Ngbede: PDP Ready for Benue Council Election
Politics

Ngbede: PDP Ready for Benue Council Election

Prepared and fully committed, the Benue State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is geared up to take part in the upcoming local government elections in the state. After thorough consultations with its leaders and members, the party made the decision to engage in the electoral process. During an expanded caucus meeting of PDP on Monday in Makurdi, the party chairman, John Ngbede, disclosed this development. The announcement of the forthcoming council election was made by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC, during a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi. Emphasizing PDP's determination to participate in the election, Ngbede highlighted the party's commitment to counter the APC and drive development at the grassroots, as previously demonstrated during its governance in ...
Support for Proposed 300% Salary and Allowance Increase for Judges
News

Support for Proposed 300% Salary and Allowance Increase for Judges

The proposal for a 300 percent increase in the salaries and allowances of judges, put forward by President Bola Tinubu, has gained backing from various quarters including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN. In addition, the National Judicial Council (NJC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC) have also given their endorsement to the idea. During a one-day public hearing on the "A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries and Allowances and Fringe Benefit of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and Related Matters, 2024," stakeholders like the AGF, NBA, NJC, and RMAFC expressed their support for the initiative. The event was organized by the Senate Committee on Judiciary,...
Mother of victim in organ trafficking case expresses concern over son’s whereabouts after Ekweremadu’s sentencing
News

Mother of victim in organ trafficking case expresses concern over son’s whereabouts after Ekweremadu’s sentencing

Expressing her distress, Mrs. Mary Ukpo, the mother of David Ukpo, whose son was involved in a kidney transplant facilitated by former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, voiced her anguish over the lack of communication regarding her son's well-being post the conviction and sentencing of the Ekweremadus. It was reported that the Ekweremadus were convicted and sentenced to prison for their involvement in organ trafficking. The allegations against the former Deputy Senate President, as well as their doctor Obinna Obeta, suggested that they had made efforts to convince medical professionals at the Royal Free Hospital in London to carry out an £80,000 transplant on 21-year-old David Ukpo, who was introduced as the cousin of their daughter, Sonia Ekweremadu. Visiting their villag...
Manchester City Faces Potential Departures of Five Players After Securing Fourth Consecutive EPL Title
Sports

Manchester City Faces Potential Departures of Five Players After Securing Fourth Consecutive EPL Title

Reports suggest that a minimum of five players may exit the Manchester City team during this summer transfer window. City clinched their fourth consecutive Premier League title by defeating West Ham 3-1 last Sunday. As Pep Guardiola’s final season in England approaches, he aims to finish on a triumphant note. To maintain their superiority over rival teams, City's squad is likely to undergo alterations this summer. Speculations loom over the future of the No. 1 goalkeeper, Ederson, and Bernardo Silva, who is reportedly a target for Barcelona. Jack Grealish, who has experienced a decline in form and now finds himself behind Jeremy Doku, also faces uncertainty regarding his future at the club. Captain Kyle Walker and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, aged 34 and 32 respectively, are anticipate...
Discussion on regional socio-economic and security challenges held by Sixth ECOWAS Legislature in Kano
News

Discussion on regional socio-economic and security challenges held by Sixth ECOWAS Legislature in Kano

In Kano, the sixth legislature of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is currently addressing various challenges faced by member states, including socio-economic, political, and security issues. The session, which has 12 out of the 15 member states in attendance, commenced with registration and accreditation at Bristol Palace, Kano. Absent from the second extraordinary session are representatives from Burkina Faso, the Niger Republic, and Mali. First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Barau I. Jubrin, stated in a press briefing that Monday's activities mainly involved bureau meetings between Parliament leadership, committee chairpersons, and other principal officers. Emphasizing the significance of the upcoming session on Tuesday, Jub...
82 casualties reported due to fire incidents in Lagos – State Government
News

82 casualties reported due to fire incidents in Lagos – State Government

During a recent announcement, the Lagos State Government revealed that fire outbreaks resulted in 82 casualties and property losses amounting to N25.37 billion.The statement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde. It was further highlighted that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, successfully rescued 376 individuals and safeguarded properties valued at N152.22 billion. “LASEMA’s fire safety officers saved 376 individuals and protected properties valued at N152.22 billion. Unfortunately, the ministry also recorded 82 casualties and reported property losses of N25.37 billion,” Oyerinde stated. Furthermore, to enhance infrastructure, three new fire stations are nearing completion in Ijegun-Egba, Satell...
ASUU expresses concern over dismissals and salary suspensions, calls for intervention from stakeholders
News

ASUU expresses concern over dismissals and salary suspensions, calls for intervention from stakeholders

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Owerri Zone have raised alarms regarding the recent sackings, suspensions of salaries, harassment, and other forms of mistreatment targeting its members in certain universities across the country. ASUU decried the unfair treatment its members faced as a consequence of their resistance against the irregularities observed within these institutions. Zonal Coordinator Dennis Aribodor, during a press briefing on Monday in Awka, highlighted the affected institutions, which include the Federal University of Technology (FUTO) Owerri, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Igbariam, Kogi State University (KSU) Ayingba, Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Abakaliki, Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, among others. Aribodor c...
Surge in Prices of Nigeria’s Crude Oil Grades Following the Demise of Iranian President
Business

Surge in Prices of Nigeria’s Crude Oil Grades Following the Demise of Iranian President

Amid the unfortunate passing of Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, Nigeria's crude oil grades experienced a significant surge in prices on the international market. Market data indicates that both Brass River and Qua Iboe futures of Nigeria's oil saw gains on Monday, with Brass River, a sweet medium light crude, witnessing a 0.70% increase to reach $86.60 per barrel. Similarly, the Qua Iboe, a light sweet crude grade, also rose by 0.70% to trade at $86.60 per barrel. Meanwhile, as of the time of reporting, US WTI and Brent crude were priced at $79.96 and $83.81, respectively. Earlier projections by JPMorgan analysts suggested potential volatility in the oil markets following Raisi's demise. JPMorgan analysts commented, "From here, we expect overall market fundamentals to improve and an...
Call to Action for Addressing Security Challenges in Nigeria – Urges from Muslims in South West to Tinubu
News

Call to Action for Addressing Security Challenges in Nigeria – Urges from Muslims in South West to Tinubu

In South West Nigeria, the Muslim Ummah of MUSWEN has emphasized the critical need for the federal government to promptly tackle the diverse security issues plaguing the nation. During the inaugural public lecture organized by the MUSWEN Health Committee in Ibadan, Oyo State, under the theme, “National Insecurity and Its Psychological Effects on the Citizens; the Islamic and Health Perspectives,” MUSWEN President, Rasaki Oladejo, urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps in addressing the underlying causes of insecurity in Nigeria. Oladejo highlighted the multitude of security challenges confronting the country, which includes incidents of kidnapping, armed robberies, banditry, and other violent crimes. He expressed concern that Nigeria is grappling with significant challeng...
Labour to Engage in Discussions with Federal Government Regarding Minimum Wage on Tuesday
Press

Labour to Engage in Discussions with Federal Government Regarding Minimum Wage on Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Organised Labour will engage in negotiations with the Tripartite Committee on the Minimum Wage. Confirming this development on Monday in Abuja was the Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Etim Okon. Having walked out of the negotiation meeting, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the TUC took a stand against the Federal Government's proposed N48,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the country. Expressing their stance, the unions stated that "The proposal falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations." Labour criticized the government for its failure to provide any substantiated data to support their offer, exacerbating the situation. They highlighted that the lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiat...