The appointment of Caretaker Committees for the recently established Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ondo State has sparked dissent, with Araromi Obu in the Southern Senatorial District taking a stand against the appointed leaders. Over the weekend, the community voiced its opposition to the selection of Olarewaju Makinde as chairman and Giwa Rasheed as vice chairman of the LCDA, citing their non-indigenous status as a primary concern. Youths from the community asserted that the appointments failed to uphold the principle of fairness to Araromi-Obu as the host community and to the indigenes of the town. Adesanoye Akinbinu, the youth…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
In a compelling address during the 7th and 8th Combined Convocation Ceremony of Federal University Dutsinma on Saturday, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, emphasized the inseparable connection between security and education. Governor Radda voiced deep concerns over the detrimental impact of banditry on schools, resulting in disruptions and closures that impede students’ learning opportunities. Underscoring this critical link, he asserted, “There cannot be any meaningful education without security.” Addressing the challenges head-on, Radda highlighted strategic measures implemented by his administration to fortify security in schools. The establishment of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps stands out as a…
During the 7th and 8th joint convocation ceremony at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, the Chancellor, King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, voiced deep concerns regarding the security challenges plaguing the institution. Addressing attendees on Saturday, Chancellor Jaja disclosed that the university’s main campus, located approximately 25km from the take-off campus, is situated in a volatile area susceptible to kidnappings and bandit attacks. He emphasized that these security concerns have resulted in restrictions on the use of main campus facilities. Call for Government and Stakeholder Action: Expressing the severity of the situation, Chancellor Jaja called upon the Federal Government and…
In the wake of the Federal Government’s removal of the fuel subsidy six months ago, the anticipated respite for citizens remains elusive. Despite promises of palliatives from both the Federal Government and various state governments, the economic strain persists. Wage Awards and Pledges: While the Federal Government introduced a N35,000 wage award, different state governments pledged sums ranging from N10,000 to N25,000. However, the impact of the volatile exchange rate exacerbates the challenges faced by the common masses. Unfulfilled Government Promises: The government vowed to implement measures, including the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, but citizens lament that…
Court of Appeal in Lagos has delivered a unanimous decision, dismissing the appeals brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside their respective governorship candidates against the election of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. In the ruling on Saturday, the three-man panel of the Appeal Court affirmed Governor Otti’s victory at the polls, stating that it adhered to the provisions of the Electoral Act. The appellate court declared the petitions brought by the appellants lacked merit, describing them as akin to “a comedy skit brought to a democratic setting.” It emphasized that issues…
Senators Ifeanyi Ubah and Uche Ekwunife have been formally presented to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, marking their official defection to the party. The move follows Senator Ubah’s earlier announcement of leaving the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to join the APC. The state Chairman of APC, Chief Basil EJidike, played a pivotal role in receiving the two senators into the party and commended their decision. During the presentation, Chief EJidike praised the leadership qualities of President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the need for increased commitment from party members. Speaking optimistically about the party’s prospects in the…
Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State, has commended the Senate for its resolution reached on Friday concerning the dissolution of democratically elected local government councils in the state. The Senate, in response to a motion titled “Urgent Need to Halt the Erosion of Democracy: The Dissolution of Elected Councils in Benue State,” sponsored by Senator Abah Moro, urged the Federal Government to suspend statutory allocations to local government councils without democratically elected executives and councilors. In a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom expressed appreciation for the Senate’s intervention, describing it as…
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering dedication to eradicating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities across the nation. Speaking at the 7th and 8th combined convocation of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina State on Saturday, President Tinubu, represented by Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutse (FUD), emphasized the government’s profound concern for the country’s security. President Tinubu asserted that his administration is fully committed to defeating these criminal activities, particularly in the northern region, but stressed the importance of collective effort and cooperation from all Nigerians. “Security is a collective responsibility. I,…
In a bold move, Professor Sani Yahaya, the gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) for Taraba State, has firmly rejected the recent judgment of the appeal court in Abuja regarding the 2023 general election. Undeterred by the setback, Professor Yahaya has resolved to take his case to the Apex court, expressing optimism about reclaiming the mandate bestowed upon him by the people of Taraba. Addressing the media at a briefing in Jalingo, the state capital, Professor Yahaya criticized both the tribunal and the appeal court judgments, denouncing them as a miscarriage of justice and lacking fairness. The…
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has dismissed the petition brought forth by Mr. Peter Azubuike, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the March 18 House of Assembly election, challenging the victory of Hon. Solomon Akpulonu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In its ruling on Thursday, the Appeal Court affirmed the victory of Solomon Akpulonu, who represents Obingwa East constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, stating that he was duly elected. This decision upholds the earlier triumph of Akpulonu at the election petition tribunal in Umuahia. The Labour Party candidate, dissatisfied with the tribunal’s ruling, pursued…
