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Headlines

Tinubu, wife touch down Paris on Wednesday

by Folarin Kehinde November 27, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife arrived in Paris on Wednesday at 5:10 PM local time for a scheduled state visit.

The presidential aircraft landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport and was escorted to a designated area where the President would be greeted with a formal military reception.

This visit marks a significant diplomatic event for Nigeria, highlighting President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international relations and further Nigeria’s global partnerships.

The state visit is expected to involve key discussions on bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and regional security, among other pressing issues.

According to Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the visit sets the stage for important engagements that will benefit both nations.

The state visit underscores the importance of Nigeria’s relationship with France and will further foster diplomatic and economic growth,” Onanuga said.

As the first official engagement of the visit, the military reception serves as a formal welcome to President Tinubu and a display of the strong ties between Nigeria and France.

Further activities are expected to unfold throughout the visit, with both leaders engaging in high-level discussions to chart the way forward for deeper collaboration.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

AEDC Abuja office shut over unsettled demands

by Folarin Kehinde November 27, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Electricity workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), partially shut down operations at the headquarters of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) on Wednesday following management’s failure to meet their demands.

The union had earlier instructed members to shut down all AEDC offices in response to the company’s inability to address the workers’ grievances.

A notice issued by the union stated, “We have reached the end of our ultimatum to the AEDC management regarding our unsettled demands. Please ensure all offices are locked down and secured until our demands are met.”

The strike was triggered by management’s failure to resolve issues, including worker casualisation and unpaid wages.

Protesters blocked the entrance to the AEDC headquarters, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages like “No to casualisation” and “We demand payment of 15 months’ salaries and pension.”

However, the confrontation was short-lived. AEDC’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Adefisayo Akinsaya, downplayed the issue, stating it was a minor concern that had been resolved.

The Chief Technical Officer of AEDC and the NUEE Chairman confirmed that the strike had been called off after an agreement was reached earlier in the day.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Obasanjo lay curse on those wishing him dead

by Folarin Kehinde November 27, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has said he woke up to rumours of his death.

He said some people wrote on social media that he passed away midnight of Monday.

Obasanjo made this known while speaking at the commissioning of Old-Garage-Oke-Fia-Lameco road by Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke.

Adeleke had invited Obasanjo to commission the road project as part of the activities marking the governor’s second year anniversary in office.

Speaking at the event, Obasanjo dispelled the death speculation, saying he was embittered to see people wishing him dead.

The former President who spoke in Yoruba, said he was phoned by a close ally and asked to check the social media for the death rumours.

He said he quickly visited the social media through his phone and confirmed the death speculation.

Obasanjo explained that he immediately shared the death rumours to his family and friends.

He wondered why anyone could want him to die, saying that the speculators may wish him to depart surface of the earth but their wish will not come true.

The former president said anyone who thinks ill of him would not escape tragedy.

He commended Governor Adeleke for his extraordinary performance in Osun, saying his second term is sure.

Obasanjo urged Adeleke to continue to prioritise the welfare of the people.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Over 4000 policemen sue IG over delayed promotion

by Folarin Kehinde November 27, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

No fewer than 4,449 police officers have taken the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to the National Industrial Court in Abuja, accusing the force of failing to decorate them with their new ranks after their promotions were approved by the Police Service Commission.

The suit hinges on the alleged refusal of the IG to implement the decision of the 19th plenary of the PSC, which granted their promotions in accordance with the PSC Act.

At the court hearing presided over by Justice R.B. Haastrup, on Tuesday, counsel for the claimants, Muka’ila Mavo, urged the court to compel the Nigeria Police Force and the IG to implement the approved promotions without further delay.

Mavo cited Section 6 (1)(a) of the Police Service Commission Act and Section 16(3)(a) of the Police Act, stating that these laws empower the PSC to handle appointments, promotions, and discipline of police officers, excluding the IG.

“The Supreme Court has also affirmed this position, granting judicial backing to the PSC’s authority over promotions and discipline within the police force,” Mavo argued.

In response, counsel for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Isa Garba, declined to elaborate on the matter, stating that the Force Public Relations Officer would be in a better position to provide details.

Justice Haastrup adjourned the case till December 18 for further hearing.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

VP Shettima Jets Out of Nigeria After President Tinubu’s Trip to France

by Folarin Kehinde November 27, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Vice President Kashim Shettima will depart Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday to attend the opening ceremony of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE) 2024 conference.

