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Peter Obi’s Ex-Ally, Okonkwo Heads For PDP After Meeting Atiku

By
James Orji
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Kenneth Okonkwo and Atiku

Amidst speculations over his political future, Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesman for the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has given an indication of where he’s headed.

For the ex-ally of the LP presidential candidate, the Peoples Democratic Party,  PDP may be his next destination following his meeting with Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate in 2023.

Recall that the nollywood actor-turned politician had in the past vowed no to have anything to do with the PDP, promising to stick with LP and Obi, it appears the Anambra-born actor is now open to any political move or re-alignment with the opposition.

In a post he shared on his verified instagram account, on Sunday, the legal practitioner announced that he met Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, following an invitation from him, saying their meeting focused on how to ‘chart a new’ course for Nigeria.

According to him, the current situation in the country requires that key political leaders in the country come together to put the nation back on the path of progress and development.

Okonkwo: “It’s a privilege and honour to be invited by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar for a consultative meeting on how best to chart a new course for our beloved country.

“The situation in Nigeria today requires the cooperation of every well-meaning Nigerian to ensure that our country is restored to its path of greatness.”

On February 11, 2025, Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, LPPCO, announced his resignation from his former party, saying he was not ready to waste his time in the party that’s not prepared for the next Nigerian election in 2027.

He had earlier criticised his principal, Obi for not taking decisive steps to end the crisis in LP.

He said, “My entrance to politics is for good governance, and I will continue to work for it to ensure that Nigeria becomes a great country of incorruptible men.Catch You By Surprise00 / 0:00

“This aim can no longer be realised within Labour Party as presently constituted.

“Since the party is non-existent as presently constituted, I am constrained to resign my membership of the party.

“To all Nigerians of goodwill who supported us when we needed them most, I pledge my continued loyalty to the Nigerian people in all I will decide to do in my political future.”

New Electricity Tariff Hike ‘Systemic Exploitation’ Of Nigerians, Says NLC, Threatens Mass protest

By
James Orji
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Joe Ajaero - NLC President

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC,has threatened to lead a mass protest of Nigerians against the planned increase of electricity tariff by the federal government.

The Joe Ajaero-led NLC issued the warning on Sunday, in a communique at the end of its National Executive Council , NEC, meeting in Yola, Adamawa state, describing the action as a ‘systemic exploitation’ of electricity consumers and Nigerians.

The Union’s threat comes barely a week after the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu unveiled plans to migrate Band B and C consumers to Bank A, with an attendant tariff hike.

Bank A electricity consumers are currently charged N225 per kilowatt of electricity across the country, by distribution companies, Discos.

The minister said the hike is necessary to improve liquidity in the power sector, amidt criticisms among not a few electricity consumers.

Reacting, NLC said it will resist any hike, which it said will deepen the economic problems of Nigerians, blaming the federal government for shifting the burden of its inefficiency on the poor masses in the country.

In the communique signed by Ajaero and NLC Secretary, Emma Ogboaja, the labour union further described the plans an  economic violence against workers and Nigerians who are currently struggling to survive due to the economic crisis in the country.

‘’This systematic exploitation, sanctioned by the ministry of power, is nothing short of economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace,” NLC said.

Adding that, “It is evident that the ruling elite, acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital, are determined to further deepen the misery of the Nigerian people through incessant tariff hikes, increased taxation, and relentless economic strangulation.

‘’Whereas inflation has soared, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living has become unbearable, the ruling class continues to transfer the burden of their fiscal irresponsibility onto the already impoverished working masses.

“NEC-in-session warns that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases will be met with mass resistance. Consequently, the Congress resolves to immediately mobilize for a nationwide protest should the ministry of power and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan to further hike electricity tariffs under any guise.

“NLC shall not stand idly by, while Nigerian people are subjected to the unholy machinations of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.”

Meanwhile, the NLC says telecommunications companies win the country must obey the recent agreement the union reached with the federal government and other stakeholders in the telecoms industry, for the reduction of tariff to 35 percent from 50 percent, saying that the NLC ‘remains vigilant’ to ensure that the agreement is obeyed.

