Author: New Daily Prime

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday, Decmber 2, defended his decision to present the 2025 budget to just three lawmakers, asserting that the 27 members of the State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had permanently lost their seats. Fubara, who is currently embroiled in a prolonged dispute with former governor Nyesom Wike, made it clear that the defected lawmakers, loyal to Wike, would not be allowed back into the Assembly. He further insisted that there was no remedy or possibility for their return. Speaking shortly after signing…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning that 2025 could witness a prolonged confrontation between the union and the Federal Government unless concrete actions are taken to address long-standing issues in the university system. The union, led by Prof. Ayo Akinwole of the Ibadan chapter, criticised the federal government’s efforts in 2024 as insufficient, claiming that no significant changes were made in the university sector. In a statement on Wednesday, January 1, ASUU lambasted the government for neglecting the education system and failing to address critical issues outlined in past agreements. These include the non-release…

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, declared on Wednesday that with the newly developed Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, the state is on track to becoming Nigeria’s leading agro-allied export hub. Speaking in his New Year address, broadcast statewide, the governor expressed optimism that 2025 would usher in a period of unprecedented progress in food production, infrastructure, and government services, marking a historic transformation for the state. Governor Oyebanji highlighted the recent approval granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for non-scheduled flight operations at the Ekiti State Airport, which he described as the ideal New Year gift for…

Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), has called on believers around the world to deepen their spiritual connection with God as a key strategy to overcome the challenges that lie ahead in 2025. Speaking during the church’s inter-denominational Cross Over/Prosperity Night service at Prayer City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Olukoya declared the year 2025 as one of “restoration” and “divine intervention.” The renowned cleric emphasised the importance of “targeted prayers” and spiritual discernment, urging followers to seek a deeper understanding of life from God’s perspective in order to navigate the unique challenges…

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, asserting that they are “inimical to the unity of the country” and would harm the welfare of Nigerians. Represented by his Deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, during the 2025 celebration at the Filin Mahaha in Kano, Yusuf declared that the tax reform bill was not a solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges. Deputy Governor Gwarzo, speaking on behalf of Yusuf, described the tax reform proposal as “ill-timed, lopsided and inimical to the unity of the country.” He added that Nigerians, especially in the northern region, are…

Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has expressed concern that the optimism conveyed in President Bola Tinubu’s New Year speech does not align with the current state of Nigeria’s economy. Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, January 1, evening, Osifo was critical of the President’s optimistic outlook, particularly the promises made to combat inflation, stabilise the naira, and foster economic growth. In his address, President Tinubu outlined ambitious plans for the nation’s economic recovery, including strategies to boost local food production, increase the manufacturing of essential medicines, and improve access to credit through the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee…

Elon Musk has started 2025 as the world’s richest individual, securing his place as the first billionaire worth over $400 billion, according to Forbes’ latest report on Wednesday. The Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder’s fortune has surged to an impressive $421.2 billion, primarily driven by a $91 billion increase in his wealth during December, fueled by a new valuation of SpaceX at $350 billion. Musk’s wealth was further boosted by his recent appointment as co-head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by President Donald Trump. Musk’s remarkable rise tops a list of the world’s wealthiest individuals, whose combined…

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing at least one person and injuring seven others. Authorities are investigating if the blast is linked to an earlier truck attack in New Orleans that killed 15. US President Joe Biden mentioned the ongoing investigation into any possible connections between the two incidents, though no links have been found so far. The FBI is treating the Las Vegas explosion as an isolated event but is investigating whether it was an act of terrorism. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill reported that the truck had been parked outside the…

Reduction of military presence is latest sign of weakening western influence in region French troops will begin to withdraw from Ivory Coast in west Africa this month, marking the latest reduction of France’s military presence and a further weakening of western influence in the region. Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara made the announcement in a new year’s address that French troops would pull out from a base in the capital Abidjan this month. “We can be proud of our army, which has now been effectively modernised. It is in this context that we have decided the concerted and organised withdrawal of…

Critics warn President Bola Tinubu’s proposed changes to VAT distribution will help wealthier southern states Nigeria’s government is facing stiff opposition to a controversial tax reform bill that northern leaders say favours more productive southern states, reawakening a historic regional divide in Africa’s most populous country. Nigeria’s parliament late last month began deliberating on four bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the so-called “Nigeria Tax Bill”, to streamline tax codes and generate more revenue for a government whose tax collection lags behind its African counterparts. But the proposal on how VAT should be shared among Nigeria’s 36 states…