The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Phillips Shaibu, the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, seeking to nullify the February 22 governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State. The primary was won by Asue Ighodalo. In his judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that Shaibu lacked the locus standi to challenge the primary’s outcome, as he did not fully participate in it and was not present at the venue on the day it was held. The court further noted that Shaibu’s suit was premature, as he had not exhausted the internal…
Author: Editor Francis
The naira experienced a notable recovery over the weekend, appreciating by 1.0 percent to N1,482.81 per dollar at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). This positive movement comes amid a sustained increase in Nigeria’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves, which recently grew by $73.05 million, reaching a total of $32.74 billion. This marks the fifth consecutive rise in reserves, following previous increases of $195.01 million, $89.76 million, $132.68 million, and $10.76 million in recent weeks. In the forwards market, naira contracts also saw improvements. The one-year contract appreciated by 1.1 percent to $1,504.10 per dollar, the three-month contract increased by…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State faces a new crisis ahead of the upcoming state congresses. Members of the State Working Committee (SWC) have accused the State Chairman, Chief Agboola Alaba, of excluding them from crucial decision-making processes. The SWC members allege that Alaba is managing the party like his personal domain, disregarding the input of other executives. In a joint statement issued after an emergency meeting, they expressed concern over Alaba’s unilateral decisions concerning the forthcoming congress. The statement, signed by key SWC members including Deputy Chairman Lanre Omolase, Secretary Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun, Youth Leader Aare Amerijoye,…
The federal government is set to review the capitation fees paid to healthcare providers under the national health insurance programme, addressing long-standing concerns from hospital proprietors involved in the scheme. Capitation fees are payments determined by the number of patients served. Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), disclosed that these fees have not been reviewed for many years, emphasizing the necessity of addressing this issue for the betterment of the healthcare sector. “It’s been a while since tariffs were reviewed. We initiated actuarial reviews in February to have a solid foundation for adjusting these tariffs,”…
President Bola Tinubu has officially launched the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, presiding over the flag-off ceremony at the Lagos end of Victoria Island. This 700-kilometre road, which will traverse eight states and terminate in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, is expected to significantly boost economic growth, particularly in the states it connects. The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who accompanied President Tinubu at the site. The event also drew governors, deputy governors, the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, ministers, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and other…
The Edo state government has successfully implemented the new minimum wage of N70,000, fulfilling a promise made by Governor Godwin Obaseki. This increase, from the previous N40,000, began with the May 2024 salaries. Governor Obaseki announced this commitment during the recent inauguration of the Labour House in Benin, the state capital. The wage increase aims to reflect the current economic realities and mitigate the effects of a challenging economy on the people of Edo State. In a press statement released on Sunday, May 26, Chris Nehikhare, Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, highlighted the significance of this development. He stated,…
The federal government has filed a lawsuit against thirty-six state governors at the Supreme Court, aiming to uphold the autonomy of the nation’s local governments. The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed on May 20 by Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the federal government. The federal government is seeking an order from the Supreme Court to prohibit state governors from unilaterally, arbitrarily, and unlawfully dissolving democratically elected local government leaders. Additionally, the federal government is requesting that funds allocated to local governments from the federation account be directly channeled to them,…
Ibrahim Lamorde, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), passed away approximately three hours ago due to complications from a kidney stone procedure in Egypt. Lamorde, who had flown to Egypt for medical treatment, succumbed to his condition during the procedure. Ironically, he was in Egypt primarily to seek medical attention for his wife. A top source revealed, “He actually took his wife to Egypt for medical attention when he decided to remove a kidney stone that had caused him some discomfort. He, however, died during the procedure.” His remains will be flown back to Nigeria on…
Burkina Faso’s military regime, in power since a 2022 coup, will extend its rule for five years under an accord adopted during national consultations on Saturday, the talks’ chairman said. “The duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months from July 2, 2024,” Colonel Moussa Diallo, chairman of the organising committee of the national dialogue process, said after the talks. He added that coup leader and acting president Ibrahim Traore can run in any elections at the end of the transition period. What was supposed to be a two-day national dialogue began earlier Saturday, ostensibly to chart a way…
The student loan offered by NELFUND provides credit facilities for tuition fees and living expenses at recognized higher education and vocational training institutions within Nigeria. Here are the steps to apply for the student loan as outlined by NELFUND: 1. Visit the NELFUND Website: – Go to nelf.gov.ng . – Click on “Apply Now”. – Click on “Get Started”. – Confirm your nationality by clicking on “Yes, I am a Nigerian”. 2. Verify Your Educational Information: – Select your school from a dropdown menu and provide your matric number to check if your details are uploaded. – Click “Verify with…
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has directed the arrest of dethroned Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, following his return to the city on Saturday amid a large crowd of supporters. Bayero, who had been unaccounted for since his removal on Thursday, arrived at Aminu Kano International Airport early in the morning to a warm reception from his followers. Governor Yusuf’s order for Bayero’s arrest was announced in a statement by Sanusi Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity at the Government House. The Governor accused Bayero of inciting tension and disrupting public peace in the state. This development follows…
Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has been suspended with immediate effect. The suspension, dated May 14, 2024, and ratified on May 15, 2024, was confirmed during a meeting of the state executive committee on Friday night in Benin. The suspension letter, signed by Ward Chairman Thompson Ehiguese and Ward Secretary Stanley Usiomoh, advised Abure to cease representing himself as a member of the party. “While the suspension is with immediate effect, you are advised to refrain from holding out or parading yourself as a member of Labour Party, Ward 3, Arue, Uromi, Esan North East…