Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The political situation in Rivers State has intensified, with major ethnic groups like the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) voicing strong opposition against any move to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Their concerns are rooted in the broader political dynamics of the Niger Delta, particularly the role of the Ijaw people in the region’s governance and the implications for the oil-rich state. The dispute centers around a series of legal and political challenges, including the expiration of an ultimatum by the Rivers State House of Assembly for Fubara to resubmit the 2025 budget. This follows the…

Tensions escalated outside the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday as supporters of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with rival groups backing Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The confrontation followed serious allegations from Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused the Senate President of sexual harassment. The protests began earlier in the day when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters gathered at the entrance to the National Assembly, demanding Akpabio’s resignation and a full investigation into the claims. As the senator arrived at the scene near the Mopol gate, the crowd erupted into cheers, holding placards with slogans such as “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator…

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called on Nigerians to embrace the spirit of reflection, sacrifice, and unity as the country grapples with economic and security challenges. In a statement released on Wednesday, Archbishop Okoh extended his prayers and goodwill to Nigerians of all faiths, noting that the Lenten season offers an opportunity for national renewal and collective healing. READ ALSO: Sexual harassment allegation: CAN faults calls for Akpabio’s resignation “Lent is a 40-day journey of sacrifice, prayer, and charity, echoing the time Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, spent fasting in the…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has formally submitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the National Assembly. The petition was tendered during the resumption of Senate plenary on Tuesday, March 4, morning, shortly after the upper legislative chamber reconvened. This move follows earlier claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, but the Senate had previously stated it would not investigate the allegations until a formal petition was presented. Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen arriving at the Assembly complex with her husband on Tuesday, just hours before submitting the petition. The submission marks a significant development in the…

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has rescheduled the disciplinary hearing for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat allocation in February. The incident, which took place on February 20, saw the Kogi Central lawmaker reject her assigned seat, defying Akpabio’s order and persistently raising a point of order despite being overruled. The altercation, which occurred during plenary, sparked criticism, with Senator Yemi Adaramodu of Ekiti South remarking that the episode had tarnished the image of the Senate. As a result, the Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary…

The Federal Government has expressed confidence that the transformative reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration will begin to bear fruit in 2025, delivering tangible benefits for Nigerians. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this assertion during the Ministerial Press Briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja. Since the administration took office in May 2023, Nigerians have faced significant economic challenges, attributed to policy shifts such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market, and the recent increases in the cost of data, calls, and electricity tariffs. These measures, although controversial,…

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the procurement of a N2.5 billion satellite system aimed at curbing illegal mining activities across the country. The approval came during the third meeting of the year on Monday, as announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake. Speaking to State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting, Alake explained that the satellite technology was an integrated solution designed to monitor and combat unlicensed, unregulated, and underreported mining activities. He emphasised that the deployment of this advanced technology would help mitigate issues such as revenue leakages and illegal extraction of the…

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called on the Federal High Court in Abuja to release his international passport, allowing him to travel to the United States to visit his family. Sowore, who is currently on bail, is facing a 16-count amended charge of cybercrime filed against him by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Sowore’s legal team presented the application on Monday, March 3, requesting the temporary release of his passport to enable him to travel for family purposes and a routine medical check-up. Sowore, who has been on bail since January 30, 2025, was granted the release…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced an immediate ban on the registration, renewal, and variation of Multi-Dose Artemether/Lumefantrine dry powder for oral suspension in Nigeria. In a statement issued on its website on Monday, March 3, NAFDAC cited concerns over the product’s instability after reconstitution, which compromises its effectiveness over time. The agency noted that this ban applies to both locally manufactured and imported versions of the drug. NAFDAC explained that stability studies had revealed that the reconstituted form of Artemether/Lumefantrine becomes unstable, leading to a gradual loss of its therapeutic efficacy. This…

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) saw a significant boost on Monday, following the listing of additional shares by Fidelity Bank Plc, which increased the market capitalisation by N94 billion. This surge comes after the successful conclusion of the bank’s hybrid offer, which included both a rights issue and a public offer both of which were oversubscribed. A total of 18.2 billion ordinary shares, each valued at 50 kobo, were added to the NGX’s daily official list as part of this offering. The rights issue, which comprised 3.2 billion ordinary shares priced at N9.25 each, was fully subscribed. Meanwhile, the public offer,…