news afd

Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi has signed the 2025 appropriation bill into law. This is coming less than 24 hours after the State House of Assembly passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill. DAILY POST reported that Governor Malam Umar Namadi presented N698.3 billion as the 2025 budget before the Jigawa State House of Assembly. The budget tagged “Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa” is higher than the previous year’s 2023 estimate of N383.55 by 82 per cent. According to the governor: “Today marks an important day for us signing the appropriation bill into law. This is a historic budget in the history of Jigawa State.” He urged ministries, departments and agencies to work assiduously for the implementation of the budget, while he commended the state’s legislature for the speedy consideration and passage of the bill. Governor Namadi signs Jigawa’s 2025 Appropriation Bill into law

Gwamnan Jihar Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, ya gabatar da kasafin kuɗin shekarar 2025 da ya kai Naira tiriliyan ɗaya da biliyan ɗari takwas ga ƴan majalisar dokoki guda biyar don tattaunawa da amincewa. Fubara ya bayyana cewa kasafin kudin na shekarar mai zuwa zai mai da hankali wajen samar da ci gaba mai ɗorewa, inganta tattalin arzikin jihar, da kuma kyautata rayuwar al’ummar jihar. A cewarsa, an ware fiye da Naira biliyan 30 don fannin noma, yayin da Naira biliyan 63 za su tafi kan harkokin ilimi, sai kuma Naira biliyan 97 da aka ware don fannin kiwon lafiya. Kasafin kudin bana ya zarce na bara, wanda aka gabatar da Naira biliyan 800 a matsayin kasafin kudin shekarar 2024. Gwamna Fubara ya gabatar da kasafin kuɗin sama da N1trn

Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has blasted the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments made via his social media handle on allegations of nepotism at NNPCL against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. DAILY POST recalls that Farooq Kperogi, a US-based Nigerian professor of journalism, had accused Tinubu of governing Nigeria with a Lagos mindset, saying that Tinubu chose to dominate the economy with people from the South-West the way former President Muhammadu Buhari loaded the security sector with northerners during his tenure. Former Governor Elrufai later shared Kperogi’s post on his X handle and wrote, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” adding that sensible inclusion trumps senseless exclusion. Reacting to El-Rufai ‘s shared post, Sani, via his X handle, wrote: “There were people who were silent when Buhari was fielding political offices with his kinsmen and have now found their voice to speak out when the equation doesn’t favour them....

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that his team will fight for the FA Cup and the Premier League top four this season. The Spaniard said this while admitting that City is far away from winning the Premier League title this term. Guardiola spoke after his team’s Premier League 2-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday. The result against Leicester left Guardiola’s side in 5th position with 31 points from 19 games. The Cityzens are behind the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day: “They were better than us in the second half. We can not sustain the aggression and pressing. We just can’t right now.” “We are far away from winning the Premier League. We accept there’s already no chance of that but we have other things to fight for. FA Cup, top four and winning games help.” EPL: We’re far from winning title — Guardiola

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has apologised to the families of the victims of the bombing in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. This was contained in a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, on Saturday. DAILY POST recalls that 10 people were killed in airstrikes on Wednesday, December 25, when the military targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in two communities in the LGA. Three days later, Shettima extended his condolences to the families of those mistakenly hit during the military’s operation against the terrorist group. According to him, it was a rare and deeply saddening instance in which innocent civilians became unintended victims of the ongoing efforts to rid the country of terror. “I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues during these extremely difficult times. “I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the government and people ...

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, on December 28, set up a monitoring team led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police to evaluate and oversee the conduct of police personnel at checkpoints within the state. A press statement issued by the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed that the commissioner made this decision after conducting an operational assessment of key security points across the state to ensure public safety during the ongoing festive season. ASP Okoye further stated that the commissioner focused on officers engaged in stop-and-search and traffic control duties, evaluating their performance and adherence to the ethics of the Nigeria Police Force. He explained that to ensure personnel operate within the ambit of the Police Act, the commissioner deployed a mobile patrol team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the IGP X-Squad. According to the press statement, the team will work in synergy with other se...

