The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Nigeria’s governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike, over what it claims to be the disappearance of N40 trillion in federal allocations earmarked for local governments across the country. In a statement released on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization highlighted the lawsuit, filed with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/231/2024 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The lawsuit comes in response to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s revelations in December 2022, alleging widespread misappropriation of funds intended for local governments. The lawsuit…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Ethiopian Airlines has announced a new passenger service route to Freetown, Sierra Leone, via Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Scheduled to commence operations on May 31st, 2024, this strategic addition underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across the continent. The thrice-weekly services to Freetown will be facilitated by the ultra-modern Boeing 787-800 aircraft, renowned for its eco-friendly features and passenger-centric amenities. Passengers can anticipate a seamless and comfortable journey aboard this state-of-the-art aircraft, equipped with spacious seating arrangements, personalized entertainment systems, and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity. Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the expansion, stating, “We are…
The Cross River State Government has issued a warning regarding a potential outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the area of old Ndebeji, situated within the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, delivered this cautionary message in Calabar on Saturday, highlighting that a suspected index case is currently under investigation while being kept in complete isolation at the Ndebeji healthcare centre. Dr. Ayuk emphasized the seriousness of viral haemorrhagic fever, describing it as a group of infectious diseases that disrupt the blood’s clotting ability. He stated that these diseases can be…
A Lagos State resident was stampeded at the Nigerian Customs office in Lagos while attempting to buy rice. Dr. Adunola, who confirmed the incident posted on her X handle, Said “A man just died in my hospital, he was stamped on after falling at the Customs office trying to get rice. He was on the queue with his wife when he fell down and couldn’t get up on time which resulted in people stamping on him. So sad. Survived by very young children.” She shared the devastating news, revealing that the deceased breathed his last in her hospital. Dr.…
To restore stability in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is poised to lift sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger at an extraordinary meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja today. The sanctions were imposed following military coups that toppled the civilian governments in the aforementioned countries, leading to concerns over democratic backsliding and instability in the region. President Tinubu, serving as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States, is spearheading efforts to address the crisis and bring the estranged states back into the fold.…
In response to the death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the Biden administration has unveiled a plan to impose more than 500 new sanctions on Russia. These measures, announced by the Treasury Department, target Russian companies, individuals, and foreign firms supplying Russia’s military and industrial sectors. Despite these stringent actions, experts remain skeptical about their efficacy in curbing President Vladimir Putin’s aggressive policies, particularly in Ukraine. The sanctions notably exclude measures to disrupt Russia’s energy revenue, a crucial lifeline for the Kremlin. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo emphasized that while the sanctions address human rights abuses, they do not aim…
Prince Ned Nwoko, a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Delta North has made a call for a significant economic overhaul by advocating for the ban of dollar transactions in Nigeria. Addressing the Senate plenary, the businessman turned lawmaker emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the Naira as the sole legal currency in the country to combat its ongoing depreciation. Nwoko highlighted the detrimental impact of the prevalent use of the dollar alongside the Naira, stating that it undermines the value and demand for Nigeria’s currency. He stressed the importance of ending the dual currency system to restore…
Former National Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, clinched victory in the Edo State Labour Party governorship primary election held on Friday. The Returning Officer for the election, Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, announced Akpata as the winner after tallying the votes. Akpata secured a total of 316 votes, solidifying his position as the frontrunner in the contest. Responding to speculations regarding his candidacy, Akpata reiterated that his ambition was not influenced by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki. He dispelled rumors suggesting Obaseki’s sponsorship of his candidacy, labeling such claims as unfounded and baseless.…
Young demonstrators, identifying themselves as staunch supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, staged a solidarity march from the Unity Fountain to the National Assembly complex in Abuja, urging the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its planned protests and engage in negotiations with the Federal Government. Clad in white T-shirts and Fez-caps with bold inscriptions proclaiming “Jagaban is working,” the demonstrators arrived at the National Assembly complex in six luxury buses, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with messages supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration. Addressing reporters at the Unity Fountain, Sunday Attah, Convener of the Nigerian…
Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) spoke about the indispensable role of the African Diaspora in propelling continental development during a recent visit from a Zimbabwean delegation led by High Commissioner Amb. Maxwell Ranga. Dabiri-Erewa buttressed on the significance of African states recognizing the immense value their Diasporas hold, stressing that they serve as catalysts for progress and cannot be overlooked. She advocated for intentional collaboration between Africans at home and abroad to address socio-economic challenges and build a prosperous Africa. The NIDCOM chairman commended Zimbabwe’s interest in engaging its Diaspora, highlighting NIDCOM’s efforts…
Former President Donald Trump promised to use a second term in the White House to defend Christian values and even suggested he’d shield the faith’s central iconography, warning a convention of religious broadcasters on Thursday night that the left wants “to tear down crosses.” “Remember, every communist regime throughout history has tried to stamp out the churches, just like every fascist regime has tried to co-opt them and control them. And, in America, the radical left is trying to do both,” Trump told hundreds of cheering attendees at the National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention in Nashville. “They want…
To provide affordable travel options for Nigerian families and reunite students with their loved ones, Air Peace has announced discounted student fares for its new London route. This was revealed during the airline’s travel agents forum in Lagos, where Chairman Allen Onyema emphasized the importance of managing these special fares to prevent abuse while ensuring accessibility for students. Onyema acknowledged the plight of parents who have been separated from their children due to high travel costs, stating, “Many students have not been home for over two years because their parents cannot afford return fares to London.” He further expressed his…