Author: Ayo

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has addressed concerns surrounding salary deductions for civil servants, attributing the issue to the migration from the 2018/2019 tax rate to the current tax rate. Otti explained that the investigation revealed no evidence of salary pinching, but rather a difference in tax deductions due to the updated tax rate. The governor also addressed the issue of salary disparity in some Local Government Areas, stating that it was not true and attributed to tax deductions using the current rate. Additionally, Otti clarified that overtime allowance payments would only be made for civil servants who perform overtime…

A massive deployment of security operatives has been seen in major cities across the country as organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protest prepare for a one million-man march today. The protest, which has been marred by killings and attacks on protesters and journalists, demands a reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, an increase in the minimum wage, and an end to bad governance. Despite the increased security presence, organizers have vowed to press on with the protest, with the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Sanyaolu Juwon, stating, “It’s a nationwide one-million-man march. Nigerians have shown resilience in the…

In a significant move, Russia and China have agreed to enhance their collaboration in the exploration and use of outer space, prioritizing safety in these activities. According to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday, the two nations held consultations in Moscow to discuss peaceful space issues. The meeting saw deliberations on various topics, including the use and exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes, international legal regulation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of space activities. This development underscores the growing partnership between Russia and China in the realm of space exploration and utilization. By strengthening…

The federal government has lifted the suspension on Arik Air’s operations, following the resolution of a dispute between the airline and Atlas Petroleum. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the development in a statement, confirming that Arik Air’s planes will resume operations. According to Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the DG of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, played key roles in resolving the impasse. Achimugu stated, “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the DG of NCAA,…

The Kebbi State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its withdrawal from the forthcoming local government council elections scheduled for August 31. This decision was made known by the party’s chairman, Alhaji Bello Usman-Suru, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday. According to Usman-Suru, the party’s withdrawal is due to the compromised leadership of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM), whose chairman and commissioners are allegedly card-carrying members of the APC. This, he said, makes it impossible to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. The PDP chairman also expressed dissatisfaction with the creation of administrative…

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to be patient with his administration, promising that the country is on the verge of a new era of prosperity. In a televised address on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians due to the fuel subsidy removal, but assured that his government’s plans would soon alleviate their suffering. Tinubu admitted that a delay in implementing his administration’s plans had compounded the challenges faced by Nigerians, but expressed confidence that the measures taken would ultimately benefit the country. He appealed to Nigerians to look beyond the present difficulties and focus on the long-term…

The Asue Ogie Campaign Management has vehemently denied reports that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has been disqualified from contesting the September 21 election in Edo State. Rev. Olu Martins, Deputy Director-General of the campaign, described the rumors as “a concocted story, fake, imaginary, diabolical and satanic creation of the warped minds of the opposition.” In a statement released in Benin, Martins emphasized that no Appeal Court ruling has disqualified Ighodalo, contrary to claims by “merchants of lies and propaganda.” He urged the people of Edo State and the nation to disregard the “fake news,” labeling…

In a candid interview with EAFC, Tottenham captain Son Heung-min revealed a shocking incident where former manager Jose Mourinho publicly embarrassed him in front of his teammates. The South Korean superstar, who has netted 162 goals in 408 appearances for Spurs since 2015, recounted the incident, saying: “One time Mourinho told me off during the game… I was so upset about it, I’m not even an 18-19-year-old to be treated like that.” Mourinho’s harsh words, “I don’t think you want to be in a game with a team like Burnley or Stoke (rough game),” left Son feeling humiliated. However, the…

In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s parliament has been dissolved, following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst violent protests demanding her ouster. The president’s office announced the dissolution in a statement on Tuesday, hours after protesting student leaders issued an ultimatum to dissolve parliament. The protests, which have left over 300 people dead, had been ongoing for weeks, with students demanding Hasina’s resignation. Following her departure, Awami League offices and leaders’ homes were attacked and looted across Dhaka and other areas. In a bid to restore calm, Army Chief Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman met with leaders of…

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted N50m bail each to two students, Timothy Oluwabukola and Anthony Odemerho, accused of hacking into MTN Nigeria’s computers and stealing airtime and data worth N1.9bn. Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the bail after hearing separate bail applications filed by the defendants. The court ordered the defendants to provide two sureties each, including a civil servant and a landed property owner, and to submit recent passport photographs. The defendants were arraigned on July 30, 2024, on four counts of conspiracy, unauthorized access, and unlawful conversion. They pleaded not guilty to the charges and were…