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- January 20, 2025
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Biafra: Anyone calling for Nnamdi Kanu’s release is Nigeria’s enemy – Buhari’s ex-aide
A former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has cautioned those advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. Ahmad described those advocating for Kanu’s release as enemies of Nigeria. Posting on X, Ahmad wrote: “Anybody advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist and
Biafra: Anyone calling for Nnamdi Kanu’s release is Nigeria’s enemy – Buhari’s ex-aide
A former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has cautioned those advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Ahmad described those advocating for Kanu’s release as enemies of Nigeria.
Posting on X, Ahmad wrote: “Anybody advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist and the leader of the proscribed terrorist organization IPOB, should be considered a sworn enemy of this country.”
He was picked up by the Nigerian government over his agitation for Biafra and, by extension, Nigeria’s breakup.
Kanu has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), despite court orders discharging and acquitting him.
The IPOB leader was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 and subjected to extraordinary rendition back to Nigeria to continue his trial.
Kanu’s trial is currently stalled after he challenged Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court to recuse herself from his trial.
In line with his demand, the judge withdrew from the trial and forwarded Kanu’s case file to the Chief Justice of the Abuja Federal High Court for reassignment.
However, Kanu has filed a complaint before the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing Justice Nyako of misconduct.
Biafra: Anyone calling for Nnamdi Kanu’s release is Nigeria’s enemy – Buhari’s ex-aide
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- January 20, 2025
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Nasarawa Poly expels 100 students over exam malpractices
The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa State, has expelled 100 students for their alleged involvement in examination malpractices during the 2023/2024 academic session. This development was disclosed by the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Hauwa Muhammad, during the 41st matriculation ceremony held over the weekend for approximately 15,000 newly admitted students for the
Nasarawa Poly expels 100 students over exam malpractices
The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa State, has expelled 100 students for their alleged involvement in examination malpractices during the 2023/2024 academic session.
This development was disclosed by the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Hauwa Muhammad, during the 41st matriculation ceremony held over the weekend for approximately 15,000 newly admitted students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Dr. Muhammad emphasized the institution’s zero-tolerance policy toward examination misconduct, urging the newly matriculated students to abide by the rules and regulations of the polytechnic.
“We have expelled 100 students who were found guilty of examination malpractices. Let this serve as a warning to all of you to steer clear of such activities,” she stated.
The acting rector also cautioned the students against engaging in social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, and indecent dressing, which could tarnish their academic journey.
The matriculated students were enrolled in National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Part-Time programmes, with the ceremony taking place in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
Dr. Muhammad reiterated the polytechnic’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and maintaining a conducive environment for learning.
She advised the students to focus on their studies and adhere to the institution’s code of conduct.
Nasarawa Poly expels 100 students over exam malpractices
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- January 20, 2025
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Tax Reform: League of Northern Democrats rejects derivation formula
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has rejected the proposed derivation formula in the ongoing tax reform discussions, warning that it could deepen regional inequalities if not explicitly defined. In a statement released on Sunday, LND spokesperson, Dr. Ladan Salihu, commended the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF)
Tax Reform: League of Northern Democrats rejects derivation formula
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has rejected the proposed derivation formula in the ongoing tax reform discussions, warning that it could deepen regional inequalities if not explicitly defined.
In a statement released on Sunday, LND spokesperson, Dr. Ladan Salihu, commended the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for endorsing a revised Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula of 50% based on equality, 30% on derivation, and 20% on population.
However, the group raised concerns over the absence of a clear definition for “derivation” in the proposed framework.
“LND welcomes the NGF’s recognition of the need for comprehensive tax reforms to modernize Nigeria’s fiscal system, enhance stability, and align with global best practices. However, there is one critical issue overlooked in the Governors Forum’s communiqué: the definition of ‘derivation,’” Salihu said.
The group stressed that derivation must be defined as “the place of consumption,” arguing that this approach ensures fair resource distribution based on economic activity and contributions.
Without such clarity, the LND warned, the proposed 30% derivation allocation risks exacerbating disparities, disproportionately benefiting certain regions at the expense of others, particularly the North.
“Without this definition, the principles of equity that the reform seeks to achieve will be undermined. Tying derivation to the area of consumption not only reflects modern taxation realities but also promotes accountability and incentivizes economic development across regions,” Salihu added.
The tax reform proposals have sparked intense debates nationwide, with significant opposition from Northern governors and leaders. Many argue that the reforms are skewed to favor Lagos State and a few other regions, thereby shortchanging the North.
In its statement, the LND urged the NGF and the Presidential Tax Reform Committee to incorporate its recommendations, including amendments to the inheritance tax clause, into the framework.
The group vowed to withhold full support for the reforms until these critical issues are resolved.
