The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has expressed concern over alleged lobbying efforts by state governors to obstruct the direct disbursement of federal allocations to Local Government Authorities (LGAs). In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, the PRP reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal autonomy for local governments, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and reinforced by the Supreme Court ruling of July 11, 2024. “It is disheartening to observe that, despite the clear legal framework affirming the financial independence of Local Governments, some of our emperor State Governors are utilizing their influence to undermine this…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas (retd.) to oversee the administration of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Tinubu made the announcement on Tuesday during a nationwide broadcast addressing the ongoing political crisis in Rivers. The declaration follows the six-month suspension of Governor Simi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas (retd.) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Tinubu stated.…
A High Court in Lafia, presided over by Justice Simon Aboki, has commenced hearing in the murder trial of 32-year-old singer Oluwatimilehin Daniel Ajayi, who is accused of killing and dismembering a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu. Ajayi, who was escorted to the courtroom under heavy security from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Nasarawa State Government, represented by Attorney General Hauwa Samuel Jugbo, has officially taken over the prosecution from the police. During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Raymond Umar requested an amendment to the defendant’s name, changing it from Timilehin…
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has stated that Russia cannot be trusted, despite discussions surrounding a proposed 30-day ceasefire to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a news conference in Brussels on Monday, Kallas emphasized that no negotiations are currently taking place because Russia has not engaged in talks. “The understanding around the table is that Russia can’t really be trusted,” Kallas said. “They will seize this opportunity to present all kinds of demands.” When asked about the EU’s role in ongoing negotiations, she added, “There’s no negotiation table yet because Russia is not coming to…
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday issued a notice of alleged gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. According to Channels TV, the lawmakers asserted that their action was in accordance with constitutional provisions. “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and other extant laws, we, the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office,” the notice read.…
The body of Yuda Garba, the village head of Dagachi Hamlet, who was kidnapped on March 11, has been discovered in a bush near Takula, within the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to intelligence sources, villagers found the remains in the Nomadic Forest near Kuyeri, a location on the border between Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Security personnel and community members quickly responded to the scene, where relatives confirmed the body as that of the kidnapped village head. Efforts to locate and rescue other victims abducted during the same incident are ongoing, with security…
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned two new-generation commercial banks against opening unauthorized accounts for purported acting local government chairmen to access monthly allocations from the Federation Account. The caretaker committee chairman of the party in the state, Anthony Aziegbemi, issued the warning on Monday during a press conference in Benin City, titled “Ongoing Constitutional Crisis, Chaos in Edo State Local Government Areas.” Aziegbemi alleged that the banks were colluding with the state government to alter official accounts and signatures of the democratically elected council chairmen. “The Supreme Court judgment mandates that funds must…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League has stated that while Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has the right to express her grievances, her approach was disruptive to the peace and sanctity of the Nigerian Senate. The league described her actions as an “unnecessary affront” that was harmful to the Senate as an institution. The National President of the league, Olamide Lawal, made this assertion while addressing journalists over the weekend. Face-off with Akpabio InfoStride News reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary over a new seating arrangement and accused him…
The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended two suspects for alleged robbery in the Amukoko area of the state. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to journalists on Sunday in Lagos, stating that the suspects were nabbed following intelligence reports on their criminal activities. “On March 12, at about 4:00 p.m., the police received information that a group of hoodlums regularly rob passersby of their valuables in the early hours along Alaba-Oro, Amukoko, before retreating to their hideout. “Acting on the tip-off, officers launched surveillance operations and successfully tracked their hideout in the Olufiditi area…
Pope Francis has admitted to feeling fragile and facing a period of trial as he continues treatment for pneumonia at the hospital. In a heartfelt message to the faithful on Sunday, the 88-year-old pontiff expressed gratitude for prayers and solidarity. “I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,” Pope Francis said in a message published by the Vatican. “Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves,…
