The Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) and the Coalition of Civil Society (CCS), have clashed over the fate of Dennis Otuaro as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The controversy erupted after Mr. Nakor Francis, the leader of CCS, publicly called for the removal of Dennis Otuaro from his position, alleging a passive stance by the Presidential Amnesty Programme since Otuaro’s appointment. Francis urged the National Security Adviser to seek Otuaro’s replacement, citing concerns over the program’s effectiveness. However, the NDLF, specifically representing the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Zone, vehemently opposed the call for Otuaro’s removal. In a statement issued by…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
In the wake of the ongoing fuel scarcity crisis gripping Nigeria, a coalition of civil society organizations has called upon the Federal and State Governments to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering of citizens. The Osun Mastermind (TOM), a civil society group in Osun State, made this plea during a press briefing held in Osogbo. Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the Executive Director of TOM, highlighted the dire consequences of the fuel scarcity, which has exacerbated the hardship faced by Nigerians across various sectors. He emphasized the impact on school children who have been unable to commute to their educational institutions…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a raid on Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in the Wuse Zone 4 area of Abuja. The operation, which took place on Monday, resulted in the arrest of several unidentified BDC operators, confirmed by traders in the area. According to reports from traders, chaos and fear ensued following the EFCC’s intervention, disrupting trading activities in the market. Some traders, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that those arrested were required to pay bail fees ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000. This recent crackdown by the EFCC comes in the wake of heightened efforts…
British monarch and head of state, King Charles is to carry out his first major public engagement since his cancer diagnosis. The King and Queen Camilla will visit a hospital and specialist cancer centre, in a public show of support for staff, patients and ongoing research work. Aside from attending an Easter Sunday church service, the King has stayed away from public events and crowds. But last week Buckingham Palace issued a statement with a more positive message about the monarch’s health. The King’s doctors were said to be “very encouraged by the progress made so far” in his treatment…
The UK expects to deport nearly 6,000 migrants to Rwanda this year, a senior minister said Tuesday, after the government published new details on the controversial scheme. The figures come days after the plan aimed at deterring migrant arrivals on small boats from northern Europe became law following months of parliamentary wrangling. Rwanda has “in principle” agreed to accept 5,700 migrants already in the UK, the interior ministry revealed late Monday. Of those, 2,143 “can be located for detention” before being flown there, according to the ministry. Law enforcement agencies will find the remainder, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said Tuesday…
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has stated the importance of social media as a top priority for national security. Ribadu made this statement during a meeting with spokespersons of various organizations under the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee umbrella in Abuja. Ribadu said that the negative use of social media poses both local and global threats, requiring proactive measures to counter disinformation and misinformation. He highlighted the urgent need to update the National Security Strategy (NSS), last reviewed in 2015, with the 2019 version currently under review to address evolving security dynamics. The NSA directed media managers in defense,…
Tragedy was narrowly averted in Rivers State as over 250 passengers were rescued by t Nigerian Navy personnel after their boat capsized amidst stormy waters. The harrowing incident occurred as the vessel, named MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL, embarked on its journey from Sangana area of Bayelsa State to Rivers State, carrying mostly traders from a local market. Reports indicate that midway through the voyage, the boat encountered turbulent waters, leading to a collision with a wreck that severely damaged its hull, resulting in the capsizing of the vessel. The dire situation unfolded around 10 pm on Monday, April 28, 2024, along…
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the Federal Government needs 10 billion dollars annually in the next ten years to revive the country’s power sector and overcome the liquidity hurdles. Speaking at a one-day investigative hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Power in Abuja, Minister Adelabu emphasized the necessity of an annual investment of $10 billion over the next decade to revive the nation’s power sector and overcome its liquidity challenges. Adelabu pointed out that while such an investment was imperative for the sector’s stability and growth, it was not feasible given the current size…
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas on Monday to swiftly accept Israel’s latest and “extraordinarily generous” proposal for a Gaza truce to secure a release of hostages, amid a diplomatic drive to end. Hamas negotiators were expected to meet Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Monday to deliver a response to the phased truce proposal Israel presented at the weekend, ahead of a threatened Israeli assault on the southern border city of Rafah. “The only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas. They have to decide and they have to decide quickly,”…
To enhance safety and visibility along theThird Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has announced plans for the installation of solar lights by June. This was disclosed during Umahi’s routine inspection of the under deck at Iddo, Carter, and Third Mainland bridges. Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government is committed to proactive measures to address the condition of the piles supporting the Third Mainland Bridge, which have been significantly affected by erosion and illegal mining activities. To mitigate these issues, a consultant will be engaged for the necessary repairs. During the inspection, Umahi stated ongoing…
The Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement (KCLM) on Monday rallied at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the recovery of looted funds and the prosecution of corrupt officials. Led by Comrade Jacob Okpanachi and Desmond Obaro, the group called for the urgency in combating corruption, particularly in Kogi State, where they allege billions of naira have been embezzled by former government officials. Addressing the crowd, Okpanachi said, “We are here to clarify that the people of Kogi State are in full support of the EFCC’s commendable work. We urge them to continue their efforts to…
A recent ruling by the Delta State High Court in Effurun has ordered prominent Nigerian blogger Linda Ikeji to pay a hefty sum of N30 million in damages over a libelous publication directed at the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa. The presiding judge, Justice Roli Daibo-Harriman, also levied an additional N300,000 as litigation costs against Ikeji. The lawsuit, initiated by the Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa along with individuals Ese Kakor, Felix Kupa, and Mayor Onyebueke, stemmed from a publication on Ikeji’s blog dated October 19, 2021. In the article, Ikeji allegedly referred to the NBM of Africa…