Ridoola's blog

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected claims that a former returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Peter Ogban, who was convicted for election rigging, worked for him. Ogban, a Professor of Soil Science at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), was sentenced to three years in prison on March 25, 2021, for electoral offences during the 2019 polls in Akwa Ibom State. The educationist was accused of manipulating results in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which featured Akpabio on its ticket for the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial election. Displeased by the Akwa Ibom State High Court judgement, Ogban approached the Court of Appeal for a reprieve. Delivering judgment on the matter on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the appellate court affirmed the lower court's verdict, which found Ogban guilty of falsifying results to inflate. ALSO READ: Appeal court upholds 3-year jail term for professor who falsified electoral result...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Elie Bitar, a foreign national, wanted for his alleged involvement in cryptocurrency fraud on the online trading platform Crypto Bridge Exchange, also known as CBEX. The 41-year-old foreigner is wanted for a suspected fraudulent scheme carried out via CBEX , according to an official bulletin issued by the commission on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Hundreds of unsuspecting victims across Nigeria fell victim to the elaborate crypto fraud, which ran into over $1 billion. “The public is hereby notified that ELIE BITAR, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud allegedly perpetrated on an online trading platform called Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX),” the EFCC stated in the wanted notice signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale . ALSO READ: EFCC releases photos of 4 wanted CBEX crypto scam suspects The anti-graft agency revealed Bitar's las...

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, May 1, 2025, a public holiday in honour of Workers’ Day, reaffirming its commitment to workers’ welfare and national development. The announcement was made in a statement issued Tuesday, May 29, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who lauded Nigerian workers for their “dedication, resilience, and sacrifices.” According to the minister, the efforts of workers across various sectors have played a key role in Nigeria’s progress and global relevance. “There is dignity in labour; the dedication and commitment to the work we do is vital to nation-building,” Tunji-Ojo said. He encouraged Nigerian workers to embrace innovation and productivity in their fields, noting that such values are essential to driving improved governance and economic transformation. As the country prepares to mark the international celebration of workers on May 1, Tunji-Ojo also used the opportunity to reiterate the Tinubu administration’s focus on securi...

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has joined calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged involvement of a British Army officer, Major Micah Polo, in a major arms smuggling operation recently uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Delta State. In a statement issued Monday, April 28, in Abuja, HURIWA warned that the alleged trafficking of high-powered weapons, including 50 AK-47 rifles and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, posed a serious threat to national stability. The weapons were reportedly recovered during a DSS operation near Asaba on April 25. Major Polo, allegedly attempting to flee to the United Kingdom, was apprehended in Lagos, alongside several associates arrested in Delta. “This incident, if confirmed, is not just a criminal act—it is an attempt to destabilise our fragile democracy,” said HURIWA National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko. The group also raised the alarm over alleged links between the Br...

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested prominent business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The arrest occurred around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, shortly after Achimugu voluntarily returned to Nigeria from London, her legal team confirmed. In a statement issued Tuesday, her lawyers emphasised that the arrest was not unexpected and claimed that Achimugu had formally informed the authorities of her intent to cooperate with the investigation. “She arrived in the country of her own volition and had already indicated in her court filings that she would present herself to the EFCC on this date,” the statement said. The arrest comes amid an ongoing investigation by the EFCC into allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering involving Achimugu. The details of the allegations have not yet been made public. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had pre...

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been cautioned against purchasing shops at the Apo Resettlement Scheme Market following a court order halting construction at the disputed site. The warning stems from an interlocutory injunction issued by the FCT High Court in suit No. FCT/HC/467/2024, amid a legal battle between two developers: Techs & Concretes Nigeria Ltd and Manillah Integrated Partners Ltd. A “ Stop Work” order was visibly inscribed on the market premises on Monday, April 28, with official court documents also pasted on the property by court bailiffs. READ ALSO: Wike leads demolition in Abuja community amid resistance Speaking at the site, Ameh Kennedy Gabriel, Project Manager for Techs & Concretes, confirmed that the company is adhering to the court's decision. “The court has given order and we are here to tell the world that the construction of this market has been put on hold. “As far as the statutes of the court are concerned, no shop ...