Plateau United head coach Patrick Mancha has described the goalless draw against Enyimba as a ‘bad day in the office.’ Mancha believed that with a more improved performance, the team can make up for the dropped points on the road. He also urged referees to improve their performance during games. “I’m giving it to Enyimba because they came with a game plan and they got what they wanted,” Mancha told Plateau United’s media. “We played out to our strategy but it was one of those bad days in the office; we dominated but the goals didn’t come but if we continue like this we can make up for the dropped points on the road. “I’m not the type of coach that blames referees but all I know is they have a lot of work to be done and I pray they do the right thing at the right time.” NPFL: Plateau United coach Mancha reflects on draw against Enyimba

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has strongly criticised the tax reform policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing them as unfair to northern Nigeria. The Governor argued that the reforms seem designed to benefit specific regions of the country while leaving the North at a disadvantage. Governor Mohammed made these remarks on Wednesday when the Christian community in Bauchi State paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House as part of their annual Christmas homage. The governor urged the Federal Government to review its policies to ensure they reflect the interests of all Nigerians. He stated: “We are facing serious wahala in this country. Hunger is everywhere, and the masses are suffering. This tax reform is not only anti-North but also a threat to the unity of our country. “The government must listen to the people. This is a democracy, not a dictatorship or an oligarchy. Policies should never be imposed on the people without consid...

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Edwin Woko, has criticised the factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Tony Okocha, for accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara of instigating chaos within APC. Tony Okocha alleged that Governor Fubara was sponsoring crises within APC following a recent court ruling that nullified the party’s state, local government, and ward congresses. The judgement cited the party’s failure to comply with an existing court order. In response, Woko dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing them as an attempt to shift blame for APC’s internal issues. In a statement on Wednesday, Woko emphasised that Governor Fubara had no involvement in the challenges facing APC, noting that the opposition party has been in disarray since losing control of Rivers State in 2015. Woko stated: “It is pertinent to set the record straight regarding the allegations made by Tony Okocha against the executive governor of Ri...

The HOT 50 Pro+, the flagship of the series, exemplifies innovation and sophistication with its NanoFlex Fiber Leather finish. This groundbreaking material, featuring a refined lychee-textured surface, integrates seamlessly with the device’s sleek frame, offering a luxurious and tactile experience. Measuring just 0.55mm thin, NanoFlex Fiber Leather combines a premium feel with exceptional durability, resisting sweat, skincare products, and enduring over 2,000[1] abrasion tests. Polished metallic accents further elevate its sophisticated aesthetic, ensuring a perfect balance of form and function. Available in three inspiring colors—Aurora Green, symbolizing harmony and joy; Rising Red, radiating energy and fortune; and Blossom Pink, celebrating growth and flourishing aspirations—it redefines style and resilience. Complementing this premium material, the Pro+ features a World’s Slimmest 3D-Curved SlimEdge Design, AMOLED display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass, and TÜV-certified 5-year flu...

President Bola Tinubu has announced that he will address Nigerians by 9 pm on Monday ahead of Christmas celebrations. The spokesperson of the president, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. According to him, this will be the first presidential media chat. “The first presidential media chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 pm on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. “All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast,” he stated. This comes as the Nigerian government on Monday declared three public holidays to mark Christmas and New Year celebrations.   BREAKING: Christmas: Tinubu to address Nigerians today on first media chat

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the 2025 budget proposal lacks the structural and fiscal discipline needed to address Nigeria’s multifaceted economic challenges. The former vice president made this disclosure in a statement on Sunday, reacting to the 2025 budget proposal. Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week presented a N49.7 trillion 2025 budget to the National Assembly. The President had based the budget on key economic assumptions, including a N36.36 trillion revenue target, inflation reduction to 15.75 per cent, an exchange rate of N1,500 per dollar, oil production at 2.06 million barrels per day, a crude oil price of $70 per barrel, and a N13.39 trillion budget deficit. Reacting to the budget, Atiku stated that it reflects a continuation of business-as-usual fiscal practices where budgets fail to impact the lives of citizens. According to him, the 2025 budget’s ability to foster sus...

