Doyin Okupe, former Director General of the Peter Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization, has stepped down from the Labour Party (LP), citing ideological disparities that surfaced after the 2023 elections. Okupe attributed his resignation to a misalignment between his lifelong adherence to right-wing and liberal democratic principles and the left-of-center ideology of the LP, making his continued membership untenable. In a letter released to the press on Monday, Okupe stated: “I hereby submit my resignation from the Labour Party with immediate effect. As you may recall, our presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, myself, and others departed from the PDP abruptly and…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Former PDP Chairman of Ebonyi State, Silas Onu, has clinched victory in the party’s primary bye-election, paving the way for the forthcoming Ebonyi South Senatorial zone election on Feb. 3. The election, which took place at the zonal party secretariat in Afikpo, Afikpo North Local Government Area, aimed to fill the seat vacated by Dave Umahi, the former Senate Majority Leader, who assumed the role of Minister of Works in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Onu secured a total of 143 votes, outshining his sole opponent, Sen. Amah Nnachi, who did not receive any votes in the election. Lekan Rotimi, the…
Human Rights Activist Urges President Tinubu to Investigate and Suspend Minister Over Financial Misappropriation Allegations Renowned human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, if found guilty of financial misappropriation. Adeyanju emphasized the need for a transparent and independent investigation into the alleged scandal. The controversy arose after a memo surfaced, revealing Edu’s directive to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585.2 million into a private account belonging to Oniyelu Bridget, purportedly the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable…
The Supreme Court is set to hear the suits brought by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 18 governorship election in Abia State, Okey Ahiwe and Ikechi Emenike, respectively. Both candidates are seeking the removal of Governor Alex Otti from office. Victor Nwokocha, the media adviser to Ahiwe, confirmed to Journalists that the case against Otti would be heard on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. However, he stated that it remains uncertain whether a final judgement would be delivered on that day or at a later date. Ahiwe and the…
The Federal Government has refuted claims of a planned demolition of 1,500 houses in the Xhidu community near Lugbe Phase II in Abuja. Kenneth Chigelu, the Head of the Press and Publicity Unit at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), clarified the government’s position in a recent statement. Reports had circulated last week that residents of the community had alleged the FHA’s intention to demolish their houses to make way for a housing estate to be constructed by a private developer. Residents voiced their concerns, citing violations of their constitutional rights, disregard for their welfare as citizens, and potential damage to…
The Lagos State Government has revealed its intention to launch a massive crackdown on illegal buildings in 2024. Dr Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, made this announcement in a recent statement released by Abimbola Emdin-Umehin, the Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPA). Dr Olumide emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegality in building construction within the state. He expressed dismay at the discovery of unauthorized additional floors in a building under construction at Isaac John Street by Oba Dosunmu Street, GRA Ikeja. The developer…
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his directive to investigate the alleged N585 million scandal involving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. The minister has been under scrutiny for purportedly violating Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009, which mandate the segregation of public and personal funds in government transactions. In response to this development, President Tinubu, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, instructed a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the financial imbroglio. In a statement, Pedro Chibuzo Obi, the President of NANS, expressed support for the President’s…
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to give greater attention to the security of lives and property in the country. This appeal was made by the association’s Senate President, Mr. Elvis Ekudina, during a press conference held in Abeokuta. Ekudina emphasized the importance of NANS voicing its concerns about the state of the nation, particularly in addressing the ongoing security challenges such as kidnappings, bandit attacks, and assaults on security personnel. Ekudina also expressed deep concern over the recent attacks in some villages in Plateau State, which resulted in the loss of innocent…
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has set January 8, 2024, as the date for the commencement of physical and credentials screening for applicants seeking to join the rank of Police Constables in the General Duty and Specialist Cadres. This information was disclosed in a statement signed by the NPF spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday. The screening exercise is scheduled to take place nationwide from January 8 to 24, 2024. Applicants shortlisted for the screening are required to present several documents, including evidence of physical/mental fitness from a government-recognized medical hospital, evidence of good character from village/district heads, original and…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has called on the nine members of the National Assembly (NASS) from the state to clarify the status of the federal government’s rice intervention intended for distribution in their constituencies. In a statement issued on Sunday by Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Kwara State, the party referenced a viral video featuring Dekeri Anamero, a House of Representatives member representing Etsako Federal constituency of Edo State. Anamero claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provided each NASS member with at least two trailers of rice for distribution in…
Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption campaign as a beacon of hope and a demonstration of solidarity with the masses across the nation. Speaking at the Enugu airport on Sunday, Okechukwu expressed his support for President Tinubu’s efforts to break the economic stranglehold imposed by a small group of wealthy individuals who have mismanaged funds meant for industrial development, thereby perpetuating widespread poverty. He emphasized the need to recover misappropriated funds, citing the recent actions of the Economic and Financial…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized the disbursement of N12 billion to settle outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national sports teams, including the Super Eagles. The decision, communicated via a statement on the President’s official media platform, addresses the long-standing arrears in senior national team coach salaries, as well as allowances and commitments owed to the senior national teams, female teams, and the Under-20 national team. The statement highlights the significance of this move, especially as the Super Eagles gear up for their upcoming participation in the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to commence later this month. President Tinubu’s administration…
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen, the former coach of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, describing him as a true Nigerian hero. In a condolence message conveyed by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt sadness upon learning of the demise of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished football coaches. Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen, a former footballer who transitioned into coaching, led Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to a historic victory at the inaugural FIFA U-16 World Championship in China in 1985. President Tinubu acknowledged the significant impact that Brodericks-Imasuen had on Nigerian football, citing his…
The Kogi State Government has announced plans to designate a new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, with the official announcement expected to be made next week. The stool has been vacant since the passing of the late Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, a revered monarch who died in November 2023 at the age of 94. Governor Yahaya Bello revealed this development during a meeting with aspirants recommended by the Kingmakers committee in Kogi Central. The committee had put forward seven aspirants for consideration by the state government, from whom one would be appointed to fill the vacant stool. The list of aspirants includes…
The Ondo Elite Group has issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the political stability in Ondo State, emphasizing that such actions could have severe repercussions for the party in the upcoming November 16 governorship election. According to the socio-political group, there is a growing tension within the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to alleged efforts by certain factions to remove and replace the current party leadership with the aim of influencing the outcome of the forthcoming poll in favor of their preferred candidate. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Yemi Oladiran,…
Chief Mathew Avre Ombugaku, who previously vied for the gubernatorial seat under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nasarawa State, has officially crossed party lines to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement of his defection was made during a reception held in honour of Senator Solomon Akku Ewuga at the City Hall in Lafia on Saturday. This move marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Nasarawa State. Chief Ombugaku, along with several other influential political figures, was warmly welcomed into the APC by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Senator Solomon Akku Ewuga.…
In preparation for the upcoming by-election in Surulere Constituency 1, Lagos State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Fuad Laguda as its candidate for the House of Representatives seat. Scheduled for February 3, 2024, the by-election aims to fill the vacancy left by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was appointed as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. After serving for two decades in the Green Chamber, Gbajabiamila resigned from his position as Speaker and as a member of the House of Representatives. His resignation followed his appointment by President Bola Tinubu,…
Chief Ezechukwu Obonna advocates against drug abuse and trafficking, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat the menace. Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, the Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, has called on residents to join hands in creating a drug-free environment in the state. Obonna made this appeal during his birthday celebration in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Saturday. He emphasized the dangers of consuming drugs like Kush, which is reportedly made from human bones and chemicals, as well as the sniffing of human urine and remains. In his…
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has issued a directive to suspend the delegates congress for the bye-election into Guma State Constituency, citing irregularities and concerns over potential unrest. Speaking at a press conference held at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi on Saturday, Governor Alia revealed that the congress was disrupted by unidentified individuals attempting to hijack the process. Expressing his apprehension about the heightened emotions among the youth in the area, Governor Alia emphasized the need to avert any potential breakdown of law and order. He stated, “The exercise was marred by irregularities as unknown…
Blessing Agbomhere, the South-South organising secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made a passionate appeal to the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, to grant him the party’s governorship ticket for the forthcoming election in Edo State. In a letter addressed to Ganduje, Agbomhere asserted his suitability for the position, emphasizing his ability to reignite the developmental strides initiated by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the state. Highlighting his unwavering loyalty to the party, Agbomhere recalled his unsuccessful bid for the APC Edo Governorship Primary in 2016 when Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, were chosen…