The Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) has pointed fingers at the Federal Government, attributing the deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria to its recent decisions, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the Naira. In a statement released on Sunday by its Chairman, Waheed Lawal, to mark the 2023 World Human Rights Day, the coalition expressed concern that these government actions have exposed Nigerians to unprecedented hardship. According to Lawal, “The effects of the inflation scourge are more evident on the poorest of the poor of the country where malnutrition and hunger rates are surging daily as millions…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The 10th Senate, under the leadership of Speaker Godswill Akpabio, is taking strides to curb the undue influence of state governors on local government affairs in Nigeria. This move comes as a response to longstanding concerns about governors manipulating local government administrations for their interests. In March 2022, the upper Chamber of the National Assembly passed a bill aimed at granting full financial and administrative autonomy to local government areas. The bill sought to amend the constitution, abolishing the state joint local government account and establishing a special account for direct allocation to local government councils from the federation account.…
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken decisive steps in addressing regional security and political challenges during the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Sunday. Leaders of ECOWAS have initiated a mechanism to review the activation of a standby force for counterterrorism operations, particularly in regions affected by terrorist groups. The commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region was reiterated in a communiqué read by Dr. Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission. Additionally, ECOWAS leaders resolved to convene an extraordinary summit focused on…
The Osun State Government is urging residents to come forward with information that could assist in identifying the parents of a recently discovered abandoned day-old baby in the Dagbolu Area, Ikirun, Osun State. The appeal was made through an official bulletin from the Osun State Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, as reported by the media in Osogbo on Monday. Commissioner for Women, Children, and Social Affairs, Ayobola Awolowo, and Permanent Secretary, Abimbola Babatunde, jointly signed the statement. It revealed that the newborn, named Temitope Daniel, was found inside a carton in Zone ‘B’ Area, Dagbolu, by an unnamed resident.…
In a bid to counter Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), seven opposition parties recently announced the formation of the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties (CCPP). However, the coalition faces internal challenges and disarray among its members. The participating parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), gathered at the SDP headquarters in Abuja on December 7, 2023. The CCPP aims to strengthen democracy by providing a robust opposition to the APC but insists it won’t lead to a merger of the involved political entities. Concerns have arisen as some leaders attending…
The Chief Imam of Tede in the Oke Ogun geo-political zone of Oyo State, Alhaji Ahmad Tijani Adedigba, has passed away. Until his demise, he served as the Chairman of the Oke Ogun League of Imams and Alfas. Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde expressed sorrow over the news, describing the late Adedigba as a remarkable leader and advocate for peace. The governor highlighted the significant contributions of the deceased in fostering religious harmony within the Oke Ogun area of the state. In a statement released to the media on Sunday, Governor Makinde conveyed his condolences, stating, “The late Chief Imam was…
President Bola Tinubu, who serves as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, has urged leaders in the region to prioritize the delivery of good governance. Tinubu emphasized that such a focus is crucial for achieving collective prosperity and preventing authoritarian takeovers and unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa. Speaking at the 64th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Sunday, Tinubu highlighted the significance of good governance as a catalyst for securing popular support and fostering socio-economic transformation and…
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has reaffirmed his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing his unwavering support for the ruling party. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor addressed recent allegations made by the Benue chapter of the APC, asserting that he remains dedicated to the party’s cause. The APC in Benue had accused Governor Alia of neglecting the party and collaborating with opposition political groups. Furthermore, they alleged that the governor had established and financed a committee tasked with disseminating false information about the state’s APC chapter to the Presidency…
Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, has expressed appreciation for the Military’s effective operation resulting in the neutralization of notorious bandit leader Yellow Jambros and approximately 50 others within his constituency. In a statement, Senator Sani, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, commended the Military for addressing the menace posed by Jambros, whose criminal activities had inflicted hardship on the lives of people in the region. “People in my constituency are beginning to heave a sigh of relief after years of massacre, kidnapping, and wanton destruction of properties,” Senator Sani stated.…
In the aftermath of the armed robbery attack on Sunshine Stars Football Club along the Ore-Benin Expressway, Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu had initially pledged to cover the hospital bills for the injured players and officials. However, following Governor Obaseki’s announcement that the state government would take care of the medical expenses, Shaibu has withdrawn his earlier promise. A statement released by Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, clarified the decision, emphasizing unity between the offices of the Governor and Deputy Governor. The statement read, “The office of Governor and Deputy Governor are one. We are not in any…
