Monday, 29 May 2023

PHOTOS: Nigeria President, Bola Tinubu's Inauguration


Bola Tinubu became Nigeria’s president on Monday during a period of unprecedented challenges for Africa’s most populous country, leaving some citizens hopeful for a better life and others skeptical that his government would perform better than the one he succeeded.


Thousands of Nigerians and several heads of government attended the swearing-in ceremony for the 71-year-old Tinubu in the country’s capital, Abuja. He succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari to lead a country that by 2050 is forecast to become the third most populous nation in the world, tied with the United States after India and China.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sworn In As Nigeria's President; Vowed To Expand Economy


Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria's president on Monday at a ceremony in the capital Abuja, under the cloud of a disputed election and under pressure to quickly improve economic and security conditions.


Tinubu vowed to expand the economy by at least 6% a year, lift barriers to investment, create jobs and unify the exchange rate, while also tackling rampant insecurity.

Tinubu inherits a struggling economy with record debt, shortages of foreign exchange and fuel, a weak naira currency, nearly two-decades-high inflation, skeletal power supplies and falling oil production due to crude theft and underinvestment.

Monday, 3 February 2020

Containing possible Coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria

Coronavirus
With a death toll already in excess of 100 people and confirmed cases of infection in their thousands, the world faces a formidable public health crisis in a recent outbreak of a virus infection called coronavirus. Although it originated in China, where most of the casualties have been reported, the disease has spread across the globe with reported cases in places as far flung as the United States, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, France and Germany.

As a member of the global community, Nigeria also has a responsibility to ensure that her citizens are not caught up in this noxious eddy that has been twirling across the globe. In a country already burdened by poverty and many deadly diseases, including the Lassa fever, which is currently spreading across the states like a wildfire propelled by a harmattan wind, Nigeria cannot afford to start contending with an additional burden of the coronavirus, a disease about which very little is known for now.

"No Nigerian In China Infected With Coronavirus" - Chinese Ambassador

Zhou Pingjian
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, has clarified that no Nigerian citizen residing in Wuhan city has contracted the Coronavirus.

The envoy who confirmed this at a news briefing in Abuja said that 60 Nigerians are resident in the city where the outbreak was first recorded.

He added that no Chinese in Nigeria has caught the virus, stating that the number of confirmed cases has risen to 17,205, while recorded deaths have reached 361.

Okada/Keke Ban: Taking Restrictions Beyond Rhetoric

Lagos State Government’s latest ban on motorcycles and tricycles in 15 Local Government Areas and Council Development Areas, major highways, 40 bridges and flyovers advertises official laxity in law enforcement in the country. The said ban has been an integral part of an extant traffic law since 2012. It is, however, only now that the state is getting serious about enforcement. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said on Monday that the state would ramp up the enforcement with effect from February 1.

The decision was taken after a security council meeting. Premium on the security and safety of Lagosians, the government said, underpinned its action. Among the LGAs beyond the reach of the motorcycle and tricycle operators are Apapa, Lagos Island, Surulere, Ikeja, Victoria Island and Lagos Mainland.

Details of the US Travel Ban

Trump and Buhari
The scope of the ban is sketchy at the moment, but clearly stated is that:
  • The restrictions will take effect on February 22
  • Trump administration claims countries added to the list did not meet specific security criteria
  • Issuance of visas that can lead to permanent residency WILL be suspended
  • Non-immigrant visas (visit, business and student), designated refugees, and temporary workers are EXEMPT from the restrictions
  • 'Some' applicants will be able to apply for waivers from the restrictions

Monday, 11 February 2019

Suspension of Nigeria's Chief Justice by President Buhari violates global human rights standards - UN expert

The suspension of Nigeria's most senior judge by President Muhammadu Buhari broke international human rights standards on the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers, a United Nations expert has said.
"International human rights standards provide that judges may be dismissed only on serious grounds of misconduct or incompetence," said Diego Garcia-Sayan, the UN special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, on Monday.

