Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The National Chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, has dismissed rumours that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Ahmed made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme broadcast on Arise Television. He emphasised that the NNPP remains open to forming coalitions but that Kwankwaso’s statements do not signal a defection to the APC. “I don’t think so. I don’t think what he said indicated in any way that he is defecting or about to defect. NNPP has a long-standing position that…

ABUJA — The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has asserted that borrowing should not be viewed as a flaw in Nigeria’s financial system, but rather as a routine and necessary element of public finance. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Adedeji clarified that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has already taken decisive steps to end the controversial “Ways and Means” financing mechanism, under which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directly funded government expenditure. He confirmed that all outstanding balances from that arrangement have now been formalised as federal government debt and…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday resumed her legislative duties at the National Assembly, following the unsealing of her office by the Sergeant-at-Arms. The senator, who represents Kogi Central, had been suspended from the Senate since March 6, 2025, after a protest over the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was unsealed by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, who was seen in a video removing the red seal placed during the suspension. “In retrospect, it is amazing how much we have had to pay in the…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, has arrested 28 suspected internet fraudsters in Kwara State. According to a statement released by the EFCC Media Office on Tuesday, the suspects were apprehended in a sting operation carried out in the early hours across several areas of Ilorin, including Tanke, University Road, Oshin, and Agbabiaka. The operation, the commission said, followed credible intelligence linking the individuals to cybercrime activities in the state capital. Among items recovered during the raid were seven exotic cars, including a latest model Toyota Corolla and a Lexus, two motorcycles, and expensive phones and…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has launched a forceful legal challenge against the Federal Government, accusing it of political persecution and double standards over the criminal defamation charges filed against her by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). In a preliminary objection filed on Monday before both the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Akpoti-Uduaghan asked the courts to dismiss the six-count charge, describing it as unconstitutional, malicious, and an abuse of prosecutorial power. Her legal team, led by four senior advocates of Nigeria, including Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), Dr. E. West-Idahosa…

Dr Wale Ahmed, the lawmaker representing Agege Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is guaranteed a second term, urging opposition figures to abandon plans of challenging him in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a stakeholders’ briefing held at the Agege Local Government Secretariat, Ahmed said it was only fair for Tinubu—who hails from the South—to complete two terms, just as former President Muhammadu Buhari from the North did. “All his opponents should rest and allow him to have a second term. All opposition should simply rally round and support Tinubu,” Ahmed said.…

Elder statesman and founding member of Nigeria’s political establishment, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has said that northern Nigeria cannot speak with one voice, citing the region’s vast population and diversity of views as natural reasons for differing opinions. Speaking to journalists on Monday, Yakasai addressed recent political rhetoric suggesting regional consensus against the current administration. He rejected such claims, stressing that the North—despite its size and influence—cannot be expected to act or think uniformly. “It is not possible,” he said. “We are more than half of the entire population of Nigeria. You can’t put this number of people together and think…

As part of the coronation ceremonies for Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, theatre lovers, residents, and dignitaries gathered on Monday evening at the Apex Event Centre, Agodi, for the performance of Arusa, a play honouring the city’s rich royal heritage. The historical drama, written by Gbemi Faleti, produced by Biodun Latinwo Eleni, and directed by veteran theatre icon Yomi Duro-Ladipo, formed part of an eight-day series of events leading up to Oba Ladoja’s coronation. Latinwo, the producer, revealed that Arusa was originally conceived as a tribute for Ladoja’s 80th birthday. However, plans changed when the former…

The National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, following a protracted suspension that began in March 2025. Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was officially reopened on Tuesday morning by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, in the presence of security personnel. The red seal placed on the office door was removed, marking the formal end of the physical restrictions imposed during her suspension. “I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” Adedeji stated in a video circulated…

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has affirmed the National Assembly’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s borrowing policy, clarifying that lawmakers see borrowing as a legitimate and necessary instrument for national development. Speaking on Monday in Abuja during the 8th Annual African Network of Parliamentary Budget Offices (AN-PBO) Conference, Abbas addressed recent media reports which suggested unease in the legislature over the country’s rising debt profile. He insisted that such reports misrepresented the House’s stance. “A speech delivered by the House Leader at the West Africa Parliamentary Conference was mischievously reported out of context, creating the wrong…