Part of Kenya’s parliament building was on fire Tuesday as thousands of protesters against a new finance bill entered and legislators fled, in the most direct assault on the government in decades. Journalists saw at least three bodies outside the complex where police had opened fire. The protesters had demanded that legislators vote against the controversial bill imposing new taxes on a country where frustrations over the high cost of living have simmered for years. The protesters outmanoeuvred the police to enter parliament shortly after legislators voted to pass the bill. Lawmakers fled through a tunnel, but protesters allowed opposition…
Author: Editor Francis
The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has struck out the case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding allegations of abusing the Naira. Justice Kehinde Ogundare dismissed the charges following a mutual settlement reached by both parties involved in the case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Okechukwu on April 17, facing a three-count charge for allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes during an event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. Okechukwu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N10 million. During the last hearing on May 2, defence…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his concern regarding the increasing influence of state governments in the process of enthroning traditional rulers. In a statement released on Tuesday via his X handle, Abubakar, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the recent general election, emphasised the need to protect traditional institutions from state government interference to maintain peace and order in communities. Abubakar highlighted the vital role traditional institutions play in governance, even though the current constitution does not formally recognise them. He stressed that the stability of these institutions is crucial for the economic…
Twenty officials from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and other agencies under the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources have completed specialised training in Environmental Justice. The programme, conducted in two phases in Lagos and Abuja, was funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the NUFFIC Orange Knowledge Programme and implemented by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) in the Netherlands. The training, themed “Reducing Ecological and Social Inequalities through Effective and Participatory Land Governance,” saw participation from representatives of LASEPA, Lagos State Parks and Gardens, Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Lagos State…
During a recent meeting in Abeokuta, the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) emphasized the need for state police, asserting that it would allow greater control over security decisions within their respective states. The governors argued that local law enforcement officers, familiar with the terrain and language, are better equipped to combat crime effectively. The SGF convened under the leadership of host Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was appointed chairman. Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo was named Vice Chairman. Among the attendees were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Alex Otti (Abia), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).…
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Bello as the new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), pending Senate confirmation. This announcement was made in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. Bello, a seasoned lawyer, administrator, and journalist, brings extensive experience to his new role. He previously served as Secretary to the Lagos State Government and held the position of Commissioner for Environment. His journalism career includes significant roles at Concord Newspapers and THISDAY Newspapers, where he served in various editorial capacities. The statement…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the Sokoto State government to safeguard the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. Speaking at the North West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State on Monday, Shettima emphasized the Sultan’s national significance. “In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognise and appreciate all our royal fathers present here,” Shettima stated. Addressing the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, he added, “Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents…
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has vehemently condemned the misuse of her name in political disputes, urging perpetrators to cease their actions immediately. This response follows the circulation of a Facebook post that falsely attributed a statement to Okonjo-Iweala regarding Nigeria’s debt. The post claimed she remarked, “Nigeria’s debt for the first time in history, has risen to 24 trillion in just 2 months, even after removing subsidies, which is something unbelievable. I called several times to help and advise but the current administration and cabals refuse to let me come in. How can…
The Lagos State Government has issued a 14-day removal notice to owners of buildings and structures constructed on drainage channels. This announcement came from Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, following an inspection tour of various contravention sites and ongoing drainage enforcement projects in Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Sangotedo, Lekki, and Ikoyi. Mr. Wahab emphasised the government’s commitment to restoring order and environmental discipline in Lagos. “The era of environmental indiscipline and nuisance is over in Lagos. We will not shy away from enforcing all relevant laws, irrespective of whose ox is gored,” he stated.…
Renowned actress and producer Funke Akindele has encouraged women to take control of their financial destinies by starting small businesses and managing their resources effectively. In a recent interview with Arise TV, Akindele emphasised that women do not need to rely on men for success and urged them to believe in their own abilities. “Whatever you have, just start something. Move. Don’t wait for the big opportunity. Even if it’s a petty business, just start something,” Akindele advised. She challenged the notion that women cannot achieve financial success, citing examples of successful women like Folorunsho Alakija. “Who says women can’t…
Nigerians’ borrowing from banks soared to N3.82 trillion in January 2024, reflecting the impact of rising inflation and challenging economic conditions. This data comes from the latest monthly economic report published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) The report reveals that total consumer credit increased by 11.9 percent, climbing from N2.648 trillion in December 2023 to N3.82 trillion in January 2024. Year-on-year, this figure represents a significant rise of N1.41 trillion, up from N2.41 trillion in January 2023. Additionally, retail loans saw a 3.6 percent increase, reaching N794.79 billion during the review period. A deeper analysis shows that personal…
In a recent statement on his official social media platform, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo expressed deep concern regarding reports of begging and extortion by some individuals at international airports across the country. Keyamo highlighted that these activities, allegedly perpetrated by airport staff, are tarnishing the nation’s reputation. He disclosed receiving frequent messages from citizens, expressing their distress over the matter. The Minister clarified that while most of the agencies involved do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Aviation Ministry, they operate within airports under its purview. He assured the public of ongoing efforts, stating, “I have been collaborating…