Tuesday, 5 February 2019

Oby Ezekwesili apologises for withdrawing from Presidential Race

Oby Ezekwesili ACPN
Former presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has apologised for what she described as an error of judgement in joining the party in her bid to become president.

Dr Ezekwesili tendered an apology while addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Monday.
“It has been an interesting one week since I made the tough but necessary decision to suspend my campaign for the presidency,”
“I have been truly overwhelmed by the reactions to my announcement from Nigerians.”

Nigerian Army repel Boko Haram attack in Yobe

Yobe State, Nigeria
The Nigerian Army said troops of 159 Battalion, have repelled an attack by Boko Haram.

The soldiers were deployed at Kanama, Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.

According to an army spokesperson, Injoka Irabo, the terrorists came on Monday evening in their numbers through the border town of Kanama and began to shoot sporadically. But they were engaged by the vigilant troops.

Boko Haram takes over Baga, Borno State; ...issues movement permit to residents

Baga, Borno State
Displaced residents of Baga, a border community in Borno State recently taken over by the Boko Haram insurgents, said the Nigerian government is lying in the claims that the town has been reclaimed by government troops.

According to multiple civilian sources, all IDPs from Baga, the insurgent are not only flying their flags in the commercial border town but are also controlling the movement of civilians in an out of the town.

Saturday, 2 February 2019

PHOTOS: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s helicopter crash-land, again!

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s helicopter crash-land in Kabba, Kogi State.

Vice President’s media aide, Laolu Akande, said no one was hurt. “VP Osinbajo’s chopper crash lands in Kabba, but he and the entire crew safe. He is continuing with his engagements and plans for the day in Kogi State.” - he said.

Thursday, 18 August 2016

#MustRead: Bring back inter-school sports in Nigeria

by: Abimbola Adelakun



The 2016 Rio Olympics Games is not yet over and to speak of Nigeria’s participation in obituary terms may be demoralising for the athletes still holding out hope of winning a medal. Yet, we must take that backward glance on the road that led Nigeria to her “medal-less” state (i.e. as of Wednesday) and seek insights to map routes towards the future. If an individual like the legendary American swimmer, Michael Phelps, can win more gold medals in his career than Nigeria in her entire existence, we can be certain there is no happenstance to success. Success in sports is a function of individual will and a supportive society.

Today in Nigeria, there are many children born in Nigeria who have the potential to be great sport stars but they never even got a start. They were born and raised in mega and provincial cities that never factored sporting expressions into their urban architecture. How many of our urban spaces have mere sidewalks for pedestrians let alone factor joggers into city planning? When I first started living in Lagos, I tried jogging every morning but gave up after a while. The roads in my then neighbourhood had collapsed and while jogging one had to constantly look over one’s shoulder so as not to be hit by cars trying to avoid the potholes. To continue trying to jog early in the morning on such hopeless roads was a suicidal undertaking.

Federal Government signs MoU On Dairy Production and Development

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the dairy sector in Nigeria.

Signing the MoU with one of the world’s largest dairy companies – Arla Foods in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development – Chief Audu Ogbeh stated that the Nigerian Government in line with its plan on food security, welcomes companies and initiatives that would help in the development of the agricultural sector.

"Why I named my dog Buhari" — arrested Trader

Joe Fortemose Chinakwe
The Police in Ogun State, yesterday, released unconditionally, the 30-year-old trader, Joe Fortemose Chinakwe, who was arrested last Saturday for naming his pet dog ‘Buhari’.

The embattled trader, who was visibly angry after his three-day incarceration in police cell, was let off the hook around 5pm on Tuesday after the intervention of both the Serkin Hausa and President-General of non-indigenes in the state.

Biafra: IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu writes British government; ...demands rights as a British citizen

Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has petitioned the British High Commission against his continuous trial by the federal government.

Kanu was arrested by officials of the Department of State Securities (DSS) in October, 2015. A situation which generated mass protest in the southeastern part of Nigeria. He is yet to be released from detention.