The Ondo State government has categorically dismissed allegations of individuals forging the signature of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, with the purported aim of misappropriating funds from the state treasury. The Commissioner for Information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, addressed the media following the State Executive Council meeting, asserting that Governor Akeredolu is actively engaged in administrative duties, attending to official documents and files. The refutation follows the emergence of two documents online, each bearing different signatures claimed to belong to Governor Akeredolu. This raised concerns about the authenticity of the governor’s signature and prompted the government’s response. Commissioner Ademola-Olateju, addressing journalists after the meeting…
Pensioners across the nation may see an increase in their pensions next year, as disclosed by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC). The commission shared this information during a meeting with the executive committee of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Nationwide. The NSIWC conveyed its commitment to pursuing the report it submitted to the Federal Government regarding the pensions of retirees. The chairman of the commission, Ekpo Nta, addressed the pensioners’ queries during their courtesy visit, where he interacted with the union’s chairman, Samuel Adewale. In a statement released on Friday by Emmanuel Njoku, the head of the…
The Minister of Labour and Employment (State), Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, took decisive action on Friday by personally visiting Ogun State and ordering the closure of the Metal Manufacturing Company in Gbara, near Sotubo, Sagamu Local Government. The shutdown was initiated due to the company’s failure to address dangerous health hazards faced by its workers. Minister Onyejeocha disclosed that she had received numerous petitions highlighting the firm’s unhealthy practices. The company, specializing in battery manufacturing, had reportedly neglected to provide essential protective gear for its workers, despite repeated warnings from the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour…
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South and serving as the Senate Chief Whip, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidy, stating that it was a prudent move resulting in significant financial savings for the Nigerian government. Ndume shared his perspective during an interview on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” program on Friday. He highlighted the widespread consensus among Nigerians that some tough decisions were necessary for the country’s economic stability. In his statement, Ndume commended the fiscal benefits reaped since Tinubu’s announcement of the subsidy removal. He remarked, “All Nigerians also agree that some of the…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a compelling message to the youth of the nation, emphasizing that they must seize the opportunity to assume leadership roles if they aspire to shape the future of the country. Speaking at the Bridge Foundation’s Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship programme in Abuja, Obasanjo conveyed a straightforward message to the young generation: “You are the leaders of today; if you don’t take it now, you will never get it.” Encouraging a proactive and transformative approach, Obasanjo urged the youth to be “positively disruptive” and not accept the status quo. He emphasized the importance of making…
Governor Godwin Obaseki, in anticipation of the Edo governorship election, has dispelled uncertainties regarding his preference for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer, stating that he does not endorse any particular candidate among those vying for the position. In a declaration on Thursday after a closed-door meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the PDP governors forum, Obaseki emphasized that the party holds the authority to determine its flagbearer for the gubernatorial election. Accompanied by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the details of the closed-door meeting remain undisclosed at the time of…
In a commendation issued on Friday, the southeast zonal leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) praised the resolute actions taken by the new Commissioner of Police, CP Danjuma Aboki, against promoters of the Monday sit-at-home in the southeast region. Chilos Godsent, National Vice Chairman of the ADC, conveyed the party’s sentiments in a statement to the media. The party expressed regret over the unlawful activities of pro-Biafra secessionist organizations within the Igbo ethnic-nationality states, emphasizing that such actions had yielded more harm than good. Highlighting the impact of the Sit-at-home order enforced by IPOB’s leadership, particularly under Mazi Nnamdi…
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has taken legal action by filing a two-ground cross-appeal at the Supreme Court, contesting the judgment of the Court of Appeal. The appeal challenges the Court of Appeal’s refusal to disqualify Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, from contesting the election on grounds of alleged certificate forgery. Akin Olujinmi, the APC lawyer, outlined the party’s grievances in the notice of appeal filed on Wednesday. One ground of the appeal questions the lower court’s interpretation of the relevance of the 2nd Cross Respondent’s Form EC9 exhibit as a certificate under Section 182[1] [j] of the Constitution of…
In a recent development, the Executive Committee and stakeholders of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the North East zone have officially reaffirmed the expulsion of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections. This decision was solidified in a communique released at the conclusion of the North East executive and stakeholders meeting held in Bauchi on Friday. Expressing discontent, the NNPP North East also voiced dissatisfaction with the recent judgment from the Appeal Court, which resulted in the removal of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Dr Babayo Liman, NNPP National Vice Chairman North,…
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine has deferred signing a draft law proposing an increase in military conscription, a move that has been awaiting his approval since June. Despite pressure from the military, Zelenskiy seeks a more comprehensive plan tailored to address the nation’s fatigue from an ongoing conflict and readiness for another winter of fighting. Last week, Zelenskiy requested his government and top military officials to present a more detailed package before proceeding with the approved blueprint, which aims to lower the draft age during war for men with no military experience from 27 to 25. This delay exposes the…