Pakistan’s general election was overshadowed by violence as at least nine individuals, including two children, lost their lives in militant attacks on Thursday. The country, grappling with security concerns, suspended mobile phone services and closed select land borders in a bid to maintain law and order during the electoral process. The Interior Ministry enforced these security measures following devastating explosions near electoral candidates’ offices in Balochistan province on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 26 people. The Islamic State later claimed responsibility for these attacks. Despite the deployment of thousands of troops across polling stations nationwide, incidents of violence…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has mandated the Nigerian government to take immediate action in regulating the prices of essential goods and petroleum products within the next seven days. This landmark ruling was issued on Wednesday, February 7, following a compelling presentation and argumentation by Femi Falana SAN, a renowned human rights activist. Justice Ambose Lewis-Allagoa, who presided over the case, emphasized the significance of the court’s intervention, particularly in light of the absence of opposition from the respondents, which included the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Price Control Board. With no counter affidavit filed, all…
In response to the recent internet shutdown in Senegal, Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has strongly condemned the move, stating it infringes upon the basic rights of citizens. The shutdown, enacted shortly after President Macky Sall postponed the presidential election indefinitely, has sparked outrage among human rights organizations both within Senegal and abroad. PIN has highlighted the growing trend of African governments employing internet shutdowns as a means to suppress dissent, particularly during periods of political unrest or ahead of elections. The organization asserts that such actions directly contravene Senegal’s 2001 Constitution, which guarantees freedoms such as expression and assembly, as well…
The Odatiwa Women Wing group has thrown its weight behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to emerge as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial primary. The convener of the group, Mrs. Olamide Falana, who also serves as the Special Adviser to the governor on Gender, announced the group’s endorsement during their inaugural meeting held in Akure on Wednesday. Falana emphasized the group’s belief in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s quality leadership demonstrated since assuming office. “We are rooting for the governor to ensure continuity of his commendable efforts,” stated Falana, highlighting Aiyedatiwa’s leadership qualities and his demonstrated loyalty to his former…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified efforts to curb the ‘dollarization’ trend in Nigeria’s economy, announcing the summoning of proprietors of private universities and other higher learning institutions charging fees in dollars. In response to the growing concerns over the dollarization of transactions within the country, the EFCC has established a Special Task Force across all its Zonal Commands. This initiative aims to address the illegal practice of conducting financial transactions in foreign currency, which undermines the stability of the local currency and the overall economy. EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that…
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Olusola Odumosu, has delivered a firm caution to individuals involved in the rampant vandalism of critical national infrastructure, urging them to cease their actions or face legal consequences. In an interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Odumosu emphasized that the NSCDC is prepared to prosecute any individuals apprehended for vandalizing public properties. Despite the Corps’ efforts in apprehending culprits through intelligence gathering and security surveillance, Odumosu expressed concern over the persistent rate of vandalism. Calling for stricter penalties from the courts for those…
In response to mounting concerns over banks’ failure to adhere to CBN directives regarding foreign exchange (forex) operations, the House of Representatives has taken decisive action by resolving to conduct an investigative hearing. A decisive step has been taken to conduct an investigative hearing to tackle the consistent disregard by banks and financial institutions for the CBN’s guidelines on Net Open Position Limits concerning forex transactions. The resolution, which stemmed from a motion of urgent national importance tabled by Hon. Babajimi Benson during Wednesday’s plenary session, underscores the critical need for banks to implement CBN policies effectively. Benson highlighted the…
Saudi Arabia reiterated its stance that it will not engage in diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, as stated by the Saudi foreign ministry on Wednesday. Amidst efforts led by the United States to normalize ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting Riyadh this week. Blinken stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the kingdom’s interest in pursuing normalization but underscored the necessity for ending the conflict in Gaza and establishing a clear, credible, time-bound path to…
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has set a goal for Oyo State to become the pioneer in achieving electricity sufficiency in Nigeria. Speaking at the 20th Anniversary of the British American Tobacco (BAT) Ibadan Plant, Governor Makinde emphasized his administration’s commitment to energy sufficiency, highlighting a strategic partnership with BAT to leverage renewable energy sources. The governor lauded BAT’s contributions to the state’s development over the years and expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate further to enhance electricity supply. In line with this vision, Oyo State is set to commission a 1.4-megawatt solar plant, marking a significant step…
Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun on Tuesday asserted that Nigeria has experienced economic progress since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023. At the House of Representatives meeting, Edun explained the dire state of the economy prior to Tinubu’s tenure, suggesting it was teetering on the edge of collapse. Edun attributed the turnaround to the implementation of the administration’s 8-point agenda, emphasizing its role in steering the country towards economic recovery. He criticized the previous administration’s handling of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange policies, labeling them as wasteful and unsustainable practices…
Amidst growing nationwide protests over the escalating cost of living, Some government officials convened in a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which commenced at 5:30 p.m., brought together key figures including the President’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside several ministers. Present at the meeting were Dr. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance; Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture; and Mustapha Shehuri, the State Minister for Agriculture. The urgent discussions come on the heels of demonstrations in Minna and Kano, where citizens voiced…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to facilitate a smoother operational environment for telecom service providers across the country. During a recent breakfast meeting with members of the Abuja chapter of the Nigerian Telecommunication Reporters Association (NITRA) and business editors, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, emphasized the commission’s commitment to improving services for consumers while ensuring strict enforcement of regulations. Dr. Maida highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making to enhance industry standards and consumer experiences. He stressed the necessity of holding telecom service providers accountable to meet the expectations of consumers, emphasizing that quality…