Author: Vincent

NLC President, Joe Ajaero The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to embark on another strike if the pump price of petrol increases from the existing N617 naira. Recall that oil marketers had indicated that the cost of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, would rise to between N680/litre and N720/litre in the coming weeks should the dollar continue to trade from N910 to N950 at the parallel market. The marketers added that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Importers and Exporters’ official window for foreign exchange had remained illiquid and unable to provide the $25m to $30m required for the importation of PMS by dealers. They also hinted that its members seeking to import petrol were being forced to put the plans on hold due to the scarcity of foreign exchange to import the commodity. Speaking at the African Trade Union Alliance meeting in Abuja on Monday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero said the union will proceed on total, comprehensive and indefinite nationwide shutdown of the country. Ajaero also warned the federal government against undermining the demands of the …

NLC Threatens To Embark On Indefinite Strike If Petrol Price Rises Further Read More

Femi Fani-Kayode A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has reacted to reports that the military junta that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger Republic has now agreed to dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Recall that the military junta had told an Islamic delegation from Nigeria that its doors are now open for dialogue and a diplomatic resolution of the crisis amid economic sanctions from ECOWAS. The coup leaders also claimed that they ousted President Mohamed Bazoum because he was set to do things that would have affected both Niger and Nigeria. Reacting in a Twitter post via his verified Twitter handle on Monday, Fani-Kayode said Nigerians should sit back and enjoy the “drama unfold” since the coup leaders said they are ready for dialogue with ECOWAS. Fani-Kayode also berated President Alhassan Outarra of Ivory Coast and other African leaders who wanted to use Nigeria to fight their dirty battles and who brought the nation to start a war with Niger. He wrote: “Niger Republic is now ready for dialogue with ECOWAS, and they have …

Fani-Kayode Reacts As Niger’s Coup Leaders Agree To Dialogue With ECOWAS Read More

Bobrisky The popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky has been left bereaved following the demise of his father, Kunle Okuneye. The male Barbie shared the heartbreaking news on his social media handle. A son of the deceased, Debola Okuneye, also confirmed the news to Punch where he disclosed that their father died at the wee hours of Monday morning. He said, “Yes, my father died this morning and we are making preparations for his burial.” Speaking on the death, a friend and colleague of the deceased simply known as a Lastborn noted that the deceased will be buried according to Islamic rites. Lastborn, who is the Secretary of the Beach Nigeria Enterprises, a car hire service situated at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, where then late Okunneye worked as one of its directors, also confirmed that the deceased will be buried according to Islamic rites by 4 pm today. ‘Yes, you saw it. It’s true, he will be buried by 4 pm today,”Lastborn confirmed. Okuneye, a native of Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun state, will be laid to rest in …

Nigerian Crossdresser, Bobrisky Loses Father Read More

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has disclosed that it arrested 162,834 traffic offenders nationwide from January to June 2023. The corps spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem, disclosed this to Punch on Sunday. According to Kazeem, the traffic offenders were arrested for committing 179,165 offences. He said,  “From January to June 2023 alone, the corps recorded a total of 162,834 arrest of traffic offenders and a total of 179,165 offences.” Speaking on the types of offences leading to the arrests, the FRSC spokesperson said, “They were arrested for speeding, seatbelt use violation, route violation, light sign violation, use of phone while driving, overloading, and dangerous driving.” Speaking on Sunday, the Chief Executive Officer, Professional Driving and Safety Academy, Jide Owatunmise, said there was a need for the FRSC to employ more technologies, including installation of CCTV cameras “at the blind spots to capture traffic offenders.” “The CCTV cameras can be linked to the BVN of vehicle owners for instant deduction of the traffic offences fines without human involvement. “The captured offenders can be arrested instantly, later or prevented from renewing their vehicle particulars, …

FRSC Arrests 162,834 Traffic Offenders In Six Months Read More

The Leadership Council of The Initiatives has disclosed that members of the National Assembly have not received their salaries since their inauguration in June 2023. Eseme Eyiboh, the Dean of the Council, which consists of serving and former National Assembly members, stated this while addressing a press conference at the weekend. Eyiboh, a former House of Representatives member, said the comment made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that a token had been sent to Senators to enjoy their recess was blown out of proportion. The former lawmaker stated the ‘holiday allowance’ gotten by senators was only a token because they have not been paid their salaries since their inauguration in June. He said: “They have not taken their salary; the capital releases for all MDAs were withheld, so whatever is given to them, whether as salaries or allowances – a worker deserves his wages. “If you allow a senator to go on holiday… Oru for example, has 18 LGAs in the entire district. Eket, where I come from, has 12 LGAs. If a senator goes home this time (without anything), you …

Senators Haven’t Received Their Salaries Since June – NASS Members Read More

Yul Edochie, a popular Nollywood actor, has praised President Bola Tinubu. In an Instagram post, Yul stated that decisions taken by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, are in the best interest of Nigerians. He added that Tinubu is a man of wisdom. He took to his Instagram page and wrote:  “As a leader you will see certain things that your people may never see. You will have access to certain information that your people may never have access to. So some of your decisions may not be fully understood by the people, even though they’re in the best interest of the people. You have my support Sir. @officialasiwajubat I know you’re a man of wisdom. May God guide you in all the decisions you take for Nigeria. Best Wishes, Mr. President. THE JAGABAN.”

