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Folarin Kehinde

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JUST IN: Wike suspends top FCDA executive

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has suspended Shehu Ahmad, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Development Agency.

Ahmad’s suspension was announced by Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the minister on Thursday, June 12.

He also said that the suspended Executive Secretary has been directed by the minister to hand over all necessary documents and notes to the Director of Engineering Services of the FCDA.

No reason was, however, given for Ahmad’s suspension.

More details soon….

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Headlines

Presidency Apologizes After Naming Living Icons in Posthumous Honours

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A moment meant to celebrate Nigeria’s democratic heroes took an awkward turn on Thursday when the Presidency mistakenly listed two living figures—Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu—under its posthumous honours during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech at the National Assembly.

The blunder drew swift public attention and raised eyebrows, prompting a formal apology from the Presidency just hours later.

In an official statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, admitted the mistake, calling it an unfortunate oversight.

“Under the Posthumous Award category, the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, and Dr. Edwin Madunagu were incorrectly included,” Onanuga acknowledged. “Both distinguished individuals are very much alive and should not have appeared in the posthumous category.”

Onanuga assured the public that the Presidency is taking immediate steps to correct the error across all State House communication channels.

“We sincerely regret this oversight. We shall make the necessary corrections across all State House digital platforms. We appreciate your understanding,” the statement added.

The Democracy Day ceremony was intended to honour a range of individuals—both living and deceased—who have played significant roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.

Despite the unintended gaffe, the event saw the recognition of several notable national figures for their sacrifices and contributions.

Observers have called on the Presidency to tighten vetting processes for such sensitive recognitions to avoid future errors that could embarrass or misrepresent national icons.

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Business

MultiChoice Nigeria Loses 1.4 Million Subscribers Over Two Years Amid Repeated DStv Price Hikes

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

African Pay-TV operator, Multichoice Group, on Wednesday released its audited results for the year-ended March 31, 2025, revealing that its Nigerian operation lost 1.4 million in the last two years.

While Multichoice Nigeria had increased its DStv and GOtv subscription prices three times within the two years, the Group blamed several factors, including high inflation, power grid collapse, and fuel scarcity, for the subscriber loss in the country.

It further revealed that Nigeria accounted for 77% of the subscriber loss recorded across its Rest of Africa (RoA) operations between 2023 and 2025.

According to the figures released by the Group, the RoA lost a total of 1.8 million subscribers in the two years, bringing the total subscribers down to 7.5 million in 2025 from 9.3 million recorded in 2023.

A comparative analysis of the company’s figures shows that the subscriber loss, which hit its crescendo in the 2024 financial year, slowed down a bit in the 2025 financial year.

In 2024, Multichoice RoA’s subscriber base slumped to 8.1 million from 9.3 million recorded in 2023 as the company lost 1.2 million customers, representing 13% decline. However, figures for the 2025 financial year show a 7% decline from 8.1 million to 7.5 million subscribers.

Explaining the causes of the subscriber loss, Multichoice in its earnings report stated:

“Inflation across key markets remained high (around 20% on a weighted average basis, above 30% in Nigeria and Angola) and caused pressure on customer spending.

“Subscriber activity was further affected by power shortages across Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, ongoing power and fuel shortages in Nigeria, and civil unrest in Mozambique.

“As a result of the above trading conditions, active subscribers declined 7% YoY, with Nigeria accounting for over half of this decline.”

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Tinubu
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JUST IN: Tinubu speaks on possibility of championing one-party state in Nigeria

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has addressed the concerns raised by several Nigerians over the his move to drag the nation into a one-party state system.

In a post made on his X account in commemoration of the 26th Democracy Day celebration, the president said the alarm raised by some persons is in error.

He wrote, “To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error.”

He further stated that at no point in time has he ever viewed the nation as a one-party State.

Stating that such is not good for Nigeria, Tinubu also said he has never interfered with the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC,” Tinubu said.

He added, “Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.”

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Headlines

It’s my pleasure to witness you in such disarray – Tinubu taunts opposition party members

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his pleasure over the litany of the crisis rocking the major opposition parties in the country.

The president made his stance on the opposition to these political crisis known during his Democracy Day live broadcast which took place at the National Assembly Complex on Thursday, June 12.

He urged the opposition members to work towards putting their houses in order.

Tinubu also highlighted the importance of political parties examining their internal party processes with the aim of serving their members better.

He said that he is aware that opposition party members are scared of losing their members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The president, however, warned the parties against conjuring falsehoods against him and the ruling party.

He said, “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.

“We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population,” Tinubu stated.

According to the president, parties must not focus on eliminating political competition but ensure that competitions are channelled to the benefit of the people.

“One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the

legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is that of economic and social development,” he said.

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Headlines

BREAKING: President Tinubu Honours Wole Soyinka with GCON Award

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the prestigious national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

The announcement was made during the president’s Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday in Abuja.

Professor Soyinka is a renowned playwright, poet, and human rights advocate.

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National Assembly
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June 12: Journalists denied access from NASS chamber ahead of Tinubu’s address

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Journalists accredited to cover the National Assembly were on Thursday barred from gaining access to the National Assembly chamber where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives as part of the Democracy Day celebrations.

LEADING REPORTERS reports that President Tinubu is expected to deliver his Democracy Day speech at noon as part of activities marking the 12th June commemoration.

Journalists from several major news organisations, despite possessing valid accreditation tags, were reportedly denied entry by security personnel stationed at the entrance to the gallery.
According to officials of the Department of State Services, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other security operatives manning the gate, only individuals with “special accreditation” would be granted access to cover the session.

It was gathered that while accredited journalists were locked out, several politicians, aides, and individuals with no official role in the proceedings gained entry into the chamber.

Security personnel instructed the journalists to follow the proceedings from the television screens at the National Assembly’s media centre.

Meanwhile, members of the press corps described the move as an infringement on press freedom and a deliberate attempt to limit media coverage of a significant national event.

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Tinubu
Headlines

JUST IN: Tinubu Confers Posthumous Honours On Abiola, Humphrey Nwosu, Others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bestowed posthumous national honours on key figures who played pivotal roles in the nation’s democratic struggle, including the late Chief MKO Abiola and former National Electoral Commission (NEC) chairman, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.

Speaking during a special address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja to commemorate Democracy Day, President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices of Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, as well as other pro-democracy icons.

Also honoured were renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, a leading voice in the resistance against military rule and wife of the late Abiola.

More to follow…..

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Africa & World

BREAKING: Plane carrying over 200 passengers crashes

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Air India confirmed on Thursday that its Flight 171 from the western city of Ahmedabad to London Gatwick had crashed in a “tragic accident”.

“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he said, adding that an emergency centre has been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.

At least 200 passengers were on board the aircraft, a local airport official told AFP.

“There were more than 200 passengers on board the aircraft,” an official at the Ahmedabad airport told AFP. Flight AI171 is listed as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which can hold more than 200 passengers.

AFP

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Headlines

June 12: Heavy security as protesters rally in Lagos

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Protesters took to the streets of Lagos on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, despite a significant deployment of security personnel across key areas of the city.

Security operatives, including officers from the Nigeria Police Force, maintained a visible presence at protest sites. Patrol vehicles were positioned strategically to control movement and prevent any potential escalation.

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