Tuesday, April 28

News

Concerns in Port Harcourt as Aye Cult Group, Others Retain Reign of Terror
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Concerns in Port Harcourt as Aye Cult Group, Others Retain Reign of Terror

Watchers of socio-political events in Rivers State are currently on the edge over increasing, bloody perpatration of cult groups in Port Harcourt, the state's capital, especially with regard to the reign of terror in the capital city by the fearsome cult group, Black Axe, widely known by its perjorative name -Aye. While the notorious Aye had had several running battles with security agencies, most especially the police, the hapless locals in various Port Harcout communities have been bearing the brunt through killings, maiming, looting, and mass destruction. Invrstigations reveled that while many people live in mortal fear and trepidation, hundreds have in the last one year fled their homes, seeking refuge in other states, often in makeshift accommodation. In this year alone, inv...
Breaking: Rivers Sole Admin appoints Wike Ally as Sole Administrator of Obia/Akpor local government
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Breaking: Rivers Sole Admin appoints Wike Ally as Sole Administrator of Obia/Akpor local government

The next scene of the political melodrama act in Rivers State has began with the appointment of Barr.Nyesom Wike Ally, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter, and who was appointed Chairman Rivers State Service Commission by erstwhile governor at the wee period of his regime, as Administrator Obio/Akpor local government. The Secretary of the government of Rivers State Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika in an early morning statement today April 9 , 2025 release names of all the administrators as well as chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Election Commission. Read the full details below: GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe ...
NECA seeks continued partnership with Nigeria Customs to boost economy
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NECA seeks continued partnership with Nigeria Customs to boost economy

By Joan Nwagwu The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called for continued collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to foster inclusive growth, enhance trade competitiveness, and strengthen the economy. Mr Ifeanyi Okoye, President of NECA, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Services, Bashir Adeniyi, on Tuesday in Abuja. Okoye stated that the purpose of the visit was to deepen the partnership on trade facilitation and private sector development. He emphasised that with more than 4,000 member-companies and 30 industrial affiliates, NECA remained committed to advocating for a more enabling and competitive business environment. “We are here today not only to deepen our engagement with the Nigeria C...
Breaking: Police Issue Warning Ahead Of Nationwide Protest On National Police Day
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Breaking: Police Issue Warning Ahead Of Nationwide Protest On National Police Day

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a cautionary statement regarding a planned nationwide protest organized by the "Take It Back Movement," scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025. The date coincides with the Federal Government's inaugural celebration of National Police Day, an event intended to honor the dedication and resilience of police officers across the country. While recognizing citizens' constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the NPF expressed concern over the timing of the protest, which overlaps with a day meant to celebrate the contributions of law enforcement to national security. The event is expected to host dignitaries from Nigeria and abroad, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police and diplomats. In a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer...
BREAKING: Ex-Oyo Gov Olunloyo Is Dead
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BREAKING: Ex-Oyo Gov Olunloyo Is Dead

Dr. Victor Olunloyo, a former Governor of Oyo State is dead. According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday. The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family. It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday. The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments. His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even ...
NNPC Ltd Announces New Senior Management Team
Business, News

NNPC Ltd Announces New Senior Management Team

Following the appointment of the Group Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the appointment of a new 8-man Senior Management Team on Friday. The team which will be headed by the GCEO, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has Rowland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer; Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer; and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power & New Energy. Other members of the team are: Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer. All appointments are with immediate effect.
“Celebrating Legal Excellence: Aigbefoh’s call for Change Amidst Insecurity”
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“Celebrating Legal Excellence: Aigbefoh’s call for Change Amidst Insecurity”

By Gami Tadanyigbe Chief Dr. Amb Ebosetale David Aigbefoh Esq, has received an award of Legal Personality of the year from the National Chronicle Newspaper, for his dedication and hard work on judicial/Societal matters in the country. On his acceptance speech, he thanked and appreciated the organizers (National Chronicle Newspaper) for the recognition, saying "I am honoured to receive the "Legal Personality of the Year 2024" Award from the National Chronicle Newspaper, though I regret not being able to attend in person today. "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for this prestigious recognition, and I appreciate my respected friend and colleague, Anayo Mbah Esq., for representing me at the event. "As we celebrate this honour, I would like to emphasize the pressing issue of ...
Shettima departs for Dakar for Senegal’s 65th Independence
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Shettima departs for Dakar for Senegal’s 65th Independence

