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Category: Politics

  • Okpebholo Names Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Okpebholo Names Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Fred Itua has been appointed Chief Press Secretary by Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

     This marks Okpebholo’s first key appointment as he prepares to assume office from Governor Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday.  

    The announcement, made in Abuja, highlights Itua’s extensive media background. 

    He previously held roles at Leadership and The Sun newspapers and has covered a wide range of topics, including the National Assembly, health, and environmental issues.  

    Itua’s academic journey spans a Bachelor’s degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, a Master’s in Media Arts from the University of Abuja, and ongoing PhD research in Development Communication at Veritas University.  

    As head of the Governor-elect’s media team, Itua is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in shaping the administration’s public communications strategy.

  • Fiscal 2025: Kano Gov proposes 31% for education 

    Fiscal 2025: Kano Gov proposes 31% for education 

    Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has presented the 2025 Fiscal appropriation of N549.16billion to the state house of assembly, with education accounting for 168.4 billion or 31 percent.

    This was disclosed in a statement by the Governor on his X handle on Friday, November 8.

    He disclosed that Capital expenditure stands at N312,634,912,672.18 billion, while recurrent expenditure takes 236,525,504,990.82 billion.

    According to Yusuf’s statement, the budget aims for a capital-to-recurrent expenditure ratio of 57:43 upon approval.

    The statement reads: “This morning, I had the honor of presenting the Kano State 2025 Fiscal Budget, totaling N549,160,417,663.00 billion, before the Kano State House of Assembly. Capital expenditure stands at N312,634,912,672.18 billion, while recurrent expenditure takes 236,525,504,990.82 billion. 

    “This budget is projected to have a ratio of capital to recurrent 57:43 percent, respectively, when approved. Important sectors of the economy have their share as follows; Education: 168.4 billion (31%) Health: N90. 6 billion Transport: N12. 2 billion Agriculture: N21.03 billion Water Resources : N27. 23billion Infrastructure Development: N70.78 billion.

    “It could be recalled that the 2024 budget was presented before the honorable house in October last year, containing a budgetary size of N437.3billion and tagged as ‘Budget of Restoration and Transformation’, with recurrent allocation of N157.5 billion and capital allocation of N279.8 billion. 

    “The general performance of the 2024 approved budget stood at 77% percent in terms of Recurrent Revenue, while the Expenditure has a performance of 65% from January to August 2024, respectively.”

  • INEC Prepares for Ondo Governorship Poll with Mock Accreditation  

    INEC Prepares for Ondo Governorship Poll with Mock Accreditation  

    Embarking on the same hollow ritual, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State by conducting a mock accreditation exercise. 

    The exercise, held on Wednesday, aimed to test the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).  

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, alongside the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, led the monitoring team across several local government areas, including Akure South, Akure North, and Idanre.  

    During the exercise, BVAS machines were deployed to polling units where eligible voters underwent facial recognition and other verification processes. 

    The test was conducted to ensure that the machines would function efficiently on election day.  

    With sensitive materials expected to arrive on November 14, INEC reassured the public of its readiness to conduct a smooth and transparent election. 

    The commission urged stakeholders, including political parties and candidates, to maintain peace and cooperate fully.  

    The mock accreditation exercise has been widely regarded as a critical step toward ensuring a seamless voting experience in Ondo State.

  • Buhari Visits Maiduguri Following Flood Disaster

    Buhari Visits Maiduguri Following Flood Disaster

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari visits Maiduguri to offer his support to the local government and residents affected by the severe flooding which swept through the Borno state capital in September. 

    This visit took place on Tuesday, shortly after the catastrophic events unfolded while he was away on vacation.

    Upon his arrival, Buhari was welcomed by notable figures, including Governor Babagana Zulum and Senator Ali Ndume, along with other government officials.

     His trip aims to show solidarity with the victims and to engage with local leadership as they assess the damage caused by the floods.

    The recent disaster has had a profound impact on the region, displacing approximately 414,000 people and resulting in the loss of at least 30 lives.

     Reports indicate that nearly one million individuals have been affected by the flooding, prompting a significant response from various sources, including over N17 billion in donations to support relief efforts from the Borno State government and federal authorities.

  • New Terror Group Emerges In Sokoto

    New Terror Group Emerges In Sokoto

    Sokoto State is facing a fresh security concern with the emergence of a militant group called Lakurawas, which is reportedly operating in five local government areas.

     The state’s deputy governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, revealed this development while addressing officials from Nigeria’s National Defence College, who are on a study tour in Sokoto. 

    Lakurawas, described as a faith-oriented group, is known for its idealistic leanings and advanced weaponry.

     The presence of this group compounds existing security challenges in a state already troubled by ongoing bandit activity. Authorities are working closely with federal security forces to contain the threat and protect residents.

