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Fasoranti’s Afenifere Dismisses Farotimi Appointment, Says “Any Group With Similar Name Is Serving Political Interest”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Pa Reuben Fasoranti

By Ayodele Oni

Pa Reuben Fasoranti-led faction of Afenifere has clarified that it remains the only authentic pan Yoruba Group.

Reacting to Tuesday’s appointment by another faction, under the headship of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi as its national organizing secretary, it maintained that Afenifere under Fasoranti remains committed to development and progress of the Yoruba nation. Any other faction, it said, is fake.

A statement on Wednesday by Kọle Ọmọlolu, National Organising Secretary of the Fasoranti-led group noted:

“I acknowledge the appointment of Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of the faction led by Pa Adebanjo.

“However, it is important to clarify that there is only one authentic Afenifere, which remains under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

“This body continues to uphold the core values and principles that have guided us since the formation of Afenifere, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the welfare and progress of the Yoruba people and the entire nation.

Dele Farotimi
Dele Farotimi

“While we respect the democratic rights of individuals to organise and associate, the leadership of Pa. Fashoranti is the only legitimate and recognised Afenifere.

“It is imperative that the public is aware of the distinction between the authentic Afenifere and any other groups that may claim the name for political purposes.

“As we continue our work, our focus remains on unity, justice, and the advancement of democratic values.

“We are committed to collaborating with all those who share these principles, irrespective of factional differences. The future of our region and our country depends on our ability to remain united and focused on the issues that matter most to our people.”

“This Time We Will Respect Our MoU”, Abia Govt Begs Striking Judiciary Workers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State  Government has announced that it is irrevocably committed to honouring the terms of its recent  Memorandum of Understanding, MoU,  with the striking Judiciary workers in the State.

The Source reports that the Judiciary staff ,under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, had, on January 2, 2025, reactivated its earlier industrial action to press home its demands for enhanced wellfare package inclusion in  the payment regime of the N70,000 new minimum wage, payment of retirement benefits and gratuities, and payment of three months salary arrears to its members.

An earlier strike  embarked upon in October 2024, in this regard, was, however, suspended after the Union and Abia State Government signed an MoU.

But JUSUN had to call  out its members for yet another round of strike on January 2, alleging insincerity on the part of the state Government in implementing the terms of its MoU.

The development which has since shut down the wheel of justice administration in the State, has seen many stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association mediating.

The trouble-shooting efforts of all relevant bodies ,in the industrial dispute culminated in the signing of yet another MoU, last week between JUSUN and the State Government.

But the Judiciary workers have insisted that the Courts will remain shut until every part of the recent MoU is observed by the Abia state Government.

The State authorities had anticipated an immediate re-opening of  the  Courts following the MoU last week.

The Judiciary workers ,said going by the  failure of Government to respect agreements, they will only resume after the remission of funds by the Government for the payments of its three months salary arrears ( October ,November ,and December 2024).

Addressing the Media at the end of its weekly Executive Council Meeting on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, informed that efforts are underway to remit funds for the payment of the staff salaries.

“The State Government, I must inform you, is irrevocably committed to honouring all the terms of the MoU”, Kanu stated.

He blamed the seeming delay in the remission of funds for the salary payments on the high volume of paper work involved in the computation process.

According to him, Government’s  initial projection was to conclude the process by yesterday ( Tuesday).

He, however, expressed the confidence that the matter will be resolved soonest.

Meanwhile, JUSUN said it will convene a meeting to discuss the re-opening of the Courts once  members receive their salaries in line with the terms of the agreement with the Government.

“It Is Illegal For DISCOs To Demand Payment For Meters, Other Installation Works” – Enugu Electricity Agency Warns

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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TCN - Transmission Line - Power

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State authorities have frowned at the practice of asking residents and consumers to pay for meters, and other electrical installations at their homes .

To this end ,the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, declared as illegal payment for meter installations in any part of the State by individuals.

A statement by the Management insisted that all extant regulations and laws  prohibit payments for meter installations.

The agency noted that the clarification has become imperative in the face of numerous  complaints from residents who allege that they are being asked to pay for such services.

” It has come to the attention of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission that some members of the public in Enugu state are being requested to pay for materials and other accessories needed for the connection of electricity and installation of meters at their premises by the meter installers and service providers

“Pursuant to section 35 of the Enugu Electricity Law 2023, and other extant rules, this is to inform the public of the following provisions under Regulations 10 and 11 of the Customer Service Standards and Protection Regulations 2024 of the Commission.

