FocalPoint Reports

Gunmen Kill APC Chairman, Bala In Kebbi Tragedy struck in Kebbi State on Wednesday as gunmen abducted and subsequently killed the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Suru Local Government Area, Alhaji Bako Bala. According to a post on the official Facebook page of Alhaji Zaidu Bala Kofa Sabuwa, the Special Adviser to the Kebbi Governor on Television and Radio, the armed assailants kidnapped Bala in his hometown, shooting him before abandoning him in a pool of blood. Despite being rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi, Bala succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on the same day. Kebbi State has increasingly become a hotspot for kidnappings for ransom, with criminal elements operating despite ongoing efforts by security forces and the state government to dismantle their hideouts and rescue victims. In other news, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four notorious kidnappers who have been terr

Ondo Reps member Makinde inaugurates market scheme Member representing Ondo East/West federal constituency at House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Makinde and his wife, Rhoda Makinde, have launched a free open market scheme in Ondo. The initiative marked by distribution of foodstuff was targeted at the aged, vulnerable and other less privileged. Speaking at the programme at Adetunji Event Hall, Ondo, the lawmaker said it was established to give beneficiaries direct market shopping experience free of charge and to cushion effect of economic situation in the country. The lawmaker, who is also the Atunluse of Ondo Kingdom, explained the programme was to complement series of his food palliatives programme in a unique way and bond firmly with the people. His wife, who is the founder of ‘Dr. Rhoda Oluwatoberu Makinde Initiative’ (DROMI) said she supported the initiative out of sincere love for less-privileged and Ondo women in general. Speakers commended Makinde and his wife for always iden

[Breaking] ₦27 Billion Fraud Case: Ex-Taraba Governor, Ishaku Gets ₦150 Million Bail Former Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, was on Thursday granted bail in the sum of N150 million by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. This decision comes amid serious allegations of a ₦27 billion fraud charge brought against him by the Federal Government. Justice Sylvanus Oriji granted the bail, requiring Ishaku to present two sureties, each also valued at ₦150 million. One of the sureties must hold a position as a Federal Government employee at the rank of Director. Additionally, both sureties are required to reside in the FCT, with their residential addresses subject to verification by the court’s registrar. During the proceedings, Justice Oriji imposed a travel restriction on Ishaku and his co-defendant, Bello Hero, barring them from leaving the country without court permission. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Rotimi Jacobs, did not oppose

Atiku Abubakar Calls for Six-Year Presidential Term and Rotational Leadership Former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly, advocating for constitutional amendments that would establish a six-year single term for the presidency and governorships in Nigeria. He proposes that the presidency rotate between the North and South regions of the country. In his recommendations to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku reiterated a proposal he first put forth during his tenure under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He stated, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South on the single term of six years respectively.” Atiku urged the National Assembly to amend Section 135(2) of the constitution to stipulate, “Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of

Rivers LG Election: APC, PDP Kick Off Protest In Rivers State (Video) Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, commenced protests in Rivers State, against the scheduled local government election in the state. It as reported that Rivers State government led by Governor Siminalaya Fubara, announced October 5th for the local government chairmanship and councillorship elections. While the leading PDP and APC are entangled in court cases as a result of internal crisis, the All Peoples Party (APP) has positioned itself as the party to win the local government elections. In the PDP, the political crisis between Governor Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, led to an inconclusive state congress, as each of the factions held their congresses and elected their state executives. Each of the Wike and Fubara factions has also gone to court on which faction holds the leadership of the state’s PDP chapter. Wh

Nigeria Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon Immediately The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has urged Nigerians living in Lebanon to consider leaving the country while commercial flights are still available. NIDCOM expressed concern about the attacks on Hezbollah in Beirut and other areas by the Israeli government. A statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NIDCOM, noted that while most Nigerians in Lebanon have moved from the southern part and are relatively safe, they should remain cautious until a ceasefire is in place. NIDCOM also disclosed that no Nigerian has experienced any accidents or injuries so far and urged them to continue prioritising their safety during the ongoing conflict. Nigerians were further advised to contact the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon for guidance on their safety, with assurance that their welfare and safety are paramount to the government. Israel redirected its attention from the Gaza war to

