Author: Nwafor
In a surprising turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended key party figures, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and David Lyon, over alleged anti-party activities. The suspension also affects other prominent members such as government officials, former party leaders, and youth leaders. The suspensions were announced by the chairman of the APC in Ekeremor Local Government Area and the APC Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Lokpobiri was accused of supporting a faction within the party and backing a candidate from the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Similarly, Lyon and others were accused of…
Rivers State Government Clarifies Appeal Court Ruling The recent Court of Appeal judgment in Abuja did not reinstate the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Rivers State Government clarified. The government emphasized that Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers had vacated their seats upon defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023, based on Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. In a statement by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Israel Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, it was highlighted that the court cases did not address the…
Discover the 10 Longest-Serving African Heads of State Get to know the 10 African leaders who have collectively ruled for an astonishing 333 years. From Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, these leaders have stayed in power through various means, including elections, military force, and royal succession. A recent buzz surrounds Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982. Despite rumors of his death, Cameroon’s ambassador to France has assured the public of Biya’s good health. Other long-serving leaders include Congo’s Denis Sassou Nguesso, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, and Eritrea’s Isaias Afwerki, among…
By Peter Egwuatu The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is focused on harnessing digital finance and commodities markets in rural areas to drive the federal government’s goal of a $1 trillion economy. At the IOSCO World Investor Week in Lagos, SEC highlighted plans to prioritize investor education and digital finance to increase capital market participation and leverage the growing interest in financial technology. The event, organized by SEC in partnership with AFEX Commodities Exchange, united stakeholders from the financial, investment, government, and media sectors. SEC’s Executive Commissioner, Operations, Bola Ajomale, emphasized the importance of digital finance and commodities markets in…
Protecting Akwa Ibom’s Biodiversity: Ekid Development Union Pleads with Governor The Ekid Development Union in Akwa Ibom State has sounded the alarm over the encroachment of their land at Odoro Okuku within Akoiyak by Ibeno Local Government Area. The union, along with some security agents, raised concerns about the unauthorized erection of structures on their land without consent. The President-General and Secretary-General of the union lamented the invasion of the biodiversity sanctuary, known as Stubbs Creek Forest, by Ibeno LGA. They highlighted the violation of Ekid people’s rights and the breach of forest reserve regulations. The Ekid people demand that…
By Gabriel Ewepu The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called on the federal government to learn from the successful hunger eradication initiatives in Brazil and India as Nigerians continue to face escalating food prices. The NESG, through its Acting Head of Strategic Communication and Advocacy, Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, stated that the focus of the upcoming 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #30) in Abuja will be on addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the country and across Africa. The 2023 Global Hunger Index shows that Africa is home to 8 of the 9 countries with severe hunger levels, posing a threat…
By Daniel Abia Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara issued a stern warning against political thuggery and violence, following recent attacks on local government secretariats. During the swearing-in of new commissioners, Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice. The newly appointed commissioners – Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba – were sworn in to the State Executive Council amidst heightened security concerns. Addressing the unrest, Governor Fubara urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm and refrain from…
Unrest Erupts in Rivers State Following Reopening of Local Government Secretariats Written by Daniel Abia Just hours after the Rivers State Police Command announced the reopening of previously sealed local government secretariats, chaos ensued in various areas of the state. Arson, shootings, and fatalities were reported as violence broke out in several locations. The Eleme Local Government Area secretariat was set ablaze shortly after the new chairman, Brian Gokpa, arrived with councilors and supporters. Witnesses stated that specific buildings were targeted, causing extensive damage and leaving the motive behind the attack ambiguous. This incident follows the closure of the secretariats…
Akwa Ibom State Local Government Elections: Swearing-In Ceremony Set for October 7, 2024 Following the successful local government elections in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has announced that the swearing-in of newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen is set to take place on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 8 a.m. at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo. Speaking at a service at All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, Governor Eno highlighted the importance of quickly inaugurating the elected officials to facilitate rapid development across the state’s local government areas. He expressed gratitude to the outgoing officials and emphasized the…
Get Ready for a Transparent and Inclusive Election in Ondo State As the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the public of a credible and transparent electoral process. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, announced that 58,708 new voters have been added to the electoral register, with over 2 million individuals set to participate in the upcoming election. INEC is committed to conducting a fair election, with efforts to simplify the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and increase voter education. The commission has also introduced the Bimodal Voter…