Recall that the federal government had earlier announced 50 percent telecoms tariff in the country but later reversed the decision after series of consultations with various labour groups.

FAAN Shuts MMA Runway; Pleads With Passengers, Airlines

By
James Orji
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FAAN office in Lagos

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has shut Runway 18R/36L at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos. The authority disclosed in a statement on Monday that the closure was necessary to facilitate ongoing rehabilitation work, which began in the wee hours of today.

According to the statement signed by FAAN Director, Public Relations, Mrs Obiageli Orah the rehabilitation work is part of the ongoing efforst to reposition infrastructure in the nation’s airports.

Orah disclosed that the rehabilitation work is scheduled to start from 03:00 hours on Monday March 3,2025 to 23:59 hours on March 3, 2025.

According to her, the construction work is expected to focus on the asphalt phase at the A2 Taxiway-link of the runway, adding that the Authority is poised to ensure the safety of passengers and smooth flight operations along the nation’s international airports.

The FAAN spokesperson however assured passengers and airlines that the construction work will not affect fight operations as alternate runway 18L/36R has been provided.

Closure Of Schools For Ramadan: CAN Threatens Legal Action

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Sunday - CAN President

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Sunday, March 2,2025 vehemently opposed the closure of schools in some Northern States to for this year’s Ramadan fasting.

The Source reports that Bauchi, Katsina and Kebbi States, have all announced the closure of both public and private schools for the next five weeks in deference to the observation of the Holy month of Ramadan .

But in a statement issued by its National President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Sunday, CAN expressed serious concern over the unprecedented development.

The umbrella body of Christians in the country described the directive as representing a serious threat to educational continuity, equity and national unity.

According to CAN, education being the bedrock of  progress is bound to suffer a severe disruption in the face of the closure directives.

The body noted that the prolonged closure, apart from negatively affecting academic calendar, has the huge potentials to compound the already dire situation of out-of-school children in the affected States.

“Bauchi, Katsina, Kano and Kebbi already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44% far above the national average.

“Closing schools for an extended period will only deepen this crisis and undermine efforts to ensure quality education for all”, CAN stated.

Besides, the Christian body decried the failure of the authorities to consult widely, especially with some relevant stakeholders, before taking such a far reaching decision.

“Policies affecting diverse populations, such as Muslims, Christians and others must be the result of inclusive dialogue.

“Unfortunately, that has not happened and such unilateral decisions erode trust and unity in our pluralistic society”, CAN noted.

According to CAN, Islamic majority countries ,like Saudi Arabia ,United Arab Emirates, UAE, and others have never attempted to impose a blanket closure of schools during the Holy month.

These countries,  CAN  noted ,rather tend to implement a flexible learning arrangement during the period.

“If Islamic heartlands can maintain a balance between education and religious observance, Nigeria’s Northern States should follow suit.

“A five-week closure is excessive and lacks global precedent”, the statement further noted.

Consequently, CAN called on all the affected State Governors to engage religious bodies, school owners, parents, civil society groups and other  relevant stakeholders  with a view to reconsidering the school closure directives in the interest of national unity.

However, in the event the affected States remain adamant, CAN said it may be forced to explore legal options.

“Should these rights continue to be in  jeopardy, we are prepared to seek restraining orders from  the Courts to protect the constitutional rights to education and freedom o conscience.” CAN warned.

The umbrella body of  Christians ,however, urged faithful in all the affected states to remain calm and peaceful, promising to continue to fight for fairness and equity for all religious faith in the country.

Gov Fubara: “I Disagree With Supreme Court, We Are Back In Trying Times”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Ayodele Oni

Says a fresh Local Council Election will be held, but directs Heads of Local Government Administration to take over  until then

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has faulted the judgment of the Supreme Court which rubbished all actions he had taken so far, almost. But even with his disagreement  he has assured that the judgment will be implemented by him.