Cross River gov moves to boost farmers’ revenue The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has revealed plans to help farmers in the state increase their revenue over middlemen who buy off their produce and sell at a higher price without going through the pains of the farmers. Otu stated this on Wednesday while flagging off the cultivation of 2,000 hectares of commercial maize in Odukpani Local Government Area through the state government’s Project Grow Initiative. Otu, represented by the Accountant General of the State; Mrs Glory Effiong, said the initiative was designed to curb food insecurity and create a sustainable economy in the state by having farmers cultivate and companies like Flour Mills off-take. Does Ben have a soft spot for Anita? | Zinwe's eviction, age drama between Topher and Anita Effiong said the Project was a testament to what resilience could achieve, noting that the occasion was symbolic to celebrate the commencement of mechanical planting of maize over a com

Ogbotobo Federated Communities Decries SPDC Marginalization By Sunday Apah The people of Ogbotobo Federated Communities in Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have called on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to urgently address their demands regarding critical development issues affecting their communities. In a letter addressed to the Manager of Corporate Relations for Projects and Opportunities at SPDC, the community leaders—Comrade Solomon Akuna, CDC Chairman of Ogbotobo Community; HRH Chidiwei Timipre Roland, Amananawei of Ogbotobo Community; Mr. China Custom, CDC Chairman of Agbaya-Ama Community; and Chief Pereyibo Clark, Ag. Amananawei of Agbaya-Ama Community—emphasized the urgent need for SPDC to address the marginalization of their communities in order to maintain existing peace between the parties. The letter highlighted several concerns, including the denial of entitlements related to the SPDC Scholarship Scheme, the company's operations in

Breaking: Over 150 Passengers Missing In Niger Boat Accident At least 150 passengers are believed to be missing following a recent boat accident in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. FocalPoint Reports  learnt that the tragic incident involved a boat that was transporting over 300 individuals, predominantly women and children, which capsized during a journey to celebrate Maulid on Tuesday. The passengers were reportedly en route from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community for the Maulid festival when the tragic incident occurred. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA),  Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah,  confirmed the event in a statement issued on Wednesday, stating that rescue operations are currently in progress to find additional survivors. Baba-Arah indicated that NSEMA received notification of the boat accident that took place on the evening of October 1, 2024, at approximately 8:30 pm, along the River Niger, upstream of the Jebba Dam, ne

Aiyedatiwa Grants Clemency To 117 Convicts In Ondo The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has generously granted clemency to 117 incarcerated individuals within the state. The Governor’s compassion is in response to recommendations made by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, underscoring a dedication to rehabilitation and the provision of second chances in the justice system. Among those receiving this clemency, 19 individuals will be released outright, while others will have their death sentences converted to life imprisonment. Furthermore, several inmates will benefit from reduced sentences, fostering renewed hope and opportunities for reintegration into society. This decision was officially communicated in a statement issued by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,  Dr. Olukayode Ajulo,  who also serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. The governor executed the release orders on September 27, 2024, with the

Do More To Alleviate The Suffering Of Nigerians – Sen Umar To Tinubu The Bauchi South Senator, Shehu Buba Umar, has called on President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to do more to alleviate the suffering of the masses. Shehu Umar said the inactions of leaders and the citizens contribute to the current hardship the country faces. In his Independence Day message, on Tuesday, the Baucho South Senator stated that the 64th anniversary of Nigeria was an opportunity for leaders and citizens to soberly reflect and re-dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. “ As we celebrate Nigeria's 64th independence amidst these very times, I encourage us, especially the leaders to soberly reflect, rededicate ourselves to the service of the nation and its great people while relating with the common man in a manner that encourages them to play their part. “This way and with almighty God helping us, our country will surely attain its potential and become the great nation that it is destined to be

Hardship on campuses becoming unbearable, says ASUU The University of Ibadan Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities  (ASUU) on Tuesday, October 1, said that the hardship being faced by public university workers are getting unbearable. The chairman of the chapter, Professor Ayoola Akinwole stated this in a release to mark the 64th independence anniversary of Nigeria entitled: “Nigeria At 64; A state in need of deliverance from the leadership of perpetual have-nots” He noted that the union has been very understanding by issuing ultimatum to government while federal government has been lackadaisical to it adding that another 14-day ultimatum is about to end within which government should meet the demands of the union to preserve the relative peace on public university campuses in the country. According to Professor Akinwole, “many (lecturers) ran away to other countries; many died as a result of financial debility; those who cannot run away got into debt just to survive while