The PDP Rebirth Mandate, has condemned in its entirety the arson and attacks on innocent Nigerians by members of the Ibrahim El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN. The group was reacting to the Monday’s attack by the Shiite militants on emergency point of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and innocent citizens leading to deaths. Reacting to the incident, PDP Rebirth Mandate frowned at the attack, while warning members of the opposition party against sponsoring or participating in the protest by the violent group. Charles Ukaha, President of the group,…
Read MoreNo Plan To Increase Fuel Pump Price, Senate Insists
…Gives media outfit ultimatum to retract publication against the upper legislative chamber …Reveals PPRA yet remit over N160bn to FERMA for road maintainance The Senate on Sunday debunked the news making the rounds over an alleged proposed plan to increase the pump price of petroleum from N145 to N150, saying such has not been discussed on the floor of the Senate and urged Nigerians to disregard the news. Speaking on the report which has attracted reactions and wide condemnation from various stakeholders, at his residence in Abuja, the Chairman Senate…
Read MoreCSO’S CONDEMN ALLEGATIONS AGAINST SENATOR GEORGE AKUME A coalition of 11 civil society organizations, led by Conscience Nigeria, has condemned the baseless allegations leveled against Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The groups described the accusations of Akume’s involvement in an N80 billion fraud scandal as “entirely unfounded” and “devoid of credible evidence.” According to the groups, the allegations seem to be driven by malicious motives. “We consider the statement of the factional Afenifere group as repugnant, prejudicial, and in bad taste,” the groups said in a joint statement signed by key representatives, including Micheal Stephen Babatunde, National Publicity Secretary of Conscience Nigeria; Joe Mesele, Executive Director of Policy Advocacy and Integrity; Adekola James of Northern Patriotic Front; and others. “The said publication, in an attempt to intimidate and stampede the EFCC, threatened the EFCC with a 7-day ultimatum and a nationwide protest.” The groups noted that the accused person, Mr. Uchi, is not an appointee of Mr. President, or on the payroll of the SGF, nor does he work in the office of the SGF, or is related to the SGF, beyond being an opportunistic hanger-on around who specializes in name-dropping, as against the claims in their statement. The investigation being carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is at the instance of Senator Akume himself, after he noticed the extravagant lifestyle of Mr. Uchi, and has since publicly distanced himself from the suspect. The groups condemned the Afenifere group’s attempt to manipulate the EFCC’s findings or incite public opinion to cast aspersion on Akume’s character. “The surreptitious coercive attempt by the factional Afenifere group to manipulate the EFCC’s findings or incite public opinion to cast aspersion on the character and person of the SGF with the intent to sway public opinion against him is a direct affront, discriminatory, offensive, obnoxious, distasteful, and disrespectful,” the statement read. The groups condemned in its entirety the call by the Afenifere group for the suspension of Chief George Akume from office and the threat to call for a nationwide protest. “We urge the group not to stampede, blackmail, or intimidate the EFCC and allow it to do its job, as the investigation into the matter is still ongoing,” the statement added. The civil society groups view Senator George Akume as a capable and loyal ally of Mr. President, working assiduously for the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. They made it clear that they will resist any attempt by the factional Afenifere group and their cohorts, or any other group or individuals, to denigrate, smear, or deride any of their leaders. “This Coalition does not support, encourage, or aid any act of corruption or corrupt practices from any quarters, but will vehemently resist any attempt to coercively or manipulatively slander, smear, or surreptitiously assert our leaders with unprofessional conduct,” the statement emphasized. The groups called for a thorough, transparent investigation into the allegations, based on concrete evidence and guided by the principles of fairness and justice. “We also urge the public to remain cautious of unfounded allegations and to demand evidence-based reporting,” the statement added. The statement was signed by: 1. Micheal Stephen Babatunde, National Publicity Secretary, Conscience Nigeria 2. Joe Mesele, Executive Director, Policy Advocacy and Integrity 3. Adekola James, Northern Patriotic Front 4. Ali Abacha, Adopt A Goal For Development 5. Folu Martins, Empowerment For Unemployed Youth Initiative 6. Usman Shehu Tijani, Sustainable Peace Initiative 7. Delux Chukwuemeka, Guardians of Democracy and Development Initiative 8. Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, Rising Up For A United Nigeria 9. Comrade Solomon Adodo 10. Nigeria Sustainable Initiatives for Nurturing Growth These groups reaffirm their commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, good governance, and transparency, and will continue to resist any attempts to undermine these values.