    In response, the deputy governor outlined the government’s initiatives to manage the security situation, while expressing optimism that the study tour would provide additional strategies for maintaining peace in the region.

    “This unsettling development has emerged at a time when the state is already grappling with persistent banditry.

    “The state government is collaborating closely with federal security agencies to tackle the many threats to the lives and property of the residents of Sokoto,” he said.

  • Edo D/Governor Dispute: Court Directs Omobayo to Appear for Contempt Hearing

    Edo D/Governor Dispute: Court Directs Omobayo to Appear for Contempt Hearing

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned Godwins Omobayo, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, to personally attend court on November 26, responding to allegations that he defied a court order by refusing to vacate the office.

    The summons follows an earlier judgment that reinstated Philip Shaibu to the role after the court invalidated his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    Justice James Omotosho emphasized the need for Omobayo to present his defense in line with constitutional rights.

    The summons is part of Shaibu’s ongoing contempt charge, as he seeks to enforce his reinstatement after the court ruled that the assembly’s actions did not meet legal standards.

    Shaibu had initially challenged his impeachment by filing a case against multiple Edo State officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

    On April 8, Omobayo was sworn in as deputy governor, a move Shaibu argues violated the court’s directive.

    With the court’s latest order for personal appearance, it remains to be seen how Omobayo will respond as the case unfolds later this month, just days before the state government’s current term ends on November 12.

  • Police to grant security clearance to Abuja drivers from 2025 – Wike

    Police to grant security clearance to Abuja drivers from 2025 – Wike

    Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, says the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services will give security clearance to commercial vehicle drivers in the nation’s capital, effective from January 2025.

    Speaking at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, Wike stated that the move is to curtail kidnapping and cases of ‘one-chance’ robbery in Abuja.

    The minister disclosed that any commercial bus or taxi driver who is not cleared by the security agencies will not be allowed to operate with the FCT.

    He said, “Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here who is a beneficiary is being profiled by security.

    “And so what we are coming up with is that from January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with Abuja colour. Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. We won’t allow that starting in January.

    “We will take the vehicle number, the names of the drivers, and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens.”

    Wike also handed over some new cars to beneficiaries to use as taxis. He encouraged the beneficiaries not to be ashamed that they are being empowered to be taxi drivers.

    The minister stated that many Nigerians who reject taxi driving jobs at home gladly embrace such when they travel abroad.

    “They are not paying a dime. No, the government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city… Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” he said.

  • Senate Confirms Tinubu’s 7 Ministerial Nominees

    Senate Confirms Tinubu’s 7 Ministerial Nominees

    The Senate on Wednesday evening confirmed the nomination of seven ministerial nominees forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu for appointment as Ministers and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    The Senate’s resolution followed hours of screening of the ministerial nominees by the Senators at the Committee of the Whole.

    The Ministers-designate include Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, and Amb. Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

    Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Idi Muktar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development;Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State, Housing, and Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State, Education.

    Recall that President Tinubu had in a letter to the Senate last week sought for expeditious consideration of his request by the Senate.

  • House Of Reps Member Defects From PDP To APC

    House Of Reps Member Defects From PDP To APC

    The member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives, Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, has decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Gummi dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC with immediate effect.

    The defection was announced on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas while reading a letter from the lawmaker during plenary on Wednesday.

    Gumi in his letter, said his defection is a result of the lingering and unresolved internal crisis within the PDP.

    “It is noteworthy to state here that the PDP has two chairmen in my constituency, Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency.

    One was unconstitutionally removed while the other decamped with me, hence the party lacks structure in my constituency, and this has made it difficult for me to provide good representation and prompt delivery of dividends of democracy to my constituents,” the letter read.

    After reading the letter, Speaker Abbas asked Gummi to stand up for recognition as he welcomed him to the APC.

  • Kano Governor Yusuf Approves New Minimum Wage for Workers

    Kano Governor Yusuf Approves New Minimum Wage for Workers

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved a new minimum wage of N71,000 for civil servants, effective November.

    According to the governor, the increased wage will raise the state’s monthly salary obligations by N6 billion and N7 billion for local government councils.

    Additionally, 20,737 promoted teachers will receive a total increment of over N340 million.

    Yusuf praised the state minimum wage implementation committee for their efforts, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

    A statement by Yusuf posted on his Facebook account reads: “The decision is in line with my administration’s commitment to social justice and the improvement of living standards for our workers.

    “In line with our commitment to social justice and enhancing the standard of living for our workers, we have approved the sum of 71,000 naira as the new minimum wage in Kano State.”

    “Additionally, following the promotion of 20,737 teachers by our government, a total increment amounting to over 340 million naira has now been reflected in their respective salaries.”

    “Once again, I commend the state minimum wage implementation committee for its commendable work. – AKY.”