News Room

Atiku with Obasanjo. Tobi Aworinde, Abuja Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said no Nigerian vice president acted in the stead of his principal as much as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Obasanjo, who was the guest speaker at the Island Club Quarterly Business Lecture, which held Wednesday, stated that, contrary to popular belief, Abubakar presided over several Federal Executive Council meetings under his administration. The former President took a jibe at President Muhammadu Buhari, who spent 104 consecutive days on medical vacation, and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who was appointed as “acting president.” According to Obasanjo, one of the most ridiculous claims he has heard is that he did not trust Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, to preside over the FEC. He added, “That is not true because he had occasion to preside a few times that I was out of the country on duty. On those occasions, he was in charge...

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter, Onnoghen (file)                                                     An Appeal Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the suspended chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, seeking a stay of execution on his on-going trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked supporters to vote whoever they like in the coming general elections. He told them at the presidential rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State on Tuesday that regardless of party, ethnicity or religion, they should vote for who they want.

The Independent National  Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State, has appealed to political leaders to warn their members to shun all forms of electoral malpractices during the forthcoming polls. The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje,  made the appeal in Osogbo at a sensitization forum for persons with disabilities in the state. The REC explained that part of efforts to ensure inclusive participation of all voters is the use of form EC 40 H for persons with disabilities. He emphasized the importance of the use of the PVC and card readers for the 2019 elections. Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, in Osun and the South West, Kehinde Onitiju, said the form will recognize the participation of the PWDs in the election, urging the Commission to ensure  a surplus  of the form during the process. He expressed the determination of persons with disabilities to discharge their civic respons...

…Tasks varsity to investigate, identify bad eggs involved …Asks it to also apologise to JAMB,nation By Joseph Erunke ABUJA – THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board,JAMB, has said it was shocked at the high level extortion of candidates discovered at the University of Benin’s Computer Based Centre which led to its suspension in the registration of the ongoing Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME. The board, in statement, late Tuesday by its Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin, tasked the university to do a thorough job with a view to unravelling the individual elements behind the shocking act.    The statement said the Registrar of JAMB,Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, was particularly not only shocked but also more disturbed with evidences of the extortion of candidates by the university’s CBT centre. The board said its statement was informed by the university’s earlier press release which had claimed that its suspension of the school’s CBT centre in the UTME regi...

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, says Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, is a man capable of bringing Nigeria together in unity and in peace. Johnathan Jonathan spoke on Tuesday at Ox-bow Lake Pavillion in Yenagoa, when Atiku’s campaign train hit Bayelsa State. The former president said Atiku also loved the people of Bayelsa and urged them to vote for him. He urged politicians to desist from using political office to punish people. “Political office should not be used as instrument of punishment to the people.  “Atiku has love and understanding for the people of Bayelsa State and the Ijaws.  “Atiku will definitely bring the whole country together in unity and peace,” Jonathan said.  Atiku, at the rally, reiterated his promise to make youth and women empowerment his priority if he wins in the forthcoming election. “Now is the time to secure the future of Nigerians.  “Youth and women empowerment is...

Former Senate Minority, Godswill Akpabio, says God has ordained the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in the Feb. 16 election. Akpabio stated this in Ibadan during the inauguration of the Oyo State and South-West coordinators of the Presidential Support Committee(PSC). The News Agency reports that Akpabio, who is the PSC National Coordinator, is also a former governor of Akwa-Ibom. NAN reports that the PSC is a support group for the re-election of Buhari and all APC candidates in the country. Akpabio said that the group had volunteered to give Buhari no fewer than 10 million votes, having found in him a leader with commitment and dedication to bring about the desired change in the polity. He said that Buhari’s achievements were unparalleled. “We are at various wards and local government, moving on daily basis, working for the re-election of Buhari, Osinbajo and APC. Since campaign has started, God has guaranteed victory for ...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned the Ohaneze Ndigbo and Igbos, in general, to be wary of the proposed promise by Atiku Abubakar to restructure the federation.  APC said it is somewhat strange that the PDP presidential candidate has said little or nothing about restructuring in the course of his campaigns so far. The ruling party also noted that the dispute over the purported endorsement of Atiku by Ohaneze shows that the Igbos are behind the opposition’s flagbearer. Ohanaeze Ndigbo at a meeting on Thursday endorsed Atiku Abubakar for the presidency in the coming polls. The Igbo socio-cultural organization said it endorsed Atiku because the former vice president has “avowed commitment to the restructuring of the federation and reconfirmed same during his recent visit to the United States in his meetings high-level US officials”. APC has however said that “With a few members of Ohaneze falling for Atiku’s antics, it has now become clear that the purported en...

Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party,  Prince  Uche Secondus, has said that the sacking of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu  Buhari is shocking. He said the President has shown that he (Buhari) is ready to kill democracy in Nigeria. “Nigeria’s democracy is dying. We are in trouble.  This man is gradually killing democracy that we fought for and that resorted to the deaths of hundreds of Nigerians,” he said. Details later...

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen (file) President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen. Following the suspension, he has appointed the most senior judge in the Supreme Court, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, as the acting CJN. According to the president, the development was based on the request of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, pending the completion of Onnoghen’s trial. Details Later…

Troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole have killed four Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State. The Deputy Director of Public Relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Ado Isa, revealed this in a  statement on Friday. He explained that troops of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army conducted a clearance operation on suspected Boko Haram Terrorists hideout along Makinta Meleri in Konduga Local Government Area of the state. According to him, the soldiers recovered 4 AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 58012289, 565240898 and 58006027, respectively during the clearance operation. Other items also recovered included three Rifle Magazines containing 32 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and three bicycles. In reaction, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, according to Colonel Isa, commended the troops for their doggedness. Speaking through the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig Gen ...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is too late for Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili to withdraw  as presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN). According to Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, taking such a step at this time is against the constitution as amended. Mr Oyekanmi said “The deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed”. Oyekanmi said candidates are free to withdraw their candidature but in Ezekwesili’s case the timing is the problem. He said according to section 35 of the electoral act, “you can indicate that willingness not later than 45 days to the General Elections”. The INEC Chairman’s spokesperson noted that in the 2019 schedule of activities, 17th of November 2018 was the last day for withdrawal or replacement of candidates. Mr Oyekanmi further stressed that though Ezekwesili cannot be ...

“It is on this ground that the ACPN is withdrawing support for her presidential aspiration and endorsing the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari to take Nigeria to the next level. We also seek this medium to inform our former presidential candidate, Dr Ezekwesili, to return to the party all the property in her possession, especially the various donations that she has been receiving from all over the world. Whatever she had received belongs to the party and we must render account to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). So, it is mandatory. We are aware of all the accounts she and her aides had opened for this election to which donations were made.” T he Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has taken a contrary position on the reason for the withdrawal of its candidate, Obiageli Ezekwesili, from the 2019 presidential race. Ezekwesili had announced her withdrawal from the race on Thursday morning, stating that her decision was based on her commitme...

Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa. Credit: @Ahmedmusa718 Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa has been thrown into mourning following the loss of his mother. The Nigerian international took to his Twitter page to make the announcement on Thursday. “What a sad day of my life, just lost my mum,” he said. He had earlier shared a get well message directed at his mother, who had been ill. The footballer who plays as a forward and left winger for Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr tweeted two photos and wished that she would soon get back on her feet, to announce to her family, that she was “back in action”. “I am sure being tucked in bed is not the best thing you know how to do. All your children are waiting for you to get out of bed and say ‘I am back in action’. Get well soon Sweet Mum!” he said. What a sad day of my life,just lose my mum 😭😭😭😭😭  pic.twitter.com/5kPIieyyn0 — AhmedMusa718 (@Ahmedmusa718)  January 24, 2019 I am sure being tucked in bed i...

