Author: Damilola Olufemi

In defiance of police warnings and increased security presence, members of the Take It Back Movement (TIBM) took to the streets of Lagos on Monday to protest against cybercrime and what they describe as a looming threat of emergency rule in Rivers State. The protesters gathered beneath the popular Ikeja Under-Bridge before marching to the Lagos State Government House and the State House of Assembly in Alausa, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards that decried systemic failure and political suppression. The demonstration remained peaceful, despite heavy security around government buildings and concerns about potential unrest. Organizers stressed the constitutional right…

The police authorities have placed their personnel on high alert ahead of a nationwide protest scheduled for today by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups. The protest aims to highlight issues such as economic hardship, clampdowns on civil liberties, and the crisis in Rivers State. Police Warning The Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel to strategic locations, warning protesters to shelve the planned demonstration. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the protest as “ill-timed and mischievous,” coinciding with the National Police Day celebration. He stated, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned…

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Alhaji Haruna Kankara, has revealed that about 20 states are yet to implement the N70,000 new minimum wage for local government workers and primary school teachers. Defaulting States: Some states have commenced paying state workers but excluded local government workers and primary school teachers. Kankara stated, “We truly have the challenge of so many states, like about 20 that have not started implementing the new minimum wage.” He added that some states promised but failed to fulfil their promises, saying, “We are hoping that just very soon all…

Nigeria’s public debt has surged to N144.67 trillion ($94.23 billion) as of December 2024, representing a 48.58% increase from December 2023. The Debt Management Office reports that both external and domestic borrowings drove this growth. External debt rose by 83.89% to N70.29 trillion, while domestic debt increased by 25.77% to N74.38 trillion. The increase in external debt is attributed to new borrowings and naira depreciation. Domestic debt growth reflects the government’s reliance on local borrowing for budget deficits and infrastructure projects. The Federal Government’s domestic debt component grew significantly from N53.26 trillion to N70.41 trillion, reflecting a 32.19% increase. On…

Fifteen domestic workers of former First Lady Patience Jonathan have been detained at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State since 2019. They were accused of stealing jewellery and electronics worth N200 million, as well as conspiracy to commit murder and other crimes. The workers claim they’ve been unlawfully detained without evidence presented against them. One worker said while speaking with The PUNCH Newspaper, “We have been in prison since 2019… There is no evidence to prove to the court, and the case is not proceeding.” Another inmate alleged maltreatment, stating, “These people want to kill us… Anything you can…

Brent crude oil records the lowest price for the first time in four years as the price fell to $65.58 per barrel on Friday. The worldwide oil benchmark fell by 7 per cent to trade at $65.58, making it lowest since April 2021. The United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also fell by 7.35 per cent to 62.03 per barrel. WHY THE DROP The price of the crude oil dropped following China’s increased tariffs on US goods in a retaliatory move, sharply intensifying a global trade war that has investors worried about a recession. President Donald Trump, on April 2,…

President Donald Trump’s imposed tariffs recently announced is on the edge of significant changes between Africa and the United States as the policy targets more than 180 countries—including several African nations The approach described as “Liberation Day,” is intended to counteract what Trump’s administration sees as unfair trade practices. With this, any nation that does not have a formal trade agreement with the U.S. will be subjected to a baseline 10% tariff on all exports to the American market. The primary principle of reciprocal tariffs implies that if a country imposes high tariffs on U.S. goods, the U.S. will respond…

The European Union (EU) has disclosed that it plans countermeasures in response to new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump but remains open to negotiations. This was disclosed on Thursday by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. While reacting on the sidelines of a summit with Central Asian leaders in Uzbekistan, she described Trump’s move a “major blow to businesses and consumers worldwide,’’ adding that Europe was ready to respond and protect its interests. According to her, the tariffs will lead to millions of citizens facing higher grocery, medication, and transportation costs, while inflation would rise and…

Tensions are escalating in Kogi State as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defies security restrictions to visit her constituency, triggering renewed political drama reminiscent of the recall saga once faced by former senator Dino Melaye. Despite a state-imposed ban on rallies and large gatherings citing security concerns, Akpoti-Uduaghan flew into Kogi Central to celebrate Sallah with her constituents. The senator, currently serving a six-month suspension from the National Assembly, insists her visit was lawful and not politically motivated. “This is my land. I am an Ebira woman and the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti,” she declared during the gathering.…

The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned former governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party in Kaduna State. This comes after El-Rufai and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dumped the ruling party for the SDP. El-Rufai cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision. He expressed his disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of straying from the progressive ideals of its founding members. However, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary,…