After the conclusion of the elected council chairmen’s terms in December 2023, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has tactically selected caretaker chairmen to supervise the operations of all 21 local government councils in the state. This strategic decision, endorsed by the Kogi State House of Assembly on Monday, marks a transitional phase aimed at guaranteeing the uninterrupted governance and administration of local affairs. The newly appointed caretaker chairmen, unveiled in a comprehensive list, include notable individuals assigned to specific local government areas (LGAs): Hon. Rasheed Bashiru Okatengwu – Adavi LGA Hon. Haruna Aliyu Ogido – Ajaokuta LGA Adamu Yahaya…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to partially bar Glo lines from calling MTN lines, citing unpaid interconnectivity charges, has ignited a fierce debate within the country. The move has raised questions about whether the NCC should prioritize the interests of a South African company like MTN, which repatriates profits, or a Nigerian company like Globacom, contributing to the growth of the Naira by keeping revenue and profits within the country. Renowned commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the NCC’s decision. Omokri questions the tolerance of President Bola Tinubu in the face of…
In a bold move to fortify consumer protection and amplify the contribution of key growth-enabling institutions to Nigeria’s economy, President Bola Tinubu has initiated a major restructuring, leading to the dismissal of two Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). The decision, outlined in a State House press release by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, underscores a commitment to a more efficient and impactful governance strategy. The affected CEOs are Mr. Babatunde Irukera, who served as the EVC/CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh, the Director-General/CEO of the…
In a startling disclosure, Senator Ali Ndume has raised concerns about the emergence of a political cabal within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Expressing apprehension over the potential destabilization of the Tinubu Presidency, Senator Ndume is urgently calling for decisive action to dismantle the alleged cartel, which he believes played a role in the recent suspension of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. Commending President Tinubu for his prompt action in suspending Minister Edu over alleged financial improprieties within her ministry, Senator Ndume highlighted that the suspended minister did not act in isolation but was part of…
In a recent interview, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, revealed that negotiations between the Federal Government and Labour Unions for a new minimum wage are set to resume. The current N30,000 minimum wage is slated to expire at the end of March 2024. The backdrop of these negotiations involves the Federal Government’s commitment to spend N24.66tn on salaries in 2024, 2025, and 2026, as indicated in the 2024–2026 Fiscal Framework budgets. The decision to pay N35,000 to workers after the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023 was deemed a temporary measure by Labour, leading to…
The Federal Government, led by the Ministry of Interior, has launched an efficient online passport application portal, allowing Nigerians to seamlessly apply for their passports. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed the completion of a 99% automated application system, emphasizing the inclusion of passport photo and document uploads. Nigerian applicants seeking a 32-page passport with a five-year validity are required to pay N35,000, while those opting for a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity will pay N70,000. Foreign applicants, on the other hand, will pay $130 for a five-year, 32-page passport and $230 for a 10-year, 64-page passport. Here’s a…
In a recent public notice, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that Glo subscribers may soon be unable to make calls to MTN lines due to unresolved interconnect charges. In a recent public notice, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that Glo subscribers may soon be unable to make calls to MTN lines due to unresolved interconnect charges. The NCC granted partial approval for the disconnection, citing Glo’s insufficient justification for non-payment. The disconnection is set to take effect on January 18, 2024, allowing in-bound calls to the Globacom network. This is not the first instance, as in 2019, MTN…
The Africa Trade Council has announced a significant rebranding initiative, unveiling its new identity as the US-Africa Trade Commission. Titus Olowokere, the Executive Director/CEO of the Commission, shared this transformative move in a statement on Monday. Olowokere highlighted that the name change signifies the organization’s dedication to expanding its focus and enhancing bilateral trade relations between the United States and Africa. Emphasizing the commitment to fostering economic partnerships, seizing business opportunities, and promoting sustainable growth throughout Africa, he stated, “The change to the US-Africa Trade Commission represents an exciting evolution for our organization.” The commission aims to play a pivotal…
The Supreme Court is gearing up to assess the governorship election appeals in Ebonyi and Benue States, led by Justice John Okoro and a panel of five justices. Notably, Governor Hyacinth Alia and his deputy, Sam Ode of Benue State, are personally attending the hearing. In the Benue State governorship battle, Titus Uba, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, is challenging the victory of Governor Hyacinth Alia from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite the Court of Appeal Abuja affirming Alia’s election, Uba contends that the forgery allegations against Deputy Governor Sam Ode should be addressed at the high court.…
In a verdict delivered last Friday, the Supreme Court has unequivocally granted the Federal Government full control over the country’s inland waterways. This landmark decision, stemming from an appeal filed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other key entities, dismantles states’ constitutional rights to impose levies and asserts NIWA as the singular agency with the authority to levy and license operators in this critical sector. The Supreme Court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro and Justice Emmanuel Agim, ruled that states’ attempts to control and levy businesses in inland waterways were not only wrong but also deemed unlawful and…
Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based media network, reported on Sunday the tragic death of two of its Palestinian journalists, Hamza Wael Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuria, in an Israeli strike on their car. The media network described the incident as a “targeted killing.”Hamza and Mustafa, who also worked as a video stringer for AFP and other news organizations, lost their lives while on their way to fulfill their duties for Al Jazeera in the Gaza Strip. A third freelance journalist, Hazem Rajab, traveling with them, was seriously injured. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza confirmed the deaths, attributing them to an Israeli…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully intercepted a shipment of ‘Colorado,’ a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in boxing kits imported from the United States. The consignment, weighing 1.80 kilograms, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on New Year’s Day. NDLEA’s weeklong intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect, 38-year-old Olorunfunmi Saheed Olakunle, who distributed the psychoactive substance across Lagos. In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi disclosed that the suspect admitted to delivering such consignments on behalf of his childhood friend, US-based Sagir Salami. Meanwhile, a parallel operation…