Ridoola's blog

Former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, celebrated his 60th birthday in grand style on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with a Thanksgiving service and civic reception. Among the distinguished guests was Peter Obi , the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, alongside other notable personalities and political leaders. The thanksgiving service, held at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL), was solemn yet joyous, setting the tone for a day of gratitude and festivity. The celebration later moved to the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Complex, where thousands of supporters gathered to honour Ihedioha, a leader they deeply admire. Attendees included political allies from all 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State, members of the Rebuild Imo Movement led by Dr. Vin Udokwu, and various support groups such as Imo Critical Stakeholders, Imo Liberation Movement, and Ihedioha Youth Movement. The event also attracted a significant digital audience, with over 10,000 people tuning in v...

President Donald Trump has once again suggested seeking a third term in office, telling NBC News on Sunday that he is “not joking” about the possibility. “There are methods which you could do it,” Trump said in a Sunday morning phone interview, adding that “a lot of people” want him to run again. While he acknowledged that it was “far too early to think about it,” he suggested that plans had already been presented to him that could make it possible. READ ALSO: Trump spares Nigeria as he considers travel ban on 43 countries The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms, making Trump’s claim legally improbable without a constitutional change. Amending the Constitution would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate or the support of two-thirds of the country’s state legislatures to call a constitutional convention—both highly unlikely scenarios given the current political landscape. However, Trump hinted at alternative methods. When...

The Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group, Aisha Achimugu, has reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, integrity, and due process in response to allegations leveled against her. In a statement signed by Bodex Hungbo , the company’s Head of Media, and shared on her Instagram handle, Achimugu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers both within Nigeria and abroad. “Over the past few days, we have been inundated with calls, messages, and visits from friends, families, colleagues, and concerned citizens. The outpouring of support, prayers, and encouragement has been profoundly moving and humbling,” she stated. She emphasised her unwavering belief in the rule of law, assuring the public that her business dealings have always adhered to ethical and legal standards. ALSO READ: EFCC declares Sanwo-Olu’s ally wanted over alleged money laundering “As a responsible citizen and entrepreneur, Dr. Aisha remains a firm b...

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, over alleged forgery of signatures in the recall petition against her. The petition, submitted on Friday, challenges the authenticity of the over 250,000 signatures presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by her constituents seeking her recall. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Victor Giwa , insists the signatures were forged and is pursuing the case in court. “We are aware that those signatures were forged, and it is the act of APC members in Kogi State, who are desperate to remove her,” Giwa stated. ALSO READ: Requirements not met: INEC rejects petition to recall Senator Natasha He emphasised that since forgery is a criminal offense, it falls under the jurisdiction of the police rather than INEC. “INEC does not have the materials to examine a case of forger...

Business moguls Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, and Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu have been named in Forbes' 2025 list of African billionaires. The quartet are the only Nigerians featured on the exclusive rich men list published on Saturday, March 29, 2025. According to Forbes, Africa’s 22 billionaires experienced a rise in fortunes from $82.4 billion for 20 billionaires in 2024 to $105 billion, with two new entrants joining the elite club. The international magazine says Dangote, the owner of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, is the richest African, with a net worth of $23.9 billion in 2025, up from $13.9 billion in 2024. ALSO READ: FULL LIST: Okonjo-Iweala, Mo-Abudu among Forbes' world’s most powerful women in 2024 Forbes attributed the Nigerian industrialist's increase in wealth to the valuation of his refinery facility, which was factored into the overall calculation of the net worth. Adenuga, the chairman of Nigeria's leading telecommunication company, Globa...

President Bola Tinubu said he nearly quit the 2023 presidential race. The President said this at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night. President Tinubu thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development, and appreciated Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday. Reflecting on his political journey, President Tinubu recounted a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign when he contemplated withdrawing from the race after an encounter with a close relative. “Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuffs for our uncle. “He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for? “I to...

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has faulted the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) position that President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers was unconstitutional and illegal. Wike alleged that the NBA discredited Tinubu’s decision because the Rivers Government had promised to host their annual general conference. The minister stated this when the Body of Benchers officials, led by its Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), visited him in Abuja on Friday. He added that the association did not support the declaration of the state of emergency because there would be no money to give to the NBA for the conference. “What kind of hypocrisy is this?” he queried. The minister called on the Body of Benchers to call the NBA to order over the association’s unnecessary criticism of the judiciary. He said the body should not sit and watch while the NBA and its members destroy the legal profession. He said that some NBA members often...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, an ally of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering. In a statement released on Friday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale called on the public to provide information on Achimugu’s whereabouts. The 51-year-old, an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area in Kogi State, is accused of secretly funnelling funds to opposition leaders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 elections. According to reports, President Bola Tinubu was “furious and felt betrayed” after intelligence linked Achimugu’s financial dealings to Governor Sanwo-Olu. WANTED PERSON BY THE EFCC! pic.twitter.com/23PTHhraVL — EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) March 28, 2025 The revelation has sparked political tensions, with speculation that Sanwo-Olu’s political future could be at risk. Reacting to the allegations, Atiku Abubakar ’s camp dismissed the claims as baseles...

