FocalPoint Reports

,  The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has forecasted a 30% increase in trade volume by 2030, the creation of over one million jobs by 2028, and a doubling of the sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from 1.5% to 3% by 2035. Dantsoho made these projections while presenting a paper titled “Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Ports Infrastructural Development: The NPA Perspective” at a National Conference organized by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos on Thursday.  He emphasized the significant investment opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy, including the development of inland waterways, the expansion of port infrastructure, and maritime technology solutions. The conference, themed “Nigeria’s Maritime/Blue Economy Industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda: What is New?”, focused on the potential of the sector.  Dantsoho described the blue economy as a crucial dr...

Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup: Semifinal Fixtures Revealed The stage is set for the semifinals of the Delta State Peace and Unity Cup, with four teams vying for a spot in the final. The semifinal fixtures have been announced, and fans are eagerly anticipating the thrilling matches on Tuesday, 3rd of December. The semifinals will take place on the same day, with two exciting matches lined up. At the Ogor Technical College in Ughelli, Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) will face off against Team Isoko (Winsome FC) at 2 pm. Meanwhile, at the Oleh Township Stadium, Team Urhobo (Udu United FC) will battle it out against Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) also at 2 pm. The semifinal matches promise to be intense and exciting, with all four teams determined to secure a spot in the final. Team Itsekiri and Team Urhobo have been impressive throughout the tournament, while Team Isoko and Team Ndokwa will be looking to cause upsets and book their places in the final. Which teams will ma...

Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Enters Round Two Today   The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament is heating up as it enters Round Two stage of ethnic representation. Today, November 25th, Team Ika will face off against Team Isoko at the Obiaruku township stadium, while Team Ijaw will battle Team Itsekiri at the Ogbe primary school by 2:pm, today. In the Ika Centre, Agbor United FC has qualified to take on Winsome FC from the Isoko Centre. Meanwhile, Patani Strikers, the winners from the Ijaw centre, will clash with Ogbomaru FC, the champions of the Itsekiri centre. Chairman of the local organizing committee, Chief Ken Nwoamucha, has expressed gratitude to all teams for their cooperation, ensuring a smooth tournament. He noted that all venues were carefully selected to provide a level playing field for the teams ¹. The tournament will continue with matches held every two days. Obiaruku township will host Team Ika, Isoko, and Ndokwa, while Ogbe primary schoo...

You Begged Me To Make You The PDP Publicity Secretary, But I Turned You Down – Wike Fires Back At Adeyanju The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has called out renowned lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju for criticising his demolitions in the nation’s capital. It as reported  that Adeyanju, alongside Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, had led a protest against the demolition of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road, Abuja. Adeyanju asked President Bola Tinubu to urgently look into the matter, insisting that there is no justification for the demolition. However, speaking with newsmen on Wednesday, Wike stated that Adeyanju was jobless, hence his reason for becoming an activist. The former Rivers Governor claimed that Adeyanju came to him begging for the role of Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but he turned him down. He said, “ I saw one young man, they call him Adeyanju. He is from Kogi State. This yo...

Edo Election: I Met A Bat On My Bed, God Fought The Battle – Governor Okpebholo Makes Revelations The new Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has shared some of the intriguing experiences that occurred during electioneering campaigns leading to his final emergence as a Governor. Governor Okpebholo , who described the experience as a battle, said his victory can be attributed to God and the people of Edo State. According to him, while opponents focused on television and social media, he trusted in God, who eventually gave him victory. The Governor spoke at the post-swearing-in Thanksgiving Service held at the Samuel Ogbumudia Stadium in Benin. Okpebholo, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,  Fred Itua , emphasized that he did not involve any native doctor or prophet or visit any diviner or shrine to seek help for help throughout the period of his electioneering, recounted how he met a dead bat on his bed on the Sunday after the election. He said God fought the ba...

Delta proposes N936b 2025 budget The Delta State Executive Council has approved a proposed budget of N936 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, with a target of N140 billion internally generated revenue (IGR). This was disclosed to newsmen after the SEC meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.  Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, said the proposed budget comprised N587.4 billion, representing 62.75 per cent for capital expenditure with N348.7 billion, representing 37.25 per cent, for recurrent expenditure.  Ekadeyan, who was flanked by Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, and his counterparts in Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu and Riverine Infrastructure, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, said the 2025 proposed budget was premised on an exchange rate of N1,300 per dollar.  He said: “The budget size is N936,078,818,719 billion, broken down into capital and recurrent components of N587,361,060,084 billion capital, representing ...

