Ridoola's blog

The Police Command in Kaduna State said on Saturday that it had disowned and detained an alleged imposter in police uniform for inciting comments on social media. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan , disclosed this in a statement issued in Kaduna. According to him, “ The attention of the command has been drawn to a comment made on a Facebook post credited to one Hadaina Hussaini. “The post has been making rounds on various social media platforms with the caption ‘Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings.’ “To set the record straight, Hadian Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a personnel of the Kaduna State Police command. “It is pertinent to note that his picture, captured in a police uniform as displayed on social media, is an improper dressing. “It is a picture of him when he was a member of the Police Special Constabulary attached to the Kaduna State Constabulary Office.” Hassan said that Hussai...

Tension gripped the Idi-Araba area of Mushin, Lagos State, on Thursday following a deadly explosion that claimed a life and left three others badly injured. The incident, which occurred on Taiwo Street, was reportedly triggered when a local scavenger discovered a military-grade grenade and attempted to dismantle it. Eyewitnesses say the unidentified man was sifting through a pile of scrap when he found the explosive device. Believing it to be harmless or of potential value, he began tampering with it. The grenade detonated almost instantly, killing the scavenger on the spot. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. ALSO READ: Again, major explosion rocks gas facility in Rivers State Emergency responders quickly cordoned off the area as police and bomb disposal units arrived at the scene. The body of the deceased scavenger has been deposited at the morgue, while the injured victims remain under medical obser...

The Forum of Economic Rights Activists (FERA) has accused the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of attempting to deceive Nigerians with what it describes as "irresponsible revisionism." In a statement by its President, Dr Moses Okino, FERA criticised Obi’s recent remarks on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme , alleging that his statements about the current administration’s economic policies were misleading. The group argued that Obi’s criticisms lacked depth and viable alternatives. It also dismissed his claim that corruption remains unchecked, citing the removal of the petrol subsidy as a significant anti-corruption measure. FERA further accused Obi of attempting to rewrite his past, alleging that his tenure as Anambra governor was marked by exclusionary policies. READ ALSO: VIDEO: APC under Tinubu has done well - Peter Obi “The Forum of Economic Rights Activists is not surprised by Peter Obi’s posturing, which we believe is aimed at rewriting...

Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, has courted controversy once again after making a bold declaration about his followers' tendency to unleash violence on anyone who dares criticise him. In a video that went viral on social media on Friday, April 4, 2025, the cleric boasted that anyone who speaks ill of him anywhere near his church, situated in the Auchi Area of Edo State, risks extreme repercussions from his devoted followers. “If you want to die and you’ve been praying for death, but it hasn’t come, there’s a way to make it happen,” Suleman declared. “Come to Auchi, stand by the front gate of our church, and say something against me. Somebody will kill you, another will bury you, and the third will be doing praise and worship on your dead body.” ALSO READ: TB Joshua & other Nigerian religious leaders who have been caught in scandals The cleric, who has a reputation for controversial remarks, recalled a time when cultis...

Opposition parties have criticised President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima over what they describe as excessive and wasteful foreign trips, raising concerns about governance gaps and economic mismanagement. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have condemned the leaders’ frequent travels, arguing that they show insensitivity to Nigeria’s economic struggles. President Tinubu recently left for a two-week “working leave” in France on Wednesday, April 2, followed by Shettima’s trip to Senegal a day later for the country’s Independence Day celebrations. The Vice President, Senator @KashimSM , has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, to represent President @officialABAT at the country’s 65th Independence Day anniversary celebrations. Senegal celebrates its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its freedom from French… pic.twitter.com/DBXj5emDpH — Senator Kashim Sh...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculations of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, refuting claims that the president is considering a new running mate for the 2027 elections. Despite Tinubu not officially declaring his bid for re-election, party loyalists have begun rallying support for a potential second term. However, recent reports of discord between Tinubu and Shettima have been described as baseless by party officials. Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Director of Publicity, rejected the rumours, labeling them as “beer-parlour discussions” lacking any credible basis. READ ALSO: Tinubu-Shetima’s Muslim-Muslim ticket has been a disappointment - Sharia council “This is pure speculation without foundation. These are beer-parlour discussions that should not be taken seriously,” Ibrahim stated. He added that any decision to replace the vice president would require extensive consultation with key stakeholders rathe...

In response to severe traffic congestion in Lagos, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge located on Victoria Island. This decision follows the bridge's recent closure for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works, which led to significant disruptions for commuters.​ The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha , confirmed the directive, stating that her team is implementing remedial measures to make the bridge accessible to vehicular traffic. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the damage incurred during initial repair efforts but assured the public of expedited efforts to restore functionality.​ "Yes, that is true. The minister has directed me to open it. But as it is, we are trying to see how we can do remedial measures so that we can open the bridge for vehicular movement because we have already broken parts of the bridge," Kesha explained. "We are still unsure if ...

Steep US tariffs on imported automobiles took effect on Thursday, April 3, escalating trade tensions with key global partners. The 25% levies on foreign-made cars and light trucks were implemented at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT), according to a Federal Register notice. Additional tariffs on automobile parts are expected by May 3. German Auto Industry Condemns Trump’s Tariffs The move has drawn sharp criticism from the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA), which represents Germany’s powerful auto sector. In a statement released Thursday, the VDA warned that the tariffs “will only create losers,” with American consumers facing significant price hikes. “This is not America first; this is America alone,” the VDA declared, suggesting that the decision marks a departure from the global trade order. The association urged the European Union to respond decisively while keeping negotiation channels open. It also called on the incoming German government to take a leading role in advanc...

Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State's 2024 election, has rejected the recent ruling by the state’s election tribunal, which affirmed Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor. Ighodalo announced his decision to challenge the verdict in the Court of Appeal, calling the ruling a “huge travesty of justice.” In a statement released shortly after the tribunal’s decision on Wednesday, April 2, Ighodalo expressed his firm belief that the tribunal’s judgment was not only flawed but also undermined the democratic process. “This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy,” Ighodalo said. READ ALSO: Let's unite to build Edo - Okpebholo woos opposition after tribunal victory “It is about the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future and the legacy we leave for generations unborn. ” The three-member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi had dismissed Ighodalo’s pet...

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Wednesday welcomed Chijioke Edeoga, the former Labour Party (LP) Gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial election, back into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He commended the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics was not a do-or-die affair. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Edeoga announced his return to his former party, PDP, on Monday. Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance. The governor urged him and his supporters to feel very much at home. “The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family. “What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party and the imperatives of reconciliation. “It is also a demonstration on your p...

The Edo State Governorship Tribunal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and Adekunle Omoaje against Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as frivolous and lacking merit. In its ruling, the Tribunal stated that Omoaje had no locus standi to challenge the election, as he neither participated in the poll nor had the legal standing to question its validity. The court further held that his grievances stemmed from a dispute over his recognition as the National Chairman of the Action Alliance, which, it ruled, had no basis under the Electoral Act 2022. Omoaje had petitioned the Tribunal, demanding that Okpebholo’s victory be nullified on grounds of non-compliance with electoral laws, corruption, and failure to secure the majority of lawful votes. READ ALSO: Edo tribunal verdict ‘leaked’ ahead of judgment day He also claimed that the Action Alliance was unjustly prevented from fielding a valid candidate f...

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu, to act with integrity in the ongoing recall process against her. Speaking to journalists after a homecoming and Sallah rally in her constituency on April 1, the Kogi Central lawmaker stressed the need for INEC to redeem its tarnished reputation. She argued that the commission's credibility suffered due to the conduct of past elections and urged Yakubu to use this opportunity to restore public trust. “I’ll just tell INEC, they should just do what is right. The INEC chairman should not be afraid,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. READ ALSO: 2027: Hunt for INEC chairman begins - will Tinubu choose credibility or loyalty? “This is the time for him to redeem his image, especially with regards to the conduct of the past elections. The INEC chairman should do right by this recall.” She further emphasised the importance of having courageous individuals in lead...

Since its inception, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), now known as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has been steered by various leaders. Each Group Managing Director (GMD) has contributed uniquely to the organisation's evolution. Below is a chronological list of past and present GMDs, highlighting their tenures and notable achievements:​ Jackson Gaius-Obaseki (May 1999 – November 2003): Gaius-Obaseki served as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from May 1999 to November 2003. A native of Edo State, he studied Geology at the University of Ibadan. He began his career at NNPC in 1972 and steadily advanced within the organization until his appointment as Group Managing Director in 1999. READ ALSO: Tinubu sacks Mele Kyari as NNPC chief; see replacement During his tenure, Obaseki reformed NNPC’s external oil marketing strategy. Following President Obasanjo’s directive, he canceled all annual crude oi...

President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of Chief Pius Akinyelure, the chairman of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. and Malam Mele Kyari , the group chief executive officer. Kyari was replaced by Mr Bashir Ojulari as Group CEO and Akinyelure was replaced by Mr Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement on Wednesday. Tinubu also removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023. Mr Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board. READ ALSO: Pressure mounts on Tinubu as stakeholders demand Mele Kyari’s retention at NNPC Six board members, non-executive directors, representing the country’s geopolitical zones are: Bello Rabiu, North West; Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG), who represents North Central. Tinubu...

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has removed 2,363 ghost workers from the state payroll, saving the government ₦200 million monthly. The move, which eliminates fraudulent salary payments totaling ₦193,642,097.19, has been praised as a crucial step toward financial stability and development. The Coalition of Rescue Support Groups in Zamfara commended the governor’s efforts, noting that the cleanup has facilitated the smooth implementation of the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants. “This is a departure from the vicious cycle of salary bondage imposed on workers by previous administrations,” said Alhaji Rufai Ahmed Gusau, the coalition’s state coordinator. Governor Lawal’s reforms have ensured that only genuine employees remain on the payroll, with 28,273 workers verified and cleared. The coalition believes these measures will strengthen service delivery, boost economic activity, and improve governance in Zamfara. “With improved security and economic activ...

President Bola Tinubu has signed the amended Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2024, which will strengthen Nigeria’s capital market, enhance investor protection, and align regulations with global standards. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which announced the development, said the new legislation introduces key reforms aimed at improving market integrity, transparency, and sustainable growth. “The new Act also introduces transformative provisions to further align Nigeria’s market operations with international best practices,” the SEC stated. A major highlight of the new law is the enhancement of SEC’s regulatory powers, ensuring compliance with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) standards. READ ALSO: NESG evaluates NNPC’s push for transparency through public listing The strengthened framework allows Nigeria to retain its " Signatory A" status under IOSCO’s Enhanced Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (EMMoU), a crucial ...

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Monday pledged to compensate the families of the 16 slain hunters. They were allegedly murdered by a vigilante group at Uromi, Edo while on their way to Kano. He made the pledge when, in company of his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, he paid a condolence visit to the families of the late hunters at Torankawa in Kano State. READ ALSO: Emir Sanusi II calls for justice over killing of 16 Kano indigenes in Edo ”We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the victims affected by this incident”, he said. Okpebholo commended the people Kano State for remaining calm in spite of the situation. ”I also commend the good people of Kano State and the entire north for not taking the law into their own hands  and carry out  reprisal attacks,” he said. He prayed  for the repose of the souls  of  the late hunters. ”We are here to commiserate with the  families of the dead, “We assure you that the perpetrators...