Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, announced today that the Federal Government is conducting a thorough investigation into the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) as a critical route for arms trafficking into Nigeria. This revelation underscores ongoing concerns regarding the influx of illegal weapons that contribute to rising insecurity in the country. During a press briefing, Ribadu outlined the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea, noting that its vast maritime expanse has become a hotspot for various forms of criminal activities, including arms smuggling. He stated, “The Federal Government is keenly aware of the challenges posed by illicit…

The House of Representatives has passed a bill during its second reading that proposes the creation of a new Oyo State, while renaming the current Oyo State to Ibadan State. The bill aims to address regional governance and enhance administrative efficiency within the area. Proponents argue that the establishment of a new state will foster local development and improve resource management, benefiting the citizens of both the new state and the renamed Ibadan State. Debates in the House highlighted the historical significance of Oyo and the need for a structure that reflects the changing dynamics of the region. Lawmakers expressed…

The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a Bill aimed at establishing the National Food Reserve Agency. This legislation seeks to create a structured framework for managing and preserving the nation’s food reserves, addressing critical issues related to food supply and sustainability. During the session, senators emphasised the importance of the agency in mitigating food shortages and enhancing agricultural productivity. The proposed agency is expected to play a vital role in ensuring that adequate food stocks are maintained, thereby stabilising prices and protecting against the volatility of the agricultural sector. As discussions continue, lawmakers will deliberate on the bill’s…

New details have emerged regarding the arrest of popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, at the Seme Border on Monday. According to witnesses who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bobrisky arrived at the border’s departure area around 1:30 AM in a black SUV Mercedes Benz. Sources indicate that Bobrisky was initially stopped by Port Health officials, but the vehicle continued until it reached the Immigration checkpoint. At that point, Bobrisky reportedly handed his passport to the driver for processing. An immigration surveillance officer, identified as Yusuf, recognized Bobrisky while reviewing the passport. He then called…

The Nigerian Senate has summoned General Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to address allegations against Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kwara South. The summons follows accusations made by the NDLEA, claiming that Senator Ashiru made derogatory remarks about the agency last week. These comments reportedly stemmed from the senator’s frustration over the arrest and ongoing trial of individuals linked to drug abuse in his residence. To investigate these allegations, the Senate has established a six-member panel chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives…

Petrol marketers in Nigeria have successfully imported 123.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. This importation, confirmed by documents from the Nigerian Port Authority, occurred between October 18 and October 20, with four vessels arriving at key seaports, including Apapa in Lagos and Calabar in Cross River State. This substantial shipment aims to alleviate the pressing concerns regarding fuel availability and rising prices that have affected consumers in recent months. Long queues at filling stations and increased public frustration have highlighted the urgent need for a reliable fuel supply. The latest developments follow previous reports…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has categorically denied reports claiming the appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) following the absence of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who has been on leave since September. The speculation surrounding his health was further fueled by recent rumors of his death, which the Army has firmly dismissed. In a statement issued on Monday, October 21, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, emphasised that no senior officer has been appointed as acting COAS, stating, “For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).” Gusau explained that Lieutenant…

The Federal Government has announced that it has commenced work on the construction of a multi-purpose dam upstream of the River Dura in the Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State to contain the heavy water that flows from that axis. The Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Robert Umezulike, disclosed this on Saturday while assessing the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala highway, which was affected by the overflow of the River Dura that spilt onto the road. Umezulike stated that the flood was caused by continuous sediment deposits in the river, which have reduced its depth…

Prominent APC chieftain, Pharmacist Chinedu Ikeagwuonwu Klinsmann, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what he describes as Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s attempts to undermine the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. Klinsmann’s remarks follow the controversial enactment of the Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024, which he and other experts claim contradicts the Supreme Court’s directive affirming the autonomy of local governments. In a statement released today, Klinsmann warned that if Governor Soludo’s actions go unchecked, they could set a dangerous precedent that would threaten the autonomy of local governments nationwide. “If Soludo’s scheme succeeds, we…

The National Assembly has reignited discussions to implement a 5% excise duty on telecommunications, gaming, betting, and lottery services, reversing the previous exemption established under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The proposed tax comes as part of the “Nigeria Tax Bill 2024,” which seeks to levy an excise duty on various services, despite a suspension of such taxes signed into effect by President Bola Tinubu on July 6, 2023. The executive orders were intended to alleviate the financial burden on businesses and households amid rising tax concerns. According to the newly introduced bill, the excise duty will apply to the total…