President Tinubu’s Decisions Are In Nigeria’s Best Interest – Yul Edochie Read More

Senator Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker, has begged Nigerians to stop advocating for coup in Nigeria. According to him, Nigeria’s democracy is redeemable and can be refined. Recall that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) recently insisted that the military is happy and there were no plans for a coup in Nigeria. Speaking on Friday, the DHQ Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, frowned at reports claiming there were welfare issues within the armed forces of Nigeria, adding that the report in circulation was calling on the military to interfere in the democracy of the country. However, in a post on his social media platform on Monday, Sani urged countrymen advocating, soliciting or inciting a coup in the country to stop. Also a social critic, he noted that the struggle for a just, equitable and more prosperous society could still be won within the context of democracy. He wrote, “Our democracy can still be redeemed or refined. The struggle for a just, equitable and more prosperous society can still be won within the context of democracy. Our Countrymen, pls stop advocating, soliciting or inciting …

Stop Inciting Coup, Our Democracy Can Be Refined – Shehu Sani Tells Nigerians Read More

Simon Ekpa has issued a warning to oil companies in the Southeast not to ignore Monday sit-at-home order. Ekpa is the ‘Prime Minister of the Biafra government in exile. Ekpa urged the companies to disregard information circulating that the sit-at-home order has been called off. In a video shared on his X, (formerly known as Twitter) handle, he warned that oil companies heeding the false claims of the sit-at-home cancellation and resuming operations would face severe consequences. He said the only authority recognised by the Biafran people to make such a decision is the Biafran government in exile. He, however, added that the sit-at-home order would not be called off until their demands are met He said the demands include the release of Nnamdi Kanu and other conditions for the autonomy of Biafran territories. “Good afternoon, good morning Biafrans all over the world. “This particular message goes to the oil-producing companies in the world operating within Biafran countries from Shell down to the lowest. “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that the expelled criminals in the Biafran movement …

Prime Minister of IPOB, Simon Ekpa Warns Oil Companies Against Ignoring Sit-at-Home Order Read More

Pat Utomi Pat Utomi, the Nigerian professor of political economy and management expert, has taken to Twitter to speak about his struggles with cancer. He revealed his diagnosis on Friday through a series of tweets, stating that the disease was discovered in 2022 after a biopsy. While he did not specify the type of cancer, Utomi discussed how he has been managing his condition. During the run-up to the 2023 elections, Utomi recounted how he would visit a cancer centre in Ikeja, balancing his health needs with campaign commitments. He noted that whenever he talks about the ailment, the more he realizes that people of his age bracket are battling with cancer. Utomi in a post on Twitter wrote, “Did not see why it was taboo to say you were in a battle with Cancer. The more I talked about it the more I found many of my age in similar circumstances. “It almost seems like an epidemic for Nigerian men over 60. Not talking makes them lose the benefit of early detection. “Once elections were over, my young nephews and cousins, …

Pat Utomi Opens Up On Battle With Cancer Read More

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called out the Department of State Services (DSS). IPOB accused DSS of using Biafra activist Simon Ekpa to destabilize the group. This was made public in a statement by IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful. Powerful asked media organisations not to describe Ekpa as a member of the pro-Biafra group. Powerful expressed displeasure over what it described as deliberate linking and association of Ekpa’s activities by media houses and social media platforms to IPoB. He clarified that Ekpa is never a registered member of the pro-Biafra group, just as his activities are not in tandem with that of IPoB. He noted that the Nigerian secret police are using Ekpa to destroy IPOB by linking his violent and other unlawful activities with IPOB when Ekpa has even told the world that IPOB is not part of the group he leads. The statement read, “It has become very imperative that we appeal to media houses, social media outfits, and platforms to be appropriately guided in reflecting the reality in their publications concerning linking Simon Ekpa’s violent and other …

DSS Using Simon Ekpa To Destroy Us – IPOB Read More

President Bola Tinubu President Bola Tinubu has been asked by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, (FCDO) of the UK government to use proceeds gotten from the fuel subsidy to fund education in the country. FCDO’s representative, Ian Attfield stated this at the end of the Inclusive Education project In Nigeria, (Supporting Mainstreaming Inclusion so all can Learn Equally, SMILE), in Abuja Wednesday. He said“For the next five years or so, I’m certain we won’t be having discussions about how we can mainstream some of the inclusive education elements. “There are many major economic changes taking place, such as the changes in fuel subsidy. It should start being deployed to support the human development of Nigeria to build education and services, among other things, that young people need.”Also speaking at the event, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, a nonprofit making organisation, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, added that inclusivity in education remained the bedrock to national development. According to him, government at all levels and communities need to ensure children with disabilities are included in the scheme of things as far as …

