Author: New Daily Prime

Abuja, Nigeria – Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally rejected his ministerial nomination, refuting claims that his disqualification was due to security concerns raised by the National Assembly. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and once a close ally of President Tinubu, said that despite Tinubu’s initial public plea for him to join the administration, the president ultimately changed his mind about his appointment. El-Rufai, who was widely expected to lead power sector reforms under Tinubu, emphasized that his exclusion…

President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is open to forging economic agreements with Russia, confirming that recent talks with Moscow over ending the Ukraine war have been “very good.” Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office, Trump downplayed tensions with Russia and suggested that Washington could engage in economic development deals in exchange for resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “A lot of progress has been made. We’ve had some very good talks with Russia,” Trump told reporters.”Just as we’re doing with Ukraine, we could do some economic development in terms of Russia and…

Leader Without a Mandate? Ukrainian Parliament Snubs Zelensky’s Legitimacy Kyiv, Ukraine – A symbolic resolution affirming the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky failed to pass in the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada) today, as political divisions deepen over ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The resolution, which sought to reaffirm Zelensky’s democratic mandate, garnered 218 votes—falling short of the 226 required for passage. Notably, 54 lawmakers abstained, including 38 members from Zelensky’s own Servant of the People party, raising concerns about the president’s ability to maintain a parliamentary majority. The resolution stated: “The Verkhovna Rada once again recalls that President…

Washington, D.C. – French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the White House today to present a European-backed peace plan for Ukraine, as concerns mount over Donald Trump’s shifting stance on the war and his recent engagements with Moscow. During a 90-minute session with Trump, Macron pushed for a clear Western strategy to counter Russian aggression, emphasizing that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be upheld. His proposal, described as a “call to action” against Russian influence, could include European military support in Kyiv to reinforce Ukrainian defences. Macron’s visit comes ahead of a similar trip by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as…

By Damilola Olufemi It is a verified truth that, in recent times, Nigeria has continued to witness rising cases of kidnapping, banditry insurgency, terrorism,among others. Sad enough, oftentimes, these criminal acts come with attendant negative backlash for most of their victims — ransom payment, displacements, torture and deathThese worrisome situation have left many querying the effectiveness of the nation’s security architecture .For instance,the latest victim of kidnapping is Eniola Ojajuni, the National President of the Afenifere Youth Council.He was abducted by suspected gunmen in Abuja on February 17,2025.His abductors aredemanding a ransom of N100 million for his freedom from captivity.In…

Damilola Olufemi Multichoice, the parent body of DStv and GOtv, is set to increase its subscription packages starting March 1, 2025. The company, in a statement titled, “Price adjustments for DStv and GOtv packages,” made this known on Monday. According to the statement, the hike is to enable expand its services to customers. The new hike is coming after its last price review almost a year ago. “Dear Customer, please note that effective 1 March 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. “This is to enable us to continue to offer our customers world-class homegrown and…

The trial of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello on charges of alleged fraud resumed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, amid an unusually heavy security presence by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC operatives, visibly armed with various firearms, were stationed at strategic points around the court complex, including roadblocks that prevented access to one of the major routes leading to the court. In addition to the weapons, dogs and other security equipment were also deployed at the entrance of the court building, further heightening the sense of tension. Several lawyers,…

Chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 2022 Osun Local Government elections returned to their respective council secretariats on Monday, amid heightened security. Council officials resumed work at various secretariats, including in Ikirun (Ifelodun Local Government), Igbona (Olorunda Local Government), and Oke-Baale (Osogbo Local Government), despite ongoing tensions. A heavy security presence was visible across the state, with armed police officers and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel stationed at roadblocks leading to the secretariats. Checkpoints were also set up along major routes, including the Osogbo/Kwara boundary and Osogbo/Ilesa roads. Jamiu Olawumi, a former…

Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, a prominent Nigerian nationalist and elder statesman, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on May 3, 2025. The announcement was made in a statement signed by his children, Ms Ayotunde Ayo-Adebanjo, Mrs Adeola Azeez, and Mr Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo, on behalf of the Adebanjo family. According to the statement, funeral proceedings will commence with a Day of Tributes and a Service of Songs at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, before the burial. The main burial ceremony will take place on Friday, May 3, beginning with a wake at Adebanjo’s country home…

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to friends, associates, and well-wishers who celebrated his 65th birthday. However, he couldn’t resist taking a subtle dig at those he claimed initially refrained from acknowledging his milestone until President Bola Tinubu’s birthday message prompted them to do so. In a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, El-Rufai thanked those who sent him birthday prayers and well-wishes, while poking fun at his critics. He remarked, “I want to thank everyone that sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those that didn’t want to until…