A Kano State High Court on Friday, sentenced a housewife, Fadila Adamu , to death by hanging for kidnapping and throwing an eight-year-old girl into a well, causing her death. The defendant, who lives at the Sabuwar Gandu Quarters Kano, was convicted of kidnapping and culpable homicide. Delivering judgment, Justice Yusuf Muhammad-Ubale , ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced the defendant to death by hanging. ALSO READ: Teenage boy in court for attempting to murder a girl with razor blade I hereby sentence the defendant to death by hanging for kidnapping and throwing the victim into a well which caused her death, he ruled. Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki , told the court that the defendant committed the offence on July 14, 2019, at Tudun Wada Quarters, Kano. EXPLORE: Police investigate headless corpse of 14-year-old, murder of 22-year-old bride He said that at about 4:45 pm, the defendant kidnapped the m...

A tax analyst, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has urged Nigerians to embrace tax compliance, stressing that it is not just a legal obligation but a tool for financial security, business expansion, and national development. In an opinion piece titled "The Benefits of Tax Compliance in Nigeria," Atoyebi lamented that many Nigerians perceive tax payment as a burden rather than a necessity. She argued that non-compliance often leads to penalties, financial restrictions, and inaccessibility to government services. “I have seen it happen over and over again. Someone needs a loan, a contract, or even government service, only to find that their tax records or lack of them are standing in the way,” she wrote. Highlighting the consequences of non-compliance, she noted that tax defaulters not only incur hefty fines and interest but also face financial roadblocks that could have been avoided. According to her, avoiding taxes does not save money in the long run, as penalties eventuall...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced plans to sell shares to the public, marking a major step toward becoming a publicly traded company. Olufemi Soneye , the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, revealed in a statement on Thursday that the company is in the final stages of being listed on the capital market. He emphasised that the move aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which grants NNPC the authority to offer shares in line with the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990. READ ALSO: Kyari, NNPCL under fire over $2bn Port Harcourt Refinery project At a recent meeting with business partners, Olugbenga Oluwaniyi, NNPCL’s Chief Finance and Investor Relations Officer, explained that the company is conducting an “IPO Beauty Parade.” This process, a key step before an Initial Public Offering (IPO), is designed to assess potential investors and determine how they can support NNPCL’s transition into a publicly traded entity...

In a significant political shift, former governorship candidates of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) have defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), pledging their commitment to the party’s vision ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among the defectors are Emiyare Etete (Rivers), Elder Chris Agu (Enugu), Anthony Umeh (Anambra), Abdulkareem Mustapha (Kwara), and Capt. Ahmed Kaugama (Jigawa). They were officially welcomed at the SDP national secretariat in Abuja by the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam. READ ALSO: Only PDP can defeat Tinubu, not SDP or NNPP – former governor declares Gabam assured the new members of full integration, emphasising that SDP operates with inclusivity and fairness. “Our party is open and willing to welcome everyone without any precondition,” he said. “The moment you join the SDP, you have equal rights like all of us here.” He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the 2027 elections, stating, “In SDP, we are united, we are o...

With the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set to end in November, political maneuvering is already in motion to determine his successor. While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has yet to take a direct role in the selection, key political figures within and outside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa are actively strategising to install a favorable candidate. Sources reveal that a former South-South governor, a prominent figure from Nigeria’s 1999 political class, is leading efforts to influence the appointment. The goal, according to insiders, is to secure a candidate who is both loyal and easily controlled—an approach that raises concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. READ ALSO: Fresh report exposes INEC, Police in alleged Edo election fraud Nigeria’s electoral body has faced intense criticism following the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle elections. With declining public trust i...

