Ahead of the governorship elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has deployed undercover agents to conduct covert operations aimed at identifying criminal hideouts and taking action against them in the three states and neighboring areas. Additionally, it has been reported that President Bola Tinubu has approved allowances for police officers deployed for the off-season elections in the three states, as well as for other officers on special duties. Recent governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa have witnessed troubling events leading to loss of lives and property. For instance, during the last governorship…
Author: Mathew Aremu
The Senate emphasized that in expediting the approval of the N2.17 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Bill, they duly considered the hardships faced by Nigerians. Senator Ali Ndume, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, asserted that the swift passage of the budget within 48 hours was a patriotic responsibility. He clarified that the bill, submitted by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, prompted the National Assembly to suspend certain rules to expedite the process. The bill underwent first and second readings, then was referred to the Appropriations committees in both chambers. The joint committee promptly presented, deliberated, and approved the…
Leaders from different ethnic groups in the Niger Delta region have undertaken a solidarity visit to Nyesom Wike, who serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The purpose of their visit is to express the region’s gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Wike to his cabinet. This visit underscores the importance of the appointment and the significance of Wike’s role in the government. The Niger Delta leaders extended their congratulations to Nyesom Wike for his appointment as a minister. Dr. Kingsley Kuku issued a statement on Saturday, indicating that a 60-member delegation of prominent leaders from…
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, emphasized that dredging and channelizing the Ogun river would be crucial in addressing the recurrent flooding in Isheri and its surroundings. He mentioned that water released from Cameroon also contributed to the issue. The Governor identified the Oyan Dam, overseen by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, as a factor in the problem. While acknowledging that dams serve essential purposes like water supply and flood control, he noted that the Oyan Dam’s role in the flooding was unintentional. Abiodun further highlighted the necessity for proper channelization of the Ogun River, emphasizing the need for desilting.…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has convened a crucial meeting with stakeholders to address security concerns for the forthcoming November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa state. INEC emphasized the high priority placed on security preparations for the gubernatorial poll. The statement from INEC reads, “Happening Now: Security is top on the agenda as a critical meeting between the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and members of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), gets underway at the INEC State Headquarters, Yenegoa.” INEC stressed that security agencies play a crucial role in ensuring the…
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Usman Ododo, would lead the state in a new direction, building on the achievements of his administration. Bello reaffirmed his belief in Ododo’s commitment to advancing and solidifying the progress made under his leadership. He assured that if elected on November 11, Ododo would continue the legacy of the “new direction” that Kogi citizens would take pride in. The governor emphasized the importance of unity among political appointees from Kabba-Bunu and underscored its pivotal role in driving development in the region. He called for full…
Former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr., has urged the Federal Government to take significant measures to reduce the cost of governance. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Nweke emphasized the need to cut expenses and even consider merging some ministries. He expressed concern over decisions such as expanding the cabinet, which has increased to nearly 50 members. Nweke believed that given the current economic challenges, there should be a concerted effort to downsize the government and trim costs. He also raised reservations about certain allocations in the supplementary budget, citing unnecessary expenditures that the country can do…
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has promptly allocated N497 million for the immediate settlement of the 2023 WAEC examination fees for students in the state’s public schools. This move aligns with the administration’s recent commitment to furnish free education from primary to secondary levels within Kogi State’s public schools. According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu, this decision demonstrates the administration’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has access to quality education. It aims to empower students to take essential examinations without imposing financial strain on their parents or…
The National Industrial Court in Owerri has issued a new interim injunction, barring organized labor from initiating any form of strike action in Imo state until further notice. The court cautioned against any disregard for its order, emphasizing that there would be repercussions. Justice N.C.S. Ogbuanya issued this directive last Friday after considering the arguments presented by the legal representatives of both parties, who indicated they had not yet reached a resolution in their dispute. The defendants in this case are the Nigeria Labour Congress, represented by the Secretary General, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, and the Trade Union Congress, represented by…
