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Category: News

  • Nigerians Condemn New Retirement Package for Army Generals

    Nigerians Condemn New Retirement Package for Army Generals

    The internet has gone into a frenzy as Nigerians curse and swear in condemnation of a new retirement package approved for Service Chiefs and other generals by President Bola Tinubu.

    The highlight of the package include bulletproof SUVs, annual medical allowances of up to $20,000, and domestic aides.

     The package provides luxury benefits like personal assistants, security escorts, and free local and international medical treatments.

    Top-ranking officers, such as the Chief of Defence Staff, will receive bulletproof SUVs, Peugeot backup vehicles, and five domestic aides, while lieutenant generals will get Toyota Land Cruisers and similar perks. 

    Lower-ranking officers, such as brigadier generals and colonels, will receive lesser benefits, including medical care and cars.

    Medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), criticized the allowance for foreign medical treatment. They argue that officials should receive healthcare in Nigeria to strengthen the local health sector.

    The public has raised concerns over the fairness of these benefits, especially given Nigeria’s economic challenges. Critics believe government funds should be used to improve healthcare, infrastructure, and social services rather than offering luxury retirement perks to retired officers.

  • North-Central APC Forum Raises Alarm Over Akume-Ortom Political Alliance

    North-Central APC Forum Raises Alarm Over Akume-Ortom Political Alliance

    A political group from Nigeria’s North-Central region, the North-Central APC Forum, has expressed growing concern over the alleged political alliance between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom. The forum suspects that this developing relationship could negatively impact the political landscape in both Benue State and the broader North-Central region, especially with respect to the fragile political dynamics within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The forum, which represents interests from the North-Central zone, claims that the political ties between Akume, who has had a contentious history with Ortom, the former governor, could undermine the position of the current Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.

    The group warns that such an alliance may cause significant harm to the APC, not only in Benue but across the region, if left unchecked.

    In a statement released by its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the forum pointed out the unusual nature of Akume and Ortom’s renewed political association.

    The pair had been at odds for years, with Ortom leaving the APC for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during his tenure as governor.

    However, recent events, including Ortom’s participation in a thanksgiving ceremony honoring Akume in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, have raised alarms.

    The event also served to mark the 50th birthday of Dr. Matthias Byuan, a key ally of Akume and Executive Director at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

    The North-Central APC Forum noted that Ortom’s presence at the event, alongside Akume, was concerning as it appeared to signal the formation of a new alliance between the two former Benue governors—an alliance that could be targeted against the sitting governor, Alia, who has had a strained relationship with Akume, especially over control of the APC in the state.

    The forum further raised concerns about Alia’s government, which has initiated investigations into Ortom’s administration, adding fuel to the political fire.

    The group has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the issue before it escalates further, emphasizing the potential for division within the ruling party.

    As political maneuvering intensifies in Benue, all eyes are on how this alleged alliance between Akume and Ortom will play out and whether it will further complicate the already fragile political situation in the state and beyond.

  • Woman who cursed Seyi Tinubu, IGP released on N10m bail

    Woman who cursed Seyi Tinubu, IGP released on N10m bail

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, through social media posts.

    The court set the bail at ₦10 million with one surety.

    Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the prosecution failed to provide evidence suggesting Thomas would evade trial.

    The surety is required to submit three years’ tax clearance and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

    Both Thomas and her surety must also provide passport photographs and undergo address verification.

    Thomas was initially remanded on December 20 after pleading not guilty to three charges under the Cybercrimes Act.

    She allegedly posted a video in Yoruba making threats that caused fear of harm to Tinubu, Egbetokun, and Police PRO Muyiwa Adejobi.

    The case is scheduled for trial on February 18.

  • Simon Ekpa: Finnish Authorities Release Two Suspects

    Simon Ekpa: Finnish Authorities Release Two Suspects

    Two individuals arrested alongside Simon Ekpa in November 2024 for alleged terror-related offences have been released by the Finnish government.

    Ekpa, a key figure accused of inciting violence and financing terrorism in Nigeria, remains in custody.

    The suspects were part of a group of five detained by Finnish authorities over claims of promoting extremist activities via social media, The Nation reports.

    While specific details regarding the release of the two individuals remain unclear, government insiders confirmed the development without providing further explanation.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria has begun extradition procedures for Ekpa, with the Chief of Defence Staff confirming that required documents have been submitted to Finland.

  • Fire Outbreak claims lives of Sokoto SSG’s daughter, others 

    Fire Outbreak claims lives of Sokoto SSG’s daughter, others 

    A tragic fire outbreak in the early hours of Monday has claimed the lives of daughter of the Secretary to Sokoto State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bello Sifawa, her three children and a house help.

    A statement from Malam Abubakar Bawa, Press Secretary to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu listed the unfortunate casualties to include Rabi’atu Sifawa and her three children—Fatimatu, Maryam, and Abubakar—as well as their house help, Aishatu Muhammad.

    It was confirmed in the statement that the fire occurred at around 3:00 a.m. at the family’s residence.

    It was also disclosed that all the victims had been buried after funeral prayers held in Sifawa town, Bodinga Local Government Area.

    Inferno Sokoto SSG Residence, 4 Died

    “Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi; Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir; and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala.

    “Other notable attendees were representatives of Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the state Chief Judge, the state Grand Khadi, members of the State Executive Council, and legislators,” he said.

    Bawa extended condolences to the family, praying for Allah’s mercy on the departed and for strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.

