, and state congresses of the…
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has firmly denied any knowledge of a purported meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Executive Committee (SEC) reportedly announced by the former state chairman of the party, Mr Austin Agada. Recent reports circulating online claimed that a meeting of the Benue APC SEC was scheduled to take place on Thursday in Makurdi. However, the Governor’s office has issued a statement refuting these claims. Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, clarified the situation in a statement released on Thursday. According to Kula, Governor Alia has officially cancelled the alleged…
The Nigerian military has reported significant gains in its ongoing operations against insurgency, banditry, and oil theft across the country. In a briefing, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, outlined the successes achieved by the armed forces over the past week. The military neutralized 147 terrorists, apprehended 381 suspects, and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages in various parts of the nation. A substantial cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pistols, and ammunition, was recovered during these operations. In the volatile North East, troops engaged in Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 81 terrorists and arrested 52 suspects. A notable…
The Baale of Kuto, Muftau Kehinde, has issued a heartfelt plea for a thorough investigation into the brutal murder of his son, Fatai Kehinde, a popular Point of Sale (POS) operator known as ‘Faithy’. The tragic incident occurred on Friday, 9th August, when the young man was fatally attacked by suspected cultists. Fatai was reportedly pursued from his shop within Kuto Market to a nearby bridge, where he was mercilessly killed. The shocking event has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents in fear and disbelief. In a bid to dispel rumours linking his son to cult activities, the Baale…
Ogun State Police Command has issued a stern warning to commuters and residents about a surge in one-chance robberies along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Mowe Expressway. The police force revealed that it has received multiple reports of a notorious gang preying on unsuspecting passengers in the area. In a particularly brazen incident, a victim was robbed of a staggering N700,000 at gunpoint after boarding a vehicle in Kajola on Wednesday. Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson, expressed deep concern over the escalating situation. She urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when boarding public transport on the affected route. “We have…
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed the police’s explanation for the recent raid on its headquarters as a blatant attempt to cover up its actions. The labor union also levelled serious allegations against the federal government, accusing it of meddling in its affairs. Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah described the police claim of pursuing a terrorist within the NLC building as contradictory and self-serving. He questioned the police’s rationale for deploying a large security contingent to the 10th floor of the building while the alleged suspect was reportedly on the second floor.…