“Section 10 states  that  Materials required to effect connections ,including meters and accessories from the nearest voltage network for each connection design stipulated under these Regulations shall be the responsibility of the service providers .

“The size and quality of the connection materials required to effect a connection are dependent on the connection design and the distance of the customer’s premises to the nearest available electricity supply point .

“Section 11 also demands that all connections shall be in compliance with the procedures stipulated in these Regulations .

“The Service providers shall be responsible for the provision of connection materials in accordance with its standard and shall also be responsible for the connection from the available supply to the customer’s metering point

” Sequel to the provisions above ,customers of Mainpower Electricity Distribution Company Limited are hereby notified that they are not required to provide materials ( e.g wires, circuit breakers, ladders ) or pay money for meter installations”, part of the EERC statement reads.

The regulatory agency while urging service providers to respect extant rules guiding the  industry, asked consumers to report all cases of violations to the body for immediate action.

NNPP ‘Romances’ Aregbesola To Join Party Ahead 2026 Osun Governorship Election

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Rauf Aregbesola

By Akinwale Kasali

The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, is wooing former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola to join the Party.

The Osun State chapter of  the party, on Wednesday,  declared readiness to receive the former Minister of Interior, alongside his supporters to its fold, as the race for the 2026 governorship poll in the state gains momentum.

It would be recalled that the former All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain and his supporters in the Omoluabi Progressives on Sunday, announced their exit from APC.

Following Aregbesola’s exit, the Group issued a statement signed by its Organising Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, as it listed ostracisation, suspension and expulsion of its leaders without a fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure, among others, as some of the infractions against it by the mainstream leadership of APC.

Omoluabi Progressives subsequently hinted at the readiness of the group to join any political party with progressive ideology, through which the state can be the best reference point among the comity of States in Nigeria.

Osun State NNPP Chairman, Tosin Odeyemi, in a statement in Osogbo, said his party has all the attributes listed by Aregbesola’s men, urging them to consider teaming up with it.

“NNPP has proven to Nigerians that it has the capacity of correcting wrongs in Nigeria’s system of governance, using the pro-people approach to governance adopted by the incumbent Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as an example.

“Osun’s history will not be complete without prominent mention of Aregbesola’s contributions. That is why the mainstream APC can not stop blaming Aregbesola for its failure to retain power in 2022, having realised the enormous influence he wields in the state political space.

“Nobody can say Ogbeni Aregbesola is a political liability in Osun. He is an asset, no doubt about that. Even his former political family knows the truth. They are only shying away from it, otherwise, they wouldn’t have been shouting around that he caused their downfall during the 2022 gubernatorial election.

“I am using this opportunity to appeal to Aregbesola to consider joining our great party, NNPP. Osun state is in the state of quagmire presently, we need a positive force to reclaim it. Having Aregbesola in Osun NNPP, no doubt will also boost the party’s chances during the 2027 general election in Nigeria,” Odeyemi said.

He continued, “Our ideas are the same. We all love to see the masses happy and living comfortably. We can do it together in Osun come 2026 and the history will definitely be kind to us all. Therefore, with open arms, I wish to woo Ogbeni Aregbesola and his group to NNPP for a prosperous Osun”.

Newly Appointed Alaafin  Dissolves Inauguration Committee, Says It Is Unauthorized

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Prince Abimbola Owoade

By Akinwale Kasali

Oba Abimbola Owode I, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, has distanced himself from the Inauguration Committee set up by a group of individuals. He is unaware of such Committee, He said, and ordered the immediate dissolution of the unauthorised coronation committee.

The Monarch, in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be considered illegal and would not be tolerated.

He emphasised that any committee or event related to his coronation must receive prior approval from his office.

The statement titled “Coronation Committee Setup in Oyo Town—Notice of Cease & Desist”, read in part, “Let it be known to all and sundry that any committee or activity being set up or promoted without the prior consent and approval of His Imperial Majesty and his office shall be deemed unauthorized and will not be allowed to exist.”

The Alaafin further directed all individuals involved to immediately cease any engagements in connection with the committee.

The statement added: “The general public and the organisers of the so-called coronation committee being put together in Oyo Town are hereby notified that no approval or consent was given by the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owode I. Therefore, further meetings on this subject must stop immediately.”

The monarch also stated that any fundraising efforts for the coronation would be at the discretion of the royal family, which would determine the composition of any official committee if the need arose.

It further stated: “The efforts of the organisers are appreciated, and they will be informed as events unfold should there be any need for their contributions.”

