Tag: Nigeria

Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe
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 Target at Individuals – Senate Buba
Economy, Finance, Legislature, Nigeria, Security

Cybersecurity Levy not Target 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
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
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
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...
Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil
Elections, Legislature, News, Nigeria

Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

In a move that has further intensified the political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued Executive Order 001, dated October 30, 2023, mandating the temporary relocation of the state House of Assembly's proceedings to the Government House Auditorium. The decision comes in the wake of a fire incident on October 29, 2023, which severely damaged the hallowed chambers of the Assembly, rendering it unsafe for legislative activities. The governor's gazette cited the need for urgent repairs, renovations, and reconstruction of the damaged chambers as the primary reason for the relocation. The relocation order has sparked controversy, especially considering the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territo...
House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review
Corruption, Infrastructure, News, Nigeria

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The probe focuses on the procurement process and contract award, which are suspected to violate existing infrastructure regulations. Additionally, the prominent Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has urged the federal government to cease the project, advocating for a critical review of its economic and environmental implications. Alleged Procurement Violations The House of Representatives initiated the investigation upon a motion presented by Hon. Dr. Austin Achado. He alleges that the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Minister Dave Umahi, awarded the 700km highway and rail project to Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited throug...
Ibrahim Babangida Dies in Car Crash
Breaking News, News, Nigeria, Sports

Ibrahim Babangida Dies in Car Crash

Tragic news struck the football community today with the passing of Ibrahim Babangida, a former Super Eagles player, in a fatal accident on the Zaira road. The accident also involved his brother, Tijani, who serves as the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), along with his wife, son, and maid. A somber statement from Emmanuel Babayaro, the General Secretary of PFAN, confirmed Ibrahim's untimely demise in the accident. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Tijani and the rest of his family are reportedly receiving medical attention and are said to be responding positively to treatment. The Nation
APC Calls for Impeachment of Rivers Governor Amid Political Turmoil
Elections, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

APC Calls for Impeachment of Rivers Governor Amid Political Turmoil

The caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has urged the state's House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This call comes after a previous notice of impeachment was withdrawn in December following intervention by President Bola Tinubu in a dispute between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ongoing feud between Fubara and Wike revolves around control of Rivers' political structure. Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Tony Okocha, the APC state chairman, accused Governor Fubara of disrespecting President Tinubu. Okocha emphasized the party's refusal to tolerate such behavior, stating that it would be "foolhardy" to allow someone to insult the President in their presence. S...
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Followed Due Process – Umahi
Infrastructure, Lagos News, News, Nigeria

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Followed Due Process – Umahi

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project against accusations of nepotism in its procurement process. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar raised concerns over the contract awarded to HiTech Construction without public bidding, alleging favoritism due to the president's personal ties with the company's chairman. Umahi dismissed these allegations, stating that the project strictly adhered to the Procurement Act's guidelines. See Also: David Hundeyin: Coastal Road Project Awarded to Company Tied to Convicted Criminal According to Umahi, the project followed the EPC+F procurement process, wherein the investor provides designs, financing, and construction services, while the government pays counterpart funds. The bid for the project went...