The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared the governorship primary election in Edo State held on Saturday inconclusive. The decision comes amidst controversy surrounding the poll, which resulted in the emergence of three different candidates for the September 21 gubernatorial election. Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Electoral Committee for the primary, announced Dennis Idahosa as the winner. However, returning officer Stanley Ugboaja declared Monday Okpebholo as the winner. Additionally, Ojo Babatunde, claiming to be a spokesperson for returning officers for all local governments, declared Anamero Dekeri as the winner. The party’s leadership…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Ibrahim Tajudeen Shola, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) advice to remove electricity subsidy, warning that such a move would worsen the suffering of the poor masses and could lead to serious chaos in the country. In an open letter to the president, Ibrahim argued that removing electricity subsidy would burden the already strained finances of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those living below the poverty line. The IMF had reiterated the importance of eliminating subsidies to redirect resources towards more targeted social welfare programs, citing the…
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Igbo youths against participating in the planned nationwide protest against the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu. This caution comes amidst the current hardships experienced by Nigerians. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of Ohanaeze, warned that Igbo youths face arrest and prosecution with serious charges when they join protests against the Nigerian government. In Enugu, Iwuanyanwu described the current economic crisis in Nigeria as unfortunate, stating his intention to convene a meeting of top Igbo economists and experts to strategize on overcoming the hardships. “As your leader, I am directing that no Igbo group or…
The Kano State House of Assembly has directed the Kano State Road Traffic Agency, Kano State Primary Health Care Agency, and Kano Printing Press to refund a total sum of N260 million for misappropriated funds. During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Jibril Ismail Falgore, the Assembly indicted the three agencies for misappropriation of allocations and internally generated revenue. In a unanimous adoption of the recommendations of the House Committee on Public Accounts, the Assembly warned all ministries, agencies, and parastatals to comply with due diligence on public finance or face sanctions. Chairman of the House Committee on Public…
The House of Representatives has approved a bill for the second reading, aiming to amend the 1999 constitution to permit the establishment of state police by the 36 states in the federation. Sponsored by Ben Kalu and 14 others, the bill comprises 18 clauses intending to amend 14 sections of the constitution, notably to transfer police from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list. This shift would allow both state and federal governments to establish a police force. During the debate on Tuesday, Muktar Shagaya, presenting the bill on behalf of the co-sponsors, emphasized the necessity of state police,…
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, has issued a stern warning to aspirants and political parties to halt all campaign activities for the governorship election immediately or face sanctions. In a statement released on Monday in Benin City, the REC emphasized that the commission had not lifted the suspension on campaign activities, specifying that parties and candidates should commence campaigning only from April 24. Onuoha stressed that campaigning for the primary election should not be conducted publicly as it is an internal party affair. He urged political parties and…
The Rivers State Police Command has officially announced the demise of David Gift-Okpara, also known as 2Baba, a notorious criminal and alleged mastermind behind the murder of former Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, Bako Angbashim. According to the state command, 2Baba was killed during a joint operation in Idu-Ekpeye community, Ahoada East LGA. His death marks a significant development in the quest to bring justice for Angbashim, whose murder shook the region in September 2023. Governor Siminalayi Fubara had issued a N100 million bounty for anyone with credible information leading to 2Baba’s arrest, highlighting the severity of the case. Several individuals…
President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate’s confirmation for the appointment of a chairman and members of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). In a letter titled “Constitution of Monetary Policy Committee for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpiabio and read at plenary, President Tinubu cited the provisions of section 12 of the CBN Act 2007 for the request. “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the underlisted 12 persons as chairman and members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the President…
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to revolutionizing the education sector for accelerated growth in Nigeria. Speaking during a meeting with the newly inaugurated leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at his office in the National Assembly, Abuja, Senator Barau emphasized the crucial role of education in development. He stressed that addressing the challenges in the education sector is essential for Nigeria’s progress. Senator Barau highlighted the commitment of the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to tackle the country’s challenges. He expressed the government’s efforts…
The Senate’s Committee on Finance has expressed concern over the N17 trillion loss incurred by Nigeria in tax waivers over the past five years. During the 2024 budget presentation of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the committee, senators called for the suspension of tax waivers, which they believe are being abused, and advocated for a rebating system as a substitute. Chairman of the committee, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), highlighted the need for FIRS to take decisive action, stating, “Available records show that within the last five years, about N17 trillion has been lost by the country…