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), to disclose Nigeria’s daily oil production and export figures within seven working days. Alleging that the NNPC Limited had not provided information on the quantity of oil produced and exported, SERAP also urged Kyari to reveal the portion of oil-generated revenues remitted to the public treasury since the subsidy removal on petrol. In a letter signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized the legitimate public interest in obtaining this information. The letter…
In a display of solidarity and empathy, all 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have chosen to donate their December salaries to the victims affected by the tragic bombing incident in Kaduna last Sunday. The announcement was made by Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, during a visit to the Kaduna State Government House on Sunday. Leading a high-powered delegation of Senate members to the state, Senator Jibrin conveyed the collective decision of the senators to contribute to the support and recovery efforts for the victims. The delegation was warmly received at the Government…
In a swift and successful operation, the Kaduna State Police Command reported the rescue of a kidnapped housewife in the early hours of Sunday. According to ASP Mansur Hassan, the command’s Public Relations Officer, the rescue mission unfolded when the operatives received a distress call around 0100hrs on Sunday. The call reported an invasion by an unidentified group of armed men at a residence in the Dogarawa area of Sabon Gari, Zaria LGA. Hassan stated, ”The kidnappers kidnapped a housewife aged 37, at the residence. On receiving the call, our team of patrol rushed to the scene and pursued the…
The 64th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government is currently underway in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is set to chair the session, which sees the participation of leaders from the 15-member block. Notable attendees include representatives from Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, already present at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Additional member nations, including Benin, Gambia, Togo, Cape Verde, and Senegal, are actively engaged in the discussions. Prominent figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, U.S. Lead diplomat for Africa Molly Phee, the African…
In a recent statement, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Falalu Bello, expressed strong reservations about the 2024 budget presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, asserting that it perpetuates the impoverishment of the citizens. Titled ‘The Appropriation Bill: Seeing Beyond Semantics,’ Bello’s statement urged Nigerians to temper their expectations regarding the budget. He argued that despite the seemingly positive surface-level statistics and assumptions, a deeper examination revealed a lack of commitment to nation-building by the current administration. Bello accused the government of being a relic of the past, safeguarding the interests of a select…
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has joined the chorus of voices urging a comprehensive investigation into the Tudun Biri military drone attack, emphasizing the need for exemplary punishment for those found culpable. Governor Uba Sani, in a statement on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, conveyed the forum’s condolences to the government and people of Kaduna State in the wake of this unfortunate incident. Senator Abdul Ningi, leading the NSF delegation, visited Kaduna to express solidarity and offer condolences, as Governor Uba Sani disclosed. In addition to their empathetic stance, the forum demonstrated tangible support by donating N58 million to…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption, labeling it a destructive force on Nigeria’s socioeconomic fabric. In a road walk organized in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to commemorate the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day with the theme “UNCAC @20: Uniting the World Against Corruption,” the Zonal Commander of EFCC, ACE-1 Bawa Hamidu Saidu, emphasized the imperative of unity in eradicating corruption. Saidu underscored the need for collective action, transparency enhancement, and the strengthening of institutions to conquer the hydra-headed monster of corruption. He stated, “United we stand as a people against corruption. United we…
In a heartfelt statement issued on Saturday, former Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Justice Joseph Ikyegh, describing it as “a huge and painful loss to Nigeria.” Ortom’s media aide, Mr Terver Akase, conveyed the governor’s sentiments, highlighting Justice Ikyegh’s distinguished career marked by sound judgments, forthrightness, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. The late Benue-born jurist, according to Ortom, played a pivotal role in the administration of justice, leaving an indelible mark through his commitment to fairness, integrity, and excellence in jurisprudence. Ortom noted that Ikyegh’s exemplary service led to his recent…
Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the SDP governorship candidate in the November 11 Kogi State election, distances himself from purported protests, citing APC involvement. In a 41-second video released on Friday night, Ajaka, currently challenging the Kogi State Governorship election outcome in court, disavowed any connection to planned protests in Lokoja and Abuja on Saturday. He alleges that those orchestrating the protests are agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Ajaka, expressing his concerns, appealed to security agencies to apprehend anyone demonstrating in his name or on behalf of the SDP. He emphasized, “I did not authorize any protest in…
Sociopolitical activist Reno Omokri asserts that PDP’s failure to nominate Nyesom Wike as vice presidential candidate was a pivotal error, impacting election results. In a post on X, Omokri stated, “The biggest mistake in the PDP during the #NigerianElections2023 was not giving Wike the vice presidential slot. By how many votes did we lose to the APC? Less than two million.” Omokri argues that with Wike as the running mate, PDP could have secured victory in Oyo, Abia, Rivers, Enugu, and Benue states, potentially altering the electoral outcome. “In politics, you do not do what you like to do. You…