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…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
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…
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has fulfilled his commitment to addressing the lingering half-salary debts owed to civil servants, accumulated during the Rauf Aregbesola administration. This marks the fourth installment paid since Adeleke assumed office. The previous administration, led by Adegboyega Oyetola, had not taken substantial steps to offset the salary arrears. In a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, it was emphasized that Adeleke’s administration is dedicated to resolving the financial challenges inherited from the past. Governor Adeleke had previously approved a phased payment approach to clear the 30-month half-salary debt. The statement also highlighted a similar…
The Nigeria Customs Service has greenlit the promotion of 357 officers, elevating them from the ranks of Customs Assistant 1 to Inspector of Customs. This announcement was made by Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, in a statement released on Saturday. The promotion decision was officially ratified during the 7th management meeting of 2023, chaired by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, on December 1. Addressing the newly promoted officers, Comptroller General Adeniyi urged them to intensify their efforts in fulfilling the service’s core mandate of revenue generation. The comprehensive promotion list encompasses…
In a vehement rebuttal, Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, has dismissed reports suggesting that he received N3 billion from the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and business magnate Aliko Dangote for the Kogi elections. Melaye addressed these allegations during a dinner organized in his honor by members of his campaign organization in Abuja. He labeled the claims as the handiwork of detractors aiming to undermine his campaign. Dispelling the rumors, Melaye asserted, “The speculation that I collected N1 billion from Atiku and N2 billion from Dangote was fake news peddled by betrayers.” Reflecting on the lessons…
Tensions rise within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State as Senator Solomon Akku Ewuga, a former Deputy Governor and ex-Minister, publicly declares his support for Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This announcement precedes the impending Supreme Court judgment on the Nasarawa State governorship election dispute. Speaking to journalists after a visit to the Government House, Senator Ewuga affirmed Governor Sule’s legitimacy as the choice of the people of Nasarawa State. He conveyed confidence in the governor’s governance capabilities and clarified that his endorsement stems from a sense of duty to uphold what is…
In a resounding show of solidarity, Plateau State witnessed a passionate appeal from youths across its 17 local government areas. Organized under the Plateau Support Network (PSN), the group fervently called on the judiciary to reconsider the recent Court of Appeal decision ousting Governor Caleb Mutfwang. During a spirited solidarity walk in Jos, the PSN emphasized the importance of recognizing the electoral mandate bestowed upon Governor Mutfwang by the people of Plateau State. InfoStride News recalls that the Court of Appeal nullified the victories of Governor Mutfwang and other elected officials in the February 25 and March 18, 2023, general…
The Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a statement addressing a misleading story circulating on social media concerning Mr. Jimi Lawal’s purported role as the former gubernatorial candidate for a faction of the Ogun State PDP. In a press release on Friday, the Ogun State PDP emphasized its commitment to accuracy in party records and set the record straight. The party clarified that the candidacy of Mr. Jimi Lawal was a strategic maneuver orchestrated by Mr. Dapo Abiodun and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State. The move aimed to disrupt PDP activities by…
In a significant move to safeguard its mineral resources, the Kogi State Government has issued a comprehensive ban on all forms of illegal mining across the 21 local government areas of the state. Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, conveyed this decision while addressing the press on Friday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to regulatory measures. Gegu stated, “No individual or company will be permitted to explore or engage in mining any mineral in the state without proper licenses from the Federal Government or cooperative certificates for artisanal miners, along with valid community development agreements.” He underscored the…
Despite internal challenges within the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Benue State House of Assembly unequivocally expressed confidence in Governor Hyacinth Alia during Friday’s plenary session. Simon Gabo, representing Mata state constituency, commended the governor’s unparalleled performance, especially as the 2024 budget was presented. Gabo moved a motion, urging his colleagues to collectively endorse a vote of confidence in Governor Alia. Applauding Alia’s remarkable achievements in just over six months, Gabo highlighted the governor’s reputation as “Mr 25th” among Benue residents, emphasizing the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as substantial infrastructural development without…
