Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has assured Nigerians that the days of bloodshed in Benue State and the wider North Central region are numbered. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, Akume emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is wholly committed to ending the ongoing violence and restoring peace. Akume highlighted that the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda places the safety and protection of all citizens as a top priority. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is clear. We will protect our people at all costs. Mr. President has given strict orders that these killers must be fished out…

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has described the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a broader clash of egos among party members, rather than a dispute centred solely on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Lawal said the internal turmoil results from personal interests and power struggles, adding that everyone in the party has their own issues. “Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar. It’s beyond him,” he stated. “It’s an internal problem within the PDP, and we are making conscious efforts to address it. I think it’s…

The Oyo State Government has reiterated that its anti-open grazing law remains firmly in force. The announcement was made on Thursday by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, during an inter-ministerial press briefing in Ibadan, the state capital. Olaleye disclosed that over the past two years, more than 58 cattle have been seized for violating the law, with numerous herdsmen charged in court for breaches. The Commissioner warned that anyone found contravening the law would face appropriate sanctions. The anti-open grazing bill was passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2019 and subsequently signed…

Nigerian lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a growing threat to freedom of expression under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Thursday, June 19, during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Farotimi expressed concern about the state of democracy in Nigeria. The former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign criticised the current government for what he termed an “ambiguity” between military dictatorship and democracy. He said Nigerians are not experiencing the democratic freedoms promised by President Tinubu. “In the administration of Tinubu, there is the ambiguity of whether…

Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has called for national unity and urgent action to halt the rising violence in rural communities, following the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 residents were reportedly killed by armed herders. Visiting the grieving community, Ortom condemned the attack, describing it as “unprovoked and unfortunate,” and expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives and the devastation caused to families. “Our hearts are heavy with grief for the lives lost and the families devastated by this heinous act. We must stand together as a people and as a…

Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has dismissed recent reports claiming he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The rumours, which circulated widely on Wednesday, were sparked by a photograph of Sambo with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. In a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Umar Sani, the former vice president clarified that the photograph was not recent and was taken years ago during a condolence visit by Governor Sani to Sambo’s residence in Abuja, following the death of Sambo’s brother, the late Sani Sambo. The statement firmly refuted the defection…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally closed its case in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing charges of terrorism and treason. This development came on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution’s fifth and final witness, identified only as EEE for security reasons, concluded his testimony. EEE was led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu’s defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, before Justice James Omotosho. Announcing the close of the government’s case, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, told the court that the evidence presented…

Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has reportedly given his approval to a potential move to Serie A champions Napoli, according to Sky Sport. While Sancho is said to be open to joining the Italian side, no agreement has yet been reached between Manchester United and Napoli regarding a possible transfer. The 25-year-old England international recently returned to Old Trafford following a loan spell at Chelsea, where he enjoyed a relatively solid campaign. Despite his contributions, the London club opted not to make the deal permanent. Sancho, who joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, has struggled to establish himself…

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has released the shortlist of 72 candidates for the 2025 conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The list, made public in a notice signed by the LPPC Secretary and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, includes 57 advocate applicants and 15 academic candidates. The shortlist was published ahead of the final interview stage in accordance with the LPPC’s guidelines. Advocate Applicants Include:Theophilus Esan Kolawole, Ernest Chik Wendu Ikeji, Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze, Omamuzo Erebe, Emeka Akabogu, Achinike Godwin William-Wobodo, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, Aminu Sani Gadanya, Oluseun Awonuga Adentyi, Shuaibu…

The 17 individuals nominated by President Bola Tinubu to head three key commissions in Rivers State have formally declared their assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), following security clearance from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police. The nominees are to oversee the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, and Rivers State Local Government Service Commission. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed the development during a screening session conducted by the Senate ad hoc committee overseeing activities linked to the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired). The asset declaration…