The SIREXE conference is an international event organised by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries”.

The conference will be held from November 27 to December 2, 2024, at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre.

According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of The Vice President, the visit is at the invitation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné.

VP Shettima will utilise the event to share Nigeria’s experience in the hydrocarbon exploration and production sectors.

The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja later on Wednesday.

His trip comes after the announcement of President Bola Tinubu’s travel to France.

The Presidency on Tuesday said the president will depart Abuja on Wednesday to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Tinubu appoints late MKO Abiola’s son SSA

by Folarin Kehinde November 27, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jami’u Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.

The appointment takes effect from November 14, 2024.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

“This is in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended,” Akume said in the statement, signed on his behalf by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information and Public Relations in his office.

Until his appointment, Jami’u served as the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice President.

President Tinubu tasked the appointee to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new assignment.

Daily Trust reports that Jamiu Abiola is a son of late Chief Moshood Abiola (MKO), the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and late Kudirat Abiola, who was assassinated during her struggle to reclaim the mandate of the annulled election.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Abuja High Court Remands Yahaya Bello in EFCC Custody

by Nelson Ugwuagbo November 27, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the remand of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello was arraigned on Wednesday on a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering.

The former governor pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Details later……

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Ezeokenwa Emerges Victorious as Supreme Court Confirms APGA Chairmanship

by Nelson Ugwuagbo November 27, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Supreme Court has upheld an appeal by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), affirming Sylvester Ezeokenwa as its National Chairman.

Delivering its judgment on Wednesday, the court imposed a fine of ₦20 million against Edozie Njoku for filing a frivolous suit at the FCT High Court, Bwari.

This ruling comes days after the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained Njoku from parading himself as APGA’s National Chairman. Justice James Omotosho, in his verdict, stated there was no valid judgment or order, including any from the Supreme Court, that recognized Njoku as the party’s leader.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2024, was initiated by APGA and Ezeokenwa following the removal of Ezeokenwa and his executive officers’ names from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website. INEC had replaced the names with those of the Njoku-led faction on July 9, prompting the lawsuit.

Justice Omotosho criticized INEC’s action, asserting it lacked legal justification. “There is no subsisting court order upon which it acted. The Supreme Court decision was explicit about who the National Chairman should be, and it is certainly not Chief Edozie Njoku,” he ruled.

The judge highlighted that Chief Victor Oye was lawfully recognized until his tenure expired in May 2023, following which a national convention in Awka elected Ezeokenwa as the new National Chairman. INEC monitored the convention and issued a report affirming the election.

Omotosho further referenced a Supreme Court decision from March 24, 2023, which upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal. That judgment set aside a High Court ruling in Jigawa and stated that determining the party’s acting National Chairman fell within its internal affairs and was not subject to judicial review.

“There is clearly no Supreme Court order recognizing Chief Edozie Njoku as Chairman of the party. It is puzzling how INEC claimed to act on a purported court order,” the judge added.

The court ordered INEC to restore Ezeokenwa and his executive team as the rightful National Executive Officers of APGA.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Delta Speaker Survives Deadly Boat Mishap

by Nelson Ugwuagbo November 27, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, has been identified as one of the survivors of a tragic boat accident that claimed five lives in Delta State on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker is yet to recover from the shock of the incident.

The statement disclosed that the accident occurred while Guwor was returning to Asaba via Warri after engaging with constituents on Friday afternoon.

Reports indicate that five individuals lost their lives, six sustained injuries, and 20 others remain missing following the accident in the Warri South Local Government Area.

The Speaker expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for divine strength to help them cope with their loss.

“Mr. Speaker is still in shock over the incident and can only imagine the pain and grief that the families of the victims must be going through,” the statement read.

The Speaker also expressed gratitude for his survival and acknowledged the swift response of rescue teams and medical personnel. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent future occurrences.

Guwor further extended his prayers for the repose of the deceased souls and reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

80.2bn Fraud: “I am not guilty”, Yahaya Bello tells court

by Folarin Kehinde November 27, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of money laundering brought against him by the Federal Government.

The charges allege misappropriation and misuse of public funds, including acquiring multiple high-value properties in Abuja, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

The funds allegedly misused amount to billions of naira, with specific accusations such as purchasing properties in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts and sending large sums of money abroad.

Bello, along with other defendants, is accused of breaching public trust and engaging in dishonest financial activities during his time as governor.

November 27, 2024 0 comments

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