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jesutega Onokpasa, has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning that the president may become a one-term leader if urgent improvements are not made. Speaking in an interview with Arise Television on Sunday, April 27, Onokpasa lamented what he described as Tinubu’s “woeful failure” in governance, particularly highlighting the administration's struggles to provide necessities and relief to Nigerians facing economic hardship. “It is not a question of people defecting to our party. It is a question of are we ruling well? In that sense, we failed woefully. "President Bola Tinubu has failed woefully to rule well, provide food for Nigerians, and give succour in these hard times," Onokpasa said. Tinubu Has Failed Woefully in Ruling Nigeria, May End Up As A One Term President - Onokpasa We have failed to provide food and succour to Nigerians in this hard times. Gov. Oborevwori...

A former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has cautioned Nigerians against expecting meaningful progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during an appearance on Channels TV’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande , Lukman expressed deep disappointment with Tinubu’s leadership style, stating that any hopes for significant achievements before May 2027 would be unrealistic. “For you to even expect something very wonderful to happen before May 2027, I will say you are a dreamer. “I will wish you luck in your dream, but if it happens, it will be a pleasant surprise,” Lukman said. READ ALSO: Tinubu, other APC leaders guilty of Buhari's failure - Party chieftain The former APC chieftain, who once believed in Tinubu’s progressive credentials, said the president has failed to replicate the leadership style he exhibited as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. “For me, I have reached the conclusion that I don’t think...

The Labour Party's flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has launched an online registration portal and identity cards for members of the Obidient Movement, also known as Obidients, in Nigeria and the diaspora. The move was disclosed in a joint statement issued by the Obidient Movement ’s National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko and its Director of Strategic Communications and Media, Nana Kazaure , in Abuja, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The statement noted that the identity card features a QR code in the bottom right corner for authentication and displays the Nigerian flag for local members. For those in the diaspora, it displays the flag of their country of residence. “Obidient registration portal supports Nigerians and fellow Obidients living in the diaspora. You will observe that the ID has a flag on it. For example, if you’re not resident in Nigeria, the top right-hand corner will carry the flag of your country of residence ," the statement partly read....

Reports say United Kingdom border officials intercepted a Nigerian couple who attempted to bring a baby girl that was not biologically theirs into the country. As reported by the BBC , the couple's odd behaviour during their interaction with the baby, who was given the pseudonym Lucy , at Manchester Airport, triggered suspicion among border officials, who promptly intervened. On interrogation, Raphael Ossai , who claimed to be the girl's father, produced a purported birth certificate, which showed Oluwakemi Olasanoye , his travelling companion, as the mother of the baby. However, officials discovered a second birth certificate, hidden in the lining of the couple’s luggage and bearing the name of another woman, Ossai’s British wife, as the mother of the baby. ALSO READ: UK deports 43 asylum seekers, foreign offenders to Nigeria, Ghana According to the Border Force investigation, Lucy was born in a Nigerian rural community in 2022 and was handed to an orphanage by her young...

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the people of the South-East to back President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, saying he deserves a re-election in 2027. Kalu argued that Tinubu has done enough to earn another four-year term in office due to his transformative strides in economic, social, and political reforms in the last two years. He made this known while receiving members of the Tinubu Mandate Support Group (TMSG) and Club 17 Initiative during courtesy visits in Umuahia, Abia state capital. He described Tinubu as a good product to sell for a second term, appealing to Igbos to invest their votes in the former Lagos State Governor during the 2027 presidential election. ALSO READ: Obi, Kwankwaso worked for Tinubu — activist Adeyanju sparks coalition storm “That was a good motivation, thank you. You’re the partners we’ve been waiting for. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a good product to be sold for a second term,” Kalu was quo...

Cynderila Patrick, a Nigerian graduate of Youngstown State University ( YSU ) in Ohio, has initiated a lawsuit against United States President Donald Trump following the revocation of her student visa. Patrick's attorney, Rhys Cartwright-Jones , filed the lawsuit against Trump's officials on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, claiming that the revocation of his client's student visa constitutes a threat to her educational investment. The 36-year-old's visa was revoked on April 8, becoming another victim of the ongoing international student visa revocation launched by the U.S. government as part of a wider crackdown on immigration . Trump has reportedly been using misdemeanors such as traffic violations as a ground to cancel foreign student visas at California campuses. ALSO READ: US Supreme Court halts Trump’s migrant deportation policy that could affect Nigerians Meanwhile, Patrick, who resides in Maryland, argued that she needed the student visa to obtain a work permit ...