The Supreme Court had, on Friday, February 28, 2027, given the Governor a bloody nose when it nullified the Local Government Area Election held on October 5, 2024, where all, but one, of Fubara’s candidates won; endorsed the State Legislators loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike who he had not been dealing with because they publicly decamped from the PDP to  the APC; flowing from that, asked Fubara to represent the 2025 Budget which he had earlier presented to the four legislators loyal to his Government; stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation, and all such other financial institutions from remitting the State’s Federation Allocations to it until the Governor represents the budget to the  whole Assembly, with  Martins Amaewhule as Speaker.

But fluid as the situation is for him, he has asked the people of the State to remain calm.

In his first direct response to the SC ruling via a statewide broadcast on Sunday, March 2, 2025, Governor Fubara directed Heads of Administration in all the LGAs to take over the running of the Councils until a fresh election is conducted. He asked the now-sacked Chairmen (and Councilors) to hand over on Monday, March 3, 2025, to the Heads of Administration in their various Councils.

Following is the full text of the Governor’s Statewide Broadcast.

“My dear people of Rivers State, we are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.

“2. Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.

“3. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.

“4. While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.

“5. Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.

“6. I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgements, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.

“7. Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

“8. I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.

“9. Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.

“10. Thank you and may God bless Rivers State.”

Your Action Capable Of Plunging Nigeria Into  Anarchy” – Timi Frank Tells Judiciary

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Timi Frank

By Suleiman Anyalewchi 

A former Deputy National Spokesperson for the All Progressive Congress, APC, Timi Frank, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, called on Nigerians and the international community to hold President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Kudirat Kekere Ekun-led Nigerian Judiciary accountable for any breach of peace and stability in Rivers State.

His position is coming on the heels of Friday, February, 28, 2025 Supreme Court judgment affirming Martin Amaewfule and his 26 defected  colleagues as authentic members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Apex Court had, also, ruled to halt further remittance of monthly Federal Allocations to the Rivers state Government

pending the re-presentation of the 2025 budget to the House for re-consideration.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara had earlier boycotted the 27 pro-Wike law makers in the business of governance after their public defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC in December 2023.

Their defection was in reaction to the frosty relationship between their mentor Nyesom Wike, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, and Governor Fubara.

But reacting to the Supreme Court verdict on Sunday, Frank a prominent voice in the affairs of Niger Delta, expressed serious shock and disbelief that the country’s Apex Court could deliver such an anti-people and tainted ruling.

Particularly, he condemned  the  Court’s decision to stop the Rivers State Federal Allocation, describing it as a clear case of miscarriage of justice.

According to him, the judgment is  tantamount  to a criminal  usurpation of the legitimate resources belonging to the people of the State.

He, therefore, warned that  President Tinubu Supreme Court should be held responsible for any breach of peace and stability in the State.

While attributing the sad situation in the State to the alleged desperation of the President to capture Rivers State at all cost in 2027, he cautioned that the anger of the people may sooner than later boil over.

“From the illegal judgment which came out from the Supreme Court against the Rivers State Government, the whole World knows that this is the most fraudulent judgment ever  delivered in the history on Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

“How can the Supreme Court give this kind of anti-truth,  anti-human and compromised judgment that is obviously meant to give the opposition the leeway to take over Rivers State?

“This is a clear indication that the Supreme Court under Justice Kekere-Ekun has no capacity to reform the Judiciary, but rather arresting justice and selling it to the highest bidder.

“Besides, it is clear that all the justices that heard this matter merely ruled in favour of their paymasters notwithstanding the interest of the people and the need for peace, stability and development of Rivers state.

“However, we are not surprised at  the ruling, especially when we know that the Judiciary is the biggest beneficiary from the Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike right from his days as Governor”

“But we warn the CJN to know that this judicial rascality ,which is now the order of the day in the country under her watch, will set Nigeria on fire and plunge it into avoidable anarchy” Frank stated .

According to him, it is a known and indubitable  fact that the 27 Lawmakers from Rivers State openly resigned their membership of the PDP that sponsored their elections,and joined forces with the APC.

According to him, by using the suspended 27 Lawmakers as launch pad to starve the Rivers  State Government, and the people of the State of their legitimate funds, the  Federal Government and the Judiciary are intentional in their quest to undermine the Government and good people of Rivers state.

