Landmark

By Cletus Agada  The intelligence czar and former Inspector General of Police who brought so much innovation and creativity into policing while he held sway as the nation's number one Cop has brought his signature of excellence to the administration of the Police Service Commission. Solomon Arase has dedicated his entire career to the advancement of social justice, safety, security and well-being of others as he joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981, a year after he graduated from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. His adult life has been lived in service to fatherland and humanity. Like a man who saw tomorrow, Mr Arase spent every of his free and not-so-free time developing himself, acquiring knowledge and skills that would eventually distinguish him from his peers. While combining work with studies, Mr Arase obtained a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master's Degree from the University of Lagos. He,

Dignitaries from Nigeria and across the United Kingdom stormed the city of London on Friday, May 17 2024 for the 2nd edition of Triangle Face of Africa Award. Triangle Face of Africa Leadership Award is a yearly event that honours Nigerians and Africans that have positively impacted lives and also distinguished themselves in their areas of endeavors. The 2024 event was spiced with a lecture titled, "Navigating Security Challenges in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Approach to Solutions" was delivered by the duo of Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola and Dr. Nathaniel Oyinloye. Dignitaries honoured at the London event include Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri; the Nigerian Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; General Overseer of the Love of Christ Generation, Rev. (Dr) Esther Abimbola Ajayi; renowned clergy and APC stalwart, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku (Baba Eto) and the Chief of Staff to Lagos State, Tayo Ayinde. Other honorees include the Chief of Staff to the Archb

 Kano Probe: Independent CSO Re The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has been exonerated of allegations of corruption. The Coalition for Truth and Justice made this known in its preliminary report on the purported probe of the former Kano State Governor. In the report signed by its convener Dr Okwa Dan, the Coalition said from8 its findings, there was an intense campaign aimed at character assassination and mischief against Ganduje. The Coalition added that the alleged evidence presented against Ganduje on supposed bribery lacks the necessary clarity and direct linkage to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Coalition for Truth and Justice, therefore, warned against the use of state apparatus to witch-hunt perceived political opponents. “The Coalition for Trust and Justice wishes to use this medium to inform members of the public of the smear campaign, which does not reflect the realities on the ground with the allegations,” t

The Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Governorship Elections in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR) has commiserated with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the death of his Deputy Chief of Staff Mr Gboyega Soyanwo. Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, died on Wednesday after a brief illness. Dr. Adediran described the untimely passing of Mr Soyanwo as a rude shock.  These were contained in a statement signed by Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, Spokesperson of Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR). He prayed that God will grant the Governor and his (Mr Soyanwo) immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.  "At this sad moment, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of late Soyanwo and the government of our dear state. May his gentle soul rest in peace," he said. 

A coalition of 15 civil society groups in the country has named the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, as the minister of the masses. The CSOs, under the auspices of the Civic Room for Good Governance said of all the ministers, Keyamo’s policies and programs have positively impacted ordinary Nigerians the most. In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Thomas Uzah, the groups said Keyamo has demonstrated a genuine and deep understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. The appraisal comes days before President Bola Tinubu’s first anniversary in office. Highlighting some of the pro-masses policies of Keyamo, Uzah said the mandatory e-tag system for VIPs shows the minister means business. He said not only would this improve revenue for upgrading decaying airport infrastructure, but it shows a sincere commitment towards the plight of the citizens. Uzah also applauded the introduction of helicopter landing levies as anothe

  The Governorship Candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 General Elections in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR) haa congratulated Chief Dapo Sarumi, a foremost Leader of the party in Lagos State on the occasion of his 80th birthday.   JANDOR described the former Minister of Information and elder statesman as a natural leader and an epitome of service.  He commended his dedication and commitment over the years to the principles of the party and the vision of liberating Lagos state from the grip of the clueless and inept ruling party.  These were contained in a statement signed by Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, Spokesperson of Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR) dated May 15, 2023. Dr. Adediran prayed that the elder statesman will live long to witness the realization of electoral victory for the PDP in Lagos State to offer good governance by a truly people-focused governor. "The outstanding qualities of a quintessential gentleman in you distingui

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Frontier has advised the members of the Rivers State Assembly whose seats were recently declared vacant to go back and contest new elections. Denouncing the lawmakers, the Lagos-based group in a statement on Tuesday said their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is a betrayal of the trust and mandate given to them. Signed by its national president, Comrade Ajani Martins, the statement further described the defectors as political prostitutes who have no place in the APC. According to Martins, their defection is not only morally wrong but a clear sign of their lack of principles and integrity. Martins, therefore, said the ruling party doesn't support such illegality and treachery, adding that those who voted for them deserve better. “We have followed the political crisis in Rivers State and actions taken by major actors, including the assembly members,” the statement said. "Our great party condemns in the strongest terms t