Tax Reform: League of Northern Democrats rejects derivation formula
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- January 20, 2025
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Abuja-Lagos Super Highway Project faces threat as two consortiums engage in battle for FG’s nod
AEC Unity Network Limited, the officially recognised concessionaire for the Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train projects, has denied any association with an entity known as AEC-Geofocus Consortium (Geofocus). AEC Unity Network clarified that Geofocus has no role in the planning, financing, construction, or operation of the 470-kilometer superhighway and high-speed rail projects, which are
Abuja-Lagos Super Highway Project faces threat as two consortiums engage in battle for FG’s nod
AEC Unity Network Limited, the officially recognised concessionaire for the Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train projects, has denied any association with an entity known as AEC-Geofocus Consortium (Geofocus).
AEC Unity Network clarified that Geofocus has no role in the planning, financing, construction, or operation of the 470-kilometer superhighway and high-speed rail projects, which are part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to boost national infrastructure.
In a statement released on Sunday, the company emphasised that it is the sole concessionaire authorized by the Federal Government of Nigeria, having received approvals from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Barrister Ayodeji Ademola, legal consultant for AEC Unity Network, said in the statement that AEC-Geofocus has no basis whatsoever to make any claim in relation to the Super Highway project, having not been part of its conception from the onset.
In the statement, AEC Unity Network reaffirmed that it is the sole concessionaire authorised by the Federal Government of Nigeria to design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain the 470-kilometer superhighway and high-speed rail linking Abuja and Lagos.
According to the statement, the company’s approvals are from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
The reaction by the AEC Unity Network may have been informed by media publications credited to one Engineer Mutiu Yinka Idris, who asserted that AEC-Geofocus was in charge of the project for the federal government.
Idris, who claimed to be Director of Operations for AEC-Geofocus, had in the publication described the company as a consortium of engineers, planners, and investors that had successfully attracted $16 billion from Middle Eastern investors, with additional interest from European financial institutions and the World Bank.
He had also claimed that the financial framework was designed to minimize government expenditure, safeguard public funds, and prevent cost overruns through an efficient risk-sharing mechanism.
Idris had assured stakeholders of a grand project flag-off before February 2025, reiterating AEC-Geofocus’ commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure.
“The $16 billion project will be led by AEC-Geofocus, a consortium of engineers, planners, and investors, and plans have been concluded to commence it by February this year, 2025,” Idris had asserted.
He said that the Lagos-Abuja corridor, spanning approximately 500 kilometers, will connect Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states before reaching Abuja, under a design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) model.
But in its sharp reaction, AEC Unity Network expressed surprise at the emergence of AEC-Geofocus out of the blue to make claims on a project it was never part of.
Part of the statement read: “We emphatically state that AEC Unity Network Limited has no relationship whatsoever with AEC-Geofocus Consortium or Geofocus. Any claims made by Geofocus regarding involvement in the projects are ‘spurious and false.’”
“We categorically state that AEC Unity Network Limited has no relationship whatsoever with Engineer Mutiu Yinka Idris or Geofocus.”
“These fraudulent claims are completely at variance with our proposed infrastructure plans and are intended to confuse and defraud unsuspecting stakeholders,” the statement added.
The statement by Engineer Mutiu Yinka Idris, who claimed involvement in the projects on behalf of Geofocus in several media outlets and amplified on social media, is baseless and an attempt to mislead the public.
The company warned investors and the public to disregard any media advertisements or reports from Geofocus, describing them as unauthorized and misleading.
AEC Unity Network stated that its project is still in the planning stages, with no concurrent developments on the same corridor by any other entity.
To prevent confusion and potential fraud, AEC Unity Network urged local and foreign investors to verify information only through its official channels and avoid engaging with Geofocus on matters relating to the Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train projects.
This infrastructure initiative, which includes a direct expressway and rail connection between Abuja and Lagos, is expected to enhance transportation efficiency and foster economic growth.
AEC Unity Network reiterated its commitment to transparency and professionalism, urging the public to engage only through its official channels for accurate information about the projects.
Abuja-Lagos Super Highway Project faces threat as two consortiums engage in battle for FG’s nod
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- January 20, 2025
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Osogbo disunity may hinder indigenes’ governorship ambition in 2030 – Adeleke’s aide
The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Political Matters, Muniru Raji, has warned that internal disunity among Osogbo’s political stakeholders could jeopardize the chances of an Osogbo indigene becoming the governor of the state in 2030. He called on all political actors, traditional leaders, and youth organisations in Osogbo to foster
Osogbo disunity may hinder indigenes’ governorship ambition in 2030 – Adeleke’s aide
The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Political Matters, Muniru Raji, has warned that internal disunity among Osogbo’s political stakeholders could jeopardize the chances of an Osogbo indigene becoming the governor of the state in 2030.
