Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

A bill aimed at establishing the Southeast Erosion Control Commission has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, seeks to address the critical issue of erosion affecting the South East region of Nigeria. Hon. Chinedu, representing the Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte federal constituency, introduced the bill to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to combat the severe erosion problems that have devastated farmlands, homes, and infrastructure in the region. The lawmaker said the proposed commission is designed to provide an institutional framework to effectively manage and mitigate erosion, ensuring the protection of the…

The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, has announced the arrival of approximately 1.2 million pilgrims from around the globe. At a government press conference in Riyadh, he affirmed that the pilgrims’ journeys had gone smoothly, and that they were in excellent health. Al-Rabiah highlighted Saudi Arabia’s enduring commitment to serving the “guests of God.” He noted the significant efforts by the country’s leadership, to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims to the two holy mosques and other holy sites. “We ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and reassurance while receiving the highest levels of care…

The president of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has lamented the rift between Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Okaba also said the INC is only committed to ensuring peace, unity, and development in the entire Ijaw nation including Rivers. The INC boss spoke yesterday when Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO) led a delegation of its leaders to hold a crucial meeting with the INC leadership at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. The crucial meeting on the political developments in Rivers also had in attendance…

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Friday approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Yahaya Sahabo Abubakar as Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). Abubakar was until his appointment the AIG in charge of Zone 14 Katsina. The police said he will represent the North East in the Police Management Team, replacing DIG Habu Sani who recently retired as DIG Force Intelligence Bureau and representing the Zone. The Commission also approved the promotion of 122 other senior Police Officers; 10 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of AIGs; 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police to substantive Commissioners…

Donald Trump said Thursday he would reverse US President Joe Biden’s order clamping down on illegal border crossings, in his first campaign event since becoming a convicted felon. The expected Republican Party nominee also threatened to impose tariffs on countries that do not stem the flow of migrants into the United States, as he seeks to make electoral capital on an issue polls show resonates with voters. Asked by an audience member at an event in the must-win state of Arizona what he would do to shut off the flow of people entering the US via the southern border —…

A former senator, who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, yesterday urged the Kaduna State Government to recover all the funds allegedly diverted under the Nasir El-Rufai Administration. The state House of Assembly accused El-Rufai and his aides of squandering N423 billion in eight years, an allegation the former governor denied. The House received the report of the ad hoc committee set up to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded by the former governor. The report indicted El-Rufai and many of his commissioners and aides. Sani said the report vindicated his long-held opinion that there was massive mismanagement of funds…

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, marking the start of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. This signifies that the holy month will begin the following day. The Hajj pilgrimage for 1445 AH-2024 will start on Friday, June 14, with the day of Arafah on Saturday, June 15. Eid al-Adha, the largest Muslim festival, will be observed on Sunday, June 16, 2024. The Arafat Day, which comes before the festival, is set for June 15. Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court had urged all Muslims in the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon…

The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has fixed 13th June, 2024 to rule on whether it has jurisdiction or not to entertain the Kano Emirate tussle. The court, presided over by Justice Abdullahi M. Liman adjourned to rule on the matter following a heated argument between counsels in the matter. The applicant, Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate, Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi had approached the Court seeking his fundamental human rights and that the court should restrain the respondents from enforcing, implementing and operationalizing the repealed law. The respondents in the suit are Kano State Government as 1st respondent,…

Former Big Brother Naija contestant Mercy Eke has expressed her distress and frustration over her funds being stuck at Heritage Bank. She revealed through a series of tweets on her X account that she has over N100 million trapped in the bank. According to her, she was advised to open an account with Heritage Bank during her time on the show, as they were the sponsors, and her account manager persuaded her to invest her funds despite knowing about the bank’s issues. Her post has sparked concern and outrage among fans and followers, who are offering support and advice in…

The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 6, called on the Federal Ministry of Communications to develop measures to limit social media usage for children below 16 years in Nigeria. The House said the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of schoolwork It urged the federal government to adequately fund the educational sector in the country. The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to review and apply stringent policies to the standards of education in Nigeria at all levels. It further urged the Federal Ministry of Education…