Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the growing insecurity in Benue State and other parts of the country.  Ribadu acknowledged the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia in confronting the crisis but cautioned against individuals exploiting the situation for personal gain. Ribadu made the remarks on Tuesday during a briefing with journalists at the Government House in Makurdi. He was in the state to assess the escalating insecurity, which has led to the tragic loss of over 120 lives in recent weeks. “We are fully committed to supporting the Governor in tackling…

The Niger State Government has introduced a curfew for commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada riders, and Keke NAPEP drivers in the state capital, Minna. The curfew will be in effect daily from 6pm to 6am. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago announced the decision during a stakeholders’ meeting, citing escalating insecurity in Minna, which has led to the loss of lives in recent weeks.  The governor emphasised that the safety and security of both Nigerlites and residents were top priorities for his administration. “We are imposing this curfew to address the rising insecurity in the state capital, Only those requiring urgent…

A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner Civic Room for Rule of Law has thrown its support behind growing demands for the immediate removal of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-ete Ibas. The group criticised Ibas for alleged overreach, particularly the dismissal of appointees of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, actions that have sparked nationwide backlash. Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also called for Ibas’ removal, citing constitutional violations and a failure to adhere to regulations outlined in a Federal Government Gazette issued by President Bola Tinubu. According to the document, Ibas’s powers are limited…

The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Mr Ladipo Johnson, has firmly rejected recent remarks made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, concerning alleged divisions within the NNPP. Speaking on Politics HQ, a current affairs programme aired by News Central, Mr Johnson described Dr Ganduje’s statements as “inconsequential” and dismissed them as a misrepresentation of the reality within the NNPP. “Well, the first thing I say is that Ganduje’s words are inconsequential,” Mr Johnson stated. “Two, Ganduje needs to go and open the dictionary and learn the meaning of the word ‘factions’,…

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly set to part ways with the Spanish giants at the end of this month, with his final match in charge expected to be the Copa del Rey final on 26 April. According to Sky Sports, Ancelotti will oversee Los Blancos for the last time when they face arch-rivals Barcelona in Seville, bringing an end to his second stint at the helm of the LaLiga club. The news comes in the wake of Real Madrid’s crushing Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal. The LaLiga champions were beaten 2-1 at home on Wednesday…

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has vowed to pursue legal action against anyone who defames him, following his recent arrest and remand over an alleged criminal defamation case involving veteran fuji musician Akorede Saheed, widely known as Saheed Osupa. In a now-viral video circulating on social media, the self-styled “Zazu” crooner issued a stern warning to his critics, declaring that he would no longer tolerate any defamatory remarks made against him. “Whoever talks bad about me or defames me will be arrested, They have done it to me, and I will do it to anybody…

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the banner of The National Transparency Network has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the financial dealings of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, April 17, the CSOs, led by their National Coordinator, Dr Fabian Opialu, expressed grave concerns over what they described as “reckless expenditure” and “lack of accountability” surrounding the controversial $1.5 billion allegedly spent on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery. A national emergency Dr Opialu…

The family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, came under attack in the early hours of Tuesday, 16 April, when unidentified hoodlums reportedly stormed the property wielding cutlasses and firearms. The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. in the Obeiba-Ihima community, located in the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that at least three armed assailants were involved in the attack, which left parts of the building vandalised, including several windows smashed. The senator’s Chief Security Officer, Yakubu Ovanja, promptly reported the incident to the relevant security authorities. A distress…

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing criticism of President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to declare a state of emergency over what he describes as the President’s “own disastrous presidency.” In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku lambasted Tinubu for leaving Nigeria amid escalating violence and insecurity, particularly in Plateau and Benue States, while embarking on what the Presidency labelled a “working visit” to France. “Atiku said Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency,” the statement reads, adding that the President’s absence during a time of national…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-level presidential committee to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s forthcoming National Population and Housing Census. The initiative marks a critical step toward modernising national data collection, almost two decades after the country’s last census in 2006. The inauguration was announced via a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of a credible and technology-driven enumeration process for effective national planning across key sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and the economy.…