Category: Africa - Page 6 - African News Today

Wike Left Huge Debts for Rivers State – Fubara

15May

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Economy, Finance, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Wike Left Huge Debts for Rivers State – Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, revealed that his administration inherited substantial debt from the previous government led by Nyesom Wike. The disclosure, made on Tuesday, highlighted the challenges faced by Fubara’s administration in settling outstanding payments to contractors who executed projects under Wike’s tenure. According to Governor Fubara, numerous contractors engaged by the previous administration have been demanding their balance payments, amounting to billions of naira. This revelation has intensified the ongoing feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, adding another layer to their already strained relationship. During his tenure, Nyesom Wike, often referred to as "Mr. Projects," undertook a plethora of developmental initiatives, including the...

Former Aviation Minister and Brother Face Fresh Charges: Abuse of Office Allegations Mount”

13May

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Aviation, Corruption, Finance, Judiciary, Nigeria, Transportation

Former Aviation Minister and Brother Face Fresh Charges: Abuse of Office Allegations Mount”

In the latest twist of events, former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, finds himself embroiled in yet another legal battle, this time alongside his brother Ahmad Abubakar. The duo is set to be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of abuse of office related to the awarding of contracts within the aviation ministry. The EFCC's decision to arraign Mr. Sirika comes shortly after he, along with his daughter Fatima and her husband, faced similar charges last week. This time, the allegations revolve around fraudulent awards of contracts amounting to billions of naira. Mr. Sirika, who served as the aviation minister throughout President Muhammadu Buhari's two terms, is accused of leveraging his position to improperly award contracts to a company with...

Building Collapse Leaves 23 Dead as Week-Long Rescue Efforts Continue

13May

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News, Safety, South Africa

Building Collapse Leaves 23 Dead as Week-Long Rescue Efforts Continue

Search and rescue teams persist in their endeavors at the site of the tragic incident, a full week after disaster struck in the city of George, located in South Africa's Western Cape province. Municipal authorities revealed on Monday that the death toll has tragically risen to 23. An ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the root cause of the collapse, with the country's public works minister slated to visit the accident site on Monday, as reported by local media outlets. Amidst the somber atmosphere, a ray of hope emerged on Saturday when a man was miraculously rescued from underneath the rubble, a staggering 116 hours after the initial accident occurred. See Also: South Africa: Over 26 Rescued as Rescue Mission Continues The ill-fated building, approved for construction las...

Agbakoba, Others Head to Court Despite FG’s Suspension of Cybersecurity Levy

13May

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Finance, Judiciary, Justice, News, Nigeria

Agbakoba, Others Head to Court Despite FG’s Suspension of Cybersecurity Levy

The Federal Government has quietly withdrawn the controversial 0.5% cybersecurity levy, despite the resentment it generated. Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume praised President Bola Tinubu for listening to the people, ordering a review of the levy, and suspending its implementation. However, the withdrawal has not appeased all critics. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT, and 136 concerned Nigerians have sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the Federal High Court in Lagos over its failure to withdraw the circular directing banks to deduct the levy from customers' accounts. Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba said he would challenge the implementation of the levy in court. Last week, the CBN relied on the Cybercrime Act 2015 (as amended) t...

3 Police Officers and an FRSC Officer Killed by Gunmen in Enugu

13May

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Law Enforcement, News, Nigeria, Security

3 Police Officers and an FRSC Officer Killed by Gunmen in Enugu

Gunmen have killed three policemen and a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official in Enugu State, Nigeria. The attack occurred on Monday morning along the Obeagu-Amechi Road in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state. According to the report, the gunmen ambushed the police officers and the FRSC official while they were on duty. The assailants opened fire on them, leading to their deaths. See Also: Three Police Officers killed by Suspected Gunmen in Enugu The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and uncover their motive. This is the second attack on security personnel in Enugu State within a week. On May 8, 2023, gunmen killed two police officers in the Nkanu West Local Government...

Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe

12May

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Elections, News, Nigeria

Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe

Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has pointed fingers at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of frustrating the Southeastern presidential zoning within the party, rather than Atiku. Speaking on Seun Okinbaloye’s Mic On podcast, Ibe clarified that Atiku had advocated for the PDP to allocate the 2023 presidential ticket to the Southeast region. However, he alleged that Wike played a pivotal role in thwarting this effort. The backdrop of this accusation stems from the departure of Peter Obi, the former vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 elections, who shifted allegiance to the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2023 presidential ele...

Cybersecurity Levy not Targeted at Individuals – Senate Buba

12May

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Economy, Finance, Legislature, Nigeria, Security

Cybersecurity Levy not Targeted at Individuals – Senate Buba

In response to recent concerns surrounding the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) announcement of a cybersecurity levy, Senator Shehu Umar Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, representing the APC Bauchi South constituency, clarified that the levy is not targeted at individuals or ordinary bank customers. Rather, it is aimed explicitly at financial institutions and telecom companies, identified as the most vulnerable sectors to financial crimes and cyber fraud, with the goal of enhancing cybersecurity measures and national security in the country. Speaking from Abuja in a statement released on Sunday, Senator Buba, who sponsored the amendment bill, highlighted the specificity of the Cybercrime Act regarding the entities required to pay the levy, em...

Meghan Markle Reveals Nigerian Heritage at Abuja Women’s Leadership Event

12May

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Nigeria, United Kingdom, Women Empowerment

Meghan Markle Reveals Nigerian Heritage at Abuja Women’s Leadership Event

Abuja, Nigeria - Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, revealed her newfound Nigerian heritage during a women's leadership event in Abuja on Saturday. She described the discovery, made through a recent genealogy test, as "humbling" and "eye-opening." "It's been really eye-opening to be able to know more about my heritage and to be able to know this is just the beginning of my discovery," Markle shared with event attendees. She and her husband, Prince Harry, are on their first visit to Nigeria, promoting mental health initiatives for soldiers and young girls. The Duchess expressed her appreciation for the warm reception she received upon sharing her Nigerian roots, saying, "What's been echoed so much really in the past day by men and women alike is 'Oh! We weren't surprised when you ...

Dozens Killed in Brutal Attacks in Zamfara and Plateau States

11May

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Fulani Herdsmen, Nigeria, Safety, Security, Terrorism

Dozens Killed in Brutal Attacks in Zamfara and Plateau States

Bandits have wreaked havoc in Zamfara and Plateau States, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. At least 30 farmers, including a respected Islamic cleric, were brutally killed in Zamfara, while in Plateau, two herders and over 200 cattle fell victim to the bloodshed. Confirming the attacks in Zamfara, Police Spokesman ASP Yazid Abu Abubakar acknowledged the grim reality but withheld further details pending investigation. "The attacks occurred in two local government areas of the state," Abubakar stated, urging for patience as authorities gather information. Sources close to the incidents revealed that the atrocities unfolded on Thursday, striking fear into the hearts of Zamfara residents. Maradun and Tsafe local government areas bore the brunt of the violence, with...

Nigeria to Become Africa’s Solar Panel and EV Battery Manufacturing Hub

11May

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African Development, Economy, Nigeria

Nigeria to Become Africa’s Solar Panel and EV Battery Manufacturing Hub

Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, unveiled ambitious plans for the local production of solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, positioning the nation as a manufacturing powerhouse within Africa. The declaration, made during the inauguration of Nigeria's largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, marked a significant milestone in the country's quest for energy independence and economic growth. Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), underscored the importance of this development, citing it as a testament to Nigeria's attractiveness for foreign investment. "This inauguration signifies Nigeria's appeal for foreign investment and its commitment to becoming a key player in the renewable energy sector," Ngelale stated. Presi...