Author: Ugochukwu Oha-Ema

Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has expressed disappointment and frustration over not receiving any monetary reward for his support of President Bola Tinubu. During a recent Instagram live session, Portable revealed that despite his loyalty, he was “used” and didn’t receive any compensation. He stated, “I supported Tinubu but I didn’t get any money. I was used but I am calm.” The ‘Zazu’ crooner further advised his fans against fighting the government, emphasizing that it’s a futile effort. He said, “You’re killing yourselves in the name of fighting the government. The government has nothing to lose.” Portable’s outburst highlights…

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, is still wanted and will remain so until arrested. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated, “If an anti-corruption agency declares a suspect wanted, all over the world, he remains wanted until he is arrested. Yahaya Bello has been declared wanted and he remains wanted.” This comes as Bello has evaded arrest for 107 days, with the EFCC declaring him wanted on April 18, 2024, for alleged money laundering. Despite attempts to apprehend him, Bello has managed to evade capture, sparking concerns about the EFCC’s willingness…

The Take It Back Movement, one of the organizers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, has strongly condemned the attack on protesters by the Nigeria Police Force at the Berger Roundabout in Abuja. In a statement, the Director of Mobilisation, Damilare Adenola, described the police action as a “stark reminder” that the Tinubu administration’s claim to democracy is “nothing but a facade.” Adenola stated, “Today’s brutal harassment of peaceful protesters at Berger Junction by the police is a stark reminder that the Tinubu administration’s claims of democracy are nothing but a facade. Despite donning the garb of freedom, its actions reek of…

Amidst the ongoing nationwide protests, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was spotted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday afternoon, sparking speculation about the purpose of his visit. As protests engulfed the FCT, with security officials firing tear gas to disperse demonstrators, Wike emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with protesters. During a ceremony where he handed over the Staff of the Office to four newly coronated Chiefs, Wike commended peaceful protesters and urged them to continue engaging in dialogue. “I want you to continue with that peace process… We are still ready to…

Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has categorically denied reports of his exit from the Labour Party. In a recent interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Okonkwo expressed embarrassment over the misinformation, stating, “I am still a full-fledged member of the Labour Party.” Okonkwo clarified that his previous statement was misconstrued, leading to the false reports. He emphasized his commitment to the party, saying, “Yes, absolutely,” when asked about his membership status. However, Okonkwo did acknowledge internal party issues, particularly with the National Working Committee (NWC), which he believes failed to organize an inclusive convention. He advocated for…

A group of suspected thugs has released a chilling warning to Lagos State residents, threatening to unleash violence on anyone who participates in the planned hunger protest scheduled for August 1-10. In a viral video clip, the thugs, who remained faceless, cautioned market women and men against joining the protest, claiming it could lead to more destruction than the #EndSARS protest. The thugs issued a stern warning, saying, “Anybody that is confident should come out on Thursday to protest. Are you the only one hungry? If you dare come out for the protest, you will be mercilessly dealt with.” The…

The Federal Government has requested a $500 million loan from the World Bank to address Nigeria’s water security challenges and enhance agricultural productivity through the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN). The loan, expected to be approved on September 26, 2024, will focus on four critical areas: institutional strengthening and capacity building, irrigation modernization, improvements in dam operations and safety, and project management. According to the World Bank’s Project Information Document, Nigeria faces water security challenges exacerbated by climate change, impacting water availability for drinking, energy, and food production. The SPIN project aims to reinforce federal and state…

Thousands of MTN users converged on the company’s Idi-Ape office on Monday, protesting the sudden blockage of their SIM cards due to NIN-SIM linkage issues. The protest, sparked by the telecom company’s decision to block phone numbers without prior warning, saw frustrated customers sending MTN staff members home. Oyo Affairs tweeted a video showing thousands of stranded customers at the Idi-Ape office, prompting Ogbeni Adefila to suggest a class action lawsuit against the service provider. Other users, including OluwaLoba and Razqee, expressed frustration at the service disruptions, despite some having registered and linked their SIMs with their NIN. However, Jamal…

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has thrown his weight behind Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, following reports of challenges facing his business operations in Nigeria. In a statement on Monday, Obi encouraged Dangote to remain resilient, saying, “My Dear Elder Brother, Alhaji Dangote, I want you to know that your friend is wrong. You did the right thing by investing in the productivity, growth, development and progress of our beloved nation…” Obi, a former Anambra State governor, drew from his own experiences, sharing personal setbacks he faced since entering public service. He noted that despite obstacles, he remains optimistic about…

The Take It Back Movement has vowed to proceed with its planned hunger protest at Eagle Square in Abuja, despite the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that they must apply properly and pay security costs. In an interview, the group’s Director of Mobilization, Damilare Adenola, stated that Wike has no choice but to allow “hungry Nigerian youths” to use the facility, as it is public property. Adenola blamed bureaucracy for the delay in delivering the letter requesting use of the square and utilities, and asserted that the minister’s demand for payment is unreasonable, given the impoverished…