Former presidential spokesman Doyin Okupe has dismissed allegations by Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi that the 2023 presidential election was rigged. Okupe, who served as the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign, questioned the validity of Obi’s claims, citing instances where the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost in key strongholds. In a statement on Thursday, Okupe said: “If Peter Obi or the Labour Party says APC rigged elections, how come Obi was able to win in the home base of President Bola Tinubu? How come APC lost the election in the home base of the sitting President,…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has raised concerns over the state of the opposition party, attributing its challenges to selfish interests within its ranks. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday to mark his 79th birthday, George called on PDP members and leaders to use the forthcoming National Convention as an opportunity to rescue the party from its current struggles. The elder statesman expressed disappointment in some party members who he described as “desperados” working against unity and the collective interest of the PDP. He lamented that the party’s founding fathers,…
President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, requesting the confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff. Tinubu’s letter, which was made public by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act. Oluyede was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, 2024, following the illness of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024. Onanuga emphasized President Tinubu’s confidence in Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and…
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has expressed strong opposition to the proposed establishment of state police, calling it both too expensive and risky to implement. In a statement issued on Friday in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, KACRAN’s National President, Alhaji Khalil Bello, outlined the financial burden of setting up state police forces. According to Bello, the cost of establishing state police would range between N10 billion to N30 billion, depending on the population of each state. Additionally, the monthly salaries and operational costs could total around N3 billion. Bello also raised concerns over the…
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Quick Intervention Unit have arrested a 36-year-old woman on allegations of child trafficking. The police also successfully rescued two children suspected to have been stolen from Anambra State. In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the arrest was made during an intelligence-driven operation on November 20, 2024, in Amajeke, Owerri. Okoye confirmed that the rescued children have since been reunited with their families. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to her involvement in child trafficking. She revealed that she worked with a syndicate based in Onitsha to…
The Jigawa State Hisbah Board has reiterated that the importation, sale, and consumption of alcohol remain strictly prohibited in the state. Commandant of the board, Ibrahim Dahiru, made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking with journalists. He stated that the decision is part of the state government’s broader initiative to reform the board and curb social vices in the region. As part of its ongoing operations, the Hisbah command recently seized 78 cartons of assorted alcoholic beverages in Kazaure Local Government Area. The alcohol was confiscated from three beer parlours during an early morning raid. Ibrahim confirmed that no arrests…
Bandits have reportedly abducted four farmers in the Libere community, located in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Aminu Khalid, the youth leader of Dokan Karji, confirmed the abductions in a telephone interview with Newsmen on Thursday. He stated that the farmers were kidnapped around 12:00 PM while harvesting their crops. Khalid expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area, noting that the incident has caused widespread panic, with many residents fleeing their homes. “These bandits have continued to occupy more villages in our local government area unchallenged, causing a lot of havoc to the various communities,” he…
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted counterfeit alcohol packaging materials worth approximately N2 billion in Lagos State. In a statement shared via its X handle on Thursday, NAFDAC revealed that it dismantled illegal alcohol packaging operations at Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos. During the operation, the agency confiscated over 50,000 counterfeit branded labels and packaging materials used to produce unapproved and hazardous alcoholic beverages. NAFDAC warned of the severe health risks posed by counterfeit alcohol, including poisoning and organ damage. “Consumers are advised to purchase alcoholic beverages only from trusted vendors and report…
The National Economic Council (NEC) has resolved to intensify the implementation of the National Electrification Strategy to address the recurring collapse of Nigeria’s power grid. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs NEC, emphasized that access to energy is a fundamental right, describing electricity as the “oxygen of economic growth.” At its 146th meeting on Thursday, held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the council established a committee on national electrification to tackle challenges in the power sector. The committee, led by Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, will focus on enhancing state-level engagements within the framework of…
The Nkomoro autonomous community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has elected Cletus Igwe as its new traditional ruler. In a highly anticipated election, Igwe secured 734 votes to defeat his closest rival, Joseph Oganyi, who garnered 387 votes. The election saw massive turnout as community members participated en masse to choose their monarch. This development comes months after a faction of the community coronated a former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Jacob Nwakpa, as the traditional ruler in June 2024. The earlier coronation sparked a crisis, resulting in the destruction of…