10th  Senate President Unity Cup declared open  in Abuja Senator Ita Enang yesterday  inaugurated the 10 th  Senate President Football Tournament in Abuja, celebrating the event as part of the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. During the opening at the Old Parade Ground, Enang, a former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, emphasized that the tournament goes beyond sports, contributing to unity and national development. He remarked that, in addition to its legislative roles, the National Assembly organizes such competitions to foster unity and nurture talents. Highlighting the significance of the tournament, Enang noted that under Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate is committed to initiatives that unify the country.  “Football serves as a unifying force that brings us together as one nation,” he said, pointing to the teams from different regions competing in a common goal as an inspiring sight. Meanwhile, in the tournament...

Youth Minister, Olawande, Tasks African Colleagues On Youths Development Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has called on ministers of youth across the African continent to prioritize youth development in their countries. Olawande stated that President Bola Tinubu, through many youths-focused programmes was committed to giving Nigerian youths the needed skills to contribute to the global economy while being productive. Nigeria’s Youth Minister stated this at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Rwanda, during the weekend. He noted there was the need for all African countries to embrace a holistic and realistic youth development agenda. Represented at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusanya Oluvunmi; he used the platform to present the various youth-focused initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aimed at empowering and developing the Nigerian youth. Speaking at the Ministerial roundtable on rura...

IPF meets INC vice-President, Negi-James ahead of Dec conference The Ijaw Publishers' Forum, IPF, has visited the National Vice President of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide, High Chief (Dr) Se-Albo Negi James ahead of the Ijaw media conference 2024; "Themed, Advancing the guest for economic in a siege nation". The team which was led by the vice President of the group, Mr Oyinbi Onduku, appreciated him for the warmed gesture and reception. The first Ijaw media conference is billed to take place on December 11, 2024 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Speaking during the visit, the team leader Oyinbi Onduku said the group decided to visit him as a critical stakeholder in the affairs of the Ijaw nation. Stating further, the group said the first Ijaw media conference ever will be held in Bayelsa State, the heart of Ijaw nation on December 11, 2024, promising that it would be explosive and remarkable. In response, the National Vice President of the Ijaw National Cong...

We’re Leaving ₦27 Billion Debt For Projects, Obligations – Obaseki Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has revealed that that his administration is leaving behind a debt of almost ₦27 billion to pay for projects and obligations. It as reported  that Obaseki made this known on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the inauguration of 10-man caretaker committee members of the State’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benin City. The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Monday Okpebholo, who defeated the PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the September 21, 202,4, governorship election in the State, would be sworn in on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Obaseki, who dissolved his cabinet ahead of the inauguration of the new governor, said the incoming administration will struggle to change the perception of debt after his exit from office. He also alleged that the APC is borrowing between N2 billion and N5 billion to finance the inauguration of Okpebholo. Speaking further, Obaseki as...

‘Make A Formal Request, We Will Help You’ – APC Mocks PDP Over Internal Crisis The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has mockingly extended an offer to assist the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in resolving the ongoing leadership and internal conflicts that threaten to destabilize the party, stating that the PDP urgently needs support. In response, the opposition party reacted sharply, accusing the ruling APC of contributing to the current crisis afflicting its leadership. This exchange comes amid growing concerns that the political ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde could deepen the party’s crisis and disrupt the reconciliation efforts led by the Olagunsoye Oyinlola committee. For over a year, the PDP has been fragmented, with factions aligned with Atiku and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Recently, Governor Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Foru...

Anti-corruption groups petition EFCC, demand arrest, prosecution of Ganduje A coalition of 51 anti-corruption groups has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking the immediate arrest and prosecution of former Kano State governor, and National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The petition, dated November 4, 2024, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, 2024, outlined numerous allegations of bribery and misappropriation against the former governor. Ganduje’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023 was marred by accusations of corruption, including a recent fraud charge filed by Kano State government. His administration was also allegedly plagued by accusations of cronyism, nepotism, and embezzlement. Specific allegations against Ganduje include orchestrating a scheme of mismanagement between 2020 and 2023, and multiple counts of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misappropriation. A total of 143 witnesses, ...

