Author: Ifeanyi N.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended an invitation to Rabiu Kwankwaso, the potential presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), to join the ruling party. Ganduje expressed his willingness to assume the role of Kwankwaso’s “grandfather” within the APC if he decides to switch parties. Speaking to APC supporters in Kano, Ganduje emphasized the hierarchical structure within the party, stating, “If you are an APC membership card holder, you are a subordinate and follower of the national leader. If you defect to APC today, you are our subordinate and follower.” Asserting…

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The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has summoned Hon. Berger Alfred, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Makurdi North State Constituency, to appear before a disciplinary committee. The committee was established by the party’s leadership to investigate alleged anti-party activities. Alfred is expected to appear before the committee on Monday. The invitation comes in light of his involvement in the upcoming bye-election into Guma State Constituency. In a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, Alfred’s invitation is in accordance with Article 21 of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress.…

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The Zone C Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it recorded seizures worth N5,351,826,390 during the 2023 fiscal year. The zone’s comptroller, Kayode Kolade, attributed these significant seizures to the hard work, resilience, dedication to duty, and commitment of the officers. He made these remarks while decorating recently promoted officers. The seized items included pangolin scales, foreign parboiled rice, Cannabis sativa, counterfeit pharmaceutical products, tramadol, used vehicles, tyres, clothing, and raw materials for explosives, among others. Addressing the 49 newly promoted officers, which included three Assistant Comptrollers of Customs, five Chief Superintendents of Customs, three…

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In response to the recent surge in violent crimes across the country, the Benue State Government has taken proactive steps by releasing contact numbers for the public to report any incidents to the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security. Colonel Alexander Ashungu (retired), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Strategic Liaison, disclosed the phone numbers on Wednesday in Makurdi, emphasizing the state’s zero tolerance for crime and the need for the public’s cooperation in reporting suspicious activities. “Any member of the public who suspects any suspicious movement, gathering, or unauthorized persons bearing arms,…

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documents of the mining company linked to Tuesday’s explosion in Ibadan indicate foreign ownership. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Governor Makinde revealed that the death toll from the explosion has increased to three, with one more victim succumbing to injuries in the hospital on Wednesday. He also mentioned that one individual was rescued alive from the rubble, and 60 out of the 77 hospitalized individuals have been discharged. In his statement, Governor Makinde shed light on the ongoing investigation into the…

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Investigations into the explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese close, Bodija Housing Estate in Ibadan on Tuesday have revealed that a Malian individual, allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Oyo State, was behind the incident. According to eyewitnesses residing in the vicinity of the explosion, the building where the explosion occurred was occupied by the said Malian, who had been residing there for several years. It was disclosed that the individual, identified as being involved in illegal mining, was known to the community as a Malian national. An elderly resident who spoke with the media mentioned that the Malian and…

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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has given its nod for a new cost-reflective tariff increase for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country. This comes as the commission revealed that the electricity subsidy is projected to amount to N1.6 trillion in 2024. The details of the new Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) for DisCos were made public on the official website of NERC on Wednesday. According to the commission, the updated MYTO for DisCos will become effective from January 1, 2024. In a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman of NERC, Sanusi Garba, clarified that the federal…

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted claims labeling him as a habitual latecomer to plenaries, asserting that the accusations are unfounded and aimed at creating a false narrative about him. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Eawme Eyiboh, Akpabio emphasized his commitment to punctuality, citing his belief in the adage that “time is money” and the essential nature of time management in both private and public endeavors. The statement clarified that while Akpabio holds the position of Senate President with utmost respect for his colleagues and all Nigerians, his duties often involve handling…

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The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has raised concerns over the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria, particularly the increasing incidents of kidnapping for ransom. The organisation has alleged that insiders may be involved in these criminal activities, calling for urgent action to address the situation. In a statement issued by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to convene a community/stakeholders meeting to tackle the rising insecurity. The statement highlighted that the nature of the security challenges suggests the involvement of insiders, who may have connections with the victims or knowledge of…

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the appointment of four officials following the State House Assembly’s decision to override him and pass four new bills into law. In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, Governor Fubara named Goodlife Ben as the Acting Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Tonte Davies as the Acting Administrator of the New Cities Development Authority (NCDA), and Ine Briggs as the Acting Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The appointments are effective immediately. Meanwhile, the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly voted to override…

