Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has urged friends, family, and well-wishers to refrain from organizing birthday festivities, gifts, or advertisements to mark his upcoming 56th birthday on December 21st. Instead, the Governor has requested that those wishing to celebrate him contribute cash or materials to benefit less privileged children in the state. Governor Oyebanji specified that gifts and donations should be directed to the three Government Special Schools in the state’s senatorial districts: Government Special School for the Deaf in Ikoro-Ekiti, Government Special School for the Blind in Ikere-Ekiti, and Government Special School for the Mentally and Physically Challenged…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Rivers State Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the dean of politics in Nigeria. Okocha, speaking at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, emphasized Wike’s significant political influence, extending beyond Rivers State. Okocha urged Wike to consider joining the APC and play a pivotal role in the party’s efforts to gain control of the state. The APC Chairman accused Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, of orchestrating the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex to thwart the sitting of the…
In a bold assertion, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has cast doubt on the capacity of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, asserting that it cannot deliver sound judgments in the midst of the nation’s challenges. This comes in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that denied the release of Nnamdi Kanu, overturning the Appeal Court’s earlier decision that acquitted Kanu of all terrorism charges in October 2022. IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, expressed the group’s skepticism in a brief statement, stating, “The Supreme Court and its Justices have shown that they cannot dispense good judgment in the face of…
In response to the recent accidental bombing tragedy in Kaduna State, Islamic clerics from the Northern region, united under the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, held a crucial meeting with Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. The accidental airstrikes by the Nigerian Army resulted in the loss of over 100 innocent lives and numerous injuries. During the meeting at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, assured the clerics led by Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar that the military had initiated actions to investigate the incident thoroughly. Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence…
In a staunch declaration, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s call for amnesty and renewed its demand for a UN-supervised Biafra Referendum. The group, led by spokesperson Emma Powerful, deems the plea from Ohanaeze President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, to release Nnamdi Kanu as baseless and misguided. Powerful emphasized that IPOB, a self-determination agitation group, has not waged war against the Federal Government of Nigeria despite provocations. Rejecting any notion of criminality among its members, IPOB maintains its stance for the release of leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and underscores the need for a referendum to determine the fate…
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on President Bola Tinubu to refrain from assuming the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources, asserting that it contravenes Section 147 of the Constitution. Falana cautioned Tinubu against emulating the practices of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking at the public presentation of the book “Dis Life No Balance: An Anthropology of Nigerian Diaspora Voices,” co-authored by Professors Farooq Kperogi and Moses Ochonu, and Dr Osmund Agbo in Abuja on Thursday, Falana emphasized the necessity for adherence to constitutional provisions. Falana argued that Tinubu’s appointment to the role lacked the required…
Abdulazeez Kola Abdulganiy, the Commissioner for Energy in Kwara State, has affirmed the state government’s dedication to revitalizing the energy sector by implementing the provisions of the Nigeria Electricity Act of 2023. This move aims to empower the state to independently generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, fostering socio-economic development. Speaking during a courtesy visit from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) delegation in Ilorin, Abdulganiy emphasized the importance of efficiently managing electricity resources to propel growth within the state. The recently enacted Electricity Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 9, 2023, empowers…
Bode George, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed concern that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has the potential to escalate and extend its impact across Nigeria if not promptly addressed. Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, George called for immediate intervention from the PDP leadership to resolve the escalating situation. Highlighting the significance of Rivers State in terms of electoral importance, George emphasized the potential ripple effect, cautioning that the crisis could permeate other regions of the country. He urged all parties involved to prioritize national interests during this challenging period marked by…
In a disclosure on Thursday, the Lagos State Government revealed it disbursed a total sum of N4.2 billion over four years to cover West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) fees for students. Governor Sanwo-Olu made this announcement during the Ministerial Session of the 67th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held in Ikeja, themed “Addressing the Challenges of Policy Implementation: A Panacea for the Achievement of Education 2030 Agenda.” Represented by the Commissioner for Primary and Basic Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the governor affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to settling WAEC fees for all SS3 public school students. He traced this…
In a significant escalation of the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, two additional commissioners have tendered their resignations from the state executive council. The Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly Alabo, and the Commissioner for the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, submitted their resignation letters on Thursday, adding to the growing turmoil. Dated December 14, their letters were formally addressed to the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and delivered through the Secretary to the State Government. George-Kelly Alabo, a staunch supporter of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, emphasized in his resignation letter titled ‘Resignation as…