‘It’s The Greatest Insult I Have Ever Faced’ – Gov Yusuf Speaks On Rift With Kwankwaso Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has categorically denied allegations of a conflict with his political mentor and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Yusuf also described a political group – “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”), which was formed to encourage him to make decisions independently of Kwankwaso’s input as ‘the greatest insult’ he has ever faced as a governor. FocalPoint Reports  understands that the faction formed within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) recently gained attention, with the group calling Governor Yusuf to distance himself from his political mentor. The movement’s momentum has increased, with members from both the party and other political circles pushing for Yusuf’s perceived autonomy. Addressing the group’s stand, Governor Yusuf said:  “This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I ...

We Commend Nigerians For Endurance Despite Hardship – FG The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has praised Nigerians for their endurance despite the economic reforms which has resulted in hardship in the nation. He, however, stated that the Federal Government economic policies have began to yield positive result. Edun stated this on Thursday during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance in Abuja. He claimed that the teething problems from the reforms are over and Nigerians would soon begin to experience positive indicators for better days. “ The two critical reforms on market-based price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and foreign exchange, are now at the stage of results delivery and by extension, viability of the nation’s economy through restoration of fiscal viability. “These two pillars of the economic reforms that have taken positive shape now portend additional revenue for government, recovery of the finances of NNPCL ...

2027 polls: Let’s fix PDP to save Nigeria — Saraki, Makinde ABUJA— AHEAD of the 2027 general elections, former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, urged stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to unite and fix the party and fix Nigeria.  Senator Saraki and Governor Makinde said this during the inauguration and unveiling of the Board of Governors of the Peoples Democratic Institute, PDI, in Abuja. The governor of Oyo State, in his remarks, noted that Nigerians now know the difference between having the PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, on the saddle at the national level. His words: “As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP has to provide real hope for Nigeria. And by revitalizing the PDI, that real hope is being provided for our people. “Our country needs direction. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to provide an ideological foundation. “A lot has been sai...

Civil society group knocks PDP for calling for REC’s removal A coalition of civil society organisations in Ondo State has knocked the People’s Democratic Party and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for calling for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Babalola Oluwatoyin. It said it was shameful that political actors intending to create chaos and tensions in the state were “attempting to use this negative and false narrative to achieve their devilish intentions”. Speaking at a press briefing in Akure, the Chairman of the coalition, Franklin Oloniju, said they were worried about the activities of some political actors heating up the polity and creating uncertainty ahead of next week’s election. He said the coalition would stand firmly against any attempts to intimidate the Ondo REC because of her gender. He said: “We are particularly worried about the ongoing mobilization against the person of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the State. It...

PDP: We Can Not Have Ambition If We Don’t Have A Party – Saraki, Makinde Calls For Unity Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki have called on chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prioritize unity and prevent individual presidential ambitions from fracturing the party. The appeal was made during the official inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The event served as a platform for party leaders to address the increasing concerns surrounding internal divisions that threaten the PDP’s cohesion. Makinde and Saraki’s plea comes amid reports that the presidential ambitions of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, and Governor Makinde himself could exacerbate existing rifts within the party, potentially derailing the ongoing reconciliation efforts led by the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-le...

WAEC 2024/2025: Kwara Announces Registration Fee For Candidates The Kwara State Government has established the fee for the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) for the 2024/2025 examination at ₦30,250 per student in the final year of senior secondary school within public institutions in the state. According to Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, the state commissioner for education and human capital development, this fee comprises ₦27,000 for WAEC charges and ₦3,250 designated for e-registration and administrative expenses. It as reported  that the Commissioner made this announcement on Wednesday while speaking to the principals of all senior secondary schools in the state during the floating exercise, which signified the beginning of the registration process for the West African Schools Certificate Examination at Saint Anthony’s Secondary School in Ilorin. A statement issued by Peter Amogbonjaye, the Press Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, and share...

Nigerians in Diaspora Seek Partnerships with Local Operators Dr. Muhammad Shehu, CEO of Amplus VG Energy, has highlighted the Diaspora community’s growing interest in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He mentioned that Nigerians in the diaspora are looking to collaborate with local engineers and marginal field operators. Speaking in an interview with News Central TV at the 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Shehu outlined the diaspora’s objective of directing global expertise and investment into Nigeria’s energy industry, particularly through the development of local talent and the infusion of capital into important resources. “Some of us came back home because of this diaspora investment as well. I was here last week, we did an exhibition and we’ve seen a lot of gaps within Nigerian oil and gas and this is what we’re trying to correct within Nigeria now. “As a diaspora we are trying to see how we can utilise a lot of the knowledge we’ve gained abroad and the...