Former Liverpool and Manchester United star Michael Owen has named Manchester City as the Premier League team best suited for Lionel Messi. Owen believes Messi’s familiarity with Man City boss Pep Guardiola and the club’s style of play makes them an ideal fit for the Argentine superstar. Owen made these remarks while speaking to ESPN Argentina. Messi, 37, has been linked with a potential move to the Premier League. According to Tuttosport via Hindustan Times, Guardiola is reportedly interested in bringing the World Cup winner on a six-month loan deal to help revive the team amid its recent poor performance. Pep Guardiola’s side has secured just one win in their last 12 matches, most recently losing 1–2 to Aston Villa in the league on Saturday. “One player that’s not been in the Premier League? Yeah, Messi, Messi, yeah, he’s going to be suitable for anybody,” Owen said. “It must be Manchester City. I mean, with Pep—Pep knows him, they’re a passing team. It has to be Manchester C...

The Kano State Government has announced plans to generate more revenue by implementing a stronger tax reform policy, targeting at least N80 billion annually. In the same vein, the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf has prepared to prosecute tax defaulters in 2025 as part of comprehensive reforms in tax administration. According to Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Kano, the reform was disclosed during a presentation by Dr Zaid Abubakar, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service, KIRS, at a high-level retreat for senior government officials on Saturday. Dr Abubakar emphasised that the reforms would not introduce new taxes but would focus on improving the existing system’s efficiency. The state has projected to generate over N20 billion quarterly, amounting to more than N80 billion in 2025, by adopting innovative approaches to tax collection. He added that Governor Yusuf’s earlier decision to restruc...

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre. Bello was freed after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Maitama, Abuja. His release was confirmed by the spokesperson for the FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Adamu Duza. Duza said: “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening. The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on the ground to ensure his smooth release and that all protocols were observed.” On Thursday, Justice MaryAnne Anenih granted the former governor bail of N500 million. Anenih stipulated that Bello must provide three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. The judge also ordered Bello to surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior permission. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFC...

The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has condemned the ongoing harassment and attempts to arrest the Director-General of Media and Publicity for the Kano State Government, Mallam Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Kano, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said that police authorities, apparently acting on directives from Abuja, are persistently making efforts to arrest Dawakin-Tofa despite a court injunction restraining the Nigeria Police from such action. Johnson clarified that the repeated attempts to arrest Dawakin-Tofa—along with the potential harassment of his family members—stem from a petition allegedly written against him by former Kano State Governor and National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, or individuals acting on his behalf. The NNPP spokesman decried the police’s actions, describing them as an affront to the rule of law and a blatant abuse of power. He revealed that Dawakin-T...

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Wednesday, in Abuja, announced that the country’s external reserves of $42.01 billion can finance the importation of goods and services for more than nine months. The apex bank also assured Nigerians of improved economic prospects in 2025. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this while presenting the bank’s performance index report to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, chaired by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East). According to him: “External reserves rose from $38.35 billion as of September 30, 2024, to $42.01 billion as of December 12, 2024. “The increase in external reserves during this period was largely driven by receipts from crude oil-related taxes and third-party inflows in Q3 2024. “We maintained a current account surplus and witnessed remarkable improvements in our trade balance. “Our external reserves level can finance over 9.09 months of imports of goods and services or 13.91 m...

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNECA, and the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, has conducted applied training on the Integrated Planning and Reporting Toolkit, IPRT. Desmond Utomwen, media aide in the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, stated that the partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s development planning and reporting capacities. The training, held in Abuja from December 9–13, 2024, aimed to enhance the alignment of Nigeria’s National Development Plan, NDP, with the global 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The workshop commenced with remarks from Mr Mohamed M. Fall, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, who emphasised the importance of harmonising Nigeria’s development aspirations with global and regional agendas. “The Integrated Planning and Reporting To...