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on residents to be patient as he works to reduce the prices of staple foods in the state. This plea came during a session with Government House correspondents in Uyo, where he discussed the proposed establishment of the State Bulk Purchasing Agency. The agency, currently under consideration by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, aims to regulate the prices of essential food items, ensuring they remain affordable for the populace. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno assured the public of a transparent process,…
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State, stated on Monday that the Commission only monitored the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary held at the Lushville Hotel and Suites. The REC made this disclosure during a press briefing in Benin City. It is recalled that political thugs disrupted the APC governorship primary at Lushville Hotel and Suites, assaulting journalists, destroying their equipment, and attacking APC electoral officers. Dr. Onuoha explained that INEC follows directives from the national body regarding monitoring of party primaries. “The national body will write to…
Justice Florence Doruoha-Igwe Rtd, the Chairman of the Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the recovery of government properties and funds, has directed the unsealing of a property at No. 43 Finbars Road in Umuahia, previously sealed off by the Panel. The unsealing is scheduled to take place from 19th to 20th February 2024. During the Panel’s sitting in Umuahia, Justice Duruoha-Igwe Rtd stated that the purpose of unsealing the building is to allow the Abia PDP, the 2nd respondent, to access the facility and present the lease agreement between the party and Mr. Michael Okey Nzeakor before the…
Babatunde Oke, the chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs in the 7th Ekiti House of Assembly, has reaffirmed the legislators’ commitment to advancing the state’s development for shared prosperity. Speaking on Monday in Ado-Ekiti during a media briefing ahead of a one-day retreat for Assembly members in partnership with Cavista Holdings, Oke emphasized the Assembly’s dedication to enhancing the state’s socio-economic landscape. The theme of the retreat, scheduled for Wednesday, 21 February 2024, at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resorts, is “Enhancing Socio-Economic Development of Ekiti State Through the Private Sector and Foreign Direct Investment: The Role of the…
Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that the Federal Government has reintroduced petrol subsidy through covert means. Recent media reports suggest that the monthly subsidy payment amounts to nearly N1 trillion, surpassing the monthly payments made during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. In a statement issued on Monday in response to reports by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Shaibu claimed that the Nigerian Government has resumed paying petrol subsidy. He argued that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has not been remitting the required amount to the government’s account due to…
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after attending the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. President Tinubu departed Abuja, Nigeria, on February 14 for the Summit and arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday at about 04:00 pm local time. He was warmly received by top government officials, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle. The President’s return comes amidst protests in…
The crisis surrounding Saturday’s primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has escalated, with three candidates now laying claim to the party’s ticket for the governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024. Anamero Sunday Dekeri was declared the winner of the primary election on Saturday night, adding to the confusion as two other candidates had already been declared winners earlier. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the governorship primary committee, had declared Honourable Dennis Idahosa winner with 40,453 votes, while Ugboaja Stanley Uzoamaka, the Returning Officer, declared Senator Monday Okpebholo winner with 12,145 votes. However,…
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, has been compelled to close down indefinitely due to repeated attacks on students by hoodlums. The Rector of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, announced the closure during the weekend, with students expected to resume academic activities on Monday, February 26. The Students Union Government (SUG) of the school also issued a statement directing all students in the hostels to comply with the management’s directive to proceed on a semi-semester break. Reports from Ogwashi- Uku indicate that most of the hostels, both outside and inside the campus, have been deserted due to fears of further attacks…
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the ongoing African Union summit to discuss the comprehensive strengthening of bilateral ties between their countries. In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, their discussions were described as fruitful, focusing on the need to enhance trade and cooperation in various fields. President Lula da Silva expressed his determination to strengthen bilateral relations, noting that Nigeria and Brazil had once enjoyed a trade volume of more than $10 billion, which has now declined…
The Kwara State Police Command has debunked a trending video that purported to show residents of Ilorin protesting at the Emir’s palace over the current economic challenges in the country. In a statement issued by the spokesperson, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, the Command urged the public to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified information or content that could aid the spread of fake news. The statement described the video as “the handiwork of mischief makers and subversive elements with criminal intent to disrupt the peace and harmony we enjoy in the state.” According to the statement, the viral…