Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has decried the current state of the nation, calling it depressing. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Obi stated that the last two years are pointers to the next general election. While paying homage to the late MKO Abiola, he added that politicians have paid the ultimate price for democracy. “It is deeply troubling that under the current administration, Nigeria cannot be said to be in a democracy, even though the current president was part of the struggle to bring back democracy. “The…

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has accused some government officials in the state of withholding vital information regarding the implementation of the 2024 budget under the suspended administration. Speaking on Wednesday while addressing members of the House Special Committee overseeing the emergency rule in Rivers State, Ibas expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the poor availability of records necessary for the preparation of the 2025 budget. He noted that the existing documentation on the 2024 budget and its performance raises serious concerns and falls short of what is required for a credible and effective…

Former Ekiti State Governor,  Ayo Fayose has sounded a grave warning that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, is on the brink of becoming a political “carcass” unless urgent and decisive measures are taken to rescue it from decline. Despite the party’s challenges, Fayose reaffirmed his steadfast loyalty to the PDP and emphatically dismissed any plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). During a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Monday night, Fayose acknowledged the current administration’s efforts, despite his history as a vocal critic of past…

Seasoned actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has expressed concerns about the Nigerian film industry’s lack of structure, particularly regarding residual payments. Comparing her experiences in Nollywood and Hollywood, Omotola on Instagram, noted that despite spending 30 years in Nollywood and working on over 310 projects, she receives no residuals. In contrast, after just four years in Hollywood and completing two test projects, she started receiving monthly residuals. She wrote on her page @realomosexy : “Just 4 years in Hollywood. 2 test projects Monthly residuals. 30 years in Nollywood. 310 + projects. No residuals. Nollywood needs structure”.

A fire has engulfed the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.  The hotel was hosting over 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators. The blaze, which broke out on Saturday, caused extensive damage to sections of the building. Fortunately, no lives were lost, as the pilgrims were away in Mina at the time, observing the symbolic stoning ritual—an essential rite of the Hajj pilgrimage. In a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the swift response of Saudi fire…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra State chapter, has pleaded with Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election to return to the party. Obi defected to LP when felt he could not achieve his presidential ambition within the PDP fold. The PDP made the call after the enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) to review the state of the party and chart a forward in Awka on Thursday. The communique which was signed by Mr Chidi Chidebe, Chairman of PDP in Anambra said alliances with ideologically incompatible political formations, in the…

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on Thursday sentenced nine Chinese nationals including two females to one year imprisonment each and a fine of one million naira for economic sabotage and financial terrorism. The defendants are; Zhao Xiang Hui, Liu Hai Rong, Liu Gang,Du JI Geng Li Dong,Huang Bo,Xhiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng and Deng Wei Qiang The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had on the 10th of December, 2024 bust into a sixth floor building located in Oyin Jolayemi area of Lagos where over 700 people were arrested for offences bothering on Cyber terrorism and economic…

United States President, Donald Trump has announced a visa ban on Wednesday for foreign students who are set to begin attending Harvard University, ramping up his administration’s crackdown on higher education. “I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor programme hosted by Harvard University,” Trump said. The Trump administration has been in an ongoing showdown with academia, notably Harvard. The Ivy League institution has continually drawn Trump’s ire while…

Ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates that will vie for the state’s top job. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee Sam Olumekun disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday. He stated that 16 out of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election out of which the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates, while six parties are fielding female running mates. He listed those with female running mates as Accord…

Grammy-nominated singer, Davido has announced Cobhams Asuquo as the musical director for his upcoming “5ive Alive” world tour. In a video shared on Instagram, Davido praised Asuquo’s work and expressed excitement about their collaboration. The tour will feature Davido performing in nearly 20 arenas worldwide. Asuquo also expressed his enthusiasm about joining the project. “He is the ‘5ive’ Alive musical director of the world tour. Almost 20 arenas, it’s going to be crazy. Today is the first time I heard what he’s been working on, and I’m blown away. It’s time to get to work and start rehearsing”, he said.…