Author: Ifeanyi N.

Mr. Julius Abure, the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has been re-elected for a second term by a unanimous affirmation of delegates, despite opposition from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). The election, which took place at the party’s national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, was declared by the Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu. Abure’s re-election comes amidst a running battle with the NLC leadership, led by Joe Ajaero, who has called for his resignation. The NLC has also demanded the immediate constitution of a caretaker transition committee to…

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially confirmed a shortage of Umrah visas, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. In a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, the commission acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian Muslims in obtaining Umrah visas for travel to Saudi Arabia. NAHCON expressed its commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to find a satisfactory resolution to the visa inaccessibility issue. The statement highlighted the high demand for Umrah visas during Ramadan as a significant factor exacerbating the shortage. Furthermore, NAHCON revealed that it has formally communicated its…

Sixteen members-elect of the Plateau State House of Assembly, all from the All Progressives Congress (APC), have issued a stern warning, declaring their readiness to resist what they termed as enemies of democracy. Led by Maiyaki Bala, the lawmakers expressed their readiness to confront those promoting the ‘rule of might’ through self-help, in clear violation of court orders. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Bala highlighted that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had ruled in their favor in November 2023, following appeals arising from judgments of the State and National Assembly Tribunal in Jos. He emphasized that they…

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has strongly condemned the recent bandits’ attack in Mairua, Faskari Local Government Area of the state, denouncing it as a heinous act of callousness. The attack, which took place last Saturday evening during the evening Ramadan prayers, resulted in the tragic loss of two lives and the abduction of two others. Expressing his condolences, Governor Radda, through the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, pledged support for the bereaved families. He urged residents to pray for the safe return of the deceased’s abducted wife and daughter and for peace to…

Former Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ebonyi Central Zone, Hon. Lazarus Ogbee, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State. His defection, alongside over 3,000 loyalists, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Ezza South Local Government Area. This development comes on the heels of similar defections, including that of former Senator Obinna Ogba and House of Representatives aspirant Obinna Nwachukwu, who recently joined the APC in Ishielu Local Government Area. Speaking after his defection at Unueke, the Ezza South Local Government Area Headquarters, Ogbee commended Governor Francis Ogbonna…

The Accord Party has officially announced Comrade Kennedy Iyere as its governorship candidate for the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial election. This confirmation was made in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe. The statement also addressed recent misleading information circulating regarding the party’s Deputy governorship candidate, Bright Enabulele, falsely claiming to be the flagbearer. The Accord Party clarified that Iyere emerged as the rightful candidate from the party’s primaries held on February 17, 2024. His candidacy has been duly registered on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. The party expressed concern over Enabulele’s recent statement…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to ensure that all embassies in Nigeria are provided with a conducive environment to carry out their duties effectively. Wike made this commitment during a courtesy visit by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Shri Balasubramanian, in Abuja on Tuesday. He highlighted the significant presence of Indian companies in Nigeria, particularly in petrochemicals and fertilizers, among other sectors. “We would also like to have this kind of relationship in Abuja. You have seen the improvement in security; you have seen improvement in infrastructure in Abuja. That is…

Paul Akintelure, a prominent governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has sadly passed away. Akintelure had been vocal about threats to his life, both direct and indirect, prior to his death. In a statement made on Thursday, March 21, 2023, Akintelure expressed concern over the escalating threats, stating, “The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.” Akintelure, who ran as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with Rotimi Akeredolu in a…

The Nigerian Army has announced plans to release more than 200 detainees who have been absolved of having links to the Boko Haram sect. These repentant detainees were arrested by the military during various raids in the heat of the insurgency. The detainees are set to be handed over to the Borno State Government for proper reintegration into society. The event is scheduled to take place at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Tuesday morning. According to reports, the cleared Boko Haram suspects have been found to be innocent of any wrongdoing by security operatives. The State Commissioner…

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Jigawa State has called for the amendment of the state’s electoral law to provide political parties with a 360-day notice period to adequately prepare for elections. This plea was made during an extraordinary meeting held in Dutse, the state capital, on Monday. In a communique jointly signed by the Chairman, Murtala Musa, and the Secretary, Isa Adams, the council emphasized the need for reform in light of prevailing economic, social, and political circumstances affecting citizens across the state. The council highlighted the extensive hardship faced by the populace, requiring immediate and effective intervention…