A political advocacy group, Action Collective (AC), has called for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, citing concerns over judicial interference and the integrity of investigations into allegations against Akpabio. In a statement released on March 26, 2025, AC’s National Coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, condemned the handling of the sexual harassment case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio. The group expressed alarm over the recent withdrawal of Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, allegedly due to external pressure. “This development is deeply troubling and a threat to judicial independence,” AC stated, warning that Akpabio’s continued stay in office could compromise any investigation. READ ALSO: Natasha's recall process back on as INEC receives petitioners' contact address The group also c...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his decision not to choose former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election. Speaking in an interview on Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie , Atiku explained that his choice was based on recommendations from a party committee. “They said I did not consult with the party enough,” he recalled, referring to his 2019 selection of Peter Obi as running mate. “So in 2023, I threw the whole thing to the party. I said, ‘Okay, set up a committee and recommend three people for me to pick as a running mate.’ ” READ ALSO: VIDEO: 'He was always in the habit of abusing women' - Atiku on Akpabio According to Atiku, the committee submitted three names: former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the top choice, Wike as the second, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel as the third. “So I picked number one,” Atiku stated, making it clea...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has renewed calls for urgent restructuring in Nigeria, warning that failure to act could leave future generations disenfranchised. Speaking at a coalition meeting in Yola on Tuesday, March 25, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate stressed that restructuring is essential for Nigerians to fully enjoy democracy. Atiku expressed deep concern over the country’s current trajectory, emphasising the need for immediate action. “If we do not restructure this country now, our children will become strangers in their own land,” he cautioned. READ ALSO: VIDEO: 'He was always in the habit of abusing women' - Atiku on Akpabio The former vice president hinted at a significant political move, stating that while he was not ready to reveal details, he would soon break his silence on Nigeria’s pressing issues. “The time will come when I will speak extensively on national affairs, but for now, I urge Nigerians to stay vigilant and...

The former First Lady of Ekiti State, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, has called for urgent action to bridge the gender equality gap in Nigeria, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in implementing the Maputo Protocol. Speaking at the 4th Annual Transformative Gender Justice Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, February 25, she addressed stakeholders from faith-based organisations, government agencies, and civil society groups, urging them to move beyond rhetoric to meaningful change. The event, organised by Christian Aid (UK) Nigeria in collaboration with several partners, focused on the theme "March Forward: From Promises to Progress – Advancing the Implementation of the Maputo Protocol." The conference aimed to assess the progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the African Charter on Women’s Rights, adopted in 2003. READ ALSO: ECOWAS Parliament Speaker urges greater gender equity in Int'l Women’s Day address Adeleye-Fayemi provided a historical con...

Connected Development (CODE) has launched a $5 million media grant to empower Nigerian journalists in artificial intelligence (AI) reporting. The fund, announced by CEO Hamzat Lawal during a high-level media roundtable attended by Pulse Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, March 25 , seeks to bolster AI-driven storytelling in key sectors such as health, education, climate change, and governance. "Today, I am pleased to launch a $5 million project. Every year, for the next five years, one million dollars will be allocated to provide journalists with the resources, skills, and tools needed to leverage artificial intelligence in reporting, " Lawal declared. The roundtable brought together esteemed media and governance stakeholders, including Dr. Majeed Dahiru, Lucy James Abagi (CEO of Public and Private Development Centre), and Seun Durojaiye (Founder and Managing Editor, SocialVoices Nigeria), to discuss AI’s transformative potential and its ethical challenges. AI and the Futu...

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday, ordered the remand in custody of a teenager, Temitope Olamoru , charged with alleged attempted murder. The court ordered his remand, and adjourned the case to await legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Olamoru , 18, who resides at Afola-Azeez Street in the Alakuko area of Lagos, was charged with two counts of attempted murder and causing grievous harm. ALSO READ: Police investigate headless corpse of 14-year-old, murder of 22-year-old bride However, the magistrate, Mr L.A Owolabi did not take the defendant's plea of lack of jurisdiction. He, consequently, directed a referral of the case file to the DPP, for legal advice. The court adjourned the case until April 14, for mention. EXPLORE: Husband & wife hit with murder charge after killing young mother, kidnapping baby According to the charge, the prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere , alleged that the defendant committed the offence on March 12, ...

At the commendation service for the late Dr Doyin Okupe, former Labour Party chieftain Isaac Balami delivered a heartfelt speech condemning the way Okupe was treated by the political party he had given so much. He expressed disappointment that Okupe, despite his sacrifices, was abandoned by those he helped during the 2023 elections. Balami, now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), praised Okupe’s integrity and selflessness, emphasising that he was one of the most transparent politicians he had ever worked with. Okupe's health ordeals and Labour Party's neglect He recalled Okupe’s immense personal and financial contributions to the Labour Party’s presidential campaign, revealing that the former campaign director often covered deficits from his personal funds. “The only campaign I have ever been involved in where a leader would personally cover financial gaps was under Dr. Okupe,” Balami said. READ ALSO: Balami defends Seyi Tinubu amid backlash over northern t...