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has launched the inaugural edition of The Nigerian Hamilton Project: A National Dialogue Series on Development as Attitude, gathering thought leaders, policymakers, and private sector players in Enugu on April 24 to dissect the nation's developmental challenges and leadership philosophies. Anchored by a fireside chat with economist Professor Osita Ogbu , the event featured a dynamic panel discussion and a book signing, creating a vibrant forum for civic dialogue. Dr Emeka Urama , Enugu State’s Commissioner of Finance, underscored the importance of national unity in shaping sustainable growth. “Sustainable economic growth cannot thrive without social cohesion. When citizens feel excluded or marginalised, it breeds discontent and resistance to development efforts,” Urama said. READ ALSO: NESG partners with stakeholders to drive economic growth in Borno He urged leaders to focus on inclusive governance and enabling policies. “Beyond vi...

As the world commemorates World Malaria Day, leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company Orange Group reaffirms its commitment to eradicating malaria in Nigeria through proactive digital empowerment and education. Aligned with the global theme, '#MalariaEndsWithUs – Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,' Orange Group believes that informed communities are better equipped to combat malaria. By leveraging the reach and influence of digital media and collaborating with trusted voices, the campaign aims to forge genuine connections with diverse communities across Nigeria. This initiative, sub-themed #MalariaEndsWithLaris and #MalariaEndsWithGardia, will educate the public about effective malaria prevention and treatment strategies, empowering them to take control of their health and well-being. In addition to its digital efforts, Orange Group has partnered with the Elisha Development and Humanitarian Foundation, a slum initiative under the National Youth Council of Nigeria, to cond...

A former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has poured cold water on the recent defection of former Delta State Governor and 2023 vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as politically inconsequential. Speaking on Arise News following Okowa’s high-profile move alongside Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several lawmakers, Mark said the defection would not cause any “tsunami” within the PDP ranks. “Truthfully, there is no political party that will celebrate the departure of a sitting government. But whether that amounts to an earthquake is something else to discuss,” he said. Okowa, who served as Atiku Abubakar ’s running mate during the 2023 presidential election, failed to secure a victory for the PDP in his home state—a failure Mark said calls into question the political weight Okowa carries. “If he could not deliver his state to the PDP even as a vice presidential candid...

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday became the latest high-profile politician to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political shift in one of Nigeria’s long-standing PDP strongholds. The defection was confirmed following a closed-door meeting held at the Government House in Asaba. Oborevwori’s move comes just months after his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa , also crossed over to the APC , underscoring the party’s growing influence in Delta State, which had been controlled by the PDP since 1999. While Oborevwori has yet to speak publicly, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje hinted at more upcoming defections. “More opposition governors are on their way to join the APC. We are building momentum for 2027, and the signs are clear,” Ganduje said. Oborevwori is not the first sitting governor to defect from the PDP to the APC. Over the past twelve years, several governors have made similar m...

Nokia has reported a net loss of €68 million ($73 million) for the first quarter of 2025, a sharp downturn from its €438 million profit during the same period last year. The Finnish telecoms equipment maker attributed the loss to global trade tensions and new U.S. tariffs. “We are not immune to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. “However, based on early customer feedback, I believe our markets should prove to be relatively resilient,” said Nokia President and CEO Justin Hotard. The company warned that recently imposed U.S. tariffs could lead to “some short-term disruption,” projecting a further hit of €20 to €30 million to operating profit in the second quarter. READ ALSO: 12 States sue Trump over tariffs - call trade strategy ‘illegal’ and ‘reckless’ The Trump administration implemented a 10% tariff on global imports earlier this month, although plans for higher duties on goods from the European Union and other countries have been temporarily paused. Nokia keen on f...