A former Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ebonyi Central Zone, Hon. Lazarus Ogbee, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, along with over 3,000 of his loyalists. The defection, which took place on Monday, marked the end of the leading opposition PDP in Ezza South Local Government Area. This development comes on the heels of former Senator Obinna Ogba and House of Representatives aspirant Obinna Nwachukwu joining the ruling APC in the lshielu Local Government Area of the state two weeks ago. Speaking after the defection ceremony at Unueke, the…

The President of Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) to advocate strongly for the restoration of lasting peace in the war-torn region of Gaza. He made this plea while participating in discussions at the ongoing 148th Session of the IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Akpabio emphasized the need for nations to rise above sentiments and prioritize the spirit of humanity by taking decisive actions to bring sustainable peace to Gaza. He highlighted key resolutions that should be considered, including access to humanitarian aid, restoration of normal life in Gaza, and discussions on a permanent…

In response to the recent surge in banditry and criminal attacks, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has received two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and 200 highly trained members of the Special Squad of the Nigeria Police Force. This development comes after a series of attacks, including the kidnapping of 137 schoolchildren from the Kuriga community, who were released last Saturday after 16 days in captivity. Governor Uba Sani announced the deployment on his verified Facebook page, expressing gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for fulfilling his promise to strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other…

This decision comes after Trump faced a Monday deadline to pay a $464 million bond payment following civil fraud allegations from New York Attorney General Letitia James. The $464 million judgment, originally due today, was issued by New York Judge Arthur Engoron after a months-long non-jury trial stemming from James’ investigation. Engoron ruled that Trump and other defendants were liable for various charges including fraud, falsifying business records, and conspiracy. Trump and his legal team appealed the decision, arguing that the initial bond amount was unprecedented and posting it in full was practically impossible. They vowed to fight the case…

Former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed regret for supporting Siminalayi Fubara’s bid to become the governor of Rivers State. Wike made this statement while addressing a crowd of supporters in Port Harcourt over the weekend. Wike accused Governor Fubara of displaying pretense and deceiving him into supporting his governorship bid. The rift between Wike and his successor, Governor Fubara, has been ongoing for several months, showing no signs of resolution. In his address, Wike criticized Governor Fubara’s actions, stating, “You (Fubara) said State Assembly people should not be independent,…

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Director of Binance, is being pursued by Interpol after escaping from custody and fleeing Nigeria. Anjarwalla, a key suspect in a criminal investigation related to Binance’s activities in Nigeria, managed to escape lawful detention on Friday, March 22nd, 2024. Idris emphasized that due to Binance being an international firm, efforts to apprehend Anjarwalla will be relentless. The Office of the National Security Adviser has confirmed the escape and stated that collaborative efforts are underway with relevant agencies and the international community to locate and detain…

Tragedy struck at the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) as a staff member was electrocuted while on duty. Kunle Olubiyo of the Nigerian Consumer Protection Network confirmed the incident to members of the press on Monday. The victim, identified as Josia Jim, was reportedly fixing a faulty feeder within Garki District when the power supply was restored without his notice, leading to his electrocution. Olubiyo mentioned that Jim had lost his wife about two years ago. Olubiyo attributed the incident to a lack of proper coordination between AEDC and the Nigerian Transmission Company. He emphasized the importance of having gadgets…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has provided Bureau De Change (BDCs) operators with $10,000 each at an exchange rate of N1,251 per United States dollar. This information was disclosed in a circular signed by Hassan Mahmud, the Director of the CBN’s Trade and Exchange Department. The circular instructed BDCs to offer dollars to qualified customers at a rate not exceeding 1.5% above the buying price. This means that BDCs are advised not to sell above N1,269 for each US dollar. The circular stated: “We refer to our letter to you referenced TED/DIR/CON/GOM/001/071 in respect of the above subject wherein…

The arraignment of four suspects connected to the abduction of seven lecturers from the University of Abuja, UNIABUJA, has been adjourned to May 13 by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The arraignment, initially scheduled for Monday, was adjourned by Justice Donatus Okorowo. The victims of the abduction are Prof Joseph Adavani, Dr Ferguson Tobins, Mohammed Sambo, Offiong Ubom, John Obansa, Fidelis Obansa, and Bassy Ubom along with his son and daughter. The defendants in the trial are Adamu Abubakar, Nura Muhammed Ahmadu, Ismailia Abubakar, and Abdulrahman Ado. The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General of the…

Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have expressed their support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the April 25 governorship primary election. The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, led 12 other lawmakers to the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja to affirm their backing for the governor and the continuity of an APC-led government in the state. Speaker Oladiji appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for their timely intervention in resolving the political crisis that occurred in the state a few months ago. He…