The Federal Government has revealed that 28 out of the 36 Nigerian states have navigable waterways. As a result, the government is actively considering water transportation as a means to alleviate the strain on roads. Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), emphasized that with proper management, nearly three-quarters of the states in the federation can be utilized for water transportation, potentially becoming a significant contributor to the nation’s GDP. He pointed out that in a period where Nigerians are grappling with high transportation costs, maximizing water transportation would be highly beneficial for…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning to Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries about the potential risks associated with strong economic relationships with China. This cautionary note suggests that these nations should carefully consider the implications and potential vulnerabilities that may arise from such close economic ties with China. The IMF’s caution regarding close economic ties with China comes at a time when reports indicate that Nigeria’s debt to China has risen to $4.73 billio3n as of June 30, 2023. This marks an increase of $800 million in a span of one year, with the debt standing…
The Umunneochi/Isuikwuato/Uturu axis in Abia State has been facing a severe security crisis in recent years. This area, extending into neighboring states, has become known for violent crimes, particularly kidnapping for ransom. Even prominent figures like the former Prelate of the Methodist Church, His Eminence Samuel Uche, have fallen victim to abductions, with substantial ransoms being paid for their release. Sadly, some kidnapping victims have not returned alive. The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway passing through this region has become perilous, with instances of vehicles being ambushed and occupants abducted in broad daylight. Apart from kidnapping, there have been reports of violent…
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, stated that he would prioritize removing chief executives of aviation agencies under his ministry rather than risk losing his own job. He made this statement during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, which marked the first of its kind since he took office. This declaration underscores Keyamo’s determination to maintain control and accountability within his ministry. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, has stated that he would rather dismiss the chief executives of aviation agencies under his ministry than risk losing his own job. Keyamo made this declaration during a one-day…
Former Guinean dictator Moussa Dadis Camara was reportedly taken from prison by a heavily armed commando during a operation that led to heavy gunfire in the capital Conakry. At least two other former officials, currently on trial alongside Dadis Camara for a 2009 massacre during his presidency, were also taken from the central prison. It remains unclear whether Dadis Camara left of his own free will. A group of masked and heavily armed soldiers forcibly entered the prison at around 4:00 am (0400 GMT), stating that they had come to free Captain Dadis Camara. They seemed to know the location…
The Cadre Harmonisé report for October 2023, released in Abuja, highlights a concerning food crisis in Nigeria. Approximately 26.5 million Nigerians across 26 states, including Abuja, are at risk of facing acute food insecurity. The report, presented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the World Food Programme and other agencies, attributes this crisis to various factors, including the removal of petrol subsidies, currency policy changes, floods, conflicts, and insecurity. The report projects that by June to August 2024, these 26.5 million people, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), may be in crisis or…
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to unlock their full potential and ensure their long-term success. He emphasized this commitment at the 2023 Edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Lagos. Tinubu underscored the vital role played by MSMEs in the Nigerian economy, emphasizing the government’s duty to provide them with the necessary support and resources. He mentioned policies, access to finance, and capacity building initiatives as avenues through which the government plans to empower these enterprises. He…
That’s good news that France has decided to return $150 million that was looted by General Sani Abacha. It’s important for countries to work together to combat corruption and return stolen assets. President Bola Tinubu’s commendation and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and France are positive steps towards that goal.It’s indeed a positive development that the Abacha loot will be returned and put to good use for Nigeria’s development objectives. Cooperation between countries in matters like these is crucial for promoting transparency and accountability. If you have any other questions or need further information, feel free to ask!…
Obum Akunyili, the son of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, expressed that his father, Chike, might have survived if immediate medical help was administered at the scene of the attack. He further stated that instead of rushing his late father, the driver, and security man to the hospital, people present were more focused on recording videos of the incident. Obum shared these sentiments while giving his account of the tragic event involving his late father at the second public hearing of the Anambra State Truth, Justice…
The Ogun State Government has called on the Ondo State Government to take measures to restrain its residents from encroaching on Ogun territory and launching attacks on Ogun indigenes in bordering communities shared by the two states. This plea was made by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Ogun State Boundary Committee. The statement was issued in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. on Border Communities” “The Ogun State Government has called on its counterpart in Ondo State to intervene and prevent citizens from encroaching on Ogun territory and…
Residents of Agric-Owutu in Ikorodu have resisted the Lagos State Government’s attempt to demolish marked houses in the area. A video clip shows angry youths preventing officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development from carrying out the exercise. This action was in response to the government’s plan to remove houses owned by residents due to road construction along the Agric-Owutu-Isawo-Arepo Road. In the video, community members confront the bulldozer and task force, expressing their discontent at the lack of prior consultation. An official tries to engage in a dialogue with them, acknowledging their concerns. The residents emphasized…