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu's administration for releasing Rivers State’s withheld allocation to an appointed Sole Administrator despite a Supreme Court ruling barring such action. The Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to withhold Rivers' allocation on February 28 until the state complied with court directives. However, in a controversial move last week, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and key state officials and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator. On Friday, March 21, Ibas confirmed in Port Harcourt that the withheld funds had been released. READ ALSO: Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers sparks constitutional debate: Legal experts weigh in Peter Obi lambasts Tinubu's govt Obi, in a statement on Monday, called the decision unlawful and a blatant ...

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has called on opposition figures, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Aliyu Wamakko, to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027 to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At his annual Ramadan breakfast with PDP leaders in Jigawa State, Lamido emphasised the need for opposition unity, urging politicians to set aside personal grievances and prioritise the national interest. “The fight against Tinubu and the APC should not be driven by emotions or personal disappointments. Success will only come through a strategic, united front," Lamido stated. READ ALSO: 'If this be the end, so be it' - Peter Obi vows resilience amid opposition struggles He expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, accusing the APC government of failing to address the growing hardship faced by citizens. Lamido also ex...

Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is working for Nigerians and not for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Orbih, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja on Saturday, said that having sought permission through the relevant organs of the party, PDP permitted Wike to serve in President Bola Tinubu 's administration. He said that, in view of this, there should be no issue with Wike working with the APC-led Federal Government. “And I can tell you there is no record that the current acting national chairman and the members of the national working committee, or any of the organs, wrote him in reply to his letter that he should not participate in this government. “He wrote to the South-South Zonal executive. We had a meeting in Port Harcourt, and unanimously, we said it was a call to national service, so we gave him our nod. “He wrote to the state chapter of his party, and the r...

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has pledged to complete the Rivers State House of Assembly complex before leaving office. During an inspection of the project on Saturday, Ibas noted that within two days of assuming office, he observed a missing pillar in the structure. He urged the contractor to speed up work and meet the agreed timeline. He emphasised that his mandate includes restoring full legislative activities in the state. Ibas was accompanied by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke , and was briefed on the project's progress by the General Manager of the construction company, Engr. Omaka Oko . ALSO READ: Sole Administrator confirms release of withheld Rivers allocations He said, ” I had been at the executive arm of the state governance structure, and one of the pillars that is missing for now is the legislature. For them to function effectively, they also need a place to work from. “And perhaps, I am yet to be sure that work is goi...

9mobile, a telecommunications company, has categorically refuted false and misleading rumours suggesting an alleged shutdown of its operations in Nigeria. The management of 9mobile disclosed in a statement on Friday in Lagos. 9mobile said that the claims were entirely baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary panic among its valued subscribers. “We understand that some customers have recently faced challenges, particularly with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), a service that enables seamless network switching. “We want to clarify that 9mobile has never restricted customers from porting to other networks,” it said. The telco said it remained fully compliant with industry regulations and was committed to delivering fair, transparent, and customer-centric services. The telco explained that a temporary technical issue had impacted Mobile Number Portability (MNP) services, but the problem had largely been resolved. It was noted that some minor delays might still occur due to ongoing...

President Bola Tinubu donated palliative items to Christian and Muslim faithful in the South-East and South-South zones of the country on Friday to cushion the effects of the country's economic hardship. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo unveiled the donation in Owerri on behalf of the president. In a speech, the president said that the donation aimed to support the Christian and Muslim faithful in breaking their fast. He said the fasting and prayer period called for charity and that the gesture had more spiritual importance than physical. “As we work hard to bring a permanent solution to the hunger in the land and the high cost of living, which is a global thing, the president has decided to intervene from time to time with palliative measures to cushion the effects of hardship occasioned by the global economic recession. “The government is investing a lot of money in agriculture and livestock development to ensure food security and ...

The Supreme Court has nullified earlier judgments by the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court that removed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In a ruling by a five-member panel, the apex court held that the issue of who holds the position of National Secretary is an internal matter of the PDP and, therefore, not subject to judicial intervention. Justice Jamilu Tukur, delivering the lead judgment, struck out the October 2024 ruling of the trial court and set aside the majority decision of the Court of Appeal, which had in December upheld Anyanwu’s removal. READ ALSO: Anyanwu gets crucial backing as PDP national secretary amid crisis Instead, the Supreme Court affirmed Justice Ekanem's dissenting opinion, which had ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. Additionally, the Supreme Court held that the plaintiff, Aniagu Emmanuel , who initiated the case at the Federal High Court, had no legal stan...

