Why Tijani’s appointment was confirmed despite abusing senators – Akpabio
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has explained why the Senate confirmed Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy despite his controversial past, which included calling Nigerian lawmakers “morons.” Akpabio revealed that Tijani’s screening in the Senate was rocky due to this remark, but ultimately, the lawmakers were swayed by their trust
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The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has explained why the Senate confirmed Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy despite his controversial past, which included calling Nigerian lawmakers “morons.” Akpabio revealed that Tijani’s screening in the Senate was rocky due to this remark, but ultimately, the lawmakers were swayed by their trust
Abia govt to vary bail of nursing mother involved in pensions fraud
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti says his administration balances justice with rehabilitation, disclosing that a pregnant woman, involved in pensions funds fraud case in Abia, was temporarily released to deliver her baby safely. Otti stated this on Saturday while recieving Hon Chinedu Ogah and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, who
Abia govt to vary bail of nursing mother involved in pensions fraud
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti says his administration balances justice with rehabilitation, disclosing that a pregnant woman, involved in pensions funds fraud case in Abia, was temporarily released to deliver her baby safely.
Otti stated this on Saturday while recieving Hon Chinedu Ogah and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, who paid him a visit in his office.
He praised the intervention of Abia First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti for securing a temporary release for the heavily pregnant woman, explaining that following the pregnant inmate’s release from Correctional Centre, she was taken to a hospital where she delivered her baby safely.
The Governor informed the Reformatory Committee that he had since instructed the Attorney General of Abia State to advocate a variation of the woman’s bail conditions to facilitate her legal release, saying that his administration is compassionate and at the same time, firm.
“We must be compassionate and firm. While serious offenders must be kept from endangering society, minor offenders who have been corrected deserve a chance at rehabilitation and reintegration,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti, who lauded the House Committee members for demonstrating commitment to their oversight functions despite limited resources, emphasised that true leadership often required sacrifice, even as he promised to remain steadfast in his resolve to rebuild Abia as inspired by the legacies of visionary leaders such as Michael Okpara, Sam Mbakwe, Jaja Wachuku, Akanu Ibiam, Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Ogah commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides and for installing water, solar electricity and reinforcement in Correctional Centres.
He noted that Abia is the only State in the South East with a 3,000-capacity Correctional Centre located in Uzuakoli, but urged the Governor to look into the road leading to the Centre.
Abia govt to vary bail of nursing mother involved in pensions fraud
Putin’s game dangerous for everyone – Zelenskyy tells Trump
Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has asked US president, Donald Trump to “force Russia into peace”. Zelenskyy’s comments come after Trump said he was “p***ed off” with Russia president Vladimir Putin. Trump is angry with Putin for questioning Zelenskyy’s credibility and legitimacy after he insisted this week that Ukraine needs new leadership. The American president also
Putin’s game dangerous for everyone – Zelenskyy tells Trump
Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has asked US president, Donald Trump to “force Russia into peace”.
Zelenskyy’s comments come after Trump said he was “p***ed off” with Russia president Vladimir Putin.
Trump is angry with Putin for questioning Zelenskyy’s credibility and legitimacy after he insisted this week that Ukraine needs new leadership.
The American president also warned Russia it could face fresh economic sanctions for the flub in peace negotiations.
In the wake of Trump’s tirade, Zelenskyy took to X to say “Right now, Russia continues looking for excuses to drag this war out even further.
“Putin is playing the same game he has since 2014.
“This is dangerous for everyone — and there should be an appropriate response from the United States, Europe, and all our global partners who seek peace.”
Putin’s game dangerous for everyone – Zelenskyy tells Trump
I’m not joking about third term as US president – Trump
US President Donald Trump has insisted he is “not joking” about seeking a third term in office. A third term in office is barred by the US Constitution. But speaking in a phone interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump directly addressed speculation over a potential third term. He said: “No, I’m not joking. I’m
I’m not joking about third term as US president – Trump
US President Donald Trump has insisted he is “not joking” about seeking a third term in office.
A third term in office is barred by the US Constitution.
But speaking in a phone interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump directly addressed speculation over a potential third term.
He said: “No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” but added, “It is far too early to think about it.”
“There are methods which you could do it, as you know,” he said.
Trump however did not elaborate on potential legal or political avenues.
The US Constitution’s 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two four-year terms, whether consecutive or not.
The 22nd Amendment says “no person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice”.
Trump was asked in the NBC interview about a scenario where his running mate, Vice President JD Vance, could assume office before stepping aside to allow him to take over. Trump acknowledged the possibility, stating, “That’s one” approach.
“But there are others, too,” he added.
I’m not joking about third term as US president – Trump
Rivers Assembly explosion: Ehie fingers Amaewhule, says only Speaker has access to complex
Mr Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any involvement in the explosion that occurred at the Rivers State House of Assembly chambers on October 29, 2023. Speaking as a guest on Channels Television on Sunday, Ehie emphasized that only the Speaker of the House, Martin
Rivers Assembly explosion: Ehie fingers Amaewhule, says only Speaker has access to complex
Mr Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any involvement in the explosion that occurred at the Rivers State House of Assembly chambers on October 29, 2023.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television on Sunday, Ehie emphasized that only the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, has access to the Assembly premises after working hours or on weekends.