“We Demanded No Bribe” –  House Of Reps, Accuses Vice Chancellors Of Evading Defence Of 2025 Budget Allocation

By
Ayodele Oni
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House of Reps Members

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has challenged those accusing the lawmakers of demanding for bribe before approving allocation to their establishments in this year’s budget to provide evidence.

A social media report had alleged that the Federal lawmakers were demanding N50 million from each vice chancellor of federal universities before passing their allocation in the budget.

Reps spokesman, Akin Rotimi in a statement on Wednesday affirmed that

“The 10th House of Representatives is firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards in all its legislative activities.

“These values form the bedrock of our operations. It is, therefore, imperative to address the allegations in the report, which appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the House and erode public trust in this hallowed institution.

“The budget process is a constitutionally guided and transparent exercise. The 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to a Joint Session of the National Assembly, attended by key members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the public.

“Following the presentation, various Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been appearing at open Andrew public sessions to defend their budget proposals before the relevant committees.

“These sessions ensure rigorous scrutiny and accountability in public finance management.

“It is concerning, however, that some heads of federal tertiary institutions have failed to appear for these Budget Defence Sessions, despite their constitutional obligation to do so.

“This disregard for the legislative process not only impedes legislative oversight and undermines the principles of accountability, but demonstrates disregard for the parliament, and the Nigerian people.

“Furthermore, it is a matter of public record that some of these tertiary institutions have pending audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and have consistently failed to appear before the House Committee on Public Accounts to clarify these issues.

“This evasion raises questions about their governance practices and financial stewardship.

“This is in addition to disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office and high handedness in their dealings with staff and students, for which legislative oversight provides a crucial platform to address in the spirit of transparency.

“It is also noteworthy that recent oversight visits by the House Committee on University Education have revealed troubling governance practices in certain institutions.

“While the final report is being compiled, preliminary findings in certain institutions suggest a pattern of serious malfeasance that demand thorough investigation.

“These engagements provide an opportunity for institutions to demonstrate accountability, yet some individuals have chosen to deflect with unfounded accusations and blackmail.

“To be clear, the House acknowledges the commitment of the majority of university administrators, who are diligent and patriotic Nigerians working to advance education and national development.

“However, the actions of a few actors seeking to evade scrutiny cannot be overlooked. The House remains resolute in holding public institutions accountable while respecting due process.”

ECOWAS Endorses Pull Out Of Three Countries From Regional Bloc

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
ECOWAS

By Ayodele Oni

After failed attempt to make them rescind decision to quit the West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States,  (ECOWAS) has officially given nod to the exit of three of its former members Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.

The approval which becomes effective from Wednesday, was sequel to the expiration of a one-year notice period.

ECOWAS in a statement however stated that, in “the spirit of regional solidarity”, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) asked its member countries to still recognise the national passports of the three exiting countries bearing the ECOWAS logo until further notice.”

ECOWAS Authority also said its doors remain open for more engagements with the three countries and thus requested its member states to:

“Recognize National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo

held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic

of Niger, until further notice.

“Continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

“Allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa-free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.

“Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.”

“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.

“This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”

Lagos To Deliver 280-Bed Multi-Specialist Hospital As Planned- Sanwo-Olu

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state has promised the delivery of the 280-bed multi-specialist general hospital before the end of the year.

The hospital located  in Ojo, according to the governor is an end-to-end health care system equipped with modern equipment to serve the community, health care providers because the facility is “where people can live, can work, receive medical care.”

When completed, the facility is expected to be one of the biggest hospitals in the state, considering its state-of-the art cutting edge equipment, the governor said when his visited the hospital, accompanied by some top officials of his administration.

Sanwo-olu said, “This massive infrastructure spans over six hectares of land, it has full out patients complement of medical diagnosis, accident and emergency, everything you can imagine in a specialist hospital will be here.

“It also includes 280 beds accomodation built on four different verticals, it has axillary facilities which include a big restaurant, central laboratory facilities.

“It has 64 flats for medical personnel that will be here, in three bedrooms and one bedroom, four blocks of residential block.

“We are at the Ojo General Hospital, this will be a multi specialist hospital; it will be the biggest in Lagos West senatorial district.

“This will be an end-to-end complex, a place where people can live, can work, receive medical care.

“We are hoping that before the end of this year, our keys should be handed over to us and this becomes active. I thank the Oniba and all other traditional institutions,” the governor said.

GTCO ‘Passionate About ‘Excellence,’ Agbaje Says After Bank Emerged Sponsor Of NPA Polo Tourney

By
James Orji
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0
GTCO and NPA

Leading financial service provider Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO, has emerged the headline sponsor of the 2025 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament.