  • Senate Suspends Plenary for Two Weeks to Focus on 2025 Budget

    Senate Suspends Plenary for Two Weeks to Focus on 2025 Budget

    • Fixes open day for Thursday
    • Sets January 31 as tentative date for passage

    Both Chambers of the National Assembly commence consideration of the N49.7trillion 2025 budget at committee levels, Tuesday this week, while the Senate declared on Monday that it would suspend plenary for two weeks upon resumption on the 14th of this month.

    The senate has also fixed Thursday this week for open day on the budget consideration, which will entail inputs from various stakeholders in the polity aside heads of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who stated these during a meeting with Chairmen of other senate standing committees, added that January 31st has been fixed, tentatively, as date for laying of reports on the 2025 Appropriation bill separately before the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    At the meeting, attended by many Chairmen of Senate Standing Committees and Principal officers like the Deputy Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, amongst others, said the time frame for consideration and passage of the 2025 budget is short but the best must be made out of it.

    FURTHER READING

    “Before this meeting with Chairmen of the various standing committees in the Senate , the Appropriation committee met for several hours on best way to handle the consideration of the 2025 budget which was presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and passed for second reading by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, December 19, 2024 .

    ” For expeditious and thorough consideration , hard copies of the budget proposals were obtained and already given to chairmen of the various committees as required reference documents during budget defence sessions with heads of MDAs under their preview.

    ” The tentative time table that has been drawn for consideration of the budget at committee level, is that budget defence sessions begin from tomorrow (Tuesday), while reports from various committees are expected to be submitted from 15th to 18th of this month .

    ” Afterwards, collation and tidying up of the various reports will be done by the appropriation committee, with the hope of laying final report on the budget to the Senate on 31st of this month .

    “However , the 31st of January, fixed for laying of the budget is tentative as it is just given to guide our working,” he said.

    The Senator Adeola led committee thereafter went into a closed door session with Chairmen of the various standing committees at the Senate.

  • No Plan to Destroy Uncollected PVCs – INEC

    No Plan to Destroy Uncollected PVCs – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked claims that it plans to destroy over six million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing the report as false and urging the public to disregard it.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the electoral body clarified that it never considered destroying uncollected PVCs from previous voter registrations.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a newspaper report that the Commission is contemplating the destruction of over six million uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) going back to the 2015 voter registration,” INEC said. “The report is incorrect. At no time did the Commission contemplate the destruction of uncollected PVCs.”

    The clarification comes as the commission continues to explore ways to improve voter accreditation. In December 2024, INEC proposed introducing computer-generated slips to complement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a means of voter identification on election day.

    PLEASE READ: Tinubu Celebrates Restart of Port Harcourt Refinery, Urges Action on Others

    INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission would soon present its recommendations for electoral reform to the National Assembly.

    During the 2023 presidential election, INEC reported that 87.2 million PVCs had been collected across the country, representing 93.3 percent of registered voters. However, 6.26 million PVCs—accounting for 6.7 percent—remained uncollected.

    The commission reiterated that uncollected PVCs would be safely kept and made available to voters during future elections.

  • El-Rufai Dismisses Defection Rumours, Threatens Legal Action

    El-Rufai Dismisses Defection Rumours, Threatens Legal Action

    Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has refuted allegations of plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    The claims surfaced online, suggesting he was set to obtain PDP membership in Kaduna.

    READ ALSO: President Tinubu Appoints Eight New Permanent Secretaries

    El-Rufai labeled the reports as false and stated that legal action would be taken against those spreading the misinformation. 

    This follows lingering speculations about his political future, which began after his ministerial nomination was stalled in 2023 due to Senate concerns over security clearance.

    Additionally, ongoing investigations into his administration’s financial dealings and perceived tensions with his successor, Uba Sani, have fueled political rumors. 

  • Fire Guts Cross River High Court

    Fire Guts Cross River High Court

    A fire has engulfed the Cross River High Court building in Ogoja, leaving the structure in ruins.

    The fire, which broke out on Sunday, reduced the court’s infrastructure to charred remnants. 

    The exact cause of the incident remains unknown as investigations are yet to begin.

    Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames consuming the building late into the night, with firefighters struggling to contain the blaze.

    FURTHER READING: Tinubu Tax Reform Bills: Buba Galadima Opens a Can of Warms

     Despite their efforts, the fire left behind a trail of destruction, damaging key documents, legal records, and critical infrastructure.

    A local resident, Mr. John Ekanem, expressed his concerns:

    “This court is not just a building; it’s a symbol of justice. Many people in this area rely on it to resolve their disputes and seek redress. This is a huge loss for us.”

    Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the fire’s cause. However, security personnel have cordoned off the area to prevent unauthorized access as investigations are expected to commence soon.

  • Trump To Be Sentenced Before Inauguration

    Trump To Be Sentenced Before Inauguration

    America’s place as a role model for aspiring global democracies is now grossly imperiled by the emergence of Donald Trump as President of the United States and the chaos that accompanies it.

    Things can’t get worse than a New York judge scheduling sentencing for Donald Trump on January 10, 2025, just ten days before his presidential inauguration.

     This follows his conviction for falsifying business records linked to a hush money payment made during the 2016 election.  

    Judge Juan Merchan indicated Trump would likely avoid jail, opting for an unconditional discharge instead. 

    Despite facing potential imprisonment of up to four years, legal experts anticipated this outcome even before Trump’s election victory.  

    READ ALSO: The US Soldiers Returning to Vietnam in Search of Mass Graves

    Trump’s defense team unsuccessfully sought to dismiss the case, arguing presidential immunity. 

    However, the judge emphasized the importance of resolving the matter before Trump’s term begins, as immunity would apply once he assumes office.  

    Trump has denounced the legal proceedings as politically motivated, pledging to appeal. 

    Meanwhile, his legal battles, including other cases involving election interference and classified documents, remain in focus.