A coalition of 11 civil society organizations, led by Conscience Nigeria, has condemned the baseless allegations leveled against Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The groups described the accusations of Akume’s involvement in an N80 billion fraud scandal as “entirely unfounded” and “devoid of credible evidence.” According to the groups, the allegations seem to be driven by malicious motives. “We consider the statement of the factional Afenifere group as repugnant, prejudicial, and in bad taste,” the groups said in a joint statement signed by…
Read MoreWhy We Rejected N200 Million Bribe to StageProtest Against President Tinubu, Matawalle — Group
An advocacy group, the Northern Socio-Political Rights Network (NSPRN), says it turned down a N200 million bribe offered by proxies linked to the Zamfara State Government to mobilise a protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, the group’s president, Mohammed Farouk Lawal, said the offer was made to them through third-party emissaries earlier this week, with clear instructions to publicly accuse President Tinubu’s administration of shielding Matawalle from corruption investigations. Lawal said the…
Read MorePublic Analyst Simon Utsu Congratulates Newly Appointed MD of SSDC Usoro Akpabio
A notable public affairs analyst, Engr Simon Utsu, has sent his warm congratulations to Ms Usoro Akpabio on her recent appointment as the Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Ms Akpabio’s appointment on Wednesday, 8 May 2025, alongside other key members of the commission. Speaking from Europe, Engr Utsu praised her career journey and described her new role as a perfect fit. “This is truly a case of the right person in the right job,” he said. “She has the knowledge, experience,…
Read MoreJust Mention Seyi Tinubu, You’ll Go Viral By Mike Ochuko
There’s a new shortcut to instant popularity in naija: add Seyi Tinubu’s name onto any wild claim and boom, you’re headline gold – no need for facts, proof, or even a little hint of evidence. And the biggest cheerleader of this incredibly banal fancy is none other than former Vice President and serial presidential bridesmaid, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar! This elder statesman, whom you would think ought to have mastered discretion, either on account of the high office he once occupied or his travails from the William Jefferson scandal to…
Read MoreJay Moni Drops New Hit Track ‘WTMD’ Featuring Tobless
One of Nigeria’s fast-rising street music stars, Amb. Christopher Ogar – better known by fans as Jay Moni – has just released a brand-new single titled ‘WTMD’, short for Where The Money Dey. The song, which dropped on 19th April 2025, is already making waves across streaming platforms. Jay Moni teamed up with fellow Nigerian artist Tobless (real name Oluwatobi Adeniran), who brought his signature Afrobeats and hip hop style to the track. Tobless, who is also known simply as Oluwatobi online, adds a unique flair that fans are loving.…
Read MoreJide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper Bags NUJ Torchbearer Award On Press Freedom
The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) has honoured Comrade Jide Oyekunle a journalist with Independent Newspaper and Secretary of NUJ FCT Council with the Torchbearer of Press Freedom Award 2025. Oyekunle emerged as one of the winners nominated for the Torchbearer award category as Nigerian journalist who has faced several threats, harassment and arrest in the course of carrying out his work. He was bagged with the prestigious award during the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2025 held on Saturday in Abuja. The Awards was in recognition…
Read MoreMr. Seyi Tinubu vs NANS: The Perils of Playing Cheap Amidst Greater Expectations.
By: Barr Alex Ehi Aidaghese Must the quest for political influence and acceptability always manifest in money rain, thuggery, and gangsterism? What about the goodness and value grounded in meeting voters’ expectations, which is, in fact, priceless? This essay, in context and scope, is mightier than the truth or falsity of the NANS/Seyi saga. Though motivated by the story, the story did not define the essay; the essay transcends the story. It is about the wisdom entrenched in negotiating from a position of strength when you hold the ace. In…
Read More2025 World Press Freedom: NUJ FCT Advocates Ethical Use Of AI In journalism
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, today joined media professionals across the globe to commemorate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day with a strong appeal for the ethical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism. Speaking in Abuja, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, underscored the imperative for journalists to embrace the evolving media landscape driven by technological advancements, while steadfastly upholding the fundamental principles of press freedom. This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial…
Read MoreGrace Ike Makes Case For Press Freedom, Welfare Of Journalists On May Day
As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark International Workers’ Day, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Comrade Grace Ike, has praised the hard work and dedication of workers, while also calling for greater press freedom and better working conditions for journalists. In her May Day message, Ike spoke about the struggles many workers — especially journalists — are facing due to the current economic situation. She echoed this year’s theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”…
Read MoreCROSSJOF Greets Cross River First Lady On Her Birthday
…Tasks Her on Increase Welfare of Women Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) FCT Chapter has congratulated the first Lady of the state, Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu as she marked her 61st birthday on April 10, 2025. As the mother of our beloved state, who has been a strong pillar and a spiritual strength to her husband, Governor Prince Bassey Otu, coupled with her compassion on the women, youth and children has seen her touching lives across the state. In a statement by the Interim Chairman of CROSSJOF,…
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