Author: Amina Mohammed

President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, at the Council Chamber in the State House, Abuja. Recall that the last Council meeting directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to propose additional measures for the 2024 budget to address the financial gaps that will arise from the implementation of the new minimum wage once it is finalised. At the last FEC, the federal government directed the distribution of 740 trucks of bags of rice across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Vice President Kashim Shettima;…

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has insisted that the 2024 polls that produced Afam Osigwe as its new president, were credible. The ECNBA was responding to the complaints of the two presidential candidates in the July 20 elections of the association. The first runner-up, Tobenna Erojikwe, and Chukwuka Ikwuazom the 2nd runner-up, had questioned the integrity of the process and called for an audit. However, in a letter jointly addressed to both candidates and signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the ECNBA, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oluseun Abimbola and Huwaila Muhammad, the electoral body noted…

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for an urgent meeting of the Senate. According to a circular issued by Clerk Chinedu Akubueze on Monday, the meeting is of “National Importance.” The circular did not provide specific details about the agenda for the emergency session, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024. This meeting comes just one day before a planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship. The memo states, “Dear Distinguished Senators, the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened as follows: Date:…

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has accused those he described as Abuja politicians of being behind the armed banditry and killings in the Sankera axis of the state comprising Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Area, LGAs, of the state. The Governor, who made the allegation Sunday after attending a thanksgiving service organised at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi, lamented that the bandits were homegrown and had taken up arms to kill their own. The Governor was reacting to recent attacks in Sankera which initially claimed six lives in Ukum LGA and triggered a violent protest and…

The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued security warnings to their citizens in Nigeria, highlighting potential violence during the upcoming nationwide protests. The planned protests, set to commence on August 1, 2024, aim to address widespread hunger and economic hardship. In separate advisories, these countries urged their citizens to avoid areas where clashes between security forces and protesters might occur. The US Mission in Abuja advised Americans to avoid rallies, steer clear of crowds, and stay informed via local media. The advisory emphasized potential roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations, stating, “According to media reports, nationwide protests…

Dr. Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to The President on Economic Matters (Office of the Vice President) has advocated the need for the urgent creation of the South West Development Commission. President Bola Tinubu last week signed into law bills creating the North West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South East Development Commission (SEDC). In a post on his Facebook page, Fasua said aside the state capitals in the South-West that look beautiful, other parts of the region are depressing. He also frowned at the popular slang ‘Ebi n Pawa ( We Are Hungry) saying it shouldn’t be a popular…

The Edo State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday alleged that the state police command is acting like a wing of the All Progressives Congress as the September 21 governorship election draws near. Chairman of the state PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, who stated this at a press conference in Benin, said the disposition might rob the election of the needed playing field for a free and fair election. The chairman alleged that the PDP has witnessed instances where the police acted in manners that suggest that they were favourably disposed to the opposition party in the state He said, “This…

Australia produced an incredible comeback to overturn a three-goal deficit and beat Zambia 6-5 in the Olympic women’s football on Sunday, as World Cup holders Spain secured a quarter-final berth and Japan stunned Brazil. The Australians got off to a terrible start in Group B with a 3-0 defeat by Germany in their opening game and appeared to be heading for a second straight loss when they trailed Zambia 5-2 early in the second half in Nice. But the Matildas came roaring back and won an 11-goal thriller thanks to Michelle Heyman’s 90th-minute strike in an unforgettable match. It was…

Ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest in August, human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to probe telecommunication operators’ alleged disconnection of subscribers. In a statement on Sunday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria warned that telcos should not attempt to sabotage the forthcoming protest against economic hardship in Nigeria by restricting internet access among displeased citizens. “For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons. Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking while some didn’t give any reason at all,” Adegboruwa said. “This action…

Martin Otse, widely recognized by his alias Verydarkman (VDM), has unexpectedly commenced his hunger protest earlier than the initially planned date of August 1. Verydarkman, who has built a reputation for his outspoken activism on social media, initiated the protest to spotlight critical issues affecting the nation. His proactive approach has quickly attracted a significant following, with numerous supporters joining the cause online and expressing solidarity with his mission. This early start marks a pivotal moment in his ongoing efforts to advocate for change. The specifics of his protest, including its objectives and demands, are anticipated to unfold as the…