Author: Yusuf Lawal

A tense standoff between protesters and police officers at Eagles Square in Abuja turned violent yesterday morning, with officers deploying tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. The confrontation began at 10:30 am when police fired warning shots into the ground, prompting an angry protester to confront them, holding a baby and daring the officers to shoot. The situation quickly escalated as other protesters joined her, taunting the officers to open fire. In response, the police fired pepper spray, followed by tear gas canisters, to disperse the protesters. The incident has left many wondering if the police have…

MTN Nigeria has announced the resumption of its nationwide operations, following a temporary shutdown on Tuesday. The telecommunications giant confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that its physical shops would be open to customers from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, stating, “Y’ello customer, please note that our shops nationwide will be open today, 31 July. Operating hours: 8.00 am-3:00 pm. We are also available 24/7 to support you via digital channels.” The shutdown was prompted by widespread customer outrage and vandalism, sparked by the disconnection of subscribers who failed to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs). The…

The National Assembly Complex in Abuja has been fortified with a heavy security presence as lawmakers convene for an emergency plenary session today. In an unusual move, the Sergeant-At-Arms has barricaded the entrance, requiring identification cards for entry at the MOPOL Gate, allegedly to prevent protesters from gathering. The emergency session, announced on Sunday, aims to address critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention. According to Rotimi Akin, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July…

Google has announced the selection of 10 startups from across Africa for its Accelerator Programme, a three-month virtual program aimed at supporting startups in leveraging technology to solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. The selected startups, from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, were chosen from nearly 1,000 applications, showcasing the remarkable talent and creativity in the African tech ecosystem. According to Google, startups play a pivotal role in driving economic development and technological innovation in Africa. By addressing local challenges with tailored solutions, these startups are creating jobs and enhancing the quality of life across the…

Lagos indigenous youths, under the Lagos Indigenous Youth Network, have vehemently opposed the planned hunger protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, citing concerns of political motivations and potential destruction. At a press conference on Sunday, youth leaders from the five divisions of the state gathered in Ikeja to express their concerns, stating that the protest appears to be driven by political interests rather than genuine public concern. Mobolaji Ogunlende, a leader in LIYN, highlighted intelligence reports suggesting that the protest is politically driven. He emphasized that the group is not against constructive engagement but will not support protests that may…

In a bid to revamp his cabinet and enhance governance, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has made significant appointments, including popular comedian Seyi Law as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment and Tourism. According to the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the appointments are effective immediately and aimed at boosting service delivery in the state. The governor has also appointed Senior Special Assistants on Social Investment, ICT, Strategic Communication, and Public Enlightenment, among others, to tackle various aspects of governance. Additionally, Special Assistants for mobilization and representation of non-indigenous communities in the state have been appointed to ensure inclusivity and diversity…

Nigerians are facing a harrowing experience as fuel scarcity continues to bite harder, with many depots for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) running dry and long queues building up at fuel stations across the country. The situation, which started on Friday, has worsened, with black marketers cashing in on the scarcity to sell petrol at exorbitant prices of up to N1,300 per litre and N1,500 per litre in parts of Lagos and Ogun states. In a bid to address the situation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) attributed the tightness in fuel supply and distribution to a hitch in the…

In a shocking move, Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party and parted ways with former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Okonkwo cited his disappointment with the party’s internal crisis and Obi’s failure to address it, stating, “I am committed, irreversibly, to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness…but the current political parties, including the Labour Party, do not have what it takes to lead the country to greatness.” He likened a party to a political tree, saying, “A corrupt tree cannot produce good fruits regardless of the…

The Nigerian political landscape was thrown into mourning on Saturday with the sudden passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South in the National Assembly. According to reports, Ubah, who was also the CEO of Capital Oil, died in a London hotel, just weeks shy of his 53rd birthday. Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed the tragic news to our correspondent, leaving many in shock and disbelief. Ubah’s death comes as a devastating blow, especially given his narrow escape from an assassination attempt in September 2022, when his convoy was attacked by gunmen in Anambra State. Ubah, who was re-elected into…

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed that foreign mercenaries are involved in the proposed nationwide protest, citing credible intelligence at the disposal of the Force. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Egbetokun warned Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group. He noted that while some groups advocate for peaceful demonstrations, others promote violent protests, emulating recent events in Kenya. Egbetokun commended patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to concerns about sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence. He also acknowledged fears expressed by some individuals about enemies of…