A coalition of 12 U.S. states filed a lawsuit on Wednesday, April 23, challenging President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, arguing the administration violated constitutional limits by bypassing Congress. Led by Arizona Attorney General  Kris Mayes , the Democratic-leaning states assert that Trump’s aggressive trade measures — including a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese imports and 10 per cent levies on other trade partners — are both unlawful and harmful to American consumers. “President Trump’s insane tariff scheme is not only economically reckless — it is illegal. No matter what the White House claims, tariffs are a tax that will be passed on to Arizona consumers,” Mayes said in a scathing statement. The lawsuit contends that Trump’s use of a 1977 law to invoke emergency powers and impose tariffs circumvents the Constitution, which grants Congress, not the executive, authority over trade policy. READ ALSO: ‘I’m not joking’ - Donald Trump hints at 3rd term in White House T...

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and key partners have launched the Borno Development Foundation (BDF)—a non-profit dedicated to post-conflict reconstruction, poverty alleviation, and inclusive economic development in Borno State. The launch, held in Maiduguri, signals a deepening of NESG’s subnational focus as part of its national growth strategy. “This Foundation was born out of necessity—formed by well-meaning individuals committed to restoring Borno’s future,” said Mr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen , Chairman of the BDF and a founding member of the NESG. “Today’s MoU signing is a testament to the power of collaboration in development.” READ ALSO: NESG evaluates NNPC’s push for transparency through public listing BDF’s focus areas include education, healthcare, livelihoods, and institutional rebuilding, particularly for vulnerable groups like internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and youth. Mr. Niyi Yusuf , Chairman of NESG, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the ...

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to grow following the arrival of Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Sumaila, a former member of the House of Representatives, rejoined the APC after leaving the party in May 2022. On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, unconfirmed reports emerged that Sumaila has tendered his resignation from the NNPP, leaving his supporters and political watchers guessing regarding his next possible destination. However, in a post on his Facebook page later in the day, the lawmaker confirmed his defection , stressing that his primary concerns are the welfare of his immediate constituency. ALSO READ: I'm not surprised - Dele Momodu reacts to defections from PDP to APC, cautions Tinubu “Yes, it is true — the rumours regarding my defection are accurate, ” he wrote. “All politics is local, and my primary concern has always been, and remains...

President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting in London with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, marking their first face-to-face encounter since Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state last month. According to sources confirmed by The Africa Report, the meeting was requested by Fubara and took place while Tinubu was wrapping up an 18-day trip abroad that began in Paris and ended in the UK. The specifics of the discussions remain confidential, but insiders revealed that the talks centred on restoring democratic governance and the possibility of Fubara returning to office before his six-month suspension lapses. “This was a high-level dialogue to resolve an escalating political impasse. There is now a path being considered to reintegrate Fubara into the state’s leadership structure,” said a presidential aide who requested anonymity. President Tinubu’s controversial invocation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on March 18 led to the removal...

When you think you've seen it all in Nigeria, the unthinkable will happen and leave you in awe of the anomalies Nigerians have to go through every day. The Nigerian Ministry of Interior found itself at the center of online outrage Tuesday, April 23, after its verified X (formerly Twitter) account reposted a nude image of Latin porn actress Lena Hensonu. The post, which featured the explicit image without any caption or context, appeared on the Ministry's timeline for several hours before it was deleted. The post, noticed by users early Wednesday, remained visible for nearly 15 hours before it was taken down, long enough to trigger widespread screenshots and backlash on social media. While the Ministry has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, observers speculate that the repost may have been the result of an account breach or unauthorised access. As of this reporting, the Ministry’s X handle has resumed regular posts, though it has not acknowledged t...

Thousands of ride-hailing drivers in Lagos plan to stage a 24-hour strike on May 1, 2025, targeting major platforms like Uber, Bolt, Lagride, inDrive, and Rida in protest of low fares, high commissions, and poor working conditions. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) announced the planned walkout on Tuesday, April 22, saying about 5,000 drivers will participate by logging off their apps and staying off the roads. “Despite our efforts to engage in dialogue, these companies have consistently prioritised their profits over our well-being. “They’ve ignored our pleas for fair compensation, safe working conditions, and respect for our rights as workers,” AUATON said in a statement. Drivers say they are burdened with platform commissions of 25% to 30%, while earning as little as ₦1,200 for 10-kilometre trips. These rates, they argue, are unsustainable amid Nigeria’s rising fuel costs following the removal of petrol subsidies in 2023. Agitation for Nigeri...

