Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional takeover of a democratically elected government. The controversial decision, which led to the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the dissolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has sparked intense debate over federal overreach and the rule of law in Nigeria. In a statement released in Abuja, key leaders of the SMBLF—including Oba Oladipo Olaitan of Afenifere, Dr. Bitrus Pogu of the Middle Belt Forum, Senator John Azuta Mbata of Ohanaeze…

A petrol-laden tanker exploded on Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi Road on Wednesday, sparking a massive fire that destroyed at least 30 vehicles. The explosion reportedly occurred when the tanker, carrying Premium Motor Spirit, lost control and crashed on the bridge, igniting a blaze that spread rapidly. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple blasts, with thick smoke rising into the sky as people fled the scene. Emergency responders and security personnel quickly arrived, cordoning off the area and directing traffic away to aid firefighting efforts. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed at press time.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State for alleged N70 billion fraud. He was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 alongside Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC) operator and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator. They were arrested in connection with investigations of money laundering, diversion of public funds and missapropriation to the tune of N70 billion. The Commission is investigating the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, regarding the matter. The EFCC said investigations showed that…

The federal government has commissioned Nigeria’s first modular Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) extraction plant and a 20-megawatt gas-to-power project. The projects were commissioned by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo at the Otakikpo field in Rivers State. In a post on his official X account, the minister said the projects were developed by Green Energy and Lekoil Joint Venture (JV), marking a significant milestone in the country’s gas sector. The newly inaugurated projects are expected to boost Nigeria’s domestic gas utilisation, enhance energy access, and contribute to economic growth in the region. READ ALSO:…

The Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has summoned an emergency meeting with political aides to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori following a wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress. Over 5,000 PDP members, including Senator Ned Nwoko, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, former House of Representatives member Nicholas Ossai, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, former Commissioner Chika Ossai, and Dr Chris Okobah, recently dumped the party for the APC, citing internal crises and accusing the governor of high-handedness. Sources said some of the governor’s key allies, particularly those instrumental to his 2023 election victory, are also considering leaving the party, prompting the…

Air Peace has said travellers will enjoy up to ₦600,000 reduction in airfares when they connect from cities across Nigeria to London with one additional luggage. The airline said this in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, on Wednesday. Ndiulo added that the promo runs until March 31, 2025, with an extended travel period until April 15, 2025. Air Peace said the airline continues to redefine international travel with its London route, offering seamless connectivity from major domestic destinations. The statement reads partly, “As the largest airline in West and Central Africa, Air Peace remains…

On March 19, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, set aside Order 4 of its previous ex parte orders, effectively lifting the judicial restriction on the Senate’s constitutional functions. This decision follows the court’s earlier ruling on March 4, 2025, which restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The investigation was triggered by events during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025, where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had a heated exchange with Senate President, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, GCON, over seat…

A former Governor of Rivers state and immediate past minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi has added his voice to the rising opposition against the President’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly in the wake of a state of emergency in the state. Following the unending political crisis in the South-South state, President Bola Tinubu declared state of emergency in the state on Tuesday, suspending the governor, his deputy and all the state lawmakers. The president nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced  suspension of sale of petroleum products in naira. This was announced in a notice sent to petroleum marketers, on Wednesday afternoon. In the notice obtained by Daily Trust, the company said the decision is temporary, explaining why it took the decision. “We wish to inform you that, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in Naira. This decision is necessary to avoid a mismatch between our sales proceeds and our crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in U.S. dollars.” “To date, our sales of petroleum products in Naira have…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has blamed Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. On Tuesday night, Tinubu made the proclamation following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state. Felix Morka, the APC national publicity secretary, in a statement late Tuesday, said “Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the author of the extreme events that have unfolded in Rivers state”. “When he brazenly demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state,” the statement reads. “When he governed the state without a legislature, Fubara ended government…