Mr Tomide Akinribido, a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akinribido, who previously served as the deputy minority leader in the 9th House of Assembly, made his defection known on Monday. Expressing his happiness at joining the ruling party, Akinribido pledged his commitment to working with the APC’s structure, leadership, stakeholders, and members. He cited his conviction in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s capacity and political will to improve the state’s fortunes as a motivating factor for his decision. In response, the Ondo State…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its readiness for the rescheduled Enugu South state constituency rerun election, set for Wednesday, February 14. Rex Achumie, INEC’s Head of Voters Education and Publicity Department, stated that the commission is fully prepared for the exercise, with adequate arrangements in place. He mentioned that sensitive materials would be received from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the presence of political parties and other stakeholders by 3 pm on Tuesday. Achumie assured that the issue of result sheets, which caused the postponement of the initial rerun scheduled for February 3, has been…
The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Special Duties, National Planning, and Economic Development to investigate the spending and utilization of increased allocations from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) by state governments. Additionally, the Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs has been mandated to join the investigation and report back to the house within four weeks for further legislative action. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Ademorin Kuye (APC-Lagos) on the floor of the house in Abuja on Tuesday. Kuye argued that states and local government areas had received more funds…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the economic hardship in the country, particularly the food scarcity that has led to restiveness and frustration among Nigerians. In a communiqué issued on Tuesday after its meeting in Abuja, the BoT expressed deep concerns over the biting economic hardship, high cost of essential commodities, and alarming food scarcity caused by the ill-implemented policies of the APC administration. The BoT also condemned the corruption and treasury looting in the APC administration, especially the diversion of funds meant for palliatives for poor and vulnerable…
Students from Nasarawa State attending tertiary institutions have called for an end to the rampant kidnappings and banditry plaguing their campuses. The appeal follows repeated attacks targeting students at institutions such as Nasarawa State University, Keffi, the Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic in Lafia, and the Federal University, Lafia. Yunusa Baduku, the recently elected President of the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA), expressed the collective frustration during a gathering in Lafia on Saturday. Baduku, who emerged victorious at the 2023/2024 national convention of NASSA, emphasized the urgent need for both federal and state governments to address the escalating security concerns affecting…
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a request to the Senate for the confirmation of Hon Amidu Tadese Raheem from Osun State as Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC). The nomination was made in accordance with the provisions of Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. In a letter read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu sought expeditious consideration and approval of the request, stating, “Whilst hoping that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest…
Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, has criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari for allegedly damaging Nigeria’s economy during his eight years in office. Omokri pointed out that by the end of Buhari’s tenure in May 2023, Nigeria’s debt had nearly doubled from 18 per cent to 35 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while inflation stood at 22.4 per cent. He accused Buhari of running a “criminal enterprise” instead of a government. He also highlighted the economic challenges persisting under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies and a volatile exchange rate. Omokri placed…
Joe Ajaero, the President of the National Labour Congress (NLC), has suggested that the Federal Government should consider a monthly minimum wage of N1 million if economic indicators, including inflation, worsen. Speaking in an interview with Arise Television on Sunday, Ajaero emphasized the need for the new minimum wage to reflect the country’s economic realities. He stated that as long as the naira continues to depreciate against the dollar, the demand for a higher minimum wage will persist. Ajaero noted that the initial proposal of N200,000 as the minimum wage is no longer feasible, citing the rising cost of food…
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has called on the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to relay to President Bola Tinubu the dire state of hunger and starvation gripping the nation. During Tinubu’s visit to Kano to inaugurate the faculty of law at a private university, the emir emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that her direct communication with the President is a crucial channel to convey the true state of affairs in the country. “The hunger and starvation didn’t start with this government, but the situation has become more alarming and needs urgent attention,” the emir stated…
The trial of suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on charges of procurement fraud commenced on Monday at an FCT High Court in Abuja, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presenting its case. Emefiele, who had previously been charged with six counts, now faces amended 20 counts of criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others. He denied all charges during his arraignment on Friday, prompting the amended charges and a re-arraignment. The EFCC’s first witness, Onyeka Ogbu, a Deputy Director in CBN branch operations, testified that a request for the payment of 6.2 million…
