The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has instructed political parties and their aspirants to remove campaign billboards, posters, and jingles being aired on television and radio stations in the state. The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, disclosed this during an Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Benin. INEC stated that the directive was issued because the ban on election campaigns had not been lifted. The ICCES meeting, co-chaired by the state INEC REC and the state Commissioner of Police, Funso Adegboye, was attended by heads of other security agencies in the state. Onuoha…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Dr. Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North-west, has expressed concern that the ruling party’s popularity is waning due to the policies of President Bola Tinubu, which have reportedly increased hardships for Nigerians. In a statement issued on Friday, Lukman warned that the APC could face rebellion if immediate action is not taken to address the situation. He emphasized the need for APC leaders to return to their former role as visionary politicians and implement substantial political reforms to realign the party with its original progressive vision. Lukman stated, “Given this…
The Nigeria Customs Service joint border patrol team Sector IV has confiscated a consignment of sex enhancement drugs valued at N19.6 million in Sokoto State. Mr. Kolapo Oladeji, the Coordinating Comptroller, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Sokoto. He also mentioned that trucks loaded with food items were intercepted at Kajji community on the Sokoto-Kebbi road. According to Oladeji, the intercepted trucks were heading to Niger Republic through the Kebbi border, which is a violation of regulations. He emphasized the Customs Service’s commitment to preventing food smuggling out of the country, especially given the current situation of rising food prices.…
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy, attributing it to the current hardships faced by Nigerians. Archbishop Ndagoso expressed his concern during a press briefing at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Kaduna, where he urged President Tinubu to have implemented the subsidy removal gradually instead of abruptly. He remarked that the removal of the subsidy should not have been executed like a “time bomb,” emphasizing the need for urgent actions to prevent further suffering and hunger among Nigerians. Ndagoso further attributed the economic…
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has commended the Federal Government and state governors for consenting to the establishment of state police nationwide. Having been a strong advocate for state police creation, Ohanaeze views this decision as a crucial step towards addressing the country’s security challenges. In a statement released on Friday by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization emphasized that security is a local matter, and community policing is essential to combat insecurity, especially in the South-East region. Ohanaeze noted that the implementation of state police aligns with a key recommendation of the 2014 Constitutional Conference…
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed disagreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, describing it as a “ray of hope” for many students. ASUU had recently criticized the scheme, suggesting that it would lead beneficiaries into perpetual indebtedness and hinder universities from functioning effectively. In a statement, NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, urged ASUU not to interfere in the implementation of the scheme, emphasizing its potential to provide access to higher education for students facing financial hardship. Babatunde called on ASUU to prioritize students’ interests and support initiatives…
Ericbona Eliom Ushie, a politician from Cross River State, has been remanded in prison custody by the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja. Ushie, who contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the House of Representatives in Cross River State, is facing criminal charges, including stealing and fraud, before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ushie on a 13-count charge bordering on obtaining under false pretense, contrary to sections (1a) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related Offenses Act, (2006) as amended. One of the charges against Ushie accuses him…
The Federal Government has announced that there will be no need to import food items into Nigeria despite the economic challenges facing the country. This statement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and state governors on Thursday. Idris revealed that the government had ordered a crackdown on food hoarders and that security agencies would work with state governments to arrest hoarders and ensure that food commodities are available to Nigerians at reasonable prices. He stated, “The governors and Mr. President have decided that security agencies will collaborate…
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has issued a directive for all former political appointees to return immediately all official vehicles in their possession. The directive, conveyed through a statement signed by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, instructs the Managing Director of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Hon Chief Charles Orie, to take custody and conduct a proper inventory of these vehicles. The directive applies to all former Principal Officers to the Governor, former Commissioners, former Special Advisers, and former General Managers of Government Agencies, among others. Governor Uzodimma had earlier…
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought and former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has criticized the leadership of the Labour Party (LP), describing it as “awful.” Amadi made this statement in response to the suspension of the party’s national treasurer, Oluchi Opara. Opara was suspended by the LP’s National Working Committee (NWC) just 48 hours after she accused the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, of misappropriating N3.5 billion in campaign funds. Opara claimed that the funds were raised from sales of forms and fundraising activities in preparation for the 2023…