Kaduna: Farmers’ Groups Get World Bank Revolving Loan

By
Ayodele Oni
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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State
Governor Uba Sani

By Ayodele Oni

Farmers Groups from Ten communities in Kaduna State have benefitted from the World Bank assisted Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape, (ACReSAL) fund.

Each of the groups received $25,000, cheque which was presented by Governor Uba Sani all amounting to over N375 million, as Community Revolving Fund.

The fund was provided by the world bank assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, to enable beneficiaries invest in climate-smart rain-fed agriculture.

The benefitting communities include Anchau, Kuzuntu, Kubau, Zuntu and Jenau, as well as Likoro, Jaja, Hunkuyi, Kudan and Danmahawayi communities.

Speaking at the event, the Governor noted that the Community Revolving Fund aligns with his administration’s “commitment to Rural Transformation which is designed to support registered farmer groups under the umbrella of Community Interest Groups (CIGs), with loans.’’

He pledged that Phase two will commence in the second quarter of the year, with four local governments in the Central and Southern Senatorial Zones as well as two Area Councils in the Northern Senatorial Zone.

According to the Governor, the concluding phase of implementation will cater for the remaining 11 local government areas.

Governor Uba Sani maintained that ‘’Kaduna State is proud to be at the forefront of initiatives aimed at combating climate change and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for our people.

‘’Over the years, we have implemented a range of strategic policies and programmes designed to enhance ecological conservation, mitigate the impact of climate change, and promote economic resilience among our citizens.

‘’With the support of ACReSAL, the State Government unveiled a 10-year Climate Change Policy, trained 500 women, youth, and school-feeding vendors in the production of biomass briquettes as an alternative to wood fuel.”

The Governor recalled that his administration had identified 22,435 hectares of degraded land for  restoration, provided state-of-the-art weather station.

Sani also procured the Amphibious Excavator, otherwise known as Swamp Buggy, for the prevention and control of erosion, deepening of waterways, maintenance and cleaning of rivers.

Earlier, the Task Team Lead of the ACReSAL project, Dr Joy Iganya Agene commended Kaduna State for its commitment to environmental sustainability, which is evident in the state being one of the best performing sub nationals in the country .

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, warned that Community Revolving Fund is a loan and not a grant, adding that it will function as an investment fund for community and farmer groups.

‘’The loan is intended for communities, facilitating circulation among farmers and sustained through groups that ensure the loan remains active within your community via timely repayment, thereby enabling other farmers to reap the benefits.

“The ACReSAL project constitutes a significant component of the Federal Government’s aim to rehabilitate one million hectares of degraded land, contributing to the overarching goal of restoring four million hectares by the year 2030.

‘’The initiative will additionally contribute to diminishing the susceptibility of countless individuals living in extreme poverty in northern Nigeria, thereby enhancing their capacity to engage in the stewardship of their surroundings.”

Middle Belt Forum Says Closure Of Schools For Ramadan Is Retrogressive, Boko Haram Ideology

By
Ayodele Oni
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Luka Binniyat - Midele Belt Forum

By Ayodele Oni

Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has described closure of public and private schools in some northern states during Ramadan as “Boko Haram’s ideology,” which opposes Western education.

The group, which protested against the decision, in certain Sharia-practicing states of Northern Nigeria, also termed it as regressive directive.

Some of the states which have sent students on compulsory holiday due to Ramadan include Bauchi, Kano, and Kebbi, some of which are bona fide parts of the Middle Belt.

The forum therefore tasked the rest of Nigeria not to take the directive lightly, stressing that it is becoming evident that the Sharia states are gradually distancing themselves from Nigeria’s secular framework.

A statement by Luka Binniyat, Spokesperson of the Middle Belf Forum, noted that the action served as a stark confirmation of the long-standing fears among non-Muslims in the affected states—that the implementation of Sharia does not differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims.

“It is deeply unjust that non-Muslim students and pupils should suffer significant setbacks in their education simply because Muslims in these states wish to fulfill their religious obligations.

“While these students remain at home, their counterparts in other parts of the country will continue attending classes and tutorials, preparing for national examinations that all students must sit for.