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The Abia State Ministry of Environment has announced the ban on the use of Styrofoam foils, commonly known as ‘Take Away’, as food containers in the state. The ban, issued in a statement by the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, aims to address concerns about the product’s impact on public health. Commissioner Ogbonna highlighted that similar bans had been implemented in other states, including Lagos, and urged the public to cease using the foils immediately. He emphasized the need for thorough investigations into the potential dangers posed by the product before any further decisions are made. During the January 2024…

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The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has expressed disagreement with President Bola Tinubu’s recent private trip to France, stating concerns about the country’s need for leadership during challenging times. CUPP questioned the timing of Tinubu’s trip, citing Nigeria’s pressing need for effective governance. The coalition expressed unease over the frequency of Tinubu’s private trips to France, likening the situation to the past administration under President Buhari. In a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Peter Ameh, CUPP recommended that future leaders undergo comprehensive health and fitness tests to prevent similar scenarios. The coalition voiced concerns that the private…

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The Rivers State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Solsuema Osaro, has accused the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Aaron Chukwuemeka, of impersonation. Osaro, who also chairs the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state, made this statement in response to Chukwuemeka’s recent visit to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as the self-acclaimed IPAC state chairman. Chukwuemeka, along with chairmen from other political parties in the state, including the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, visited RSIEC to assess the commission’s readiness for the…

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The military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have collectively declared their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision was communicated in a joint statement released on Sunday by the leaders of the three Sahel nations. In their statement, the military juntas cited their departure from ECOWAS as a “sovereign decision” made without delay. The three countries had previously been suspended from ECOWAS, with Niger and Mali facing substantial sanctions. Following their expulsion from ECOWAS, the military regimes have taken a firm stance and forged an “Alliance of Sahel States.” Niger, in particular,…

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The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to launching the Student Loan Scheme this January, assuring prospective beneficiaries that the initiative remains on schedule. According to the government, students who apply through the forthcoming website can expect to access the loan within 30 days of their application. Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, made this announcement to reporters following the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday. He emphasized that the website for the scheme is nearing completion and will soon be ready for student applications. “January is a reality. Already the website is almost done. Application for…

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Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has concluded his case against Lilian Onoh, a former Nigerian ambassador to Jamaica and Namibia, regarding allegations of defamation. The closure of the suit followed a cross-examination on Friday before Justice Keziah Ogbonnaya of a Federal Capital Territory High Court at Zuba in Abuja on allegations of financial misappropriation at Nigerian embassies in Jamaica and Namibia. Onyeama, who served during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, had taken legal action against Onoh after she accused him of condoning grand corruption at Nigerian foreign missions. Onoh, who is Onyeama’s sister-in-law, allegedly sponsored newspaper articles critical of…

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Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has officially assumed office as the fifth democratically-elected Governor of Kogi State. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, the State capital, where he was administered the oath of office by the Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Mejabi. The ceremony, which commenced at 2:18 pm, saw Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, the Deputy Governor, taking his oath before Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who followed suit at exactly 2:27 pm. The event was marked by jubilation from a large crowd of dignitaries and well-wishers. Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Ahmed…

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The Abia State Police Command has apprehended four individuals disguised in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) uniforms who were operating with a toy gun. According to a statement released by the Command, the arrests were made following credible intelligence received by the Central Police Station, Umuahia. The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, revealed that the four-man gang in EFCC uniforms had reportedly visited Enyioma Christ Lodge, Umudike, where they robbed students at gunpoint and forced them to transfer a total of N120,000 to their bank account. Upon receiving the information, officers from…

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The Nigerian Army has announced significant achievements in its operations in the North-West region, including the elimination of 10 terrorists and the arrest of a notorious bandit leader. The Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin Daji, Capt. Yagata Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday in Gusau. According to Ibrahim, the troops conducted successful clearance operations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States, resulting in the arrest of arms smugglers and the recovery of ammunition. He highlighted the army’s commitment to ongoing coordinated dry season operations in the region. In a recent operation on January…

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has conferred the instruments of office on six traditional rulers from the Oke-Ogun geopolitical zone of the state. The presentation of the instruments of office took place between Thursday and Friday. The newly appointed traditional rulers are Chief Oyelowo Joseph Oyetunde – Apeerin of Saki; Prince James Okanlawon Adigun – Lasigbon-Kinnikinni of Saki; Alhaji Jimoh Adeola Ayiki – Baale Oke-Oro; Alhaji Raimi Aiki Boorepo – Baale-Iya of Saki; Oba Abiodun Oyerinde Owolabi (Oyekuleyin l) – Onibise of Ibise-Otu; and Chief Thomas Opoola Olaore (Ariina lll) – Baale of Komu. Governor Makinde, represented by the…

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