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, has revealed that an external auditor has been engaged to examine the party’s accounts. This announcement comes in the wake of accusations of misappropriation leveled against Julius Abure, the national chairman of the LP, by Oluchi Opara, the party’s national treasurer, who claimed that N3.5 billion had been misappropriated. The LP responded to Opara’s allegations by suspending her, citing influence from “external forces” seeking to undermine the party. Abure, on the other hand, has threatened legal action against Opara for defamation. In a press conference…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has restated the FCT Administration’s stance against any form of variation of contracts awarded by the FCTA. During an inspection of projects in Abuja, Minister Wike even went as far as blacklisting some contractors for requesting such variations. The minister’s comments were prompted by a request from Setraco Construction Company to vary the contract for the construction of the Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road 1 to include provision for streetlights. Minister Wike emphasized that the FCTA would not entertain such requests. He highlighted that the FCT…
In response to the prevailing economic challenges in Nigeria, the Ogun State Government has announced plans to inject N5 billion into various sectors of the state’s economy. The announcement was made by Governor Dapo Abiodun during a press conference held in Oke Mosan area of Abeokuta, the state capital, on Wednesday. Governor Abiodun expressed solidarity with the people of Ogun State amidst the current economic hardship, particularly the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy. He assured the citizens that the tough times were temporary and necessary for a better future. Highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced…
The supplementary election for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency seat in Taraba State recorded a significant turnout of voters across polling units on Wednesday. In Jalingo metropolis, all fifteen polling units witnessed enthusiastic voters eager to exercise their franchise, forming queues as early as 7:00 am ahead of the 8:30 am commencement of polling. Observers noted a peaceful and orderly atmosphere, contrasting with the previous rerun election held on February 3rd, 2024. Accreditation and voting began simultaneously at 8:30 am under tight security measures. Barrister Ibrahim Tukur El-Suldi, the state chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), expressed satisfaction with the…
Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, has criticized Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, calling him an opportunist. Bwala’s criticism came in response to an image of Obi at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. He accused Obi of exploiting various aspects such as religion, ethnicity, natural disasters, and sports for his own gain. In a post on X, Bwala stated, “Obi does not play opposition but opportunism. He takes advantage of the vulnerabilities of the nation and its people like a predator. He uses religion, ethnicity, natural…
The Progressive Governors’ Forum, under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against making statements that could incite the public against the Federal Government. In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, the APC governors emphasized the need for cooperation to address the nation’s security and economic challenges instead of resorting to blame games. This warning came in response to demands by the PDP Governors for the APC-led federal government to urgently address the country’s worsening economic hardship. Uzodimma criticized the PDP Governors’ Forum for not providing concrete…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has clarified that Daniel Bwala, who previously served as a spokesperson for his presidential campaign, is not his aide beyond that role. In a statement issued by his media office on Tuesday, Atiku emphasized that Bwala’s association with him was limited to serving as a spokesperson for his campaign from 2022 to early 2023. “It is important that the media and the general public take corrective note of defining Mr. Daniel Bwala as an aide to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar. Bwala offered his services and support to the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation as a spokesperson…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed deep sorrow and devastation over the sudden death of its Ondo State Chapter Chairman, Fatai Adams, on Wednesday. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, hailed Adams as a dedicated party member, describing him as a seasoned administrator who devoted his intellect, competence, skills, energy, and personal resources to strengthen the PDP in Ondo State despite challenges. In a statement, Ologunagba said, “Indeed, our hearts bleed! Our Party, the nation, and indeed humanity have lost one of our brightest and best in Nigeria’s contemporary political leadership.” Adams was praised as a humble, insightful, and sociable…
The Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Fatai Adams, has passed away. Adams reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday. The Ondo PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, confirmed the news, stating that the party would soon issue an official statement to the media regarding the matter. Details of his passing are expected to be released shortly.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented conflicting election results on the November 11, 2023, Governorship election in Bayelsa State at the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja. INEC submitted its certified results, while APC polling unit agents presented various results from the areas they represented the party. Despite objections from different parties, the tribunal chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, admitted both sets of results as exhibits for the tribunal’s consideration. Former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, and the APC filed a petition against INEC, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, his Deputy…