Author: Olóyè Gbenga

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his capacity to lead Nigeria based on his tenure as governor of Anambra State. Speaking to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Akume dismissed Obi’s recurring calls to “rescue” the country, stating that the former governor had failed to make significant progress in his home state and therefore lacked the credentials to manage the affairs of all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “If Peter Obi could not rescue Anambra, he’s talking of rescuing the 36 states and Abuja,”…

The Osun State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has insisted that its members will not return to their duty posts until their safety can be guaranteed, following ongoing political unrest across local councils. Dr Nathaniel Kehinde Ogungbangbe, President of Osun NULGE, made this declaration on Friday in reaction to the suspension of strike action announced by a factional group known as the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State. Local government operations in Osun State have been paralysed since Monday, 17 February 2025, after violent clashes erupted between supporters of the ruling Peoples…

As part of efforts to implement Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s digitisation agenda, the Anambra State Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Agency has successfully launched 25 live public Wi-Fi sites across the state. The Managing Director of the Agency, Fred Agbata, disclosed this on Friday during a media engagement with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Awka. He described the “Solution WiFi” project as a people-centred initiative anchored in Soludo’s “People’s Manifesto”, which promised to deliver affordable and eventually free internet access in public spaces. “These hotspots are not just infrastructure; they are lifelines,” Agbata said. “They democratise internet…

Reinstated local government chairmen under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have announced plans to recall over 1,500 workers dismissed by the current administration, and to clear outstanding salary arrears owed to traditional rulers. This follows the release of previously withheld federal allocations to local councils, which had been suspended since February 2025 due to a leadership tussle between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The funds were finally disbursed in September into accounts controlled by the APC chairmen, after a prolonged legal and political standoff. Speaking at a press briefing in Osogbo on Friday, Chairman…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has sworn in Mr Austin Ezekiel Hart as a Permanent Secretary in the state’s civil service. The swearing-in ceremony, which took place today, marks a significant step in recognising Hart’s professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public service. Governor Fubara, while administering the oath of office, commended Mr Hart’s commitment to duty and urged him to remain steadfast in upholding due process, truth, and ethical standards in the discharge of his responsibilities. READ ALSO: Fubara sacks all commissioners after Supreme Court ruling “This appointment is in recognition of your professionalism and integrity. I urge you…

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has said that every Nigerian is now legally entitled to compulsory health insurance following the enactment of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022. In a statement issued on Friday, Falana explained that the new Act replaces the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Act of 2004, which he described as ineffective in achieving broad population coverage or integrating the country’s fragmented health insurance systems. Falana said the NHIA Act introduces a legal framework for universal health coverage, mandating a Basic Minimum Package of Care for all Nigerians and establishing a Vulnerable Group…

Roro village, along Mile 8 in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, was gripped by tension after a cattle rearer reported his son missing following a chase from a farm. Rumours of a possible Fulani herder invasion quickly spread as search efforts for the missing boy intensified. Community members, hunters, and police collaborated in the search, which ultimately led to the discovery of the boy’s body buried in a shallow grave. Community leaders called for an oath-taking ceremony to reveal the truth within seven days. However, before this took place, a farmer and hunter, Taiwo Amos, confessed to the…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that the upcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be anchored on fair processes, open debate, and inclusivity to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Makinde made the statement in a newsletter released on Thursday evening, where he underscored the importance of internal party democracy and unity in strengthening the PDP’s chances at the polls. The PDP’s elective national convention is scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, during which 19 new members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are…

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the 2027 general elections are more transparent and credible than the 2023 polls. Abbas stated this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the European Union (EU). He said the National Assembly is already working to amend the Electoral Act 2022 based on observations from the last general elections. “I want to acknowledge that the leadership of the country under President Bola Tinubu is very committed to improving our electoral processes, particularly in response to observations made by international…

States in Nigeria’s South-West have heightened border security following intensified attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits in neighbouring Kwara State, prompting fears of a spillover into the region. Security agencies in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states confirmed on Thursday that coordinated containment measures have been activated to prevent infiltration by bandits fleeing ongoing military operations in Kwara. Top intelligence said that federal security agencies are tracking the movement of the armed groups after recent deadly raids in several Kwara communities. A high-level security report has flagged the bandits’ potential advance into the South-West, prompting urgent interventions. Surge in attacks…