The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward ensuring financial autonomy for Nigeria’s local governments by inaugurating a 10-man inter-ministerial committee tasked with enforcing a recent Supreme Court judgment. Delivered on July 11, 2024, the ruling mandates direct financial allocations to local governments, bypassing state governments, to foster effective governance at the grassroots level. The committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume,…

Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Tuesday, August 20, declined to appear for a scheduled police interview regarding allegations of terrorism financing and other serious accusations. Ajaero, who had been summoned by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) just a day earlier, cited prior commitments as the reason for his non-attendance. Through his legal representatives at Falana and Falana Chambers, the labour leader communicated his…

The Nigerian government’s recent acquisition of a $100 million presidential jet has ignited widespread criticism, with many questioning the necessity of such a purchase during a period of intense economic hardship. As protests over rising poverty and hunger continue, citizens are increasingly vocal about the government’s priorities. Bayo Onanuga, a government spokesperson, shared images of the new jet on his verified X handle, giving the public its first glimpse of…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday upheld the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, dismissing an appeal by the Edo State House of Assembly to sustain his impeachment. Shaibu, who was impeached on April 8, 2024, for alleged misconduct, including the disclosure of government secrets, was previously reinstated by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, who declared the impeachment unconstitutional. The…

In a tearful farewell at the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden announced his decision to step down from his bid for a second term during a heartfelt speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday. The 81-year-old leader, wiping away tears, delivered a farewell address that underscored his deep connection to the nation and the legacy he has built over more than five decades in public service. Biden’s decision…

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to utilize its 2023 dividends, initially intended for the federation, to address the increasing costs of the nation’s petrol subsidy. The Cable report. This decision comes as the NNPCL faces soaring subsidy costs, projected to reach N6.884 trillion by the end of 2024. To ease the financial strain on the state-owned oil giant, Tinubu…

The UK and other European countries have been placed on the highest level of alert amid concerns that a more virulent strain of the virus may have already reached British shores. The move follows an alarming confirmation from Swedish health authorities that the deadly strain, dubbed ‘Clade 1b,’ has breached their borders, prompting heightened vigilance across Europe, despite no confirmed cases in the UK yet. In response to the confirmed…

Abuja, Nigeria — In a significant development, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force has officially summoned Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning. Ajaero is being investigated on serious allegations that include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The police’s invitation letter, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, warns of…

Tel Aviv, Israel — In a significant diplomatic development, Israel has agreed to a proposed ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, a move that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed following high-stakes talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two-and-a-half-hour meeting, held on Monday, underscores the urgency of halting the ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since the October 7 attacks. The ceasefire…

The UK government has thrown its weight behind the growing shift towards remote work. This comes as Downing Street signals potential reforms to bolster workers’ rights, including a proposed “right to switch off” outside of office hours. The government is considering introducing this new right as part of a comprehensive workers’ rights package, championed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Starmer’s spokesman emphasized that the goal of these reforms is…

Nnobi, Anambra State — A police officer reported killed on Friday evening when gunmen launched a brazen attack on a police checkpoint in Nnobi, a community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The checkpoint, situated near the Nnobi Divisional Police Headquarters, became the latest site of violence in a region that has seen a disturbing surge in targeted assaults against security forces. The attack, which took place…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued an urgent appeal for global assistance as the Mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, spreads rapidly across Africa. Symptoms of the virus include high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, swollen glands, chills, joint pain, and fatigue. In a statement released yesterday, ECOWAS highlighted a sharp increase in Mpox cases across several African nations, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo,…