Landmark

The Concerned Citizens of Kano State have urged Governor Abba Yusuf to issue an immediate apology for his actions that have led to the ongoing Kano Emirates crisis. The group said the Governor has not only disrespected the rich cultural heritage of Kano State but has also shown a blatant disregard for the judiciary and the rule of law. A statement signed by its President, Comrade Mustapha Aliyu, said by unilaterally altering the centuries-old Kano Emirates structure, Governor Yusuf has caused harm to the people of Kano, undermined the state's cultural identity, and set a dangerous precedent for anarchy in Nigeria. According to Aliyu, his actions have sown discord, fueled division, and threatened the peace and stability of the state and the entire nation hence he must apologise to Nigerians.  "We the Concerned Citizens of Kano State, are issuing this press statement to express our deep disappointment, shock, and outrage over the recent actions of Governor Abba Yusuf, who has br...

The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe, ANPE, has praised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara's leadership style, describing him as an asset to Nigeria's democracy.  The group emphasised that Governor Fubara's approach to politics is still relatively rare in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.  In a statement signed by its President, Dr Reginald Agamah, ANPE noted that despite distractions from disgruntled politicians in the state, Governor Fubara's achievements in just one year in office are far-reaching and worthy of commendations.  Dr Agamah lauded Governor Fubara for resisting the urge to use the distractions he faced from state actors as an excuse not to perform.  He admonished detractors to give Rivers State time to heal and be better positioned for development.  "The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe, ANPE, commend Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his unique approach to governance," the statement said. We...

The South-West Progressive Youths (SWPY) has commended the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida for their leadership and contributions to the country's digital advancement. Under the guidance of Minister Tijani and the regulatory oversight of EVC/CEO Maida, the group said Nigeria has witnessed significant strides in the development of its digital economy, including the implementation of various initiatives to enhance digital infrastructure, promote innovation, and foster inclusive economic growth. A statement signed by its President Comrade Yusuf Taiwo acknowledged their tireless effort to position Nigeria as a leader in the digital space, creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, entrepreneurs to innovate, and citizens to access essential services. Taiwo highlighted Tijani’s impact on digital economy policy and strategy, national broadband plan, digital literacy, contri...

The Centre for Justice and Truth in Nigeria (CJTN) has welcomed a High Court ruling restraining the 27-member Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly from parading themselves as lawmakers. Recall that Amaewhule and 24 other members of the Assembly had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in December.  In a statement signed by its President Edward Usman, the Centre also applauded the interlocutory injunction order stopping Governor Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Chief Judge of the State from interfacing with them.  Usman said the judgment is another watershed in our jurisprudence as it has helped to halt the illegality the former members wanted to perpetuate in Rivers State. "We warmly welcome the landmark judgement delivered by the Rivers State High Court, which granted an interim injunction restraining 25 lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the state House of Assembly. This courageous decision is a triumph of...

Nigerians in the diaspora have commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their remarkable achievements in their first year in office. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (United Kingdom) praised the duo for their visionary leadership and commitment to transforming Nigeria's aviation sector. The statement signed by its coordinator Adeka Oche hailed President Tinubu for demonstrating unwavering dedication to the progress and prosperity of Nigeria. Oche said under Tinubu’s visionary leadership, the nation has witnessed significant strides in various sectors, including infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare. The group also commended the administration's efforts in the aviation sector which have resulted in significant improvements in airport infrastructure, air travel safety, and ease of doing business. Specifically, they highlighted the support for loc...

A High Court of Justice of Rivers State presided over by Justice C.N. Wali has barred the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara from giving effect to any resolution by defected lawmakers in the state to the opposition party.  The court in its ruling dated May 30, 2024, also barred the state Chief Judge and the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice from acting on the their resolutions.  Twenty five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, defected from the People's Docratic Party, PDP, to the All Progresaivea Congress, APC.  Shortly after their defection, the court restrained them from their seats were declared vacant and an order also made stopping them from parading themselvs as lawmakers.  Parts of the order read, "An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/ sitting...

A coalition of business leaders, stakeholders, and advocates for economic growth and development in Nigeria has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Nigeria Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill. The Economic Freedom Advocacy (EFC), in a statement on Wednesday, said the Speaker's dedication to seeing this bill become a reality is proof of his clear understanding of the importance of a well-regulated shipping industry to Nigeria's economic development. In the statement signed by Mohammed Matazu, the group said the bill is critical legislation that will promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the shipping industry and it is soothing to see the Speaker champion this milestone. "The bill will establish a modern and effective regulatory framework that will protect the rights of shippers, promote competition, and enhance trade efficiency," he adde...

Following the ratification of the suspension of Julius Abure from membership of the Labour Party by the Edo State chapter of the party, the Abdulwaheed Omar-led National Transition Committee (NTC) of the party has advised the suspended national chairman, Julius Abure, to keep off and stay away from the activities of the party in Edo State and elsewhere in the country.   In a press statement signed by the chairman of the NTC's sub-committee on Media and Publicity, Comrade Tony Akeni, the committee cautioned Abure and those the NTC referred to as the "Nnewi Gang," who claim “to have been re-elected to the party's National Working Committee (NWC) at the disputed Nnewi convention, to keep off the party's activities in Edo and Ondo states, as well as other parts of the country.”   The NTC had since declared that the national convention orchestrated by Julius Abure at Nnewi by what it described as a "fragment of questionable hangers of Abure", was “a phantom c...

In an unprecedented show of strength and determination, hundreds of women took to the streets of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital to protest the forceful takeover of their lands by former Governor, Nyesom Wike. The protesters, who identified themselves as ‘Oginigba Women’, demanded an immediate reversal of the controversial land acquisitions and an end to the alleged land grabbing. The women carried placards and banners with strong messages such as ‘No Consultation, No Compensation’ and ‘Give Us our Land Back’ directed at the FCT Minister, Hon. Kingsley Chinda and Barr George Ariolu. Chinda, the House of Representatives Minority Leader and Ariolu are believed to be Wike’s accomplices in the large-scale land-grabbing scheme perpetrated during his eight years as governor. Reports indicate that vast tracts of land have been deceitfully taken from citizens in the guise of insecurity and rural development but only to be redistributed among Wike, Chinda and their other associates. Blo...

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration in its first year. Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Moyosore Ogunlewe believed that the government has made significant progress in various sectors, including infrastructure development, job creation, and economic diversification like never before. Just like no one is perfect, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not perfect nevertheless, he has been a kind-hearted man who has been very good at identifying talents for good governance, putting round pegs in round holes, growing Nigeria's economy, and people and brilliantly knows our problem as a people and as a nation. No doubt, he knows exactly what to do to fix it and he has started well. Believe it or not, Nigeria in this first year of his administration has experienced something different from the regular past administrations and I am proud to say that Nigerians are happy with what he has done with exemplary leadership qualities, thereby guiding our great nation with vis...

By Toby Prince Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila needs no introduction as far as the Nigerian political space is concerned. He made his name through hard work, diligence and consistency both in private life and public service. The difference between 'race' and 'grace' is the "G" which stands for the God factor. "Gbaja", as the 6-term member of the House of Representatives from Lagos State is fondly called, can only give credit to God for the journey of his life so far. Elected 6 consecutive times into the Federal House of Representatives since 2003, Hon. Gbaja voluntarily resigned from the Green Chamber after his inauguration in June 2023 to take up a new challenge as Chief of Staff to his mentor and political leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A shining light and a noble parliamentarian, of the 20 years-plus that Rt. Hon. Gbaja served in the National Assembly, he was a principal officer for 16 consecutive years. From the cradle as Minority Whip, he rose ...

  ‘’If Nigerians vote for APC in 2023, the country will sink, we will swim in poverty, and the economy will be in shambles. If APC wins, Nigeria will suffer extraordinarily. We have not yet seen hardship; if APC wins, the real hardship will come. The economy will be sick.’’ These were the words of a popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in October 2022 before the Nigerian presidential election was held in 2023. ‘’Subsidy is gone’’, it’s been one year since Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu made this statement that would later lead to a rocky beginning of his administration. It was his first major statement as the democratically elected President of Nigeria and as the nation marks the first anniversary of Mr. Tinubu’s administration today May 29, 2024, it is discernable that the ripple effect of his statement still lingers on account of the inexplicable catastrophe that continues to face a larger percentage of the country’s population. ...

Caption: Amb Nicholas Agbo Ella, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (middle); Haikuo Weng, Managing Director, Wen Advisor (right); and Amb Amina Temitope Labinjo Ajayi Mama Diaspora in a group photograph shortly after the meeting in Abuja on Tuesday

The Forum of Chiefs in Nigeria has advised Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to respect the Federal High Court order and vacate the Kano Emir's Palace immediately. The Forum said the court's decision, delivered on Tuesday, is final and binding, adding that it is essential to prioritise peace and stability in Kano State. In a statement jointly signed by its President, Chief Ameh Adaji, and Secretary General, Chief Danladi Etsu, the Forum noted that a king cannot reign without the support of the people and that illegally occupying a palace, as Sanusi is doing, is unacceptable anywhere in the world. They said forceful eviction by security agents would be a last resort, and hence urged Sanusi to avoid any actions that may lead to embarrassment, violence or unrest. The chiefs further called on Sanusi to lead by example as a former custodian of culture and tradition by respecting the law of the land and vacating the palace. "The Forum of Chiefs in Nigeria, the umbrella body of lower grade tr...