The federal government has announced the full closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos, starting April 27, to facilitate critical repairs, raising concerns about potential traffic disruptions on one of the busiest routes to Apapa. During an inspection on Monday, April 21, Olukorede Kesha, the federal controller of works, said the bridge deck would be lifted to replace nearly 50 defective bearings — components crucial to the bridge’s structural stability. “This bridge has been awarded for some time now in different phases. We are now at the final phase, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to change the faulty bearings beneath . “A lot of the bearings are defective, and approximately 50 of them will be replaced across three sections,” Kesha said. READ ALSO: Umahi denies false claims on Abuja-Kano road project, demands apology from media The Ijora bridge serves as a vital link between Ijora Causeway and Apapa, home to Nigeria’s busiest seaports. Kesha acknowledged that the ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Monday, April 21, following a nearly three-week trip to France and the United Kingdom, prompting a flurry of mixed reactions from Nigerians online. According to a post by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga , the President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He was received by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,  George Akume;  the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila ; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu ; and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike . "President Tinubu returned to Abuja from Europe Monday night," Onanuga wrote on X. Tinubu departed the country on April 2 for a “short working visit” to Paris, during which he was expected to review the achievements of his administration. However, his absence coincided with a surge in violence in parts of the country, notably Plateau and Benue states , sparking criticism and scep...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has slashed the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at its retail outlets in Lagos and Abuja. Multiple reports on Monday, April 22, indicated that petrol is now being sold for as low as ₦880 per litre in parts of Lagos and ₦935 per litre in Abuja.  This marks a noticeable drop from previous rates in Lagos which hovered around ₦910 per litre. READ ALSO: Motorists elated as NNPCL gives out free fuel, reduces cost per litre nationwide Reports suggest that NNPC stations at key spots in Lagos, including Apple Junction and Idimu Road, adjusted prices downward. Similar claims were made about NNPC outlets in Abuja’s Lugbe and Kubwa districts. The price shift comes just days after Dangote Refinery announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of petrol to ₦890 per litre.  On April 16, the refinery confirmed that its major distribution partners had adjusted retail pump prices to align with the n...

The death of Pope Francis on April 21 has plunged the Catholic Church into mourning — and opened the door to speculation over who might become the next pontiff. Among the potential successors , known as papabili, two African cardinals are gaining attention: Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo. 1. Peter Turkson (Ghana), 76, Archbishop emeritus of Cape Coast A longtime heavyweight in Church leadership, Turkson has often been mentioned as a contender to become the first Black pope. Though in 2010 he dismissed the idea, saying any such pope would “have a rough time, ” his influence continues to grow. READ ALSO: Pope Francis, a Janitor who turned Pope, dies at 88 — A look at his life, legacy and impact on Nigerian Catholics Now Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Turkson has consistently bridged the gap between faith and global policy, even addressing th...

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a long battle with bilateral pneumonia. In a heartfelt statement, President Tinubu hailed the late Pope as a “humble servant of God” and a “tireless champion of the poor.” He acknowledged the pontiff’s enduring commitment to justice, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. “Today, with a heavy heart, I join Catholic faithful and Christians around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis — a guiding light for millions,” Tinubu said. “His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.” READ ALSO: Pope Francis, a Janitor who turned Pope, dies at 88 — A look at his life, legacy and impact on Nigerian Catholics Tinubu highlighted the Pope’s vocal advocacy for the developing world, noting his efforts to spotlight economic inequality and promote pe...

The Labour Party has expressed confidence that it will unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, citing the ongoing security disturbances and economic hardship, and saying Nigerians are tired of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Chief Samuel Olaolu , the Chairman of the Labour Party in Ogun State, said this while addressing journalists during a press conference held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, April 19, 2025. He warned the President not to be deceived by recent endorsements from some politicians , who claim that his reelection in 2027 is guaranteed, saying Nigerians are eager to vote out the APC. “The truth is that Nigerians are fed up with the insecurity, hunger, and poor economic situation in the country and could barely wait till 2027 to show the APC-led government the exit door,” he said. ALSO READ: Ozigbo's exit leaves Labour Party in disarray as Peter Obi rues his action The Labour Party chieftain stressed that his part...