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, says the Federal Government will increase the Value Added Tax on some items in the course of the year. Some of the items according to her, will include carbonated drinks as well as some luxury items. She stated this on Wednesday at the launch of the Strategic Revenue Growth Initiative in Abuja, targeted at improving revenue sources for government. Ahmed said the move had become imperative as a result of the fiscal challenges the government is confronted with in providing infrastructure for its people. She, however, noted that the increment will only be done after due consultation with the National Assembly. “There will be a VAT increase. During the course of 2019, we will have clarity as to which items and what the rate will be and we will have to take a request to the National Assembly for amendment before it takes effect. “There is also going to be luxury tax. Already, there is luxury tax imposed on things like jets, yachts an...

A university student, Archie Day, 20, hanged himself in his room just hours after ‘sobbing uncontrollably’ because he had lost his iPhone, during a night of drinking. Day, 20,  who is a eenk video blogger and journalism student was so upset at the loss of the Apple iPhone after a night out in Manchester, reports  Daily Mail. The day after the drunken night,which happened in October 2018,  Day was found dead by a duty manager at Peel Park halls of residence at Salford University in Greater Manchester. In a statement read at Bolton Coroner’s Court Archie’s flatmate Kane Markham said broadcast journalism student Mr Day had not shown signs he would take his own life after the night out at ‘Venue’ in Manchester. He said, “I knew that he suffered from depression, but I didn’t realise how bad it was as he was so outgoing. His Instagram page said ‘Should have died already’ and he was into musicians who rapped about depression – but I think he got comfort f...

A 26 -year-old woman, Hajara Shuaibu on Monday prayed a Sharia court sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna State to allow her return N90,000 bride price to her husband Aliyu Muhammad, so as to end their marriage. The complainant who resides at Hayin Banki, told the court that she was no longer interested in the marriage and was ready to divorce her husband through redemption (Khul’i). The  News Agency of Nigeria  reports that “Khul’i” is a type of divorce permitted in Islam where a wife returns the dowry she received to her husband to end the marriage. On his part, the defendant who resides at Sabon Gari, Zaria prayed the court to give them time to discuss the matter with their parents for settlement. The Judge, Malam Musa Sa’ad-Goma after listening to both parties, asked the complainant if she agrees to discuss the matter and she answered in the affirmative. The judge adjourned the case to January 24, for the two parties to present the result of their discussion....

Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade Ada Wodu, Calabar The Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has directed the state Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, to immediately commence a stop-and-search of all political parties’ campaign convoys in teh state for illegal arms. According to a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary and SSA Media to the Governor, Mr. Christian Ita, “This directive is imperative, following security reports that indicate that some politicians and their supporters were stockpiling arms and ammunition ahead of the forthcoming elections.” Ita added, “The governor assures the citizens of adequate security before, during and after the election.” Election violence looms in the state as the destruction of campaign billboards in some parts of the state had sparked violent clashes between the supporters of All Progressives Congress and those of the Peoples Democratic Party, being the two leading political parties in the state.

Mr. Tamuno George, a prominent Niger Delta youth leader and strong supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari has said   majority of the people and voters in South South are supporting the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari.  Tamuno, who spoke yesterday in Warri, Delta State, expressed confidence that the South South region will vote enmass for President Buhari to enable the region demands for adequate   representation and benefits in the next government. He commended Senator Godswill Akpabio and Dr. Ebikabonwei Victor Ben (aka Gen Boyloaf) who had volunteered to mobilize and sensitizing the people of Niger Delta, changing the narratives in the creeks and communities in the region. “ Despite the fact that South South did not vote for President Buhari in 2015, the President has shown more commitment to the development of the region.  President Buhari has completed the Itakpe-Aladja railway, dredging of Escravos to open up the Warri Port,   N...