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the country’s 65th Independence Day anniversary. Newsspecng.com reports that Senegal marks its Independence Day on April 4, commemorating its 1960 freedom from French colonial rule. The event features national pride, parades, and cultural celebrations.This year’s ceremony will hold at Place de la Nation, Dakar, with President Bassirou Faye hosting Shettima and other dignitaries from Africa and beyond. Shettima is attending in response to an invitation from Faye, reflecting the strong ties between both nations. The Vice-President is expected back in Nigeria on Friday after the one-day event.
BREAKING: Natasha Akpoti’s Recall Petition Failed To Meet Constitutional Requirement- INEC
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BREAKING: Natasha Akpoti’s Recall Petition Failed To Meet Constitutional Requirement- INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the petition seeking to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduahan, senator representing Kogi central, failed to meet the constitutional threshold. In a statement on Thursday, INEC cited section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the conditions for recalling a lawmaker, noting that the petition failed to fulfill these requirements. "The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” the commission wrote.
Trump Imposes 14% Tariff On Nigerian Goods In Escalating Trade War
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Trump Imposes 14% Tariff On Nigerian Goods In Escalating Trade War

US President Donald Trump has announced that exports from Nigeria to the United States will now be subjected to a 14 per cent tariff. The decision, which was made public during a ‘Make America Wealthy Again’ event in the Rose Garden on Wednesday, is part of a broader strategy aimed at rebalancing global trade and addressing perceived unfair trade practices. The newly introduced 14 per cent tariff marks a significant shift in U.S.-Nigeria trade relations, with the U.S. government citing an ongoing trade imbalance. According to the Trump administration, Nigeria imposes a 27 per cent tariff on U.S. exports, a disparity the U.S. claims has long been detrimental to American businesses and consumers. In response, the U.S. has now imposed a new tariff on Nigerian exports to mitigate ...
NGOs Empowers 50 Women in FCT Community
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NGOs Empowers 50 Women in FCT Community

By Gami Tadanyigbe Aisha Achimugu Foundation, in collaboration with Tasth Foundation and the Rachel Own Enoh Empowerment & Care Foundation, has trained over 50 women in Lugbe, Abuja, on various vocational skills, including soap and Vaseline making, lip gloss production, Ankara bag, shoe making, and makeup artistry. In a bid to support women’s economic empowerment at the grassroots level, these non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities by providing women with the skills needed to achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency in the country. The Program Director of Aisha Achimugu Foundation, Mrs. Kiema Ogunlana, at the event said that Women Empowerment Initiative 2025-Abuja Edition was the first of its kind at this scale. Ac...
Pensioners Decry Delays In Monthly Payments, Call For Investigation Into PTAD Operations
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Pensioners Decry Delays In Monthly Payments, Call For Investigation Into PTAD Operations

Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) have raised concerns over persistent delays in monthly pension payments by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), alleging systemic inefficiencies and possible corruption within the agency. According to the pensioners, for over five years, pensioners have reportedly endured delays of up to a week or more in receiving their pensions, contrary to a presidential directive issued in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari mandating payments by the 28th of each month. It was gathered that despite assurances from PTAD, payments of pensioners now occur after the 30th to another month day of the month, with PTAD attributing the delays to technical issues with Nigeria’s GIFMIS system. Investigation revealed that these d...
Olu of Warri tasks Transition Town Warri on community revitalization
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Olu of Warri tasks Transition Town Warri on community revitalization

The Olu of Warri Kingdom His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III charged the Transition Town Warri initiative on community revitalization by using the project to promoting Itsekiri /Iwere development agenda using local resources. The revered traditional monarch who gave the charge when the team sought his blessings said the Transition town Warri team should engage with communities, listening to their challenges and supporting their efforts and using their local resources towards development while also preserving Itsekiri rich culture and history. The Transition town Warri initiative began its training by first giving an overview on the concept and then explaining the its purpose, vision and the goals. The current environmental, social, and economic challenges facing communities wer...
Tinubu reconstitutes NNPC Board, appoints New Chairman, Group CEO
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Tinubu reconstitutes NNPC Board, appoints New Chairman, Group CEO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping change in the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited board, removing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and the group chief executive officer, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari.President Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu.Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing d...
Tinubu Reshuffles NNPC Leadership: Kyari Out, New Board Members In
News