Hold Obama Responsible For Your Defeat – Adamu Garba Tells Harris A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Garba, has made a controversial claim, alleging that former United States President, Barack Obama orchestrated a “palace coup” against President Joe Biden. Garba took to his X handle on Thursday to air his allegations, asserting that Obama played a pivotal role in undermining Biden’s candidacy during the Democratic primary election. According to Garba, Obama “stole” the victory from Biden and facilitated its transfer to Vice President Kamala Harris. The APC stalwart further suggested that Harris should attribute her resounding defeat in the November 5 presidential election to Obama’s influence. Garba’s said,  “People like former President Barack Obama are those that make black people appear extraordinarily cheap and resentful in the eyes of the world. “After serving as the President of the greatest country in the world for eight years, Obama still refuses...

You Don’t Beg People When It Comes To Fighting Corruption – Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has said that it is impossible to fight Corruption in Nigeria with kid gloves. He stated this when the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters, Jabi, on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC boss resolved to work with the CCB in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes, stressing that every effort must be made by stakeholders to build strength against corruption. Olukoyede, while stating that both agencies have related mandates, added that there is a need for them to strengthen their existing collaboration. He said,  “I don’t see it as a courtesy visit, I see it more for the need for us to strengthen our existing collaboration. It is impor...

Atiku: You Are Clueless, No Other Nigerian Leader Would Have Plunged The Nation Into This Mess – Eze Knocks Tinubu A former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is on his way to becoming the most clueless President Nigeria has ever had. Eze stated this while reacting to a piece in circulation titled “Atiku Would’ve Plunged Nigeria Into Worse Economic Situation,” credited to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga He insisted that subjecting Atiku Abubakar to contemptuous media ridicule would not help cover the mess Tinubu’s administration has put Nigeria into. Speaking via a statement, Eze said it was debasing that the presidency was comparing its administration to that of Obasanjo/Atiku. He said, “ It is, at least, fair, that the official spokesman of the president has admittedly confided in Nigerians that the country is not better but in shambl...

US Election: ‘God Stopped The Witch, Granted Trump Victory’ – Fani-Kayode Amid the ongoing election in the United States of America, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has envisaged victory for the former President, Donald Trump. It as reported  that this comes as Trump is projected to win the keenly contested election after winning Georgia, Wisconsin and North Carolina. In a post via his X handle, Fani-Kayode suggested that Trump is on course to win because God is with him. The former minister said God had stopped the witch and granted Trump victory. According to him, there is nothing some people did not do to stop Trump, including trying to jail and kill him, but the Lord was with him. He wrote:  “The Lord stopped the witch & granted @realDonaldTrump victory. “This is the greatest comeback in the history of politics. There is nothing they did not do to stop him, including trying to jail & kill him, but the Lord was with Him. “Let everything that h...

Gov Otti Calls Out Opposition’s Alleged Abuja Meetings Aimed At Undermining His Administration Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has alleged that opposition members are convening in Abuja and other locations with the intent to mislead the people of Abia through a campaign of misinformation targeting his administration. Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony at the Government House in Umuahia on Monday, where he inaugurated the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the state’s 17 local government areas along with elected councilors, Otti expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate strategy by opposition figures. According to him, they are reportedly producing both fake and sometimes genuine documents to fuel propaganda. While Otti refrained from naming any specific individuals, he emphasized that his administration remains undeterred by these actions, noting that similar efforts in the past have consistently failed to gain traction among the people. “ Let me leave a word for t...

November 16 Poll: LP Candidate, Ebiseni Mocks Aiyedatiwa, Ajayi, Says Both Have Noting To Offer Ondo Olusola Ebiseni, the Labour Party candidate for Ondo State governorship polls, has mocked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the forthcoming election, stating that the duo have little to offer the residents of Ondo State. Recall that Aiyedatiwa is the flagbearer for the All Progressives Congress (APC), while  Agboola Ajayi  is the PDP candidate for the upcoming poll scheduled for November 16, 2024. Ebiseni, on the other hand, had previously participated in the PDP governorship primary, where he placed third with 99 votes. Ajayi served as deputy governor from 2017 to 2021 under former governor Rotimi Akeredolu. In June 2020, Ajayi departed from the APC to join the PDP, citing “irreconcilable differences” with Akeredolu, leading to Aiyedatiwa’s appointment as his successor. However, during an appearance on Channels Televi...

