Author: Seyi Godwin

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has sworn in the newly elected local government chairmen, charging them to uphold the highest standards of governance without fear or favor. The ceremony took place on Monday, following the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) sweep of all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship seats in the state’s local government elections. Alia emphasized the importance of integrity, foresight, and dedication to accountability, transparency, fairness, and honesty. He urged the new chairmen to prioritize democratic deliverables over personal gains, stressing that leadership is about service and sacrifice. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the election results,…

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has sparked controversy with his harsh criticism of the latest season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija). The ‘Zazu’ crooner took to Instagram to express his disappointment, claiming the reality show has lost its appeal. “Big Brother [Naija] no sweet again like before. All these people [housemates] no blow,” Portable wrote on his Instagram stories. He boldly suggested that the organizers pay him the N100 million grand prize to inject excitement into the show. “Make them pay me 100m, I go use cruise finish them.” Portable’s outburst comes on the heels of BBNaija Season 9’s…

The Naira’s value plummeted by N89.27 against the dollar in the first week of October 2024, ending the week at N1631.21 per dollar. This significant decline is a stark contrast to its value of N1541.94 on September 30, 2024. Despite experiencing mixed sentiments of gains and losses, the Naira has predominantly depreciated in the official foreign exchange market. However, in the black market, the Naira showed resilience, gaining N30 to close the week at N1,670 per dollar. This upward trend is a welcome change from its starting value of N1,700 earlier in the month. As of Friday’s close of trading,…

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments on tithing. During the October Holy Ghost Service at Redemption City, Ogun State, Adeboye refuted claims that he advised Christians to stop paying tithes. Adeboye acknowledged apologizing for any previous statements that may have been misunderstood, but expressed surprise at the rapid spread of false reports online. “The issue of tithing became contentious, and I decided to apologise for anything I might have said wrong. Yet, within an hour, it was being circulated online that I said Christians should…

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed its commitment to upholding the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which prohibits its participation in the October 5 local government election. This decision comes after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, led protesters to the Department of State Services and State Police Command headquarters in Port Harcourt, urging respect for the court order. According to Superintendent of Police, Grace Iringe-Koko, the police will comply with the court’s ruling while ensuring security is maintained. “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about…

In a move that has sparked international concern, Georgia’s Parliament Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, has signed into law a contentious bill that restricts the rights of LGBTQ individuals. This development comes despite warnings from the European Union and a day after President Salome Zurabishvili refused to sign the bill due to its contentious nature. The newly signed law, dubbed the “Law on Family Values and the Protection of Minors,” bears striking similarities to Russia’s infamous “gay propaganda” law. It prohibits gender reassignment and nullifies same-sex marriages performed within Georgia or abroad ¹. Papuashvili defended the law on Facebook, stating, “In conformity…

The House of Representatives has rejected the National Honour conferred on Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, citing discrimination by President Bola Tinubu. The President awarded Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere Ekun, while Abbas and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau received the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). The House took umbrage with the perceived disparity in honours, arguing that both chambers of the National Assembly should be treated equally. This stance was echoed in a motion of urgent public importance moved by Philip…

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a severe weather warning, predicting thunderstorms across the country from Thursday to Saturday. Residents in Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna States should prepare for thunderstorms on Wednesday morning, with more storms expected in the afternoon. – _North Central Region:_ Thunderstorms are expected in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, and Benue States on Wednesday morning, spreading to Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, and Nasarawa States by afternoon. – _Southern Region:_ Ondo, Ebonyi, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States will experience thunderstorms on Wednesday morning, with more storms forecasted for the…

Defying the celebratory mood of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, protesters gathered at the Ikeja Underbridge, demanding change. Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined the demonstration, arriving at 8:50 am. The protest is being closely monitored by a large contingent of security personnel, including police, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Despite the security presence, demonstrators remain resolute, expressing frustration with the country’s current state. Sowore, one of the protest organizers, stood in solidarity with the crowd.

A devastating Israeli strike on Monday targeted the home of Hamas leader in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, killing him alongside his wife, son, and daughter in a Palestinian refugee camp in Tyre, southern Lebanon. This attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with Hamas issuing a statement lamenting the loss and condemning the attack as “an escalation of Israel’s aggression”. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) also reported a separate strike in Beirut’s Kola district, resulting in the deaths of three top officials. This marks the first attack within the city limits, sparking fears of further escalation. The…