The former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has reacted to criticisms of the launch of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, BSCPG, also known as “Anyam Nyor,” by Governor Hyacinth Alia. The new outfit, inaugurated on Saturday , is meant to collaborate with other security agencies to end violent crimes across the state. A statement issued by the former governor’s aide, Trever Akase, noted that many reactions suggested that the present administration merely renamed the Community Volunteer Guards, a legacy of the Ortom administration. Ortom appealed to the people of the state to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance. The former governor said it is natural to have differing opinions on governance and the direction of the state. He implored those with strong views on the matter to remember that government is not a static entity; it is rather a dynamic and evolving system. He pointed out that the State Executive Council, in collaboration with the House of Assembly, has...

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, on Sunday informed the relevant authorities that Nigerians are still mutilating the naira notes. Igbokwe said Nigerians are still throwing naira notes on the ground and still working on it at parties, burial, and naming ceremonies. Posting on his Facebook page, Igbokwe wondered if the ban on naira abuse has been lifted. He wrote: “Let me remind the Authorities concerned that Nigerians are still throwing Naira notes on ground and still walking on it at parties, burial, naming ceremonies etc. Have we lifted the ban? So that you know.” As part of efforts to disabuse naira mutilation, some Nigerian celebrities were made to face the wrath of the law. Popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky was handed a six months jail term. Also, a socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, was arraigned for naira abuse. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. An actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, was se...

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has warned Marcus Rashford that he could be done with football before he turns 30. The 27-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations under different managers over the past 18 months. The England international has scored seven goals and provided three assists from 24 games across competitions for Manchester United this season. Rashford’s future has come under further scrutiny following the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford last month. Deeney told talkSPORT that the Manchester United youth team product needs to work hard and enjoy his football. He said: “He’s 27 years old; he’s meant to be at the peak of his powers. All his finances are taken care of. All he needs to do is work hard and enjoy his football. “Because if not, unfortunately, in two years, he’ll be out of the game. And I know that’s a strong statement, but where does he go from here? Where’s he going to allow himself to go? “I genuinely want to help him. Most...

The Ime-obi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Saturday resolved that delegates from Imo State should nominate a new President-General of the apex Igbo sociopolitical group until January 10, 2025, when its next election will be held. Ohanaeze has been without a President-General since the death of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. Iwuanyanwu passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 81 after a brief illness in Abuja and was buried in his hometown of Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State, in November. However, Ohanaeze’s Ime-obi accepted Iwuanyanwu’s replacement from Imo State during its meeting in Enugu State. A communiqué issued after the meeting by Ohanaeze’s Secretary-General, Okey Emuchay, and National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, reads in part: “The Ime-obi extensively reviewed the situation and took note that the tenure of Imo State in the presidency of Ohanaeze will expire on January 10, 2025, and that there is a need to allow Imo State to complete its remaining 27 days in office. ...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) across its retail outlets in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, DAILY POST reports. DAILY POST correspondents who visited NNPCL retail outlets observed that the petrol pump price was reduced from N1,060 to N1,040 per litre. This represents a reduction of N20. “The price was reduced to N1,040 per litre from N1,060 on Saturday morning,” a filling station attendant at the NNPCL retail outlet along Kubwa expressway told DAILY POST. A motorist, Ezekiel Njoku, confirmed the development to DAILY POST. “The reduction of N20 is significant. We need further fuel price reductions in the coming days,” he said. With the price cut, Nigerians will now buy petrol at N1,040 per litre at NNPCL filling stations, while prices remain within N1,115 per litre at other filling stations, depending on the location. This development comes barely three weeks after the state-owned Port Harcourt ...

The governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Paul Chukwuma, has urged the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to address the rising spate of insecurity in the state. Chukwuma, who spoke to journalists in his hometown of Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, on Saturday, expressed concern that with the current level of insecurity, Anambra might become a failed state. He stated that the situation transcends politics, especially as the Yuletide season approaches, when indigenes of the state, both within and outside the country, return home to celebrate. However, fear and anxiety persist among the people. He said: “Insecurity is becoming a major challenge in Anambra, and I wonder what the state government is doing with the security vote it gets every month. I believe that Anambra stakeholders should come together to brainstorm on how to address this issue immediately. “The primary duty of government is to protect people and their property, but i...