Nine aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, who are contesting the February 22, 2024, governorship primary, have issued a stern warning to the party, threatening legal action if their grievances are not addressed promptly. The aggrieved aspirants, including Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Hajia Hadizat Umoru, Omosede Igbinedion, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, and Arthur Esene, boycotted the recent ward and local delegates congresses held on February 4 and February 10, respectively. These congresses were conducted across 192 wards and 17 local government areas of the state, excluding Etsako Central Local…
The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to appoint a new president for the Customary Court of Appeal and additional judges to enhance efficient justice delivery. In a statement signed by the chairperson, Mrs. Folasade Aladeniyi, the secretary, Mr. Olakunle Akintola, and the publicity secretary, Mr. Oluwatobi Fatoki, the association highlighted the need for urgent action in filling these vacancies. The association noted that the former President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal retired in 2023, and a successor is yet to be appointed as required by Nigeria’s…
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security in response to the country’s recent spate of security challenges. The call was made by the National President of the union, Comrade Audu Amba, during the NUT 6th Annual Solemn Assembly held in Abuja on Monday. Amba emphasized the need for decisive action by the government, stating that Nigeria has faced unprecedented security challenges in recent times. He highlighted the importance of security, stating that it is essential for the country’s progress and development. The NUT president also addressed teachers’ welfare…
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has criticized the policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that Nigerians are still suffering from their impact. Oshiomhole made these remarks in an interview on Channels Television monitored by the media. The former governor of Edo State also defended President Bola Tinubu, stating that Tinubu should not be held responsible for the right or wrong decisions taken by the previous administration. Oshiomhole praised Tinubu for always prioritizing national interests over partisan interests. “My first loyalty is to Nigeria. At some point, before the last president left office, I lamented loudly what…
Jude Oguejiofor, the 2023 House of Representatives candidate from Anambra State, has been killed by gunmen. Oguejiofor, a lawyer from Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, contested for the Ihiala Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to sources, Oguejiofor was abducted around 1 am some days ago, along with his brother, by the gunmen. The incident occurred in Orsumoghu Community, where they had gone to visit their aged parents. However, the gunmen later released his brother, a medical doctor resident overseas, unhurt.…
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has directed a massive manhunt for suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) believed to be behind the recent attacks in Okigwe. These attacks targeted the Correctional Service Farm Settlements, Umualomoke, and the residence of Senator Patrick Ndubeze in the early hours of February 12, 2024. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, the Commissioner of Police stated: “The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with…
President Bola Tinubu expressed shock and deep distress over the news of the passing of Herbert Wigwe, a top banker and entrepreneur, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family. The President’s condolence message followed an official confirmation from relevant sources. Herbert Wigwe was the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc and founder of the How Foundation. In a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu described Wigwe and Ogunbanjo as exceptional Nigerian business leaders, adding that their passing is “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking…
The Police Service Commission has clarified that it has not officially announced any date for the examination of applicants in the ongoing recruitment of Nigerian youths into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force. In a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, the Commission advised applicants to disregard any dates circulating on social media. Ani emphasized that the Commission will officially announce the examination date at the appropriate time and notify successful applicants from the screening exercise. Furthermore, the Commission directed the Police Cyber-crime Unit to investigate the source of the trending publication and swiftly…
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, and five others in a helicopter crash near the border of California and Nevada in the United States of America. Governor Abiodun described the incident as a devastating loss for the families, friends, and the entire business community in Nigeria. He praised Wigwe as a quintessential banker who made significant contributions to the Nigerian economy and was a strong supporter of his administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda. The governor expressed that Wigwe’s…
United States authorities have indicated that preliminary reports suggest wintry weather conditions were a contributing factor in the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holding Plc, his wife, son, and others. During a media briefing held on Saturday (3 am Nigerian time, Sunday), Michael Graham, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, stated that officials were at the crash site to gather perishable evidence. “Witness reports of the weather conditions during the accident suggest rain and a wintry mix,” Graham explained. He noted that the helicopter was not equipped…