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Accord has expelled eight members and suspended three others over allegations of gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and constitutional breaches. This decision was announced in a communiqué signed by the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, and National Secretary, Adebukola A. Ajaja, following a meeting held on Wednesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The NEC reviewed the findings of a 7-member Disciplinary Committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) to investigate the allegations. “Accordingly, NEC expelled eight members and suspended three others for violating Article 20A (vii), (ix), (xiii), and 20A (1)…
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has fixed January 21, 2025, to deliver its ruling on a suit filed by Labour Party candidates and pro-Fubara lawmakers against the Rivers State House of Assembly and 27 lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule. The pro-Fubara lawmakers, including Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, and Adolphus Timothy, are challenging the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The plaintiffs are seeking the court’s interpretation of the lawmakers’ actions, arguing that they should vacate their seats to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct…
The Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has convicted and sentenced five individuals to various jail terms for their involvement in internet fraud. Presiding over the case, Justice Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie handed down the sentences on Monday, November 18, 2024. The convicts were charged by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for criminal impersonation, fraudulent messaging, and money laundering. The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on its X handle on Wednesday, identifying the convicts as: Michael Aregbesola (alias Amin Deera), Adeleke Toba Richard (alias Jason Avtandil), Mkpoikanke Emmanuel Udoh (alias Tom Jones),…
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of Sunday Abidoye, whose lifeless body was discovered in a hotel in Sagamu on Wednesday. The Command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the state capital. According to Odutola, the hotel’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), identified only as Oluwole, reported the incident to the police after discovering the deceased. “Upon receiving the report, a team of detectives visited the scene and found the body of the deceased already placed in a car outside the hotel, being prepared for transport to the morgue by his family,” she…
Renowned Christian music composer, Dr. Jude Nnam, who was abducted last week, has regained his freedom. Nnam was kidnapped on Thursday evening around 6 pm in Umunnachi, Anambra State, while attending a church function. His release came on Wednesday, nearly a week after he was taken captive. The musician’s family announced his release in a post on his official Facebook page, expressing gratitude and relief. The post read: “The victory sound is here. Our dear ‘Ancestor’ Dr. (Sir) Jude Nnam is back to continue the work of the Lord!!!” Earlier, the family had dismissed circulating social media claims of his…
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, has dismissed claims that he is a newcomer in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Bwala clarified that he had only been away from the party for seven months before his recent appointment, amidst criticism of his acceptance of the role. The criticism stems from Bwala’s previous harsh remarks about the APC and President Tinubu, raising questions about his decision to serve in the current administration. Defending his position, Bwala claimed that many of the attacks against him were sponsored…
The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has cautioned the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Ganduje, against making comments that could destabilize the Southwest region. The warning follows Ganduje’s statement during a visit to Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday, where he expressed confidence that the APC would secure victories in Oyo and Osun states in future elections. This came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC the winner of the Ondo governorship election. In a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo, Tosin Odeyemi, Chairman…
Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have shot one person dead and injured three others in what is being described as an accidental discharge, following a confrontation between police officers and a man who claimed to be a soldier. Ebonyi State Police Commissioner, Mrs. Adaku Uche-Anya, confirmed the incident on Wednesday in Abakaliki, stating that the shooting occurred during a scuffle between officers and the individual, who was later identified as a motorcyclist. The police commissioner attributed the tragedy to an accidental discharge. According to Uche-Anya, the incident unfolded when police officers, conducting routine patrols in response to a…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially presented Certificates of Return to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Adelami Olayide, following their victory in the Ondo State gubernatorial election. INEC National Commissioner supervising Ondo, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, presented the certificates on Wednesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. In his remarks, Ajayi commended the people of Ondo for their peaceful conduct during the election, noting that the voters’ attitudes were largely peaceful, with no significant reports of violence. He also praised the security agencies, electoral observers, and media organizations for their professional roles in ensuring the success of the…
The Nigerian Senate has called on children across the country to recognize education as their fundamental right rather than a privilege. The appeal was made on Wednesday during the 2024 Universal Children’s Day Celebration, organized by the Senate Committee on Women Affairs in Abuja. The event, which brought together children from eight different public schools in Abuja, emphasized the importance of education for the nation’s future. In speeches delivered by various senators, the central theme was the need for children to embrace education as their entitlement. The senators highlighted that the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004, which made basic…