In a solemn ceremony at the command headquarters in Asaba, the Nigerian Police presented cheques totaling over N110 million to the families of 33 deceased officers. The cheques, issued on behalf of Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun, are part of the IGP Family Welfare and Group Life Assurance Schemes, customary offerings to the next of kin of fallen officers. Commissioner of Police Wale Abass, presiding over the emotional event, expressed profound gratitude for the IGP’s benevolence. He emphasized that the financial support would greatly assist the families and serve as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made by their…
In a recent interview with newsmen on Friday, Alhaji Muhammad K. Dagaceri, the Head of Civil Service in Jigawa State, announced that workers are on the verge of enjoying wage allowances and additional palliatives. Dagaceri reassured civil servants, stating, “I’m appealing to our teeming civil servants to be patient, as the state government will soon announce the agreed-upon amount and month for the payment.” He added that a crucial meeting with the leaders of the state chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) is imminent, where discussions will revolve around determining the wage award amount…
In early December, senior Chinese leaders convened a meeting to “coordinate” government initiatives aimed at influencing the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan, according to intelligence gathered on the island. Taiwan officials perceive this campaign as interference in the electoral process and have raised concerns about Beijing’s attempts to sway voters towards candidates favoring closer ties with China in the January 13 elections. The meeting, held in Beijing, was chaired by Wang Huning, the fourth-ranked leader of the Chinese Communist Party and deputy head of Beijing’s Central Leading Group for Taiwan Affairs, chaired by President Xi Jinping. Multiple Taiwan…
In a distressing incident, ten students from the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State were abducted by bandits in the early hours of Thursday, near the Gandu village, approximately two kilometers from the university. A resident of the area, requesting anonymity, informed reporters that the assailants, armed and numbering several, raided the student community opposite the university’s permanent location around 2 a.m. on Thursday. The attackers discharged firearms into the air, causing panic among the students who fled for safety. The entire operation spanned approximately two hours, as per a local insider. When addressing the media in Lafia regarding…
President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of four new members to the National Council on Privatization (NCP), representing the private sector within the council. The appointed members and their respective regions are Oluwole Osin for the South-West, Mohammed Mustapha Bintube for the North-East, Olayiwola Yahaya for the North-Central, and Akwa Effion Okon for the South-South, as disclosed in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday. President Tinubu charged the newly appointed Council members with the responsibility of leveraging their private sector experience to ensure that…
The Coalition of Middle Belt Groups has unequivocally endorsed Alhaji Usman Ododo’s triumph as the All Progressives Congress candidate in the Kogi gubernatorial election, asserting that the stance of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and other political entities serves as a validation of the electoral process. Dr. Omale Ben Amedu, the convener of the group and former APM Deputy Governorship candidate, refuted attempts to undermine the credibility of the election, emphasizing that the results accurately represented the will of the people. Amedu acknowledged the challenges faced during the election but maintained that it was free, fair, and credible. He asserted,…
In a resolute stand against perceived threats to Rivers State, Governor Sim Fubara vowed to resist any form of blackmail and intimidation, emphasizing that the state is the collective inheritance of its people. Governor Fubara expressed his commitment to safeguarding and advancing the state’s interests during the quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. The Governor addressed the ongoing political discord with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, at the event. The face-off, centered around the state’s political structure, had escalated to the point of an impeachment move against Fubara. However, intervention from President Bola Tinubu averted the…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, remains undeterred by protests against his policies, emphasizing his commitment to delivering President Bola Tinubu’s mandate. Multiple demonstrations have taken place against Wike, particularly concerning his land allocation policies in the capital city. Key FCT indigene, Adamu Matazu, criticized Wike’s actions, claiming they were detrimental to Abuja’s progress and growth. In response to the protests, Wike dismissed them, asserting that the demonstrators were financially motivated. During the flag-off of remedial road work in the FCT on Thursday, Wike stated, “Frankly speaking, I don’t have the time to see that. I…