Again, ex-president Goodluck Jonathan denies link with Niger Delta Avengers

Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has again denied allegations that he is sponsoring the Niger Delta Avengers.

Some national newspapers had quoted a presidency source stating that a new report had linked Jonathan to the militant group and that the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government had begun probing the former president.

In his response however, Jonathan said that reports in the media against him are being sponsored by those who feel intimidated by his rising profile in Nigeria and abroad.

Niger Delta Avengers vow to declare Niger Delta region an independent entity on October 1

Niger Delta militants
Niger Delta Avengers, the militant group giving mixed signals regarding dialogue with the federal government, has vowed to declare the Niger Delta region an independent entity on October 1, 2016.

On Wednesday, Ballantyne Agiri, “spokesman” for the dialogue group of the Avengers, had indicated the readiness of the group to engage the federal government in dialogue in order to resolve the lingering crisis.

Appeal Court reverses Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s sack

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has voided the judgment that sacked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State from office.The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has voided the judgment that sacked Governor.

The court, in a unanimous decision, a five-man panel of Justices of the appellate court, vacated the June 27 verdict of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Monday, 15 August 2016

#MustRead: Nigeria is a distant country to its citizens

by: Obo Effanga



Our country, Nigeria, is a distant land to many of its citizens. I do not know when we lost it, but I know the country was not always this far away from the people. It is true that someone once referred to it as a mere geographical expression. But it was an expression the people felt part of and showed it in various ways. I say so because I have lived long enough in this country to know it. And for that older era of the glorious past I did not witness, I have read about through authentic historical documentation.

We did not lose the real Nigeria in one day. We lost it in a gradual process that lasted several years. There is no doubt that the de-Nigerianisation of the citizens has been exacerbated and fast-forwarded by modernity. In this age of freedom and the ease with which we can express such freedom, especially through the social media and even deceive unwary compatriots, individualism can easily overshadow the communal. And in the face of a weak central authority, many citizens have drummed up allegiances to ethnic and regional authorities and sentiments.

U.S to send FBI team to Nigeria to assist in combating terrorism

The U.S. Government ​has said it would send officials from its Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other security experts to provide technical assistance to the Nigerian Government to deal with terrorism.

The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Alan Tousignant, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja when he led a security delegation on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau.

Nigerian Army responds to Boko Haram prisoner swap request

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Abayomi Olonishakin, on Monday responded to the prisoners’ swap demand made by Boko Haram in a new video of the abducted Chibok girls.

The terrorist group released the video on Sunday showing some of the over 200 girls abducted in 2014 from their school’s dormitory in Chibok, Borno State in Northeast Nigeria.

"We'll get Biafra or die trying" - IPOB

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday said that the group will not retreat on its quest for a sovereign state, stating that ‘It is either we get Biafra or die trying’.

The spokesmen of IPOB, Emma Nmezu and Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya‎ in a statement issued on Monday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, adding that he should abide by existing court orders regarding Kanu’s case.

"IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu agreed to renounce Biafra" - MEND

Nnamdi Kanu
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta, MEND, today, took the the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, to the cleaners, saying he agreed in secret to renounce ‘Biafra’ in exchange for freedom, only to act hypocritically in public after sealing discussion with MEND on the matter.

Spokesperson of MEND, Jomo Gbomo, in a vitriolic statement, said: “The attention of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has been drawn to the recent spate of hypocritical and provocative statements issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu,”

Monday, 8 August 2016

#MustRead: Serving and Stealing

by: Fola Ojo



Just like many Nigerians I know, in my daily commune with the Creator, I have not hesitated to pray for Nigeria. My petitions for the country are many because many are also her afflictions and challenges. In my quiet time, I focus my attention on men and women who have been placed in positions of leadership by whatsoever means. That is the charge of the Holy Book. I pray that their hearts will eschew evil and embrace good. I ask that their minds will not be on self but on the well-being and welfare of those they were called to serve. And I request that those among them who boldly and blatantly steal from the people will steal no more. I hope that these prayers will be answered in my lifetime.