He called on all political actors, traditional leaders, and youth organisations in Osogbo to foster unity and work collaboratively toward achieving their shared goals.
This call comes as there are heightened demands within some political parties in the state for their gubernatorial tickets to be zoned to the Osun West Senatorial District in 2026.
Raji gave this warning while speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement of the Osogbo Affairs Forum held in Osogbo on Sunday.
The Special Adviser emphasised the need for unity and collective effort to advance Osogbo’s political aspirations.
“Osogbo has the potential to lead Osun State, but disunity among our people remains a significant barrier. Without a united front, achieving the dream of producing a governor from Osogbo will be nearly impossible,” he said.
Addressing concerns about his past political decisions, Raji affirmed that he has no regrets supporting a candidate from another town to become a senator instead of an Osogbo indigene.
He stressed that his decision was based on the overall interest of the state and the principles of fairness and competence.
“I stand by my decision to support a candidate from another town for the Senate. It was not about neglecting Osogbo but about doing what was best for the larger interest of Osun State,” he explained.
He also cautioned political agents against exploiting the “Osogbo Agenda” for personal and selfish gains.
He urged stakeholders to focus on genuine efforts to promote Osogbo’s collective interest rather than using it as a tool for manipulation.
“I strongly warn those using the Osogbo Agenda for their selfish interests to desist. Such actions only deepen divisions and hinder our progress as a community,” he stated.
The stakeholders’ meeting, which brought together key figures from Osogbo, focused on addressing pressing political and developmental issues affecting the community.
Osogbo disunity may hinder indigenes’ governorship ambition in 2030 – Adeleke’s aide
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- January 20, 2025
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FCT: Wike issues stern warning to electricity vandals
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has warned electricity vandals in Abuja to desist from such criminal acts. Wike said that vandals who damaged and stole transmission cables, throwing the FCT into darkness, will learn their lesson. The furious Minister, at a media chat on Sunday evening, said some suspects have
FCT: Wike issues stern warning to electricity vandals
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has warned electricity vandals in Abuja to desist from such criminal acts.
Wike said that vandals who damaged and stole transmission cables, throwing the FCT into darkness, will learn their lesson.
The furious Minister, at a media chat on Sunday evening, said some suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.
According to him, the arrested persons would not be charged with stealing but with economic sabotage.
The former Rivers State governor also said that the vandals are threatening the stability of the nation’s capital city and would be punished severely for the crime.
The Minister said the suspects won’t come out of the litigation until they are convicted of the crime.
“They vandalized, stole the cables, causing over 60% of Abuja to be dark. Sabotage! By the grace of God, the security agencies are on top of the matter. We’ve arrested some of them, and I can tell you: all of those involved will never come out of it, and people will learn lessons from it.
“We won’t charge you with stealing; we will charge you with economic sabotage. Enough is enough. Nobody will take this. Nobody who loves his country will accept what is going on,” Wike said.
He urged FCT residents to be involved in the policing of the nation’s capital by reporting suspicious activities.
DAILY POST reports that last Friday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, attributed the power outage in Abuja to the vandalism of its 132kV transmission line and underground cables.
Areas affected include Wuse, Utako, Jabi, Maitama, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Mabushi, and parts of the Presidential Villa, which houses President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
FCT: Wike issues stern warning to electricity vandals
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- January 20, 2025
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Turji Bello engages prayer warriors from Niger, Maiduguri to avert capture
Dreaded bandit leader Bello Turji has activated a network of prayer warriors from Niger Republic and Maiduguri in Borno State, in an attempt to evade being captured by Nigerian troops under the codename Operation Fansan Yanma. Turji’s reign of terror has long been supported by spiritual leaders who offer prayers and guidance before his gang
Turji Bello engages prayer warriors from Niger, Maiduguri to avert capture
Dreaded bandit leader Bello Turji has activated a network of prayer warriors from Niger Republic and Maiduguri in Borno State, in an attempt to evade being captured by Nigerian troops under the codename Operation Fansan Yanma.
Turji’s reign of terror has long been supported by spiritual leaders who offer prayers and guidance before his gang embarks on any mission.
Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, said these clerics provide “spiritual backing and determine the timing and nature of his criminal operations.”
According to Makama: “It has been a routine for Turji to consult these prayer warriors before carrying out attacks. They give directives on which missions are auspicious and advise on strategies for evading military offensives.”
Lately, the military has intensified efforts to capture Turji and dismantle his banditry network.
Troops recently killed his son during an offensive.
Turji Bello engages prayer warriors from Niger, Maiduguri to avert capture
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- January 20, 2025
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FG inaugurates investigative committee as Dikko tanker explosion death toll hits 86
The Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to investigate the causes of Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on the Dikko-Maje Minna Road, Niger State. The incident has claimed 86 lives, with 55 others injured, while 80 victims were given a mass burial at the Dikko Primary Health Centre. The committee includes representatives from
FG inaugurates investigative committee as Dikko tanker explosion death toll hits 86
The Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to investigate the causes of Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on the Dikko-Maje Minna Road, Niger State.
