Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has challenged his successor, Hyacinth Alia, to provide evidence for his recent claims regarding the state’s finances, including incomes, the wage bill, and debts. In a statement issued by Terver Akase, Ortom’s media aide, Ortom accused Alia of making false and misleading statements in a recent interview. Ortom disputed Alia’s claim that the previous administration left arrears of salaries running into hundreds of billions of naira, stating that even if the administration had not paid wages for a whole year, the figure would not have reached such a high amount. Ortom also questioned…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has dismissed insinuations that the agency is only targeting internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys.” He assured the public that the EFCC will lead a broad-based and holistic anti-graft war that will not spare anyone linked with any form of economic and financial crimes. Olukoyede made this statement in Abuja at an Anti-Corruption Concert organized to create greater awareness and public involvement in the fight against internet crimes. He reaffirmed his commitment to an all-embracing, fully-integrated war against corrupt practices. He stated, “We will not spare anyone.…
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged youths in the country to align with government programs and vision, emphasizing that this will enable them to maximize the various opportunities available. Mrs. Tinubu made this call while receiving executives and members of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) at her office at the State House, Abuja. She highlighted the importance of promoting unity and a sense of ‘Nigerianness’ over ethnicity or culture, stating, “We should promote our ‘Nigerianness’ rather than ethnicity or culture. Yes, we are not saying we should not recognize these but we should realize…
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and other Southeast governors of conspiring to destroy the group, warning that the conspiracy would fail. In a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group alleged that while counterparts in the North are being funded and protected by the Nigerian government, Southeastern governors are conspiring to destroy the pro-Biafra group. The statement emphasized IPOB’s role as the last line of defense in the region, stating, “IPOB is working hard to provide security and direction that many Southeastern Governors have refused or failed to provide.”…
The chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Tony Aziegbemi, has narrated his harrowing experience in the hands of his abductors, expressing a heartfelt wish that his worst enemies would never endure what he went through. Aziegbemi was abducted by six gunmen at the entrance of his house after a meeting with Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki at the government house on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11 pm. He was released on March 26, 2024, after spending 11 days in captivity. During a visit by the state’s deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, for Easter…
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that President Bola Tinubu will support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate on April 20, dismissing fears of a crisis over the primary outcome. The party’s chairman, Ade Adetimehin, made this known during a meeting with aspirants at the APC secretariat in Akure, the state capital. Adetimehin emphasized the party’s commitment to avoiding crisis ahead of the primaries, noting that APC is the most viable and stable party in the state, ensuring victory in the forthcoming governorship polls. Adetimehin praised the quality of aspirants seeking the party’s ticket,…
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has called on Nigerians to follow the example of Jesus Christ and unite, emphasizing the need for support amidst economic challenges. In his Easter message, signed by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Primate Ayodele urged Nigerians to show love and support to one another, especially in light of rising commodity prices and economic hardships. “As we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I want to urge Nigerians to embrace each other regardless of our religion, ethnicity, tribe, languages, and every form of difference. Jesus Christ died…
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace Airlines, Allen Onyema, has revealed the obstacles his airline has encountered, describing them as both internal and external conspiracies. Onyema made these remarks on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme. He expressed frustration that Air Peace was denied a Technical Country Operators (TCO) permit by “his own country,” which would have allowed the airline to operate flights to any European country. Onyema stated, “You suffer what I call both internal and external conspiracies. It took us seven years. We got the designation, I think about six and a…
The Presidency has accused the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of introducing “two dangerous things” into Nigerian politics during the last elections. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, accused Obi of inflaming religion and ethnicity during the elections. Onanuga clarified that Tinubu’s administration is not focused on Obi and his followers, known as the Obidients, stating, “As of now, we are busy with governance and we don’t want our attention diverted from the focus of what the government is trying to do. We are very busy, we’re not even looking at…
The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has criticized the leadership of the Labour Party (LP), accusing them of mishandling the ongoing leadership crisis within the party. The CNPP called on the national chairman of the party, Barr Julius Abure, to resign while the ovation was loudest. In a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the CNPP praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for resisting pressure to use its officials to endorse the outcome of the recent contentious fractional national convention of the party. The statement highlighted the importance of internal democracy in…