Tinubu Reshuffles NNPC Leadership: Kyari Out, New Board Members In

President Bola Tinubu has sacked the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) including its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari and board chairman Pius Akinyelure. The sack was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga in an early Wednesday morning statement posted on X. “President Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023,” Mr Onanuga wrote. Mr Kyari was first appointed NNPC chief by former President Muhammadu Buhari but was reappointed in 2023 by President Tinubu. According to Wednesday’s statement, the president also appointed a new board including a new GCEO. “The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman,” Mr Onanuga w...
Breaking: Edo Gubernatorial Election Tribunal Judgement for Wednesday 2 leaked
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Breaking: Edo Gubernatorial Election Tribunal Judgement for Wednesday 2 leaked

There is paipable fear and disbelief in Benin City the capital of Edo State as documents alleged to be the judgement of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal have surfaced online. The documents surfaced barely 24 hours after the panel summoned all parties involved in the case. The leaked documents has sparked confusion and debate over the tribunal’s final ruling The three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had on March 3 reserved its judgement on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the result of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. On Tuesday, the tribunal directed both parties to appear the next day for the verdict. But copies of what seemed to be the judgement circulated...
Group Demands EFCC, ICPC Probe Into PTAD Over N25 Billion Arrears Of Defunct NEPA/PHCN Pensioners
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Group Demands EFCC, ICPC Probe Into PTAD Over N25 Billion Arrears Of Defunct NEPA/PHCN Pensioners

Following the failure of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to pay the N25 billion arrears owed to pensioners of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), now Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), a human rights group, The Democratic and Human Rights Centre (TDHRC), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the agency over the delay in payment. In a press release, TDHRC emphasized the need for EFCC and ICPC to probe PTAD for its inability to settle the N25 billion arrears owed to NEPA/PHCN pensioners. "We were informed by these pensioners that Samuel Agbogun, the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Electricity Liability M...
BREAKING: Sultan announces sighting of Shawwal crescent, declares Sunday as Eid day
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BREAKING: Sultan announces sighting of Shawwal crescent, declares Sunday as Eid day

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar II, has announced the sighting of Shawwal crescent, marking the end of Ramadan fasting. The Sultan said they received reports of sighting from Borno, Zazzau, Dutse, Maru, among other places within the country. “My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, today 29th day of March, 2025 AD, equivalent to 29th day of Ramadan 1446 After the Hijra of our Most Noble Leader Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brings us to the end of 1446 Ramadan fast. Today 29th day of Ramadan, we received reports from various Muslim leaders and organisations such as Shehu of Borno, Emir of Dutse, Emir of Argungu, Emir of Maru, Emir of Daura and Emir of Zazzau as well as JBWIS in Jos of the confirmation of the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1446 after the Hijra of our Most Noble L...
Cult clash: 19 killed as Black Axe invades community on revenge mission
News

Cult clash: 19 killed as Black Axe invades community on revenge mission

Obelle community in Emohua Local Government area of Rivers State was yesterday thrown into turmoil when the dreaded cult group, Black Axe, otherwise known as Aye, struck in the town. At press time, no fewer than 19 persons were left dead, after the gamboling cultists invaded the area in hunt for persons said to be members of another rival cult group. Only Wednesday last week, a similar incident occured in the locality, leaving seven people dead. While the locals were still to get out of the shock of blood-letting that claimed seven lives on Wednesday in a clash between Black Axe and its rivals, known as Icelanders, the situation became worse yesterday as the Black Axe reportedly re-launched in a two-hour long operation that recorded 19 deaths. It was gathered that the Black Ax...
Group Urges Tinubu To Direct PTAD To Settle NEPA/PHCN Pension Arrears
News

Group Urges Tinubu To Direct PTAD To Settle NEPA/PHCN Pension Arrears

A human rights group, The Democratic and Human Rights Centre (TDHRC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by directing the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to immediately pay the outstanding pension arrears of former employees of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), now known as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), which have been pending since 2017. The group, in a press release signed by Comrade Aderemi Adebisi, stated that PTAD's refusal to pay former employees of NEPA/PHCN accumulated pension arrears since 2017 has not only caused hardship to them but has also led to the deaths of many members. "These people have served this country meritoriously and do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens. The refus...