The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria has taken swift action by suspending two senior officials involved in approving the contentious ‘All Eyes on Judiciary’ billboard advertisement located in Abuja. This decision follows the dissolution of the Advertising Standard Panel Secretariat by the Federal Government due to its endorsement of billboards that raised concerns over potential manipulation of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal with the message: ‘All Eyes on The Judiciary.’ In an official statement, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, confirmed the suspension of the officials. The suspended individuals hold the positions of Director…
Author: Editor Francis
In July 2023, the headline inflation rate surged to 24.08%, marking an uptick from June 2023’s 22.79%, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The increase of 1.29% over June 2023’s inflation was highlighted in the NBS report. This rise was driven by heightened contributions from specific items within the basket of goods and services at the divisional level. “These increases were witnessed in Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (12.47%), Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuel (4.03%), Clothing & Footwear (1.84%), Transport (1.57%), Furnishings & Household Equipment & Maintenance (1.21%), Education (0.95%) and Health (0.72%). Others are Miscellaneous…
In a joint effort, the US Departments of State, Labour, and Commerce have issued a Business Advisory addressing the escalating reputational, financial, and legal perils faced by U.S. businesses and American individuals engaging in transactions with entities closely linked to South Sudan’s extended transitional government or under the influence of family members of government officials. The advisory emphasises that the transitional government has fallen short in implementing essential economic reforms and commitments to public financial management outlined in the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). These commitments were scheduled for…
Efforts are underway by the federal government to retract the charge of illegal possession of firearms levelled against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In a development witnessed on Tuesday, the prosecution presented an oral application to the federal high court in Ikoyi, seeking the withdrawal of the charge. The case, which unfolded on July 25, witnessed Emefiele’s arraignment on a two-count charge that revolved around the allegation of “illegal possession of firearms.” This legal manoeuvre transpired at the federal high court situated in Ikoyi, Lagos. More to come…
Amid escalating concerns surrounding a potential surge in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has taken a definitive stance to address the issue. In a statement issued via its official X (formerly Twitter), on Monday, the prominent importer of petrol in Nigeria, NNPCL, sought to allay fears by affirming its commitment against any intentions to elevate the pump price of petrol. The company’s statement read, “Dear esteemed customers, we at NNPCL Retail value your patronage, and we do not have the intention to increase our PMS pump prices…
A few days after the Niger Junta announced that their President Mohamed Bazoum would be tried for treason, international organisations raised some concern. On Sunday, Niger’s putschists that toppled Mohamed Bazoum said they would “prosecute” the ousted president for “high treason” and “undermining the security” of the country. The international community, including the United Nations, the United States, and ECOWAS, has expressed strong condemnation of Niger’s military leadership’s intention to put President Mohamed Bazoum on trial. This action is predicted to exacerbate existing tensions. “We are incredibly dismayed by reports that President Bazoum’s unjust detention has gone even a step…
A Nigerian Air Force aircraft has been involved in a crash during its flight from Kaduna to Minna, the capital of Niger State. The incident occurred as the aircraft was en route to its destination, with reports emerging on Monday about the unfortunate incident. The crash was confirmed by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, in an official statement released on Monday. The details surrounding the crash, including the cause and potential casualties, are currently being investigated by relevant authorities. According to the statement, the aircraft initially took off from Zungeru Primary School and…
In a recent survey conducted by Lagos-based public perception consulting firm, CMC Connect LLP, in collaboration with Analysts Data Services and Resources (ADSR), an encouraging 62% of Nigerians believe that Nigeria will witness progress under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. The survey encompassed a diverse demographic of 1,714 participants hailing from the country’s six geopolitical zones. These respondents actively shared their viewpoints and assessments concerning the initial 60 days of President Tinubu’s administration. The survey’s outcomes underline a prevailing sense of optimism among Nigerians, signifying high hopes for the nation’s future trajectory under President Tinubu’s governance. “38% do not…
The United States has announced sanctions targeting four influential individuals within Russia’s financial elite. These individuals have notably served on the supervisory board of the Alfa Group Consortium, a substantial financial and investment conglomerate in Russia. Additionally, sanctions have been imposed on two entities: the Russian Association of Employers and the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The latter is a business organization operating in the technology sector of Russia’s economy. The RSPP has played a role in advocating for import substitution and organizing discussions to formulate responses to existing sanctions. The United States is taking these measures as…
US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with former Nigerien President Mohamed Issoufou, addressing the ongoing situation concerning President Bazoum’s detention. During the discussion, Secretary Blinken conveyed his serious apprehension regarding the continued and worsening incarceration of President Bazoum and his family. Blinken underscored his deep disappointment at the reluctance of the present leadership in Niger to release President Bazoum’s family members as a gesture of goodwill. The Secretary voiced his dismay over this refusal, emphasising the importance of such actions in fostering a positive atmosphere. Furthermore, Secretary Blinken assured former President Issoufou of the unwavering…
Burkina Faso’s government, led by the junta, has taken the decision to suspend a prominent radio station due to its airing of an interview that was deemed offensive towards Niger’s newly established military leadership. The country witnessed two military coups in the past year, influenced by frustration over the inability to curb a raging jihadist insurgency, similar to Mali and Niger. In response, Burkina Faso expressed support for Niger’s new leaders and issued a joint caution with Mali against any intervention to restore Bazoum, equating it to a declaration of war. Recent months saw Burkinabe authorities take strong actions, suspending…
In an action-packed encounter, Liverpool showcased early dominance as Mohamed Salah’s strike reverberated off the crossbar. However, it was Salah’s remarkable assist that set the stage for Luis Diaz to slide home the opening goal after 18 minutes, putting the Reds in the lead. Chelsea, led by their new manager Mauricio Pochettino, mounted a spirited response in their inaugural Premier League fixture under his guidance. The Blues managed to level the playing field with a goal from their fresh acquisition, Axel Disasi. The defender capitalized on Liverpool’s inability to clear a set-piece, calmly slotting the ball into the net from…