The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has explained why his administration inflated the contract sum for the reconstruction of Benin-Abraka road phase 1c thrice in a year. DAILY POST had on Thursday reported that the contract sum for 17.5-kilometers road project was inflated from N8 billion to N16.4 billion by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki. Recall that the project manager of the company handling the project, Ifiokebong Ekong, had on Thursday told members of the Physical Assets and Infrastructure, a subcommittee of the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, that the project was awarded in May 2023 with the sum of N8 billion. Ekong spoke when the subcommittee led by its chairman, Patrick Obahiagbon visited the site while acting on a petition by Edo citizens alleging massive inflation of the contract sum of road. According to the project manager, the road contract was awarded to Nsik Engineering Company Limited on May 16, 2023, while work commen...

An samu gwamnonin Najeriya da dama sun nuna goyon bayan samar da ƴan sandan jihohi. An fadi haka ne a taron Majalisar Tattalin Arziki ta Kasa (NEC) da Mataimakin Shugaban Ƙasa, Kashim Shettima, ya jagoranta a ranar Alhamis. Jihohi 35 sun gabatar da matsayarsu, inda yawancin gwamnonin suka nuna goyon bayan kafa ƴan sandan jihohi. Gwamnan jihar Kaduna, Uba Sani, da ya zanta da manema labarai a Fadar Shugaban Ƙasa ya tabbatar da haka, amma ya ce sai a taron NEC na gaba da za a yi a watan Janairu 2025, za a ɗauki matsaya a kan lamarin. A tuna cewa, a wani taro da aka gudanar a watan Nuwamba, jihohin Kwara, Kebbi da Adamawa sun bayyana ba su gabatar da matsayarsu kan batun kafa ƴan sandan jihohi ba. “Yau, ɗaya daga cikin batutuwan da muka tattauna a taron NEC shine kafa ƴan sandan jihohi.” “Yau, kusan jihohi 35 sun gabatar da matsayarsu kan kafa ƴan sandan jihohi a Najeriya. Kuma zan iya cewa, bisa bayanan da muke da su, kusan dukkan jihohin suna goyon bayan kafa ƴan sandan jihohi.” ...

Shugaba Bola Ahmed Tinubu zai sake tsayawa takara don wa’adi na biyu a zaben 2027, in ji mashawarcinsa na musamman kan harkokin sadarwa da kafofin yada labarai, Mista Daniel Bwala. Ya kara da cewa ba kawai Shugaban zai tsaya takara a zaben shugaban kasa na 2027 ba, har ma zai ci zabe. Bwala ya bayyana hakan ga manema labarai a hedikwatar kasa ta jam’iyyar APC) a ranar Laraba a Abuja. Mista Bwala ya yi watsi da jita-jitar da ke cewa abin da ya faru a Ghana, inda jam’iyyar da ke mulki ta sha kaye a hannun jam’iyyar adawa, na iya faruwa a zaben gaba na Najeriya. Ya yi bayanin cewa Shugaba Tinubu, wanda ya fi mayar da hankali kan cika alkawuransa ga ‘yan Najeriya, ba zai bari ‘yan adawa su dauke masa hankali ba. “Ya maida hankali sosai kan abubuwan da suka shafi rayuwar ‘yan Najeriya, don tabbatar da cewa mutane sun fita daga yunwa, don tabbatar da cewa harkar noma ta kawo sauyi, da kuma tabbatar da cewa mutanenmu za su iya magance matsalolin da ke fuskantar su a kullum. Don haka, lo...