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, revealed that President Bola Tinubu has outlined strategic initiatives to enhance food and nutrition security in Nigeria. Bagudu conveyed this announcement in Abuja on Thursday during the 2023 edition of the Nigeria Nutrition Week at a media sensitization event focused on food and nutrition security. Representing President Tinubu, Bagudu outlined the administration’s commitment to implementing a multifaceted approach to ensure sustainable food security. The plan encompasses sustainable agricultural practices, the integration of climate-smart technologies, and the implementation of social protection programs. He highlighted, “This is in recognition of the urgent need…
Dakuku Peterside, a prominent figure in the All Progressive Congress (APC), has asserted that President Bola Tinubu must not remain passive amidst the escalating crisis in Rivers State. In a statement, Peterside expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, labeling it a shameful state of anomie. Peterside, emphasizing his role as a leader and stakeholder deeply invested in the state’s development, called upon President Tinubu to intervene urgently. He stated, “Mr. President should note that Rivers State is gradually sliding into total anarchy.” “As a statesman,” Peterside continued, “he cannot afford to fold his hands and watch the destruction of the…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting the 2024 budget to only four out of the 31 members of the state House of Assembly, a move deemed unconstitutional by the opposition party. Governor Fubara delivered the N800 billion 2024 budget to the four lawmakers, believed to be loyal to him, shortly after the demolition of the House of Assembly Complex on Wednesday. In response, Mr. Tony Okocha, the state APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, issued a statement in Port Harcourt, denouncing the action as a violation of constitutional provisions. Okocha highlighted that Section 120(2) of the…
Renowned activist Idris Miliki has vehemently criticized Governor Yahaya Bello for the failure to hold local government elections before the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Council Chairmen in Kogi State. Expressing his dissatisfaction, Miliki, the Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), voiced his concerns during a one-day post-2023 governorship election review meeting for political parties in Kogi State held in Lokoja on Thursday. Miliki asserted, “Governor Bello failed the people of Kogi State by not allowing them to elect their leaders from the grassroots.” He strongly condemned the delay in publishing the…
In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to mend the strained relationship between Rivers State Governor, Simi Fubara, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have hit a deadlock. Tony Okocha, the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) caretaker committee chairman, revealed this information on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, Okocha stated, “I wasn’t part of it, but whatever that was it, has broken down, and it has been broken irreconcilably.” President Tinubu had previously intervened in an attempt to broker peace between the two politicians. However, the situation escalated with the demolition of the state House of Assembly…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has announced his willingness to testify on behalf of Nigeria in the $2.3 billion disputed Mambilla power contract involving former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye. The disagreement between Sunrise Power and Nigeria has reached the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France, with the company alleging a breach of contract. Sunrise Power claims it was granted a $6 billion contract in May 2003 by the government during Obasanjo’s presidency. The company asserts that the Federal Government of Nigeria repudiated the agreement, leading to a compensation claim of $2.3 billion. Sunrise Power contends it…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has thrown his support behind the Nigerian creative and entertainment industry during a meeting with key stakeholders, led by the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja on Wednesday. Expressing the government’s commitment to the sector’s growth, Vice President Shettima assured substantial support through the Investment in the Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program. He emphasized the industry’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic diversification plans. Commending the sector for shaping the nation’s image, Shettima recognized its untapped potential, stating that it has the capacity to “blossom and bring back more than…
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has taken swift action by approving the immediate payment of gratuity to the family of the late Director of Finance and Administration, Taiwo Oyekanmi. This decision aims to alleviate the financial impact of his untimely demise on the grieving family. Governor Abiodun conveyed this announcement during the memorial service held in honor of the deceased at Ibara Baptist Church on Wednesday. Expressing condolences to Mrs. Oyekanmi, the governor reiterated his commitment to supporting the family during this difficult time. “I also promised when I came to see you, Mrs. Oyekanmi, that we would not leave…
Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), has voiced concerns over the defection of 27 lawmakers aligned with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Eze contends that this mass defection underscores Wike’s inclination towards political peril. In a statement released to the media, Eze accused the lawmakers of being mere pawns in the state legislature, executing Wike’s directives without regard for the aspirations of their constituents. He suggested that Wike’s leadership style could lead to their eventual loss of seats, citing Section 109 of the constitution. Calls are now…
In a decisive move, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its intention to formally request the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a new election in the 25 state constituencies of Rivers State. This call comes in the wake of the defection of 25 members from the House of Assembly. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, in a meeting convened on Wednesday, unanimously resolved to communicate this demand to INEC. The decision followed a comprehensive review of the party’s standing in Rivers State. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, conveyed the party’s stance…