According to a statement issued by the Segun Agbaje-led financial giant, the highly-anticipated Polo Series will be held at the prestigious Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, from 4th to 23rd February 2025.

A staple in Nigeria’s sporting and social calendar, the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament is celebrated for its rich heritage, thrilling competitions, and vibrant atmosphere.

Last year’s tournament delivered a thrilling six chukkas encounter that saw Leighton Kings dispatch a hard-fighting Art Hotel Shoreline team to retain the coveted Majekodunmi Cup.

The 2025 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament is set to be even more spectacular, featuring top-tier teams vying for the Open Cup and the Majekodunmi Cup in a series of high-goal and low-goal matches to be played over 18 days.

The Silver Cup will run across all three weeks while the Low Cup takes center stage in the third week, ensuring an engaging and dynamic experience for players and spectators alike throughout.

Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “At GTCO, we are passionate about fostering excellence and creating platforms that bring people together through shared passions.

“The NPA Lagos international Polo Tournament embodies the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and fair play—values that resonate deeply with our brand.

‘We remain committed to driving positive change by supporting local initiatives with global impact that foster community development and social progress, ensuring that the benefits of the tournament extend well beyond the sport itself.”

GTCO has a longstanding tradition of supporting impact-driven sporting events as part of its broader commitment to community development.

The Group’s long-running sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reinforces its commitment to celebrating Africa’s rich sporting heritage and promoting inclusivity.

Igbokwe To APC, Tinubu: You Must Beg El Rufai Not To Leave Party

By
James Orji
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Joe Igbokwe

A staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Lagos state, Joe Igbokwe says the party should ensure that a former Governor of Kaduna state Nasir El Rufai is placated.

The APC, Igbokwe said, still needs the former minister and  cannot afford to lose to another party.

Igbokwe, a former Lagos APC Publicity Secretary made the remark on his X handle on Tuesday amidst suggestions that El Rufai is planning to leave APC for another party.

His remark also comes after the former governor said he no longer ‘recognise’ the ruling APC. El rufai made the comment in Abuja on Tuesday  during a political event attended by major opposition leaders in the country.

He urged opposition parties to unite to oust the ruling party, which he accused of lacking in internal democracy, describing officials in government to be mostly ‘half illiterate.’

The former governor’s remark has however drew strong criticism from APC and government officials who described him as a bad loser who’s trying to bring down the Tinubu administration.

Reacting, Igbokwe said El Rufai has a reason to be angry with the party after losing out to become a minister in the administration, he accused some elements in Tinubu’s administration of frustrating his nomination as minister, describing the act as betrayer after the former governor worked for president Tinubu to win the 2023 presidential election.

Essentially, Igbokwe a strong supporter of Tinubu said it will be inimical to the APC if El rufai is snatched by another party.

According to him, the party must ensured that he’s persuaded to remain in APC, saying no “Ministers in the Federal Cabinet that is greater, smarter, bolder, more clever, proficient and deeper than Mallam El Rufai.”

“All things considered APC Nigeria needs the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. He worked so hard for APC during the 2023 Presidential and Governorship Elections,” Igbokwe said on X.

Adding that “I am a witness to how Gov El- Rufai, former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and one other governor went to stop the criminal Emefiele’s dubious money policy that was targeted at PBAT which nearly truncated PBAT victory. I also remember the excruciating efforts he put down to retain kaduna for APC.

“HE El-Rufai was nominated as a Minister and we allowed shenanigans and people without honour to come to hallowed chambers of the Senate to stop his nomination for reasons we do not know. If reality is to prevail he was supposed to take a bow, just walk away.

“APC allowed the interlopers to walk away with their sadistic tendencies. Now let me ask this question: Of what meat are they fed? Who among all the Ministers in the Federal Cabinet that is greater, smarter, bolder, more clever, proficient and deeper than Mallam El Rufai?

“Neglecting and ignoring our own scholar in the finest and best tradition is incomprehensible and totally unacceptable. May we never forget this stormy petrel with loads of capacity and capability. Malam El Rufai na man oooooo.

“For whatever reasons APC NIGERIA must not ignore this great man. We cannot afford to lose him to the rival party. He is one of the strong characters we cannot afford to lose at a time like this. Case rested.”

The magazine reported that the former governor got angry with the party after he lost his ministerial appointment after the Nigerian Senate refused to clear him. Sources close to him informed the magazine that El Rufai blames the president for not pushing his case with the Senate.

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