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has credited his victory in the 2023 governorship election to the integrity and fearlessness of the Returning Officer, Professor Nnenna Oti, who resisted intense pressure before declaring him the winner. Speaking at the wedding ceremony of Professor Oti’s daughter, Dr. Onyinyechi Orieoma, and her husband, Ugochukwu Peter, in Ozara Mgbom village, Afikpo LGA of Ebonyi State, Governor Otti praised the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), for standing firm against external influences. According to the governor, despite the intense pressure mounted on her, Professor Oti remained resolute and ensured that the…
Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has rejected former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s invitation for opposition politicians to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP, had called on key opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to follow his lead. In an interview with the BBC, Lamido dismissed the invitation, questioning El-Rufai’s political ideology and commitment to national development. “Honestly, without disrespect, how does he expect us in PDP to…
A notorious kidnapper and armed robber, identified as Abdullahi, also known as “Honor,” has been neutralized in a joint security operation conducted by the Nasarawa State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups. The operation, carried out on March 14, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., led to the interception of the suspect near the Akwanga Central Mosque while he was riding a motorcycle. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, Abdullahi attempted to evade arrest but was fatally shot by security operatives. A search conducted on the deceased led to the recovery of a Beretta…
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects for pipeline vandalism, theft, and other criminal offences in Bauchi State. The Commandant of the Corps in Bauchi, Oloyede Oyerinde, disclosed this on Saturday while parading the suspects before journalists. According to Oyerinde, NSCDC operatives apprehended individuals involved in criminal misappropriation, rape, and theft at different locations across the state. Among them, two suspects were arrested for motorcycle theft at a lodge in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area. He further revealed that on March 7, the Corps arrested one suspect for alleged pipeline vandalism and illegal extraction…
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order revoking 19 executive actions approved by former President Joe Biden, marking another wave of policy reversals. Among the rescinded orders is the Presidential Memorandum of February 4, 2021, which advanced the human rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) persons worldwide. Other revoked directives include Biden’s orders on: Data-Driven Response to COVID-19 and Future High-Consequence Public Health Threats Revitalizing America’s Foreign Policy and National Security Workforce, Institutions, and Partnerships Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors With these latest actions, Trump has now reversed nearly 100 executive orders issued…
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a bid to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. El-Rufai’s appeal comes after his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, citing a misalignment of values with the ruling party. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, the former governor stressed the need for opposition unity while rejecting the idea of a merger or forming a new party. Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed concerns over the 2027 elections,…
The Presidency has emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is not preoccupied with the 2027 election but remains focused on implementing economic policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, stated that the president is more concerned with the long-term impact of his economic reforms than with political maneuvering ahead of the next election. Posting on his X page, Dare highlighted key economic indicators, including rising foreign reserves, declining inflation, and an improved trade surplus. “We’ve seen our foreign reserves go up. We’ve seen inflation come down. We’ve seen our trade…
A Magistrates’ Court in Jos has sentenced a 32-year-old trader, Chijioke Chinedu, to one year in prison for defrauding a man of four car tyres. Presiding Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos handed down the sentence after Chinedu pleaded guilty to the charge. However, the court granted him the option of a N20,000 fine to reduce his sentence to six months. Additionally, the convict was ordered to compensate the victim with N108,000 or face an additional six months in prison if he failed to pay. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Ibrahim Gokwat, the case was reported on February 20 at the ‘A’ Division…
Several bandits were killed in a clash with security forces and vigilantes in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State after an attempt to rescue an arrested gang member was foiled. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when armed bandits stormed Kurawa village, seeking to free a member who had been captured after robbing a commercial motorcyclist the previous day. According to sources, the suspect was apprehended while refueling the stolen motorcycle and handed over to security operatives. In retaliation, the gang launched a rescue mission, killing three villagers before facing fierce resistance from the army and vigilantes. “The…
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have announced an indefinite adjournment of legislative sittings. The decision was reached during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, The Nation reports. This development comes just hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara proposed Wednesday for the re-presentation of the 2025 budget. The move follows a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating the governor to recognise the pro-Wike lawmakers.