President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s consideration and approval for a substantial loan totaling $8,699,168,559 and €100 million, forming a crucial part of the federal government’s external borrowing plan spanning 2022 to 2024. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read Tinubu’s letter of request during a plenary session on Tuesday. Highlighting international support, President Tinubu informed the Senate that both the World Bank and the African Development Bank have pledged their interest to bolster the loan with $1 billion and N1.5 billion, respectively. The President outlined the diverse areas the funds are earmarked for, including infrastructure, agriculture, health, roads, security,…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Tuesday, Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, boldly asserted that his intention to vie for the governorship seat in the upcoming 2024 election is a divine calling from God. Shaibu, with unwavering confidence, stated, “No one can stop us; we are Edo people, confident in our ancestral heritage, fighting for our rights. I have consulted with God, and His unequivocal directive empowers me to contest the gubernatorial poll.” Highlighting the spiritual dimension of his decision, Shaibu emphasized, “I don’t do things by my strength, so since I am sure…
In a collaborative effort, the United Nations (UN), the Federal Government, and the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have emphasized the critical role of data visualization in decision-making processes. This affirmation was made during the official launch of the “Nigeria Visualised Project” on Monday night in Abuja, a program orchestrated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the NBS. Speaking at the launch, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale, underscored the significance of the project in the full implementation of government policies and programs in Nigeria. He highlighted…
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has expressed his appreciation for the recent Court of Appeal judgment that upheld his election victory, emphasizing the judiciary’s impartiality in Nigeria. In a statement released by Aliyu’s Press Secretary, Malam Abubakar Bawa, the governor attributed the triumph to the divine will of Almighty Allah, commending the judiciary for upholding truth and justice. Governor Aliyu called for collaboration with the opposition, urging them to join hands in ensuring the development of Sokoto State. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to delivering democratic dividends and emphasized ongoing efforts to eliminate bandits and criminals through sustained military…
Chukwuemeka Aaron, the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, has emphasized that the party is committed to impartiality and not aligned with any specific ethnic group within the state. Addressing the media in Port Harcourt, Aaron asserted that individuals who opposed Governor Siminialayi Fubara during the election are attempting to disrupt the party’s harmony covertly, cautioning that their efforts will be unsuccessful. Aaron expressed confidence in maintaining peace within the party and sternly warned those with disruptive intentions to refrain from their harmful schemes for the greater good of the state. Additionally, the State PDP…
In a recent development, the Lagos State Appeal Court has officially dismissed the petition brought forth by Tonye-Cole of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Tonye-Cole sought the intervention of the Appeal Court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare him the victor of the March governorship election. Among his claims, he argued that Fubara continued to sign documents as the Accountant-General of the State despite his nomination as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, citing this as a violation. Allegations of irregularities in the election were also…
In a significant development, the Appeal Court in Lagos State is poised to deliver its judgment today on the governorship election petition brought by Patrick Tonye-Cole, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. The petition is against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The swift judgment comes just two weeks after both parties presented and adopted their final written addresses. Tonye-Cole’s plea to the court is to direct INEC to declare him the rightful winner of the March governorship election in Rivers. Central to his…
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointments of the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), expressing concerns over perceived partisanship among some appointees. Approximately a month ago, President Tinubu nominated 10 RECs, and their appointments were subsequently confirmed by the Senate. However, allegations of some RECs being involved in partisan politics have raised criticism. Jega, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, emphasized the importance of reviewing the appointments to address the concerns and maintain the integrity of elections. He stated, “I think there is no…
The Osun State Government has emphatically stated that Governor Ademola Adeleke adequately informed the state’s citizens about his working vacation to Europe and Asia. This marks the first time Governor Adeleke has taken a break since assuming office. Addressing recent reports circulating on various platforms, allegedly from the office of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke on New Media, the government, in a statement signed by Olalekan Badmus, Special Assistant (New Media) to Governor Adeleke, dismissed the information as false and attributed it to mischief makers. Badmus denied issuing the statement and urged the public to treat the information…
Dr. Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman, North-West, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has leveled accusations against the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, alleging manipulative politics in the dissolution of Rivers State executives across all levels. Last week, the APC’s NWC announced the dissolution of the Rivers State Executives and appointed a seven-member Caretaker Committee, headed by Chief Tony Okocha, to oversee the party’s affairs in the state for the next six months. In a statement titled ‘End of Progressive Politics,’ Lukman accused President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, of fostering “Garrison…
Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has refuted assertions that President Bola Tinubu handed over the party’s structure to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Okocha emphatically stated that Tinubu would not relinquish the party’s structure to Wike, emphasizing that the minister is not a member of the APC and has shown no inclination to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking during a live radio program in Port Harcourt on Monday, Okocha clarified, “If you are talking about an alliance, I aligned with Nyesom…
In a recent development, the Appeal Court in Lagos has upheld the triumph of Ugochuckwu Collins Iheonunekwu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected representative for the Isiala Ngwa North constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly. The court unequivocally dismissed the appeal presented by Innocent Uruakpa of the Labour Party (LP), asserting that his pleas lacked merit. Additionally, the Appeal Court affirmed the victory of Chijioke Uruakpa (PDP) as the legitimate representative for the Ugwunagbo constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly. The court endorsed the tribunal’s decision, which had earlier rejected the petitions…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council in Kogi State has issued a call to the public to hold the Social Democratic Party (SDP) accountable for any untoward incident at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Lokoja. The APC campaign council, through its Director of Media and Publicity/Spokesperson, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, urged heightened security measures around INEC offices. In a statement released on Sunday night in Lokoja, Fanwo emphasized the need for security agencies to be proactive in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. The statement responded to claims made by the SDP, wherein Mr Isaiah…
Philip Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has officially announced his candidacy for the governorship on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2024 elections, boldly asserting that no one can impede his political ambition. Making the announcement at the Bishop Kelly Centre in Benin, Shuaibu, a self-proclaimed “homeboy” intimately acquainted with the concerns of the people, appealed to the electorate and party members to rally behind his aspirations. With 30 years of political experience and seven years of collaborative efforts with Governor Godwin Obaseki to rejuvenate the state, Shuaibu believes he is well-positioned to…
The Ijaw National Congress Worldwide has called upon the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to pursue reconciliation with Governor Siminialayi Fubara in the interest of peace and prosperity in the state. Expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing political tensions, especially between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the group emphasized its commitment to truth and good administration. The statement, issued by the group’s President, Prof Benjamin Okaba, and shared with the media in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday, underscored the need for political players to prioritize the well-being of their constituents. Commending the people of Rivers State for resisting…
In a response to accusations of biased judgment in cases related to the 2023 general elections, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola emphasized the importance of adhering to the law during the opening of the special session of the 2023/2024 legal year. Ariwoola addressed concerns surrounding the nullification of elections by election tribunals and the Appeal Court, which resulted in the removal of public office holders elected in the previous general elections. Notably, governors, senators, and House of Representatives members faced court orders following petitions from opposition parties. Amidst claims that the judiciary was influenced by the ruling All…
In a session held on Monday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) granted approval for the 2024 appropriation bill, totaling N27.5 trillion, which is set to be presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As the highest policy-forming body for the federal government, the Council comprises ministers, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the national security adviser, and select high-ranking government officials, including permanent secretaries. The intricate details of the budget are expected to be disclosed shortly, marking a significant step in the government’s fiscal planning for the upcoming year.
In a recent stakeholders’ meeting, the Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Nigerians to maintain confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party issued a communique expressing support for Tinubu’s bold policy initiatives in addressing socio-economic and security challenges. The communique, signed by key figures including the state chairman Barr Ugochukwu Agballah, highlighted the party’s appreciation for the efforts of Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, national chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje, and other leaders in restoring discipline and party harmony in Enugu State. The stakeholders also congratulated Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo…
In a significant development, thirteen inmates from Delta State correctional centres have been released following a thorough review of 1,477 warrants conducted over a three-week period. Chief Judge Justice Theresa Diai, responsible for the decision, emphasized that the releases were based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who asserted that these individuals had no case to answer. During the last quarter correctional visit at Ogwashi-uku Correctional Centre, 358 warrants were scrutinized, leading to the release of eight inmates charged with various offenses such as being members of an unlawful society, robbery, attempted murder, and conspiracy. The freed…
The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared its intent to take strong measures against the proliferation of illegal abattoirs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Mandate Secretary, Mr. Lawan Geidam, conveyed this commitment during a visit by officials of the FCT Butchers Association in Abuja. Geidam emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure compliance with minimum standards in meat handling, prioritizing the well-being of consumers in Abuja. He underscored the Veterinary Services Department’s efforts in monitoring and enforcing operational standards, citing the potential threat to public health posed by unauthorized abattoirs. “Our…