Author: Festus Adeloye

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers state. The president made the announcement on Tuesday in a nationwide broadcast over the political crisis and instability in the state. READ ALSO: Tinubu Sacks Governor Fubara, Appoints Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas As Sole Administrator Tinubu said Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly are “hereby suspended for an initial period of six months”. “Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a…

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has opened a TikTok page. Obi made the announcement on his X handle on Tuesday. READ ALSO: Peter Obi Backs NYSC Member Who Criticised Tinubu’s Government On the TikTok page, the ex-Anambra State governor uploaded a video seeking followership and moves to build a new Nigeria that is possible. He said, “This is my official and only TikTok page. Kindly join me towards building a new Nigeria that is possible.”

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the preliminary objection of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), challenging the competence of the ₦100 billion import license suit instituted by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. In a ruling, Justice Ekwo held that the NNPCL failed to file a counter affidavit against Dangote Refinery’s suit but rather filed a preliminary objection, contrary to relevant laws guiding court proceedings. The judge added that where the issue of jurisdiction is raised, the court can address it at the time of judgement. He faulted the NNPCL for flouting…

The Nigerian Air Force has said a precision airstrike against Boko Haram enclaves in Chikide and Degbewa in Borno State has inflicted heavy losses on the terrorist group. Acting on credible intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance reports, the NAF said it targeted key insurgent hideouts within the rugged Mandara Mountains, where notorious terrorist leader Ali Ngulde and his fighters were believed to be meeting. A statement on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said surveillance confirmed the presence of a fortified command hub with solar-powered installations, prompting the service to execute a surprise…

A trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs may drive up global inflation, stoke market volatility and slow economic growth, the CEOs of two top Australian banks said on Tuesday, but added Australia was insulated from the disruption. The heads of No. 1 retail lender Commonwealth Bank of Australia and No. 1 business lender National Australia Bank told a conference the new U.S. administration’s protectionist policies would likely strain the global economy in the medium term with higher costs and lack of certainty, according to a Reuters report. But Australia’s roughly $15 billion a year in exports to…

An explosion has rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The affected section of the major pipeline is currently on fire, though the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time. Authorities have yet to determine whether the incident resulted from human interference, especially amid recent threats by militant groups to attack oil installations in response to the Federal Government’s withholding of Rivers State’s allocation due to the ongoing political crisis. The explosion reportedly occurred on Monday night along the critical export pipeline that transports crude to the Bonny Terminal.

Aliko Dangote has revealed plans to build a seaport and expand cement production in Ogun State. During a meeting with the Ogun State officials on Monday, Dangote told Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Executive Council that his company will construct what he described as “the largest port in the country” at Olokola Free Trade Zone, reviving previously abandoned investment plans in the area. The businessman also announced that two new cement production lines with a combined capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum are being constructed at Itori. When completed, the facilities will operate alongside the existing 12 million…

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the National Assembly to uphold the sacred responsibility of leadership, prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests. He made the call on Monday when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu, also urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress. He said, “In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one…

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved for Max Air to resume its domestic flight operations following a successful completion of an economic and safety audit. This was disclosed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, in a statement on Monday. On January 29, 2025, Max Air voluntarily suspended its domestic operations for 90 days after a series of incidents on its flights. This decision was welcomed by the NCAA. Achimugu noted that during the suspension period, the NCAA conducted a thorough safety and economic audit of the airline. READ ALSO: NCAA Orders Max…

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Monday threatened to sack Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Yohana Dauda for alleged attempt to defraud 455 victims of demolition at Gishiri village. This is following his discovery that despite his approval of N1.3 billion for victims compensation, became enraged upon learning that the Executive Secretary, in collaboration with the Department of Compensation and Relocation, was offering the victims significantly less than the amount he had authorized. The victims comprising both indigenes and non indigenes were affected by the ongoing road construction and had their homes pulled down last…