Residents of the Gbarain area in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, were rattled by an explosion on Tuesday morning, as suspected vandals breached an oil pump line, triggering a loud blast near a gas processing plant operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The gas plant, crucial for supplying the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny Island, Rivers State, became a focal point of concern as thick smoke and gaseous emissions filled the air. According to sources within the community, the explosion occurred during the early hours of the day, originating from an oil pump line feeding the gas…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to file their defense in response to a suit seeking to invalidate Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy in the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for November. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, initiated the legal action, contesting Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the APC governorship primary election held on April 20 in Ondo State. Ibrahim argues that Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy is invalid due to alleged non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022. Chris Uche (SAN),…
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has initiated legal proceedings against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji. This action comes in response to Sarkin-Daji’s controversial plan to sponsor the marriage of 100 girls who were orphaned by insurgency. Kennedy-Ohanenye has approached the court of law and petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, to halt Sarkin-Daji’s proposed mass wedding scheduled for May 24. The minister has expressed deep reservations about the initiative, stating the importance of prioritizing the future and well-being of the girls involved. Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kennedy-Ohanenye stated the government’s commitment to upholding…
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, is currently in New York City to participate in the prestigious 30th Cobalt Congress. The event serves as a platform for global leaders to discuss critical minerals supply chains and strategies for building secure, sustainable, and resilient networks. At the forefront of his agenda, Under Secretary Fernandez is set to articulate the United States’ foreign policy objective of expanding and fortifying critical minerals supply chains. This goal is to be achieved through the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), an alliance comprising 14 nations and the European…
Residents of Igbode and Osun-Egbado in Mowo, Badagry, are seeking urgent intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as they face the imminent threat of demolitions in their communities. Allegations have surfaced regarding the intrusion of land grabbers armed with cutlasses and deadly weapons, demanding the evacuation of residents and marking buildings for demolition. Imam Abdul-Kabir Tijani, a customary landowner, recounted the peaceful coexistence shattered by the invasion on March 4. He revealed that land grabbers, backed by security personnel, descended upon the communities, instilling fear and chaos. Tijani further disclosed the intimidating tactics employed, including padlocking houses and demanding…
The United States and Kenya are gearing up for their fifth negotiating round under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The talks, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. from May 13-17, 2024, signify the commitment of both nations to deepen mutual understanding and resolve differences in key areas of trade and investment. Led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Constance Hamilton and Principal Secretary for Trade Alfred K’Ombudo, the delegations from both countries will delve into crucial topics such as agriculture, workers’ rights and protections, and customs and trade facilitation and enforcement. These discussions aim to pave the…
Assistant to the Administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Dina Esposito, emerged as a key advocate for African agricultural advancement during her participation in the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit hosted by the African Union in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit, which took place from May 7th to 9th, saw Esposito deliver a compelling address affirming the United States’ unwavering support for Africa-led agricultural growth. She underscored the pivotal role African farmers and agribusinesses play in not only nourishing the continent but also contributing to global food security. Esposito’s engagement at the summit extended beyond…
Donald Trump’s hush money trial, his former fixer and now adversary, Michael Cohen, took the stand on Monday, revealing details of his close association with the former president. Cohen’s testimony shed light on Trump’s hands-on management style, alleging that he often lied and bullied on behalf of his boss. The trial, which marks the first criminal case against a former U.S. president, is now entering its final stages as prosecutors anticipate wrapping up evidence presentation by the end of the week. Cohen, a key witness for the Manhattan district attorney, recounted his role in arranging hush money payments during Trump’s…
President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive banning members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) from purchasing petrol-dependent vehicles. Instead, he has mandated the procurement of compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies. In a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu stated the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. CNG-enabled vehicles are recognized for producing lower emissions and offering a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers. Addressing FEC members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu affirmed the government’s determination to lead…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled plans to reallocate N5.5 trillion from its development finance activities. This realignment, as outlined in a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Nigeria, stated the CBN’s plan to refine its economic strategies and focus on its core central banking functions. The restructuring initiative involves transitioning away from direct development finance, a role traditionally centered on providing favorable lending terms to vital sectors like agriculture and small to medium enterprises. Instead, the CBN will collaborate with private banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to facilitate credit flows and…
In the midst of political upheaval in Edo State, the Deputy Governor, Marvellous Omobayo, has denied accusations leveled against him by the Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata. Omobayo refuted claims of sponsoring crises within the party, asserting his unwavering dedication to the principles of integrity and service to the people. A statement released by Victor Adefemi, Chief Press Secretary to Omobayo, stated the Deputy Governor’s longstanding involvement in LP, predating Akpata’s entry into the party. The statement clarified that Omobayo had been instrumental in bolstering LP’s strength and popularity within the state, emphasizing his commitment to grassroots politics…
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has apprehended 45 individuals allegedly involved in various illicit acts across the state. The suspects, accused of crimes ranging from kidnapping to vandalism, theft, burglary, and cultism, were paraded at the corps headquarters in Akure, the state capital. Commander Adetunji Adeleye disclosed that the arrests were made within a span of two weeks of intensified operations by the corps. Among the apprehended, seven were already undergoing court proceedings, while the others were still under investigation. Highlighting a notable incident, Adeleye recounted the capture of a criminal engaged in the…