The incident has claimed 86 lives, with 55 others injured, while 80 victims were given a mass burial at the Dikko Primary Health Centre.
The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD).
Its mandate is to uncover the immediate and remote causes of the explosion and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while leading a Federal Government delegation to condole with the Emir of Suleja, HRH Sarkin Zazzau Suleja, Mohammed Awwal, over the tragedy.
Addressing the Emir in his palace, Idris expressed the Federal Government’s sadness over the incident, describing it as part of a worrying trend of tanker-related disasters in Niger State.
“Between September 2024 and now, over 265 lives have been lost to similar incidents in the state,” the minister said.
“In Agai, on September 8, 2024, 48 people lost their lives. On October 15, 2024, another 144 lives were lost. This latest tragedy at Dikko Junction has added 86 more lives to the toll. This is deeply alarming, and the government is determined to put an end to these recurring disasters.”
Idris condemned the practice of residents rushing to accident scenes to scoop fuel, noting that it significantly increases casualties.
He emphasized the government’s plan to launch a public sensitization campaign through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to educate citizens on the dangers of such actions.
“We call on traditional rulers, especially the Emir, to help enlighten their communities. It is absolutely wrong to scoop fuel from accident scenes. This behavior has caused the loss of hundreds of lives,” Idris said.
The minister assured the Emir that the committee’s recommendations would guide the government in implementing measures to enhance safety in fuel transportation and prevent further tragedies.
FG inaugurates investigative committee as Dikko tanker explosion death toll hits 86
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- January 20, 2025
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FCT raked in N40bn in December 2024 – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, says his aggressive revenue drive has increased the monthly earnings of the nation’s capital from about N9bn when he assumed office in August 2023 to an average of N25bn monthly. Wike made this disclosure on Sunday during a media parley, stressing that the nation’s capital
FCT raked in N40bn in December 2024 – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, says his aggressive revenue drive has increased the monthly earnings of the nation’s capital from about N9bn when he assumed office in August 2023 to an average of N25bn monthly.
Wike made this disclosure on Sunday during a media parley, stressing that the nation’s capital generated over N40bn in December 2024.
The Minister said the growth in revenue is due to the collection of ground rents and payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) by land allottees.
According to him, the FCT pays salaries to the tune of N13bn every month.
“We don’t get up to N13bn from VAT and the 1% from the Federal Government. So, we have to augment from the IGR to be able to pay the salaries because of the new wages.
“As of the time I came, we were generating about N9bn to N10bn. Today, by the grace of God, we are not generating less than N25bn a month.
“It is because of our aggressive revenue drive. In fact, last month, we were able to generate about 40 something billion naira. Aggressive revenue drive to be able to carry out infrastructure.
“It must be from taxes, and when taxes are not paid, how do we get development?
“In your conscience, can you say that the FCT is justifying the revenue or the taxes you are paying? Yes, it is correct. We can beat our taxes to say we are doing that, but it is not enough,” he added.
The immediate past governor of Rivers State said the nation’s capital has the potential to generate up to N300bn in monthly revenue if land allottees fulfill their obligations.
FCT raked in N40bn in December 2024 – Wike
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- January 20, 2025
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Death toll rises to 86 in Niger tanker explosion
The death toll from Saturday’s tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has climbed to 86, following the death of several injured victims while receiving treatment. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the updated figure on Sunday. He revealed
Death toll rises to 86 in Niger tanker explosion
The death toll from Saturday’s tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has climbed to 86, following the death of several injured victims while receiving treatment.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the updated figure on Sunday.
He revealed that 80 of the deceased were interred in a mass grave at the premises of Dikko Primary Health Care Centre, while relatives claimed the remains of five others for private burial.
“NSEMA carried out the mass burial in collaboration with the Gurara Local Government and courageous volunteers between 5 pm and midnight on Saturday,” Arah stated.
He added that 55 injured victims are currently undergoing treatment, with the state government ensuring they receive comprehensive medical care.
Recall that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He described the tragedy as preventable, noting that many victims lost their lives while attempting to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker.
The President directed security and road safety authorities to implement stricter measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
He also tasked the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide campaign to educate the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
“All citizens must exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites involving fuel-laden vehicles due to their highly explosive nature,” Tinubu warned.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, expressed profound sorrow, describing the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje extended condolences to the people of Niger State, pledging solidarity during this moment of grief.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, also commiserated with families of the victims.
In a statement by spokesperson, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, Yahaya noted that accidents of this magnitude have devastating consequences for communities and the nation.
Death toll rises to 86 in Niger tanker explosion