The Congress for the Defence of Rule of Law (CDRL) has slammed Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State for what it described as a willful disobedience of the judiciary.  In a statement signed by its President, Barr. Armstrong Adejoh Francis, the group said the Governor went low to obtain an injunction from a Kano State High Court to vacate a subsisting order of the Federal High Court issued last Friday. Francis said it is “laughable and despicable for a state's Chief Executive Officer in the 21st century to do that”, describing his actions as a mockery of the judiciary Recall that, a title holder in Kano Emirate, Aminu Dan’agundi, instituted a suit challenging the implementation of the state’s new emirate council law. The Federal High Court, in its ruling, issued an ex-parte order preventing Governor Abba Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. The court also halted the implementation of a new law that abolished the four emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano. The order, give...

The Civil Society Situation Room on Matters of Governance in Nigeria has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his outstanding commitment to people-oriented reforms, policies, and programmes. In its one-year assessment report, the group praised Governor Fubara for his dedication to improving the lives of Rivers State citizens, citing numerous achievements in critical areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Hon. Igwe Ude-Umanta said despite inheriting a plethora of challenges, the Governor has displayed visionary leadership, innovative thinking, and a resolute determination to transform the state into a hub of economic growth, social progress, and political stability. The group highlighted several initiatives, including the establishment of a participatory budgeting process, support for small-scale entrepreneurs, and investments in sustainable development projects, as example...

Anti-Julius Abure protesters, comprising delegates from the Edo State Chapter of the Labour Party stormed the national headquarters of the party in Abuja on Monday to officially notifying the party's leadership of the unanimous ratification of Abure’s suspension from the party by all relevant party organs in the state. They were also at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to submit similar letter of notification to the electoral umpire.  The delegation who arrived the party headquarters in several buses were however attacked by a handful of thugs suspected to be loyal to the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Abure. Undeterred, the protesting members of the Labour Party from the Edo State Chapter were seen with placards with inscriptions, demanding Abure’s removal from office.  They chanted “Abure, leave Labour Party Alone”, and distributed the notice of Abure's suspension at the national secretariat of the party following interven...

A group of concerned citizens has raised alarm over alleged plots by Justice Kolawole Omotosho to illegally extend the tenure of Rivers Local Government Chairmen. The Guardians of Democracy (GuD) made this known in a press statement on Tuesday wherein it also claimed that the LG Chairmen are plotting to get an injunction from Justice Omotosho. Recall that a court judgement had nullified the Local Government Amendment law which the Rivers Assembly had vetoed the Governor to enact and gave themselves powers to extend the tenures of the chairmen if the governor failed to conduct council elections. With their tenure set to expire next month, the Guardians of Democracy said that some chairmen have approached the Federal High Court Abuja to secretly obtain an injunction to allow them to continue in office. According to a statement signed by its coordinator, Dr. Abbey Adamu, the group further said that the chairmen intend to approach Justice Omotosho because they see him as an ally who will g...

The National Transition Committee (NTC) of Labour Party, the highest public engagement body of the party headed by a former chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Statesman Omar Abdulwaheed, has hailed the suspension of Barr. Julius Abure from the Labour Party by the ward executive council of his home ward and state.  Delivering the commendation today in Abuja through the chairman of the NTC's sub-committee on Media and Publicity, Comrade Tony Akeni, Omar Abdulwaheed said the courageous action led by Abure's ward chairman, Mr. Thompson Ehiguese, and his ward officers, which has been corroborated and consolidated by the state executive council of the state Labour Party under Mr. Kelly Ogbaloi deserves, nothing but applause.  "As a law-abiding party and process respecting committee," Omar said, "we have been waiting for the documents of the suspension action before putting a statement out. The National Transition Committee received them today and ou...

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Minister of Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, have pushed for the establishment of a shipping regulatory agency in the country. The Speaker and the Minister jointly canvassed for the establishment in Abuja during a public hearing on the Shipping Council's repeal and enactment of the Shippers' Council and Economic Regulatory Bill in Abujanon Monday. The Shipping Line Association of Nigeria also made a strong case for the establishment of the agency, adding that it would improve efficiency and lower cost. Barr Boma Alabi (SAN), Chairman, Shipping Line Association of Nigeria, said that any act that will improve efficiency, lower cost, and reduce the bottleneck that we currently face will be most welcome. She stated that the Nigeria Port cost the country twice as much as others in the region, such as the Benin Republic, adding that there was a need to ensure that shopping businesses did not move away from Ni...

In a resounding show of support, stakeholders in the maritime industry have overwhelmingly accepted the proposed repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Shippers' Council and Economic Regulatory Bill during a public hearing held at the National Assembly in Abuja. The public hearing, which was attended by representatives from various sectors of the industry, including shipping companies, freight forwarders, and cargo owners, saw a unanimous endorsement of the proposed legislation. The new bill, which seeks to repeal the existing Nigerian Shippers' Council Act and enact a new Shippers' Council and Economic Regulatory Act, aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for the maritime industry and promote economic growth. Recall that following the Federal Government’s announcement of the NSC as a Port economic regulator, the agency has struggled to enforce sanctions on ports and shipping stakeholders in the nation’s maritime sector due to the absence of an enabling law backing u...