Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, filing a lawsuit over the alleged failure to address the N3.7 trillion budget padding controversy and the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi who blew the whistle on the issue. The lawsuit, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, accuses Akpabio of neglecting to refer the budget padding allegations to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, as well as failing to reinstate Senator Ningi. Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, was suspended for three months by the Senate following his claims of irregularities in the…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
American actor and former wrestler, Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as “The Rock,” has announced his decision not to endorse President Joe Biden for a second term in the upcoming election, expressing his disappointment with the current state of America. Dwayne Johnson, who had endorsed Biden in the 2022 presidential contest against Donald Trump, cited a shift in his stance during an interview with Fox News. While Johnson praised Biden’s compassion and leadership qualities during his initial endorsement, he stated, “Am I going to do that again this year? That answer’s no. I realize now going into this election, I will…
The recently conducted local government election in Bayelsa State was marred by the late arrival of materials across various council areas, despite being relatively peaceful. The State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) faced logistical challenges as materials and personnel arrived late in Yenagoa, Sagbama, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Nembe, Brass, and Southern Ijaw council areas. Reports emerged of voter apathy alongside incidents of skirmishes, notably in Sagbama LGA, where the Labour Party chairmanship candidate, Timi Ogosi, contested against his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Alice Allen. Hoodlums reportedly hijacked electoral materials intended for several wards in Sagbama LGA. However, Governor Douye Diri,…
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a directive mandating power distribution companies (DisCos) to reimburse all overcharged Band B customers by April 11, amidst the implementation of the April 2024 supplementary Multi-Year Tariff Order. This follows customer complaints regarding the recent tariff adjustments, particularly affecting those not classified under Band A, who are now subjected to a rate of N225/KWh for electricity consumption. Earlier in the week, the Federal Government announced the cessation of subsidy payments on electricity consumed by Band A customers, while other bands would continue under the previous tariff structure. However, during the DisCos’…
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the safe release of Sheikh Quasim Musa, the Chief Imam of Iyara in Ijumu Local Government Area. Sheikh Quasim Musa was forcibly taken from his residence in Ilukpa, Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area, on Monday, March 25, 2024, by a group of armed gunmen. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed his home, firing indiscriminately before seizing him and fleeing to an undisclosed location. In a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, it was confirmed that the revered religious leader regained his freedom on…
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged its support to small-holder farmers in the region. This was announced by the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, during an inspection visit to various farms in Akwa Ibom State. Antai stated the NDDC’s dedication to harnessing the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta and facilitating the transition from traditional to mechanized farming methods. He expressed delight at the enthusiasm displayed by young farmers in increasing food production and announced the commission’s plans to provide support through initiatives such as the ‘Holistic Opportunities, Projects, and Engagement’ (HOPE) project. As…
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a nationwide heatwave alert, warning citizens of the likelihood of heat stress and thunderstorms across various regions of the country on Saturday. In its Weather Report released in Abuja, NiMet highlighted the soaring heat index over Nigeria, stressing the importance of taking necessary precautions to mitigate the effects. NiMet has advised the public to stay well-hydrated and to avoid strenuous physical activities, particularly during the peak hours between 12 noon and 4 pm. The agency recommended wearing shades and hats when outdoors, and parents are urged to ensure infants are adequately seated…
Despite objections and outcry from various stakeholders, including labour unions and citizens, the Federal Government had remain resolute in its decision to implement the electricity tariff hike. The decision, which entails a 240 per cent increase in tariffs for consumers in the highest consumption band ‘A’, has sparked outrage among Nigerians, who see it as a burden on already strained households and businesses. Labour unions, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have also condemned the tariff hike, labeling it as “wicked and unpopular.” They warn of dire consequences and a possible showdown with the government if it persists…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his objection to the recent electricity tariff hike in Nigeria, st ating that it will exacerbate the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. Atiku condemned the move by the Federal Government, stating that it comes at a time when Nigerians are already faced with the adverse effects of subsidy removal on petrol and currency devaluation. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced the tariff increase on Wednesday, revealing that consumers in the Band A category, constituting approximately 15% of power users nationwide, would experience a 240% surge in their electricity bills, from N68 to…
As spring ushers in warmer temperatures across the Eastern United States, entomologists are gearing up for an the simultaneous emergence of two massive broods of periodical cicadas. Traversing a region spanning from southern Wisconsin to the Carolinas, these buzzing insects are poised to carpet fields and neighborhoods alike, with experts predicting a staggering population surge numbering in the trillions. Brood XIX, operating on a 13-year cycle, and Brood XIII, arising every 17 years, are primed to surface simultaneously, marking a rare occurrence not witnessed since 1803. The convergence of these two distinct populations, each hibernating underground for over a decade,…
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised an alarm over the concerning surge in human rights violations across Nigeria, with over 1,580 reported cases in March alone. The commission, tasked with monitoring and investigating alleged human rights abuses, revealed a disturbing trend spanning all six geopolitical zones of the country. According to the NHRC’s Human Rights Situation Dashboard for March, the North Central region topped the list with 468 reported cases, while state actors such as the police, military, and the Department of State Services (DSS) were implicated in 94 violations. The reported violations encompassed various atrocities,…
The United Nations Security Council diplomats were shaken in their chairs, planes got briefly grounded, and furniture rattled across New York Friday when an earthquake jolted the city that never sleeps. No one was hurt, though, and New York’s iconic skyline remained intact. “I AM FINE,” reported the Empire State Building on its X account. The tremor had a 4.8 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. Near the epicenter in Lebanon, New Jersey, store supervisor Dominika Uniejewska, 50, said “I’m still shaking” after being woken up by the quake. “I’ve never experienced…