Author: Gbenga Oluranti OLALEYE

The Federal Government is taking steps to resolve the ongoing conflict between the Osun State Government and Segilola Resources Operating Limited, a gold mining company. Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced the inauguration on Wednesday, October 9, of a fact-finding team aimed at investigating the dispute’s root causes. This announcement follows the Osun State Government’s decision on September 30 to seal the mining company’s premises, citing allegations of tax evasion and other operational infractions amounting to approximately $1.9 million. The state accused Segilola Resources of engaging in unethical business practices. In response to the state’s actions,…

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has expressed optimism that the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines & Agriculture (NDCCITMA) will play a crucial role in transforming the region’s economy. Eno made the remarks on Wednesday, October 9, during a one-day sensitisation event in Uyo aimed at introducing the NDCCITMA initiative to the people of the state. Represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. John Etim, Eno highlighted the misconception that the Niger Delta is solely a mono-economy reliant on crude oil. He stated, “For too long, the Niger Delta has been erroneously portrayed as a…

In a surprising development, the Federal Government has directed Nigerians to seek official permission before using the national anthem in any public or private setting. This announcement was made today, stressing the importance of respecting the anthem as a national symbol. “Individuals, organizations, and institutions must seek approval from the relevant authorities before using the national anthem at events or in productions,” the government stated. The directive is aimed at ensuring proper usage and maintaining the integrity of the anthem. This move has raised questions among the public, as the national anthem has traditionally been used at various gatherings without…

Kogi State has taken the lead in a coalition of 15 Nigerian governors seeking a court order to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating them after their terms in office end. The states involved in the legal move include Kogi, Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger. The governors have approached the courts, seeking protection from post-office probes by the EFCC, Nigeria’s anti-graft agency. The move is aimed at blocking potential investigations into their financial dealings during their time in office, sparking widespread debate on the…

In a striking critique, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of inciting potential chaos by disregarding a court judgment. Wike’s comments came during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” where he emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the rule of law. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, expressed grave concern over Fubara’s actions, asserting that ignoring court rulings could lead to widespread anarchy. “I have always obeyed the rule of law. You heard the governor say that our state is turning into a state of anarchy where…

In a candid political discussion on October 8, former Rivers Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike voiced his frustrations regarding the lack of support from his political ally, Jonathan. Wike’s comments come as Rivers State prepares for local government elections, which have heightened political tensions. “I often felt isolated in my efforts to drive meaningful change,” Wike said, lamenting that “Patient Jonathan never supported me in my political journey,” despite their shared vision for the state. This revelation highlights a growing rift that could have significant implications for future regional political collaborations. During the interview on Channels Television’s *Politics…

The Federal Government has assured that the construction of the first 47 kilometers of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be completed by May 2025. This announcement was made by the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, during a recent inspection of a previously evacuated section of the road that had been restored from a dumping ground. Sen. Umahi expressed confidence in the construction company, Hitech, highlighting their capability to lay down one kilometer of concrete pavement each day. He stated, “I am very happy with the work, and people have been asking me about the timeline for this 47-kilometer stretch.…

The Nigerian Senate has officially called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate the immediate dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue. This action is part of a broader strategy to prevent future flooding and mitigate its devastating impacts on communities along the riverbanks. During a recent session, senators emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging that the dredging be included in the 2025 budget to ensure prompt execution. The move is aimed at enhancing water flow, reducing the risk of overflow, and improving overall management of the rivers, which have historically been prone to flooding during the rainy season. Senators expressed…

The Federal Government has officially approved Dangote Refinery as the exclusive supplier of jet fuel for Nigeria’s airline operators. This landmark decision is expected to streamline fuel supply and enhance operational efficiency for airlines across the country. In a statement released today, government officials highlighted the strategic significance of this approval, which aims to ensure a consistent and reliable source of jet fuel for Nigeria’s aviation sector. By centralizing the supply through Dangote Refinery, the government seeks to stabilize fuel prices and reduce disruptions caused by supply chain challenges. Industry experts believe that this move could lead to more competitive…

The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to hear a significant lawsuit filed by 16 state governors challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Establishment Act. The hearing is scheduled for October 22. The lawsuit, which originated from the Kogi State Government through its Attorney General, argues that the EFCC Act, along with two other legislative frameworks, was enacted without the requisite constitutional approval from a majority of the state Houses of Assembly. A seven-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, has agreed to hear the case after allowing the states to join as…