Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The Hope and Unity Foundation, a community development group, has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to set aside their differences and collaborate towards the development of the state. In a statement issued on Friday, March 7, by the Chairman, Zeismer Evans, and the Secretary, Owhor Chimenem, the foundation expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two leaders, which it warned could harm the state and its citizens. The foundation highlighted that the growing conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, was not in the best interests of…

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), in collaboration with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, has intensified its efforts to address the escalating farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria through a high-level workshop aimed at refining the Ministry’s five-year strategic plan. The workshop, held on Thursday, March 6, brought together key stakeholders from government ministries, peace commissions, civil society, academia, and international development partners. The event focused on developing inclusive, conflict-sensitive strategies to improve the security and productivity of Nigeria’s livestock sector. Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, opened the workshop with a strong call…

The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has called on the Nigerian Air Force, the military, and the presidency to identify and punish officers involved in the violent attack on staff and journalists at Ikeja Electric on Thursday, March 6. The association vowed to continue pressing for justice following the brutalisation of civilians at the Ikeja Electric headquarters in Alausa, Lagos. Among those assaulted was a correspondent, who was also reportedly beaten by the military personnel involved in the incident. Following the attack, Air Vice Marshall AK Ademulegun, the Area Officer Commanding of the Logistics Command, visited the Ikeja Electric…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed his delight in the overwhelming support from the people of the state for his administration, particularly highlighting the successful revitalisation of the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Substation in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Friday, Governor Fubara emphasised that the newly upgraded fire station would now offer more efficient services, enabling a quicker response to fire emergencies. This, he said, would ensure the safety of lives and property for residents of Rumuodomaya, Obio/Akpor, and the surrounding communities. Governor Fubara said: “I feel very happy again to stand before you…

Students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), took to the streets on Wednesday, March 5, in protest against what they termed an orchestrated attempt to destabilise the institution through unfounded allegations against the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina. The protest, led by the Vice President of the Student Union, Olaniyi Eniola, comes in response to a demand by the National Women’s Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), which has called for Prof. Fasina’s suspension over an alleged sexual harassment case involving Mrs. Folasade Adebayo, a senior staff member at the university. The controversy unfolded during a recent…

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella has urged his team to approach their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign with full confidence, stating that belief in their abilities is key to securing victory in the competition. Ahead of Chelsea’s Round of 16 first-leg clash with Copenhagen on Thursday, March 6, the Spanish international emphasised the importance of self-assurance for Enzo Maresca’s side. Cucurella believes that the team, with its impressive squad and talent, has the potential to go all the way in the tournament. “For sure. Chelsea are a top club. We have top players with skills and ability, We need to feel…

The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has strongly refuted a media report claiming that he was accused of sexual harassment by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central. A news report, not originating from The PUNCH, claimed that during a recent plenary session on Wednesday, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North) alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously levelled sexual harassment accusations against Fayemi. However, in a swift response, the Head of Fayemi’s Media Office, Ahmad Sajoh, dismissed the report as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the statements made by Senator Fasuyi. According to Sajoh, after reviewing the…

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During a probe hearing on Wednesday, March 5, Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen ruled that the petition was “dead on arrival,” citing a procedural flaw under Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. According to Imasuen, Akpoti-Uduaghan had signed the petition herself, which made it invalid as it should have been endorsed by another senator. Imasuen also pointed out that the issues raised in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition were already the subject of court proceedings,…

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vehemently denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central. Akpabio addressed the Senate on Wednesday, March 5, following the formal submission of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition during plenary. The former governor of Akwa Ibom state dismissed the allegations as false, asserting that he had never engaged in any inappropriate behaviour towards Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman. “At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said distinguished Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter,” Akpabio stated. He went on to emphasise the values…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, held a crucial meeting on Tuesday, March 4, with former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, at Akande’s Ibadan residence. The talks centred on the ongoing and increasingly violent dispute over control of local government areas in the state. Governor Adeleke was joined by top state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye; Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye; Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; Commissioner for Commerce, Bunmi Jenyo; and the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi. The local government…