“This development further justifies the persistent calls by the Middle Belt Forum and the Southern Forum for the restructuring of Nigeria.

“The urgency of this need grows as we continue to witness increasing intolerance toward the collective liberty and freedom of non-Muslims in these states.”

The Forum called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his authority to prevent the states from descending into religious fundamentalism, saying that had former President Olusegun Obasanjo firmly asserted that Nigeria and all its federating units must remain a secular state, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, such issues might never have arisen.

The MBF urged President to learn from this precedent and take a firm stand to safeguard the rights and privileges of all non-Muslims against the oppressive effects of Sharia-based policies.

Women In Politics: New Era For Nigeria As Ward2Ward Her Seat Campaign Takes Off

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Women in Politics - Ward2Ward

An outstanding unveiling for women’s political representation and leadership in Nigeria gained traction as The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) led the launch of the Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance campaign in Abuja in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

This important project is a collaborative summon for the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill and the full implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action across all levels of government. With Nigerian women still underrepresented in Politics, the campaign aims to break barriers and secure more political seats for Nigerian women across all stratagems of political representation which includes the Senate, House of Representatives, State Assembly and appointive positions.

The event was supported by the Institute of peace and conflict Resolution and brought together key stakeholders, The Media, political leaders, and gender advocates who pledged their support for increased female representation. In the Backgrounding and remarks during the opening, The President of the League of women’s voters Nigeria, Hon. Irene Awunah Ikegh emphasized the importance of the special seats and the emergent need for more women’s representation in elective offices, participation in politics and policy making making.
She earlier also made a call on an exclusive interview on Radio Nigeria to all Nigerian women to come on board, support the special seats and see it as a chance to bring social justice in the call towards mainstreaming women in politics and accelerate women’s political participation.
The National Chairperson of Nigerian Association of women journalist Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, emphasized the critical role of the media in amplifying the campaign’s message.
This unveiling of the special seats initiative is coming at a time when women’s rights groups are also looking at the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a central set of international norms on women’s rights and gender equality.

The Beijing Declaration was a resolution adopted by the UN at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995. The resolution adopted to promulgate a set of principles concerning the equality of men and women.

Five Arrested, Victims Rescued, As Police Storm Abductors’ Camps In Anambra

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Anambra State Police command has announced the arrest of five suspects in connection with the spate of kidnappings, armed robberies and other criminal activities rocking parts of the State.

A statement from Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, spokesperson for the State Police Command, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, said the suspects were apprehended following series of operations conducted under the ongoing Security Operational Review and Safety Initiatives in the State.

The new security operational framework is in response to the new Commissioner of Police, CP, Ikioye Orutugu to the unbridled reign of terror by hoodlums in the State.

According to the Police statement, Operatives on February 16, 2025, at about 2.00 pm, in a swift response to a kidnapping incident, stormed and rescued the victims  at Ejison Fuel Station along the Enugu-Onitsha Express way.

The operatives who were from the 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters, also, through an intelligence-driven follow-up operation, arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction.

Items recovered from the two suspects include one ash-coloured Toyota Corolla car belonging to the kidnap victim. The vehicle was recovered at a mechanic workshop in the the 3-3 Area.

The Police spokesperson informed that the suspects, while holding the victim in their cell, forcefully withdrew over one  million Naira from his account. This is in addition to dispossessing him of two mobile phones valued at over N820 ,000.

In another development, the Police said Operatives based on the receipt of actionable intelligence invaded kidnappers operational camp in Igbariam and arrested three members of the gang 

“In the early hours of February 22, 2025, Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad stormed a criminal hideout in Igbaariam and arrested Miracle Chukwunonso, Chunweze  Charles ,and Bonaventure Chigozie, all males aged between 20 and 26 years”, the police stated 

The suspects, the Police f

noted, have been identified by some of the victims of their activities .

A total sum of N 250,000 was withdrawn from one of the victims’ account on February 21,2025 

 

While reaffirming its renewed commitment towards providing adequate security of lives and properties, the Command, also, assured that all the suspects will be arraigned as soon investigations are concluded .

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