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the people of the state to keep supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. The embattled Governor disclosed this in his Easter message contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state's capital, on Saturday, April 19, 2025. He said the Easter season represents a t ime for reconciliation and unity , restating his commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State. “As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, this Easter, I bring you warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations," reads the statement titled ‘Renewed By The Resurrection: Advancing Peace, Unity and Good Governance.' ALSO READ: I wanted Fubara removed, but Tinubu’s intervention saved him - Wike “Easter is a sacred season of reconciliation and unity. It is a time when the peace of Christ dwells richly in our hearts, restoring relationships, comforting the afflicted, fe...

A dramatic scene unfolded in Bauchi State on Friday after a heated exchange between Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar reportedly escalated into a physical altercation. According to reports, the confrontation took place on a bus transporting top political figures from the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to Bauchi. The altercation is said to have begun between Governor Bala Mohammed and Minister Tuggar before Deputy Governor Jatau intervened. A move that allegedly intensified the clash. Sources told Leadership that tensions had been simmering between Governor Mohammed and the Foreign Affairs Minister over recent disagreements surrounding President Bola Tinubu ’s tax reforms. The governor had publicly criticised the Tax Reform Bills, arguing they would impoverish the northern region. In response, Tuggar defended the policies, saying they were fair and not targeted at any part of the country. Their disagreement quickly ...

The Presidency has dismissed viral reports alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, describing the claims as deliberate falsehoods. In a statement released on Saturday, Stanley Nkwocha , Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, said the reports were designed to cause confusion and fuel speculation about a rift within the Presidency. “These mischievous and totally fabricated reports are all in a bid to cause confusion and insinuate a clash in the Presidency,” Nkwocha said. “There is absolutely no truth to the story.” He rubbished claims that armed military personnel stopped Shettima from entering the villa, calling it “ the wildest expression of wishful thinking.” ALSO READ: Tinubu, Shettima under fire for ‘wasteful’ foreign trips “It is so far removed from reality that only those unfamiliar with the inner workings of government could believe it,” he added....

Ayodele Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared that his party's 2023 presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, will not receive his support if he contests again in 2027. He recalled how he openly worked against Atiku in the last election, warning that he would do so again if the Adamawa-born politician throws himself in the fray again . He made this known during an interview on Channels Television ’s Politics Today on Friday, April 19, 2025. ”I publicly worked against Atiku, and I am saying for the second time, if Atiku comes again, I will work against him. It is time to learn our lesson,” Fayose said. ALSO READ: Bitter Atiku building a coalition of desperate political orphans - Northern youths Fayose noted that the crisis rocking the PDP was triggered when party leaders decided, in their wisdom, to zone power to the North in the last election, ignoring the zoning principle that had ...

Tunde Onakoya’s second attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon with 70-hour has started in New York. The GWR attempt commenced on Thursday at Times Square, New York City, as the Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa looks to break a 61-hour marathon. Recall that in April 2024, Onakoya completed a 60-hour chess marathon , playing alongside US chess master Shawn Martinez. That feat surpassed the previous 56-hour record held by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, set in 2018. However, Onakoya’s 60-hour record was eclipsed just two months later in June 2024 when two other Norwegian players achieved a 61-hour marathon. READ ALSO: Chess master Tunde Onakoya's parents get house gift from good Samaritan On his second attempt, Onakoya aims to play several chess games for 70 hours without losing a single game. He is only allowed five-minute breaks every hour during the course of the attempt. Announcing ...

A Chinese national captured in a now-viral video handing out cash to Nigerian police officers has broken his silence, offering clarity on what many have called a “shameful” incident. In the footage, several officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were seen lined up to receive N5,000 each from a delegation led by the Chinese man. The video sparked outrage online, with critics accusing the officers of compromising their integrity. Reacting to the controversy on Thursday, the man identified himself as the leader of the Chinese delegation and explained that the money was handed out as a gesture of appreciation—not a bribe. READ ALSO: Lawyer demands N100m from police over arrest of boy who stood in front of Obi's convoy “What you see in the video was a friendly and open interaction — nothing was done in secret and nothing inappropriate happened,” he said. According to him, the action was rooted in a cultural tradition common in China. “It’s a common Chinese tradition to show a...