HAAA!!! “Even If My Wife Cheats On Me, I Won’t Divorce Her” – Peter Obi Reveals Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, has publicly declared his unwavering commitment to his wife, Margaret Brownson, saying he would never consider divorce, even in cases of infidelity. Speaking on  The Honest Bunch  podcast hosted by comedian and actor Nedu Wazobia, the former Anambra State governor emphasized his loyalty, stating he would support his wife through any challenges, including possible mistakes. In his words; “No matter what my wife does today, I won’t divorce her. I can’t separate from her. I can never. Even if she like let her shoot me, as long as I am alive, she’s my wife”. “No matter what she does, I won’t marry [someone else]. She’s my wife. Whatever she likes, let her do because what is she going to do that would offend me? What? Maybe have an extramarital affair?” “It’s her business. It’s not me. They won’t say two of us have an affai...

Pay More Attention To African Countries – Tinubu Tells UK Foreign Secretary President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday said Nigeria is fully committed to actualising upgraded partnership agreements with the United Kingdom in areas that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods, like arts, culture, trade, and security. The President spoke when he received the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon. David Lammy, at the State House. In a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sent to  FocalPoint Reports , President Tinubu said his government would support the partnership for growth. He said:  “I am happy that Nigeria is your first port of call. We have come a long way with our shared history. The challenge we face now is a call to promote unity and inclusivity. Britain and Nigeria have a long history, and we have always cherished the relationship”. The President urged the United Kingdom to...

Tinubu Orders Immediate Release Of Minors Arrested In #EndBadGovernance Protest President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors arrested and currently facing prosecution over their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest . The decision underscores Tinubu’s commitment to protecting the rights of these young individuals while following legal protocols. In a statement shared on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to oversee the welfare of the minors. Onanuga shared this update on his X (formerly Twitter) account. The statement which reads; “President Bola Tinubu has directed the Attorney General of the Federation to do everything possible to ensure the immediate release of minors detained by the Nigeria Police in connection with the recent protests without prejudice to whatever legal processes are ongoing.” “The Ministry of Hum...

IPF unveils Ijaw media conference 2024 The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has unveiled plans for its inaugural Ijaw Media Conference and Annual Dialogue, slated for December 4, 2024, in Bayelsa State. Themed "Advancing the Quest for Economic Freedom in a Siege Nation," this pivotal event promised to unite leaders and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta's economic growth. This groundbreaking conference promised to be a game-changer for the region's economic development, as pioneer Ijaw media editor in chief, Ernest Ikoli will be honoured.   The dialogue will encompass environmental safety of Niger Delta region through indigenous security services, using Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited as a case study. The event will also evaluate the gains and the challenges bedeviling the progress of the presidential Amnesty programme, this includes Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and others. The programme w...

NNPP Leadership: Court judgment on takeover is fraudulent and invalid The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has denounced a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abia, which ordered the takeover of the party’s administration by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. The NNPP has called the judgment a “fraud” and declared it legally ineffective. According to a statement released in Abuja by NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, the court’s judgment was issued “per incuriam”—a term used to describe a ruling made without regard to relevant law and, therefore, invalid. Johnson explained that the party’s constitution, which the judgment was allegedly based on, was amended on April 6, 2024. Additionally, those claiming to be Board of Trustees (BOT) members, including Dr. Aniebonam, had already been expelled from the NNPP, a decision upheld by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court in Abia had ordered an immediate takeover of the NNPP’s BOT by a group cha...

Amnesty International urges Nigeria to enact anti-mob violence law Amnesty International is calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take action against mob violence by enacting anti-mob violence laws. The human rights organisation’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, made this plea in their report, “Instantly Killed: How Law Enforcement Failures Exacerbate Nigeria’s Wave of Mob Violence,” presented on Monday in Abuja. Sanusi emphasised the need for these laws to combat the growing trend of jungle justice in Nigeria. According to Amnesty International, between January 2012 and August 2023, at least 555 people fell victim to mob violence in 363 documented incidents, characterised by killings, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment. “Mob violence has spread with impunity in Nigeria over the past decade. “The surge in mob violence, including against women and children, has sparked nationwide calls for justice from victims, their families, and human rights advocates. “Law enforcement ...