He insisted that Amaewhule should be questioned regarding the explosion that affected the legislative chambers.
Ehie stated, “It is very important to clarify that I was not, I had no hand in the burning down of the Rivers State Assembly.”
Ehie also revealed that 10 witnesses, including senior police officers, testified before a Federal High Court in Abuja, confirming that they saw the Speaker’s (Amaewhule) convoy, hence the reason for allowing him access to the Assembly complex on the night of October 29, 2023 (the day of the explosion).
Former Rivers State Head of Civil Service, George Nweke, alleged on Friday that Governor Fubara was responsible for the explosion, with Ehie acting as an accomplice.
Reacting to Nweke’s allegations, Ehie said, “I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against George Nwaeke, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations.”
Ehie continued: “Clearly, the world has seen that George Nwaeke wasn’t in his right frame of mind.”
The Chief of Staff accused Nwaeke of succumbing to political pressures in pursuit of financial gain.
He referenced Nwaeke’s wife’s public outcry over her husband’s sudden disappearance over the weekend, describing Nwaeke as a man who had “betrayed his conscience” and his family “to own the world.”
Ehie also displayed WhatsApp messages allegedly showing Nwaeke soliciting financial assistance shortly after resigning as Head of Service last week, asserting that Nwaeke lacked contentment.
He downplayed Nwaeke’s role in the governance of Rivers State, stating that the former Head of Civil Service did not hold any significant influence.
According to Ehie, Nwaeke never had private meetings with the suspended governor.
He challenged Nwaeke to specify the date and time he visited Fubara without security clearance.
Ehie stated, “George Nwaeke has never, he is not even in the protocol list of those who can have uninterrupted access to the governor.
“The records are in the Government House. The security clearance of the Government House, which I superintend or supervise, is with the DSS.
“I challenge George Nwaeke to mention from the 29th of October 2023, like he claimed, to the other day when he visited Government House, either at odd hours without prior clearance from the DSS, to say that he discussed with the governor. Let him show the record. There is none.”
Ehie further alleged that President Bola Tinubu had been misinformed regarding the ongoing reconstruction of the state Assembly complex.
He noted that the Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Abas, confirmed that the new structure had reached 80% completion and that the contractor had been fully funded.
President Tinubu had previously suggested that Governor Fubara failed to take action on the demolished Assembly structure for 14 months, allegedly aiming to cripple the legislative arm of government.
Rivers Assembly explosion: Ehie fingers Amaewhule, says only Speaker has access to complex
Israel PM picks ex-naval commander as new security agency head
Israel’s prime minister has picked former navy commander Eli Sharvit to be the next head of the Shin Bet domestic security agency, his office said Monday, despite the supreme court freezing the government’s bid to dismiss the incumbent. “After extensive interviews with seven qualified candidates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to appoint former navy
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Israel’s prime minister has picked former navy commander Eli Sharvit to be the next head of the Shin Bet domestic security agency, his office said Monday, despite the supreme court freezing the government’s bid to dismiss the incumbent. “After extensive interviews with seven qualified candidates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to appoint former navy
Court stops IBEDC’s shares transfer over ownership battle
The dispute over the sale of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Limited has remained unresolved, as the Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled May 16, 2025, for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by 86 Gardens Limited against Archlight Nigeria Limited and two others over the alleged transfer of its shares to another company. Ahead
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The dispute over the sale of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Limited has remained unresolved, as the Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled May 16, 2025, for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by 86 Gardens Limited against Archlight Nigeria Limited and two others over the alleged transfer of its shares to another company. Ahead
Petrol price to rise more as naira-for-crude talks wobble
There is anxiety in the downstream arm of the oil and gas sector as operators await the decision of the Federal Government on the naira-for-crude deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The six-month deal, which started in October 2024, officially ends today, Monday, March 31, 2024. The deal’s
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There is anxiety in the downstream arm of the oil and gas sector as operators await the decision of the Federal Government on the naira-for-crude deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The six-month deal, which started in October 2024, officially ends today, Monday, March 31, 2024. The deal’s
Onne port terminal operator plans tariff hike
The West African Container Terminal located in Onne River State has concluded plans to increase its tariff with effect from April 1, 2025. WACT announced this in a notice sighted by The PUNCH on Sunday. The terminal stated that it has got the necessary approvals from relevant agencies to adjust both terminal handling charges and
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The West African Container Terminal located in Onne River State has concluded plans to increase its tariff with effect from April 1, 2025. WACT announced this in a notice sighted by The PUNCH on Sunday. The terminal stated that it has got the necessary approvals from relevant agencies to adjust both terminal handling charges and
Rivers emergency rule, wise decision by Tinubu – Ladoja
Former Oyo State governor and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, on Sunday, said the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has ensured relative peace in the state. The PUNCH reports that President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared emergency rule in Rivers State over the protracted political crisis between Governor Siminalayi
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Former Oyo State governor and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, on Sunday, said the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has ensured relative peace in the state. The PUNCH reports that President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared emergency rule in Rivers State over the protracted political crisis between Governor Siminalayi