By Toby Prince "Must we always kill our best?" This poignant question, credited to the late Ken Saro Wiwa, resonates deeply in the current political climate of Nigeria, particularly in the case of Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence. Matawalle, a former governor known for his vocal advocacy for the common masses, now finds himself at the center of a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). One can’t help but resonate with Wiwa’s sentiments. There seems to be an orchestrated campaign to undermine Matawalle's efforts and derail him from his ministerial duties. It is a lamentable situation where those who are keen on disrupting peace and progress are hell-bent on pulling down those who strive to uphold them. This probe, however, appears to be less about justice and more about political manoeuvring. This move reeks of desperation and hatred, as it is clear that the petitioners are hell-bent on punishing Matawalle for his hardened support fo

  The Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to intervene in the award of dredging contracts in the state.   The group stated that there are concern that some of the ongoing dredging projects were awarded to people, who have achieved very little or no progress inspite of payments received for the contracts awarded.    These were stated by the President of the CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, while addressing a press conference on in the group's office in Ijaiye, Lagos on Thursday.   Comrade Omotehinse stated that more disturbing is that some contractors handling ongoing dredging projects lack the requisite expertise and are without equipment to deliver quality jobs.   "We call on Governor Sanwo-Olu to investigate the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure to allay public concerns and suspicions regarding arbitrary awards of dredging contract and ensure remedy to the poor implementation ongoing works.   "We c

  The Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has commended the Arole Ogun-Elu, Aare Alasa Dynasty-Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP over his total commitment to the promotion of traditional institutions.    The monarch, while urging other wealthy sons and daughters of Ibadan to emulate the philanthropic gesture of Professor Olagoke, disclosed that he is an icon, who is dedicated to the development of Ibadan Land.    Oba Olakulehin revealed this while receiving Olagoke at his Alalubosa G.R.A residence recently.    The octogenarian monarch further urged Olagoke not to relent his efforts to further work for the development of Ibadanland.    While speaking during the visit, Professor Olagoke, who is also the Founder of Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, prayed for long life and good health Inshallah biqudiratullah for the Olubadan designate.    The Arole Ogun-Elu commended the traditional lineage of Ibadan, which enables smooth transition against the crisis rocking some Yoruba and non-Yoru

By Kabir Ahmed Panti When you hear people call him "Farmer Governor", you would be tempted to assume that someone with a heavy Hausa accent is struggling to pronounce "former governor"; but no, His Excellency, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the executive governor of Niger State is known and called the "Farmer Governor". The name did not emerge from a career in farming. Bago was a successful banker who worked with several banks in Nigeria and even rose to a managerial position at First City Monument Bank before venturing into politics. He's also not the son of a farmer. His father, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha (Baraden Nupe), a Prince from the Bida Royal Family was a successful businessman. His mother, Late Hajia Hadijat Mohammed is of the Lapai Royal Family, so blue blood of royalty runs through his veins and he was at no point a commercial or subsistence farmer. Governor Bago got the name from his commitment to agriculture as a tool for eradicating poverty after he

The Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated Chief Oladapo Babatunde Sarumi, a founding member of the party in the state, as he celebrates his 80th birthday on Thursday, May 16, 2024. This was contained in a statement signed by Hon. Hakeem Amode, Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, dated May 15, 2024, which was made available to the media. Amode stated that the party is celebrating "a visionary leader and a devoted Nigerian, whose impact has touched numerous lives and significantly contributed to the political and economic progress of our nation." "Your graceful aging and the opportunity to savour the fruits of your labour bring us immense joy. "We fondly recall your tireless efforts, alongside others, in laying a solid foundation for our party in Lagos, your home state. "As you mark this milestone, we pray for continued good health and grace for many more years of fruitful existence," he said. He recalled that Chief Ola

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with his recent order to suspend the cyber security levy proposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria has proven that the advice of prominent Nigerians like Primate Elijah Ayodele is being utilized by the government. The federal government has made policies that appear not to be people-friendly and the cyber security levy which will allow a deduction in every financial transaction made by Nigerians was another of those policies perceived as insensitive due to the current hardship. On its emergence, Primate Ayodele, a prominent and respected man of God, advised the government not to go ahead with the policy because it will affect the country negatively. The prophet blasted the Central Bank of Nigeria for insensitivity at a time when citizens are looking for ways out of hardship. He implored the government to be concerned about lifting citizens out of the perilous time instead of adding more troubles for them. He urged President Tinubu to review the policies car