Bauchi State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the actualization of the Kolmani Oil Exploration project. The Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the Kolmani oil field alongside members of the Crude Oil Committee from the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission, RMFAC. Speaking to journalists at the site, Deputy Governor, Jatau pledged the state’s readiness to provide necessary support for the smooth progress of the project, including assisting construction firms in their operations. He reiterated the government’s willingness to collaborate closely with the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and other stakeholders to ensure the Kolmani Integrated Oil Field reaches its full potential. “As a government, we have consistently assured the Federal Government and all stakeholders, including companies and multilateral agencies working here, of our unwavering suppo...

Some experts from northern Nigeria have thrown their weight behind the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu, saying they will boost the economy of the North. The tax reform bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill (meant to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Act and create the Nigeria Revenue Service, NRS) and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. Northern leaders, including traditional rulers and the Northern Governors Forum, NGF, are kicking against the tax reform bills, claiming it would impoverish the North. However, the northern experts, who spoke as resource persons at a town hall meeting held in Abuja on Monday, refuted claims that the bills are anti-North. Rather, they stressed that the bills would aid the development of the region. The town hall meeting, chaired by Prof Malfouz Adedimeji, Vice Chancellor African School of Economics (Pan-African University of Excel...

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described the team members of the South-East Development Commission, SEDC, as round pegs in square holes. It could be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday announced Board members of the Commission, with Dr Emeka Nworgu as chairman. Another key member of the Board is Toby Okechukwu, who is the executive director of projects. In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the calibre of people chosen by President Tinubu showed the seriousness the government attached to the Commission. He said, “we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the serious attention he has given to the South-East Development Commission, which manifested in the calibre of people he has appointed in the Board. “It is clear from the list of the members that these are renowned Igbos with a track record of experience ...

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the expulsion of the House of Representative member from Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, as null and void. PDP National Working Committee, NWC, said Ugochinyere’s expulsion by his Ward chapter of the party was of no effect. The PDP Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward chapter of the PDP had expelled Ugochinyere for gross indiscipline, insubordination and anti-party activities. Ugochinyere’s expulsion was contained in a letter from the Ideato LGA chapter of PDP, dated December 5, 2024. The letter was signed by the LG party chairman, ThankGod Okeke, and the secretary, Onyebuchi Umeh. Ugochinyere’s expulsion followed the report of the party’s disciplinary committee, dated November 27, 2024, which investigated misconduct charges against him in line with Section 57 (1-4) of the PDP Constitution, 2017, as amended. The lawmaker was initially suspended at his Umuopia/Umukegwu ward on October 14, 2024,...

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. Oyewale said the suspects were arrested on Friday in Lokoja following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet-related offences. According to him, items recovered from them include 30 phones, six laptops and three cars. “The suspects will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded,” Oyewale said. EFCC arrests 24 suspected internet fraudsters

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has rejected the 2025 budget proposal presented to the Zamfara State House of Assembly on Thursday, describing it as illegal. The party said it is shocked and perplexed by the highest level of disregard for the nation’s constitution as displayed by Governor Dauda Lawal and the state legislature in the presentation and receipt of the 2025 budget proposal. This was contained in a statement issued by the state APC publicity secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris Gusau and made available to newsmen. According to the statement: “The state government has done disservice not only against itself but to the entire people of the state. “A state annual budget proposal presentation event is usually done openly for the entire world to see, know and possibly comment or contribute to the way and manner public tax payers’ money will be utilized by the government in the incoming year. “While planning to spend over N545 billion, Governor Lawa...

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have increased the rhythm of the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations across the Niger Delta Region, with visible operational footprints. The acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, in a press statement said the operations, which were conducted from November 25 to December 1, 2024, led to the deactivation of over 56 illegal oil bunkering sanctuaries, 88 cooking drums, and 20 boats, as well as the recovery of over 1.2 million litres of stolen crude. Within the period, 17 suspected oil thieves were arrested while seven vehicles were intercepted. The troops discovered six illegal connection points and also destroyed five motorcycles used for perpetrating economic sabotage across the region. “In Bayelsa State, at an abandoned Oando wellhead situated in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area, 15 illegal refining sites were deactivated ...