Men are not asked to serve in order to make other men serfs. Government service is more than gluttonous and grabby aggrandisement. It is more than stacking up on treasures of gold and farther from diversion of monetary resources to fields and farms. Service to country was not crafted to be an avenue for looting, or fashioned as a weapon for leaching on the languid. Service is selfless. Many times, thankless. As men serve, a train track of legacy is being built one stretch after another. These are tracks upon which the helpless commute; and upon which men who have no hopes trace their trips to fulfillment in life. Divinity puts men in charge of lives of other men to challenge them to be in charge of their lives, and empower them to become men of fulfilled dreams.

"Nigerians need to conserve energy to achieve stable electricity" - Fashola

A stable power supply can be achieved in Nigeria if consumers learn to conserve energy, a top government official said on Monday.

In a power sector stakeholders meeting in Maiduguri, the Minister of power, works and housing Babatunde Fashola claimed that increased power supply experienced lately was in line with the Federal Government’s road map of first achieving “incremental power”.

PHOTOS: President Buhari re-launches War Against Indiscipline (WAI) brigade

War Against Indiscipline (WAI) brigade
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, on Monday, relaunched the War Against Indiscipline, WAI Brigade, in Abuja, saying in this era of insecurity, violence, kidnapping, and other forms of social vices, the role of the Brigade in civil intelligence gathering cannot be over emphasized.

Announcing the development on the occasion of the National and State Commanders meeting of the Community Support Brigade, CSB, also known as WAI, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Dr. Garba Abari said the President Buhari administration has declared the intention to relaunch the Brigade for better performance, as well as to bring its activities to the fore.

Friday, 5 August 2016

#MustRead: Do They Know We Are Suffering?

by: Ayo Oyoze Baje

“Your leaders have no respect for their people.They believe that their personal interests are the interests of the people.They take people’s resources and turn them into personal wealth.There is a level of poverty in Nigeria that should be unacceptable.” 
 - Nelson Mandela

The statistics are simply scary. One is talking about the inexcusable social inequality and injustice in Nigeria. These are characterised by the pervasive poverty level, the irredeemably corrupt, conscienceless, kleptomaniac ruling elite; blindly driven by the greed for personal gains and of course, the grinding wheels of the acquiescent and ignorant led majority.

Looked at from the Human Development Index, which is a summary measure for assessing long-term progress in the three basic dimensions of human development, there is nothing to write home about. The three key areas of long-term healthy life, access to knowledge and decent standard of living paint a parlous picture of pure deprivation of the long-suffering masses. That is, by their so-called leaders, and painfully too, under a democratic dispensation.

Nigeria Football Federation chooses Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles Coach

Gernot Rohr
The Nigeria Football Federation has selected a German, Gernot Rohr to manage the Super Eagles.

The NFF President Amaju Pinnick confirmed that the German currently working on development programmes for the German Football Federation is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Saturday.

Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Federal Government to fund part of 2017 Budget with recovered loot

Minister of Budget and National Planning , Udoma Udo Udoma
Preliminary works for 2017 budget have begun in earnest going by the declaration by the Minister of Budget and National Planning , Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, that the 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MEFT) will be ready for submission to the National Assembly by October.

Udoma gave insight into the 2017 budget yesterday in Abuja during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum with Civil Society Groups and organised private sector on the 2017-2019 METF.

Nigerian Army to take full military action against Niger Delta militants if dialogue fails

COAS, Tukur Buratai
The Nigerian Army would deploy full military action in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, if dialogue with the notorious militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers fails.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt -Gen Tukur Buratai, yesterday, said this in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Obasanjo and lawmakers in war of words over Budget padding allegation

Olusegun Obasanjo
Sequel to the allegations of corrupt practices in the National Assembly, especially with regards to the padding of the 2016 budget in the House of Representatives, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said the National Assembly was filled with rogues and armed robbers.

Obasanjo’s comment elicited caustic responses from the legislators, who accused him of running a corrupt and killer regime that attempted tenure elongation, which they lawmakers scuttled.