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Ebube Mbah, has praised former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha, describing him as " the governor who rebuilt Imo." Mbah highlighted Ihedioha’s leadership as one built on integrity, service, and a deep commitment to the people. “His leadership is rooted in the trust and loyalty of his constituents, demonstrating that true leadership is measured by the lives touched and communities transformed,” he stated. He noted that during Ihedioha’s tenure in the National Assembly, he played a significant role as Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, leading critical reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and improve infrastructure. READ ALSO: How APC's Hope Uzodinma defeated Ihedioha at Supreme Court Mbah pointed to key achievements such as the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP), which opened over 500 kilometres of rural roads within four months, and the restoration of the civil service, ...

Constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District may have begun recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as signature collection reportedly started in some areas of the district. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Wednesday in Lokoja that constituents gathered at various signature collection points across the five local government areas comprising the senatorial district. Some of the locations visited include Ajaokuta, Adavi, Okene, Lokoja, and Okehi Local Government Areas, where residents were seen participating in the signature drive. One collection point was the Ihima community in Okehi LGA, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s hometown, where people were observed queuing for the recall exercise. Abdullahi Usman , a resident of Ihima, told NAN that he joined the process willingly, saying they had lost confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s representation. “You can see the queue of people dissatisfied with her National Assembly performance, especially following the recent scandal in the Senat...

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim says the Senate will debate a motion on the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers on Thursday. Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Inter-Parliamentary Committee, confirmed this while briefing reporters in Abuja on Wednesday. A motion titled ‘Proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers,’ sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele , was listed on Wednesday’s Order Paper but not debated. Ibrahim assured that the motion would be debated and considered during Thursday’s Senate plenary without further delay. He explained that the observation of the holy month of Ramadan was a factor for consideration. “Tomorrow morning, members will be informed. They are fasting and praying today at home,” Ibrahim stated while addressing journalists. “By 10 o’clock, they will be present, and we shall commence debate. Life and security matters are serious and cannot be treated lightly,” he added. The senator defended President Tinubu’s actions, clarifying that democratic ...

Emmanuel Obodoezie, a tricycle operator in Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia, on Wednesday, returned N2.04 million to a trader who forgot it in his tricycle after alighting. Ariaria traders celebrated Obodoezie for remaining upright in the face of Nigeria’s economic hardship. The tricycle operator told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he picked a woman along Powerline Road, and she alighted somewhere around the Free Zone area where fish is sold. Obodoezie said that he told the woman that her fare was N300, but she gave him only N250, and he collected it from her without complaining while she left. He said that he did not look at the back of his Keke after the woman alighted and went away, so he did not know that the woman had left her bag in his tricycle. “Because of the bad roads, my machine was bending from one side to another until the bag fell off. “Then people who saw it fall began to call me to wait, that my bag had fallen off. “I stopped and thought it...

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on Wednesday pledged to make Olumo Rock the top tourism destination in Nigeria through focused government intervention and investment. He made this pledge while inspecting the Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta, emphasising its cultural and historical significance to Egbaland, Ogun and Nigeria. According to the governor, the site will attract over 20,000 visitors in 2024, reflecting its importance as a heritage and tourism landmark in the state. Abiodun explained that his administration would now prioritise tourism as a strategic policy to harness the sector's economic potential for sustainable growth. He added that a comprehensive plan would be developed to ensure Olumo Rock receives the high-quality development and attention it rightly deserves as a premier tourist site. “The focus has now shifted to tourism. We will deliberately advance our efforts in developing the tourism sector to unlock its full potential. “We have seen countries whose ...

Tension has gripped Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family are reportedly being held by armed soldiers at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The soldiers allegedly stormed the premises while Fubara and his family were attempting to pack their belongings after the emergency declaration. The action follows President Tinubu’s invocation of Section 305(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the federal government the authority to impose emergency rule in a state facing severe political crises. READ ALSO: READ ALSO: FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State Announcing his decision, the president stated that the move was necessary to restore order in Rivers amid prolonged political instability. He further appointed Ibot Ete Ibas , the retired Chief of Naval Staff, as the state administrator for the next six months. “We are being held hostage. ...