The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Nigerian Federal Government and state governments to drop criminal charges against activists, journalists, rights defenders, and others who are on trial solely for peacefully exercising their human and democratic rights. This call was part of the recommendations in SERAP’s latest report, titled ‘Broken Promises: Systematic Crackdown on Civic Space, Democratic Rights, and Media Freedom in Nigeria,’ released on July 3, 2024, in Abuja. The report assesses citizens’ participation in the democratic process and the protection of dissent in Nigeria. Among its key recommendations, SERAP demands an end to the systematic…
Author: Editor Francis
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented the staff and instrument of office to Oba Cornelius Taiwo Oladokun, the Alaawe of Aawe. This event follows closely on the heels of a similar presentation to the Onifiditi of Fiditi, also in Afijio Local Government Area, just days earlier. Representing Governor Makinde, Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal highlighted the unprecedented nature of these presentations within Afijio Local Government, noting that Oba Oladokun, who ascended the throne in 1991, is now formally receiving his staff of office. The Governor expressed gratitude for the health and longevity of Oba Oladokun and his queens, allowing…
David Lammy has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s new Foreign Secretary following Labour’s landslide victory in the recent general election. This appointment marks a crucial moment in British politics and international relations. Key Points: David Lammy, 51, is known for his outspoken nature and previously hosted a national radio show. He will be responsible for shaping the UK’s foreign policy, dealing with critical issues such as the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict. Lammy aims to pursue a “securonomics” agenda, balancing foreign policy with economic security. Background: Born in London to Guyanese parents, Lammy overcame personal challenges, including his…
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Nigeria’s Labour Party, has extended his congratulations to the UK Labour Party following their landslide victory in the recent British parliamentary elections. The Labour Party’s win marks the end of 14 years of Conservative Party rule in the United Kingdom. In a statement released via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Obi congratulated Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and expressed hope that the victory would usher in “a better and new chapter for all UK residents.” The Nigerian politician also called for stronger ties between the UK and Nigeria, emphasizing the potential…
Britain’s head of state King Charles III officially appointed Labour leader Keir Starmer as Prime Minister on Friday during an audience at Buckingham Palace. A photograph released by the palace showed the monarch shaking hands with Starmer, whose party won a landslide election victory. The king earlier accepted the resignation of Conservative leader Rishi Sunak. ị Britain’s King Charles III (R) welcomes Britain’s incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London on July 5, 2024, a day after Britain held a general election. “The King received in audience The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer MP…
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of ten private jet operators due to illegal operations. The affected operators, who held Permits for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), failed to complete a mandatory recertification process as directed by the NCAA. This action follows revelations that many operators were misusing their PNCFs by conducting commercial flights, a practice known in aviation as “hire and reward.” According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18.3.4, PNCF holders are strictly prohibited from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward (commercial operations or charter…
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced plans to roll out an additional 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations nationwide over the next twelve months. This announcement was made by Huub Stokman, Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, during the simultaneous inauguration of 11 CNG stations across Abuja and Lagos on Thursday. Stokman highlighted the cost benefits of CNG, stating, “CNG will be about 40 percent cheaper than petrol in Nigeria. And with continued investments, it could become a significant part of our energy mix.” The initiative is part of NNPC’s broader strategy to diversify Nigeria’s energy sources…
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest Zone D has publicly distanced itself from rumored protests against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a statement released today, the student body expressed its full support for the EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime and other illegal activities that tarnish the reputation of Nigerian youth. Com. Alao John, Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, emphasized the association’s stance, stating, “We are not in support of any form of protest against the EFCC. Instead, we stand in solidarity with the EFCC and are committed to working collaboratively with them.” The statement…
The Nigerian Senate took a significant step towards establishing an exclusive pension board for the Nigeria Police Force on Thursday, passing a bill for its second reading. The move aims to address long-standing disparities between police pension benefits and those of other security agencies. Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe (PDP, Adamawa South) sponsored the “Police Pension Board (Establishment) Bill,” arguing that the current system, which includes police officers in the general contributory pension scheme managed by PENCOM, disadvantages them compared to their counterparts in the military and intelligence services. Yaroe highlighted stark differences in pension benefits, noting that a Deputy Superintendent…
The Nigerian government has responded to concerns over its recent signing of the Samoa Agreement, a partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). Minister of Information Mohammed Idris issued a statement on Thursday addressing reports that the agreement could compel signatories to support LGBT rights. Minister Idris emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would not enter into any international agreement detrimental to Nigeria’s interests. He clarified that Nigeria’s endorsement on June 28, 2024, was accompanied by a declaration stating that any provision inconsistent with Nigerian law would be invalid. The minister…
The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has announced a revision of its electricity tariff for Band A customers. This change affects consumers in parts of Lagos and Ogun states. According to a statement posted on IKEDC’s social media handles, the new tariff will be N209.5 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up from the previous rate of N206.80 per kWh. This adjustment, in line with the service-based tariff regime, will take effect from July 1, 2024. The statement clarified that tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E will remain unchanged. IKEDC assured customers that this development aims to sustain and improve the…
At the first-ever legislative open week of the House in Abuja, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, highlighted the financial struggles faced by lawmakers. Dogara, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, urged legislators to disclose their finances to counter the widespread belief that they receive exorbitant salaries. Dogara revealed that during his tenure, his monthly salary was less than N400,000, while his allowance as a presiding officer was N25 million. He emphasized that these earnings are insufficient, lasting only three days due to the high demands placed on legislators. “While I was Speaker, my salary was…