Party emphasizes need for conducive atmosphere, unity, and patriotism in Easter message. The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State chapter, has called on aspirants vying for the party’s ticket in the April 20 primary election to refrain from making statements that could inflame tensions. In an Easter message to its members in Akure on Monday, the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Alex Kalejaye, reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and popular candidate emerges. Kalejaye highlighted the APC’s strength, describing it as the most organized and viable party in the state, and praised the loyalty and commitment of its…
A tragic incident occurred in Didango Geita village, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, where three children lost their lives and four others sustained injuries while playing with a dane gun. Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, David Iloyonomon, dismissed claims of an improvised explosive device in the community, clarifying that the children were killed by a gunpowder explosion. According to Iloyonomon, “the four other children that were playing under the tree were injured with one fatally injured and receiving treatment at the state’s specialist hospital located in Jalingo, the state capital.” The deceased children were identified as…
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to defeating insurgents, bandits, and other forms of aggression disturbing the country’s peace. In his Easter message to troops in Abuja on Sunday, Lagbaja urged all officers and soldiers to pray for continued operational successes and uphold the values of love, peace, and sacrifice in their duties. Lagbaja highlighted the implementation of quality training to combat security threats, noting the Nigerian Army’s successes in operations such as Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and other internal security operations nationwide. “As we continue to…
Catholic Bishop calls for national healing and strategic planning to overcome challenges. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has remarked that Nigeria is currently experiencing the consequences of its past actions. In his Easter message, Bishop Kukah urged the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive strategy to reverse the nation’s current trajectory and guide it towards healing. “Our leaders chose the feast rather than the fast. We are today reaping what we sowed yesterday. For over 60 years, our leaders have looked like men in a drunken stupor, staggering, stumbling, and fumbling,” Kukah stated. He highlighted the pervasive…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North West zone has issued a challenge to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, demanding evidence to support allegations against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, regarding the provision of palliatives to bandits. Failure to provide evidence, APC warned, will result in legal action against the accusers. During a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, the APC North West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Musa Mada, emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in politics but cautioned against slanderous attacks that undermine freedom of speech. Mada accused the PDP-led government in Zamfara…
Osita Okechukwu, a foundation member of APC, provides insight into recent merger proposals. Former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has offered his perspective on why recent calls for a merger of opposition political parties to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are unlikely to succeed. Speaking in Enugu on Sunday, Okechukwu addressed the merger proposals advocated by Prof. Pat Utomi and former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in light of the recent presidential election in Senegal. Okechukwu, a key figure in the formation of the APC, expressed skepticism about the viability of the merger, citing what…
Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has expressed optimism that Nigeria will eventually overcome the scourge of corruption and other associated challenges. In his Easter goodwill message on Sunday, Olukoyede drew a parallel between Christ’s victory over death and Nigeria’s potential to triumph over corruption, stating that if Christ could overcome death, then Nigeria could overcome corruption. Olukoyede urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of Christ, which are characterized by honesty and integrity, especially in their dealings. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to actively work towards eliminating corruption and fraudulent practices in…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Renaissance Group has lauded the decision of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to conduct a full membership registration for defectors from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) who joined the PDP during the 2023 governorship election in Ogun State. The PDP’s action aligns with Chapter 2, Part 1, Section 8(1), and Section (58) (1) (C) of the party’s constitution. In a statement issued on Sunday by its chairman, Adebayo Ojo, the group described the PDP’s national leadership’s decision to embrace the defectors as a step in the right direction. During the 2023 general election, Adekunle…
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reiterated his commitment to meeting the expectations of his people and delivering the desired dividends of democracy during his tenure. In his Easter broadcast on Sunday, Governor Eno acknowledged the economic challenges and anxieties faced by the people. Drawing parallels to Christ’s triumph over death, he expressed confidence that they would overcome their troubles and emerge victorious. The governor emphasized his administration’s dedication to transforming present challenges and anxieties into opportunities for growth and expansion. He highlighted the deliberate efforts made to address the harsh economic realities, particularly through compassionate measures aimed…
The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has adjourned its proceedings until April 1st following contradictory testimonies from witnesses of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, made the decision after six witnesses from the SDP gave evidence and were cross-examined by the defence counsel. During the hearing, the witnesses’ testimonies contradicted their earlier depositions on oath. They admitted to not being polling agents as stipulated by law but rather voters. Yakubu Dahiru, the 10th prosecution witness, acknowledged discrepancies between his claims and depositions. He explained that he suffered from…