By Ali Ismail Upon scrutinizing the labyrinthine world of politics, it becomes evident that authentic leaders are those who not only demonstrate exceptional proficiency in the art of governance, but also personify the very essence of selflessness and service to humanity. The Nigerian parliament, a bastion of democratic expression, has borne witness to the ascendance of numerous illustrious figures, each leaving an indelible imprint on the nation’s legislative tapestry. Among this distinguished coterie, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali JC, the revered and accomplished minority Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, stands as a shining exemplar of such extraordinary leadership, embodying the very quintessence of political excellence and selfless dedication to the greater good. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Gombe State and his visionary approach to parliamentary duties make him a true gem in the realm of politics. His exemplary leadership qualities and selfless dedication

The immediate past governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to intensify his efforts in destabilising the state.  The FCT Minister, who has been antagonising Rivers State vowed to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara "at the appropriate time." Wike spoke at the chieftaincy conferment ceremony of former Rivers East Senator, George Thompson Sekibo, in Ogu/Bolo local government area of the state over the weekend.  The former governor claimed he made a mistake by "supporting" Sim Fubara's emergence as Governor, emphasizing that he is out to correct his "mistake." Despite Fubara's provision of good governance in Rivers State, Wike insisted that he hasn't "thanked" him enough for his "support." He also told the 25 lawmakers barred by Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, on Friday, from parading themselves as members of the state’s House of Assembly to disregard the co

By Sunday Thomas  The immediate past commissioner for justice and special duties in Rivers state, Prof Zaccheus Adangor, is a learned silk. He has years of law experience, earning him the notable rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The implication is that Prof Zaccheus Adangor should always rise above pettiness and stand on the side of the truth because he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.  The recent interview he granted on television was about why he resigned from his appointment with the Rivers State Executive Council. His position was ludicrous. I watched in disbelief how the Senior Advocate of Nigeria tried to twist the issues and stroke a chord that won't sound well on the happenings in Rivers State.  During the interview, he also ruminated on his words to see if they were adding up. I thought I was the only one that noticed until a friend called my attention to it. It was a shame for Rivers people, and I kept wondering why Zaccheus Adangor and his paymasters wo

By Charles Ibekwe It’s no stranger news that the political landscape of Rivers State has been abuzz with the intense power struggle between the loyalists of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor, and the incumbent Governor Sim Fubara. In a recent development, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has launched a scathing attack on Governor Fubara via his official Facebook account. George’s outburst stems from claims that the Governor intends to demolish the Rivers legislative residential quarters, and further ending his online rants with a disgustingly laughable action, by name-calling the Governor,” A small man”. However, it’s essential to scrutinize the motivations behind George’s fiery rhetoric. First of all, a stranger to the politics of Rivers state would have definitely not heard of a name called Enemi, let alone Alabo. To such person, Enemi Alabo is a nobody in comparison to the personality of Governor Fu

The Rivers State Government has advised former Commissioner for Justice, Zaccheus Adangor, to come clean on the reason behind his resignation. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, the government rubbished Adangor’s claims that he resigned over refusal to institute a legal action against the 8-point Presidential Proclamation on the political disagreement in the state. According to Joe Johnson, Adangor quit upon his redeployment as Commissioner for Special Duties. “It is a clear fact that is already in the public domain that Mr. Adangor SAN personally stated in his letter of resignation on Ministry of Justice letter headed paper dated 24th April, 2024 upon his redeployment as Commissioner for Special Duties (Governor's Office), wherein he said that he was not going to be reassigned, and added falsely that the Governor was interfering with his work,” the statement said. “It is therefore so surprising that instead of clea

By Toby Prince To whom much is given, much is expected, so they say. But if much is given to you and you're empty, you will dash the expectations of the waiting public. For Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, much was given to him and daily, he has continued to surpass all expectations. The number of votes he garnered to emerge Speaker of the 10th Assembly and the 15th Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, 353 out of 359, speaks volumes about his personality and his acceptability by his colleagues. He left his other two challengers with only six votes to share among themselves to preserve their dignity. For every election circle in the last 13 years, of which we have had 4 of them, Hon Abbas has been consistently elected by the people of Zaria Federal Constituency to represent them in the Green Chamber. Coming from the Zazzau Emirate in Kaduna State that boasts of so many intellectuals and electable materials, the confidence reposed in him by his people is a testament to his streng