Appeal Court Clears Onnoghen of False Asset Declaration The Court of Appeal in Abuja has cleared former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, of his conviction for a false asset declaration issued by the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The Umar Yakubu Danladi tribunal imposed Onnoghen’s conviction on April 18, 2019, but the Appellate Court reversed it after addressing the matters that led to his trial and conviction. Justice Abba Bello Mohammed, delivering a judgment based on the settlement terms the government and Onnoghen agreed upon, directed that the four bank accounts previously designated for forfeiture be returned to him. In a short statement, Onnoghen’s legal representatives, Adegboyega Awomolo and Ogwu James Onoja, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), expressed their appreciation to President Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for facilitating the resolution of the matter.

Ondo Election: Aiyedatiwa, Ajayi spar over minimum wage pledges The two leading candidates in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), clashed over their proposed minimum wage for workers during a debate organized by Channels Television. Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his administration is committed to paying workers a minimum wage of N73,000, a move he says has been well-received by the state’s workforce. “Our workers are happy we’re paying N73,000,” he stated. However, Ajayi countered, promising to increase the minimum wage to N76,000 if elected, claiming this would bring even greater satisfaction to workers. “Workers will be happier when I pay them N76,000,” he said, touting his extensive experience as a former local government chairman, member of the House of Representatives, Deputy Governor, and Acting Governor. Ajayi also declared his intention to dissolve the Minis...

‘Monumental Electoral Fraud’ – PDP Rejects Cross River LG Election Results, Calls For Legal Action The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the leading opposition in Cross River State, has condemned last weekend’s local government elections, labeling them a “monumental fraud” unprecedented in the state’s political history. In a statement released in Calabar and signed by the party’s state chairman,  Venatius Ikem , the PDP asserted, “ We state boldly that never in the political history of Cross River State have the electorate witnessed this kind of monumental electoral fraud perpetrated on Saturday. ” Ikem accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the electoral process from the very beginning to ensure their dominance. He alleged that the composition of the electoral commission was biased, with close associates of government officials appointed to carry out the ruling party’s agenda. Ikem criticized the electoral process as a “charade,” ...

Rivers Debunks Report of Fubara Shutting Down NNPCL The Rivers State government has denied a social media rumour that Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered the closure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other oil businesses in the state. The Rivers government, in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information and Communications Warisenibo Joe Johnson, condemned the claim as not only incorrect, but also created propaganda. The statement states, “The Rivers State Government has been alerted to a false news item spreading on social media claiming that ‘Gov. Siminalayi Fubara has shut down NNPCL and all oil businesses in Rivers State.’ “The report is absolutely untrue and only the product of the author’s imagination. It was propagated by foes of the State through an insignificant and unverified source.” Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the statement continued, is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and does not resort to unconventional or crude methods i...

Allocation: Rivers NLC Threatens State-Wide Strike The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State chapter, has threatened to go on strike if the federal government implements the judgment stopping the state’s allocation. It as reported that Justice Joyce Abdulmaliki, in a ruling, restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing the state’s monthly federal allocation to Governor Siminalaya Fubara-led government. Rivers State’s NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwo, stated this to journalists after an emergency meeting with labour leaders in the state, on Thursday. Agwano said that organized labour condemns the ruling. He noted that the state workers would not be paid salaries if the federal government goes ahead with implementing the ruling. He added that workers cannot be working without salaries. He explained that workers would be left with no choice but to shut down. According to him, the judgment lacks empathy. He stated that Justice Abdumaliki failed to put the ...

Reps to probe public loans borrowing since 1999 The House of Representatives has resolved to carry out  comprehensive audit and oversight of all loans obtained by the Federal and State Governments since 1999 to ascertain the impact of such burden on Nigerians This resolution followed a motion on notice sponsored by Lanre Okunola (APC, Lagos) on the need to ensure proper public debt oversight on the Federal and State government loans and the proper utilisation of all borrowed funds.  Okunola said data of Nigeria’s public debt profile including external and domestic debt recently released by the Debt Management Office indicate that as of March 31, 2024, showed that public debt in the country has grown significantly over the years at N121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion) with loans sourced from domestic and international lenders by the Federal and State Governments to fund various projects and budget deficits. He said the same report indicated that Nigeria’s debt rose by N2...