Author: Binta Agboola

A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his alleged remark telling hunger protesters to go ahead with their protest, saying “we shall be eating”. Vatsa described the comment as “insensitive and embarrassing” to the ruling party, attributing it to Akpabio’s roots in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he said the culture of “eating” prevails. The former Niger State Information Commissioner demanded an apology from Akpabio, stating, “It’s a huge error and disservice to this country to make someone like Akpabio Senate President in…

The crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as the embattled chairman, John Ngbede, has revealed reasons behind the suspension of former governor Samuel Ortom. Speaking to journalists at the party secretariat, Ngbede alleged that Ortom and his loyalists attempted to forcefully take over the party leadership, seeking to revert to the old order of malpractices. Ngbede emphasized that only the national executive committee can suspend him, dismissing his own suspension as invalid. He stated, “Ordinarily, our tenure expires on August 4, but we are waiting for the directive of…

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is set to officially relocate to the new ultramodern Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday. After his coronation on July 12, the monarch had been residing in his private residence at Alalubosa Government Reserved Area. However, with the thanksgiving service held on Sunday, Oba Olakulehin is now set to move into the new palace, facilitated by prominent Ibadan indigenes. The old palace at Oja’ba had not been occupied since the late Olubadan Yesufu Asanike’s reign between 1983 and 1993. Successive Olubadans had been ruling…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the final figures for newly registered voters in Edo and Ondo States, ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections. According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, Edo State has recorded 119,206 new voters, while Ondo State has registered 58,708 individuals. The commission clarified that these figures do not include requests for voter transfers from other states, totaling 8,847 for Edo and 3,132 for Ondo. The voter register has been updated to reflect new registrations and transfer applications within both states. Olumekun stated, “The…

Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, has slammed All Progressives Congress chieftain Joe Igbokwe for his remarks on the separation of P-Square. Igbokwe had expressed disappointment over the brothers’ inability to reconcile, saying, “So shameful that two twin brothers… cannot work together, cannot love one another…” Rudeboy fired back on Instagram, telling Igbokwe to focus on the country’s problems instead of meddling in his family’s affairs. “Joe Igbokwe, your Papa. Elder wey mumu. Focus on the country wey you put mouth scatter. People are hungry.” Igbokwe had also criticized the brothers’ handling of their personal and professional lives, saying they couldn’t manage…

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s speech to the #EndBadGovernance protesters, describing it as hollow and inadequate in addressing the suffering of Nigerians. Atiku stated that the President’s broadcast failed to offer immediate, tangible solutions to the economic challenges faced by Nigerian families since the start of his administration. He pointed out that the speech lacked credibility and ignored the protesters’ demands, such as reducing the costs of governance. The former VP emphasized that the President’s words lacked substance and respect for the protesters’ sentiments, leaving Nigerians…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction of property during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday morning, Tinubu commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and condoled with persons who lost property to looters. “I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states,” Tinubu said, acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by the protests. The President lamented the destruction of public facilities and the looting of supermarkets and shops,…

France secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina to advance to the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics men’s football tournament. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brilliant near-post header off a corner delivered by Michael Olise proved to be the decider. The win keeps France’s dream of winning gold on home soil alive, as they progress to the last four. The match was marked by a tense atmosphere, with a hostile reception for the Argentine team in Bordeaux, following the controversial 2024 Copa America encounter. Despite the intensity, France’s victory was well-deserved, although they were denied a late second goal due to a…

In a surprise move, Turkey has restricted access to Instagram, a popular social media platform, without providing a reason. The country’s national communications authority, BTK, confirmed the blockage on its website, stating that “instagram.com has been blocked by a decision on the date of 02/08/2024”. This development comes on the heels of accusations by a high-ranking Turkish official, Fahrettin Altun, that Instagram was censoring messages of condolence for a martyr. Altun, the Turkish presidency’s communications director, took to X to express his concerns, saying, “This is a very clear and obvious attempt at censure.” The Speculator Index also confirmed the…

Hoodlums have taken advantage of the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests to loot and set fire to the newly built Nigeria Communication Commission Industrial Park in Kano State. The vandals targeted the Kano Information and Communication Technology Centre, just days before its scheduled launch, making off with valuable equipment and leaving a trail of destruction. Photos circulating online show youths leaving the scene with looted items, including computers, furniture, and electronics. The incident is one of several reported cases of violence and vandalism amidst the nationwide protests, which have seen citizens express frustration over Nigeria’s economic hardship. While many demonstrations have remained…