Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his campaign promises by addressing the escalating insecurity in Nigeria. Expressing deep concern over the surge of violence in the Federal Capital Territory, Obi emphasized the detrimental effect of the current security situation on Nigeria’s prospects for foreign investment. He warned that the recent killings of two abducted young girls in Abuja underscore the urgent need for decisive action from the country’s leaders. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor criticized the worsening insecurity under the past…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has requested the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal lodged against his election victory by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Sa’adu Umar. During the hearing at the apex court on Wednesday, the governor’s lawyer, Wole Olanipekun SAN, argued that the Sokoto State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal were justified in their findings and dismissal of the petition for lack of merit. Olanipekun emphasized that none of the allegations against his client’s election had been substantiated as required by law, making the appeal liable for dismissal. This…
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) must pay the sum of N100 million to Mrs. Mary Kajo as compensation for the alleged arrest, unlawful detention, torture, and death of her husband, Mark Kajo. In his judgment, Justice Inyang Ekwo also directed the police authorities to pay an additional sum of N500,000 as the cost of filing the suit. He further ordered a five per cent post-judgment interest on the fine until the entire judgment debt is settled. The judge noted that the police authorities did not contest the applicant’s case, stating, “The…
President Bola Tinubu has authorized the renewal of the Group Life Assurance for federal government workers, as announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, at the conclusion of the first 2024 meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja on Wednesday. Alhaji Idris revealed that the approval, which amounted to approximately N9.6 billion, was granted following a memorandum presented by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, to the council. The funds will be allocated to 12 local insurance firms to provide coverage for federal workers in the event…
The Sokoto State Zonal Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has transferred 1,198 cartons of counterfeit drugs to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). During the handover ceremony held on Wednesday, the Area Controller, Comptroller Musa Omale, attributed the seizure of the fake drugs to the collaborative efforts of vigilantes and customs officers. He emphasized that the action aligns with the collaboration policy of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. In a stern message to smugglers, Omale stated, “Importation of pharmaceutical drugs through the land border is not allowed. Nigeria Customs Service has…
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Osun State, Wale Adebayo, has cautioned political parties in the state to disregard a recent directive from the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) requesting party details. In a statement released by the council’s Secretary, Tosin Odeyemi, on Wednesday in Osogbo, Adebayo criticized the directives issued by OSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, on Tuesday. The directive had instructed political parties to provide the commission with their details. Adebayo emphasized that the OSIEC chairman should have followed proper procedures and engaged in a stakeholders’ meeting with political parties before making such requests. He…
Deputy Governor Aminu Abdullahi Alkali of Taraba State has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Kefas Agbu will secure victory at the Supreme Court. Challenging the March 18, 2024, gubernatorial election results, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its candidate, Prof Yahaya Sani, have contested the victory of the governor and the PDP. Deputy Governor Alkali attended the Supreme Court session on Wednesday where the appeal filed by NNPP and Sani was being heard. He stated that the court has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring justice prevails without any miscarriage. This follows the plea by…
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressed pride in the Nigeria Police Force’s association with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a courtesy visit by the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The IGP described the EFCC as a commendable offspring of the Police Force and pledged continued support for the commission. He emphasized the Police’s commitment to aiding the EFCC in its endeavors, stating, “We are proud to have the EFCC as our child. We will continue to support you.” In his remarks, Olukoyede commended the Police for nurturing the…
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a strong warning to motorists in Abuja against the violation of traffic lights. Mr. Wadata Bodinga, the Director of Traffic Management at the Transportation Secretariat of FCTA, emphasized the imposition of sanctions on individuals who disregard traffic regulations. Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Monday, Bodinga stated that despite an 80% reduction in traffic violations, there is still room for improvement. He highlighted the persistent issue of motorists disregarding traffic lights within the city. Bodinga revealed that ongoing upgrades are being made to the traffic lights to enhance their capabilities in capturing…
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a chieftain of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo sociocultural organization, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially put an end to the perceived marginalization of the Igbo people, especially as the 54th anniversary of the Biafra war approaches. Isiguzoro urged Tinubu to prioritize the reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation of the Southeast region and to facilitate its economic development. In a statement he released, Isiguzoro highlighted the historical neglect suffered by the old Eastern region, leading to the persecution and economic hardships faced by the Igbo people. He emphasized that while other regions have benefited from federal resources, the Southeast…
Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has voiced his disapproval of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s recent decision to hand over the Port Harcourt refinery to a private firm for operation and maintenance. Atiku expressed his belief that selling the refinery before its rehabilitation would have been a better financial decision for the country. Atiku emphasized that he has consistently advocated for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s oil sector and other parts of the economy. He highlighted that his proposals, outlined in “The Atiku Plan (2018)” and “My Covenant With Nigerians (2022),”…
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has issued a public notice calling for Expression of Interest (EOI) from qualified oil and gas firms to operate and maintain the Port Harcourt refinery. According to the notice, this move aims to enhance reliability and sustainability in meeting Nigeria’s fuel supply and energy security needs. NNPCL highlighted that the “operate and maintain” model is a crucial requirement mandated by the lender for the Port Harcourt refinery project. The company seeks reputable and credible Operations & Maintenance (O&M) companies to ensure the refinery’s efficient operation. In December, NNPCL announced the “mechanical completion” of…
Concerned citizens of Ishi-Ozalla community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State have urged Governor Peter Mbah to intervene and halt the alleged harassment and intimidation of individuals who supported his candidacy during the 2023 general elections. The community, which had previously declared its support for Governor Mbah over the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr, now alleges intimidation against its members. Addressing journalists in Enugu, Chief Ike Ogbodo, the leader of the Concerned Citizens, stressed the need to distinguish between politics and governance, emphasizing that citizens should support the government for…
The Minister of Defence for Nigeria, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has expressed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to bolstering its collaboration with France to address security challenges. During a meeting with members of the French Parliament and the Defence Commission, led by Gassilloud Thomas at the Ship House in Abuja, Minister Abubakar emphasized the significance of the Nigeria-France relationship in combating terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities in the country. Highlighting the existing ties between the two nations, the Minister stressed the need for further strengthening in areas such as military equipment provision, training, and overall cooperation. Since assuming office as…
The Kogi State House of Assembly has approved three nominees presented by Governor Yahaya Bello after a thorough screening process. The nominees, Abdulraheem Ohiare for the role of Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, Abdulrazaq Mohammed for the position of Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board, and Sule Saliu Enehe for the role of Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, underwent rigorous questioning by the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday. In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, urged the newly appointed officials to bring their…
The Election Evidence Nigeria Project (EEP), a group of independent researchers focusing on Nigerian elections, has identified key reasons for the growing voter apathy in the country. According to the researchers, Nigeria should be concerned about the declining voter turnout despite an increase in voter registration since 1999. They noted that while elections have improved since 2011, voter turnout continues to decrease. During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Suleiman Suleiman, a member of the initiative, provided an analysis of the elections. He acknowledged certain issues but affirmed the overall credibility of the electoral process. Dr. Suleiman’s remarks…
Former Zamfara State lawmaker, Senator Kabiru Marafa, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his non-interference in the Supreme Court’s judgments regarding the 2023 governorship election, stating that this action has preserved Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Marafa, who represented Zamfara Central at the National Assembly from 2011 to 2019, commended Tinubu and the justices of the apex court for upholding the will of Nigerian voters. “Posterity will judge them well for allowing the will of the Nigerian voters to prevail,” Marafa stated. He emphasized that Tinubu’s decision not to interfere in the Supreme Court’s rulings…
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has been sworn in for his second term in office, several months after his re-election. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, around 3:24 pm on Monday. The inauguration of Governor Uzodimma was swiftly followed by the oath-taking of Lady Chinyere Ekomaru as the Deputy Governor of Imo State. Notable dignitaries present at the event included President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Governor Uzodimma’s re-election was declared by the…
The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) challenging the victory of Siminalayi Fubara as the governor of Rivers State. This dismissal comes as the apex court reserves judgment on the appeal presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Patrick Tonye-Cole. During the proceedings, Innocent Kere, the counsel for the APM and its candidate in the last state gubernatorial election, opted to withdraw the appeal, leading to its dismissal by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, a five-member panel led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has reserved judgment on the appeal filed by Tonye-Cole…
The Presidency has reiterated that President Bola Tinubu would not spare any of his appointees indicted by the ongoing probe of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said there must be no sacred cow in the ongoing investigation. Last week Monday, Tinubu had suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu for allegedly ordering the payment of over N585.2 million to a private account. A leaked memo indicated that she approved the payment of N585 million into the private account of a civil servant. Ngelale while…