Militants invade Igando area of Lagos

Militants
Militants have again invaded Igando area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, with people feared killed.

There was pandemonium in the area as at this morning as the militants broke into people’s houses to wreck havoc.

The affected community is Ewedogbo area of Igando, along LASU road. The streets are empty as the militants have taken over everywhere.

#MustRead: President Buhari and the Lost Honeymoon

President Buhari
by: Obo Effanga


One of the projections I made following the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as President in May 2015 was that the new government was likely to experience a very short political honeymoon with citizens. It did not require much of a political sagacity to know that. The election that brought him in was one that upstaged a sitting president. It also dislodged a political party that had been in power for 16 years. The margin of victory was not very wide while the demography of the votes dangerously exposed the fault lines of the country along ethno-religious and regional lines. It followed that the President technically had as huge an opposition as he had supporters.

On the economic side, the country’s revenue base and the economy at large were already showing signs of weakness. In fact, as far back as November 2014, under the immediate past administration, the government had announced cost-saving measures to help Nigeria’s sinking economy. This was caused mainly by the dwindling price of oil in the international market, that being the mainstay of our economy as well as profligacy and outright corruption. It followed that the new government had a lot of work to do on the economy, more than on anything else. Even if the new government was too carried away by the excitement of their victory at the polls, the immediate events ought to have shocked them to the reality that the economy would remain one of the most critical indicators of its success with Nigerians.

Aliko Dangote drops out of Top 100 Rich list following Naira devaluation

Following the crash of the naira, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has dropped off the list of the 100 richest people in the world.

Dangote was the 51st richest man in the world as at March 2016, but he dropped to 101th place yesterday.

Kidnappers of Lagos pastor demand N100million ransom

The kidnappers of Kayode Bajomo, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Santos bus stop, Isawo in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State have demanded a ransom of N100m.

The case had been transferred from the Owutu Police Division to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikorodu, of the Lagos State Police Command.

Celestial Church issues statement on Pastor who chained his 9-year-old son

Francis Taiwo and chained son Korede Taiwo
The Celestial Church of Christ has released a statement reacting to the report of one of their pastors, Francis Taiwo, who chained his nine year old son, Korede Taiwo, for weeks without food at the Key of Joy Parish, Ajiwo at Ajibawo in Ado Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State.

In the statement, the leadership of the church condemned the act, stating it will never support any act of child abuse.

Lagos State Government defends removal of traffic offenders’ number plates

The Lagos State Government on Monday defended the enforcement method of its Special Offences Task Force which favours the removal of number plates of erring vehicles over clamping down and towing of vehicles.

The government also denied allegations of highhandedness against officials of the Task Force and those of the Special Offences Tribunal (Mobile Court), describing the coterie of complainants on social media as hypocritical and manipulative.

Monday, 25 July 2016

"Corrupt APC members will face trial" – President Buhari

President Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has said he will not hesitate to prosecute party loyalists and those who supported his Presidency bid during the 2015 presidential election if any of them was involved in corrupt practices.

He also said that some unnamed persons pressurised him to contest the 2015 presidential election which he won. He said the pressure mounted on him was too enormous that he could not resist it.

Budget Padding: Police probe Jibrin’s allegations against Dogara and other principal officers

Dogara and Jibrin
There are indications that the police have begun probing the allegations of budget padding levelled against the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers by a former House Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Adbdulmumin Jibrin.

It was learnt on Monday that the police leadership had directed detectives to probe the allegations by Jibrin that the Speaker colluded with his deputy, Yusuf Lasun, the Chief Whip, Alhassan Doguwa, and the Minority Whip, Leo Ogor, to earmark N40bn to themselves in the 2016 National Assembly budget.

Attorney General of the Federation to reopen corruption cases of former governors

Abukakar Malami
Fresh troubles may be ahead of some former governors as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abukakar Malami, is set to reopen corruption cases for which they were earlier investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission.

Sources in the ICPC confirmed on Monday that the commission had, last week, received a letter from the office of the AGF, giving the anti-graft agency a directive to that effect.