Author: Friday Omosola

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday visited the residence of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, to offer his condolences. Speaking at the Lekki, Lagos home of the revered statesman, Jonathan praised Adebanjo’s steadfast commitment to truth and justice. He called him a fearless advocate for national progress. He stressed that societies can only flourish when such principles are upheld, emphasising the lasting impact of Adebanjo’s leadership and advocacy. He said, “When we learned about the death of our leader I issued a statement. Some of you must have read that statement, but I said that statement in newspapers…

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its recent ruling that halted the release of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers State. PANDEF, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, warned that the decision could have dire consequences for the state’s economic growth and residents’ well-being. PANDEF described the ruling as a major setback that disproportionately affects the people of Rivers State, who depend on these funds for essential services, infrastructure, and social programs. “Undoubtedly, the primary casualties of this judicial restraint will be the innocent citizens of…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, to put a hold on the newly introduced Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fee increase. The group emphasised that the suspension should remain in place until the Federal High Court in Lagos delivers its ruling on the legality of the policy. Additionally, SERAP urged the president to consult the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to determine whether the CBN is legally obligated to uphold the rule of law…

Eniola Olajuni, the National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in the custody of his abductors.   The National Secretary of the Youth Council, Biodun Aderohunmu confirmed his release. The New Daily Prime reported that Olajuni was kidnapped on Monday, February 17, 2025, while travellingto Abuja for a scheduled meeting. His captors initially demanded a ransom of N100 million and two tricycles in exchange for his release. It will be recalled that on Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed the Intelligence Response Team to intervene following the circulation of a…

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has extended warm Ramadan greetings to the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria. He urged them to use this sacred period for deep reflection and fervent prayers for peace, unity, and national progress. In a statement on Saturday, the IGP emphasised the importance of Ramadan as a time for spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and communal solidarity. He encouraged Muslims to strengthen their faith and contribute to fostering harmony in society. Recognising the nation’s diversity, IGP Egbetokun underscored the significance of interfaith tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He called on religious and community leaders to promote mutual respect…

President Bola Tinubu has honoured the legacy of Namibia’s founding president, Dam Shafiishuna Nujoma, describing him as a warrior, nation-builder, and symbol of Africa’s fight for freedom. Speaking at Nujoma’s state burial on Saturday at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek, Namibia, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the late leader’s pivotal role in Namibia’s independence and his enduring influence on the African continent. “We have not come to this sacred ground to bury a man. We have come to enshrine a legacy,” President Tinubu declared in his tribute. “Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma was not just the founding father of…

President Bola Tinubu has been conferred with Akwa Ibom State’s highest traditional title, Otuekong (Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom), by the State Council of Traditional Rulers. The conferment ceremony took place on Friday at the State House, Abuja, and was led by the President General of the council, Nteyin Solomon Etuk, Okuibom Ibibio III. The event saw a delegation of 104 members, including Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his wife, Ekaette, former ministers and lawmakers, religious leaders, and representatives of women and youth groups. Expressing his gratitude, President Tinubu reflected on his past connection to…

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Friday presented three critical requests to President Bola Tinubu during a historic courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.  He led a 104-member delegation composed of state stakeholders, along with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The visit highlighted the unity and shared vision among a bipartisan gathering of political, traditional, and community leaders from various parties, all focused on the development of Akwa Ibom State. During the meeting, Governor Eno addressed the pressing issue of ecological disaster mitigation, urging for urgent federal intervention to tackle the significant ecological challenges facing the state.…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, which nullified the recent local government elections in Rivers State and affirmed the legitimacy of the 27-member Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule. The New Daily Prime reported Justice Jamilu Tukur ruled that Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, failed to adhere to due process, including continuing voter registration even after announcing the election date.  The court deemed the entire process invalid due to substantial non-compliance with electoral guidelines. Addressing journalists in Abuja after the ruling, Wike stated that the judgment had put…

The Supreme Court has nullified the local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5, 2024, citing grave violations of the Electoral Act. Delivering the judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur ruled that RSIEC failed to adhere to due process, including continuing voter registration even after announcing the election date. The court deemed the entire process invalid due to substantial non-compliance with electoral guidelines. Furthermore, the court determined that the election procedures were significantly compromised, contravening Section 150 of the Electoral Act, which outlines the legal framework for local government polls. In a separate ruling on…