Money Saved From Fuel Subsidy Removal Should Be Channeled Towards Education – UK Govt Tells Tinubu Read More

Nasir El-Rufai The Council of Imams and Ulamas in Kaduna State have condemned the non-confirmation of the ministerial appointment of the immediate past governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai by the Nigerian Senate. The Muslim clerics alleged that some individuals who are jittery over El-Rufai “s appointment and towering political profile are behind his ordeal. Recall that  El-Rufai was one of the nominees forwarded to the lawmakers for screening and confirmation for ministerial appointment. However, the confirmation of El-Rufai and two other nominees were kept pending due to non-security clearance when the Senate concluded its legislative exercise on Monday. Reacting to the development, the Council of Imams and Ulamas at a news conference in Kaduna State faulted the non-confirmation of El-Rufai. According to the clerics, the former Governor was not confirmed as a result of mere politics of vendetta and abuse of power by some people. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Deputy Chairman of Council of Imams and Ulamas, Imam Muhammad Kasshim said it was wrong for the security agencies to have relied on a petition by Shiites group not …

Council Of Ulamas ‘Reveal’ Those Behind The Non-Confirmation Of El-Rufai For Ministerial Appointment Read More

Chinwetalu Agu, a veteran Nollywood actor, has opened up on why he rejected N10 million to play a role in a movie. He said the money was offered him by billionaire business mogul, Mike Adenuga. Accordign to him, at the time the billionaire businessman made the offer, he had not made N1 million before but he insisted on getting N20 million. The legendary thespian said Adenuga later compromised and gave him the N20 million after he threatened to walk away. Agu disclosed this in a chat with popular media personality, Chude Jideonwo. He said, “Chief Mike Adenuga said, ‘what I have for you in this contract is N10 million.’ I have not seen N1 million before when he was pricing me N10 million but I refused. I said, ‘if it’s not N20 million, forget it.’ “He insisted, I insisted. So, I pretend to rise up and said, ‘give me money to go back to Enugu. If there’s any available flight, book it for me let me just quietly go back.’ “They regarded me to now being serious when I rose up. …

I Rejected N10m For Movie Role – Chinwetalu Agu Read More

Pete Edochie, the Nollywood veteran actor, has revealed how much he was paid for his first movie role. According to him, he was paid N50,000. Edochie, in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, the media personality, said it inspired him to finally leave his old job where he earned N9,000 monthly. The veteran film star said Josephine, his wife of 53 years, also encouraged him to begin his career in acting. He said he moved to Lagos and by the end of his first year as an actor, he made N750,000. “The moment I drove home from Oka, I told my wife my work is over,” he said. “She hugged me, bought me a bottle of beer and said ‘Pete you have always wanted to be an actor, the time has come’ and that was it. “I was sitting down with her in the parlor, somebody came from Lagos and gave me a check of N50,000, and at that time, my salary as a director was N9,000 a month. “He gave me a check of N50,000 and said come to Lagos …

I Was Paid N50k For My First Movie Role – Pete Edochie Read More

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has issued a new threat against Godswill Akpabio. SERAP has threatened to sue kpabio, the Senate President, over his alleged payment of holiday allowances. Akpabio was caught on camera mistakenly revealing that an ‘enjoyment allowance’ had been sent to his colleagues amid the hardship facing Nigerians. Forgetting that the proceeding was being captured on live camera by the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Akpabio said the money had been sent to senators to enjoy their holidays. After discovering he was on live television, Akpabio withdrew the remark. “As soon as Senator Umahi takes his oath of office, we shall rearrange the office of the leadership. To enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” he said. Reacting, the group said Akpabio would be dragged to court for such a payment while Nigerians face severe economic hardship. Tweeting, SERAP wrote: “BREAKING: We’re suing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged payments of “holiday allowances” by the Clerk of the National …

SERAP Threatens To Sue Akpabio Over Senators’ Holiday Allowance Read More

Reno Omokri Reno Omokri, a Nigerian activist, has urged people not to involve emotions in politics because every choice has consequences. According to the former presidential aide, if a political leader decides to reward a zone that did not vote for him with more ministerial slots at the expense of the zone that did, then his votes from that region would be reduced in the next election. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart opined that as long the constitutional requirements for each zone are met them no one should complain about the number of ministers  from each zone. He urged people to do away with emotions when it comes to politics. According to him, “Political choices have consequences. If a zone that did not vote for you is rewarded with extra ministerial slots at the expense of zones that voted for you, you are automatically going to reduce your votes in those zones that voted for you in the next election, and there is no guarantee that the zone you are trying to please will fill the void of what …

Ministerial Nominees: Do Not Carry Your Emotions Into Politics, Logic Will Always Triumph Over Sentiments – Reno Omokri Warns Read More