Author: Samiat Yusuf Moshood

No fewer than 290 witnesses are set to testify for and against the outcome of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, where Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner. His victory is being contested by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, along with other political parties. This development was disclosed during the pre-hearing session of the 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on Saturday. The hearing proper is scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025, as the tribunal concluded pre-hearing formalities at its latest sitting. The Independent National…

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims of extrajudicial killings during the #EndBadGovernance protests, as alleged in a recent report by Amnesty International. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi dismissed the accusations as false, misleading, and damaging to the image of the police. The report, dated November 28, alleged that police personnel used excessive force on unarmed protesters, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 individuals across six northern states. However, Adejobi stated that the Force has set up a Special Investigative Panel to verify these claims, asserting that the allegations were aimed at inciting…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampedes at food distribution events in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, which claimed multiple lives and left many injured on Saturday. In a statement on his X handle, Atiku described the incidents as heartbreaking and urged organizers of large-scale events to prioritize safety. “It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I receive yet again the devastating news of lives lost in tragic stampedes, this time in Okija, Anambra, and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory,” he wrote. “Proper crowd management measures must be adopted to…

The Federal Government has inaugurated a state-of-the-art electronic gate (E-gate) at the departure wing of Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, marking a significant step in enhancing passenger comfort and security. The launch, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, took place on Friday. Keyamo, in a post on his X handle, emphasized that the E-gate reflects the government’s commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and streamlining passenger processing. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), joined the minister at the commissioning ceremony. The E-gate project, funded by the United…

President Bola Tinubu has called off all official engagements in Lagos, including his planned attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to mourn the victims of tragic stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State. The announcement was made on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and festivities from his residence on Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, but canceled following briefings on the tragedies. “In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of…

Authorities have urged calm following a tragic stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning, where food items were being distributed to vulnerable and elderly individuals. The incident, which occurred around 6:30 a.m., claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including four children, and left eight others injured, according to SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command. Four victims have been treated and discharged, while others remain hospitalized. The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force successfully evacuated over 1,000 people from the scene…

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on the occasion of 2024 World Toilet Day, unveiled the revised Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC) Strategic Plan aimed at eradicating open defecation nationwide by 2030. The plan targets making all 774 local government areas open defecation-free, addressing the staggering statistic of 48 million Nigerians still practicing this harmful habit. Highlighting the campaign’s goals, Shettima emphasized that access to safe and clean toilets is fundamental to human dignity, public health, and safety. He called on all levels of government and stakeholders to collaborate towards achieving this vision. The initiative builds on previous efforts, including the 2018 declaration…

A Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti has granted bail to human rights activist Dele Farotimi under strict conditions. The bail, set at N30 million, requires two sureties (one of whom must own property), the surrender of his passport, and prohibits him from granting media interviews. The development was announced by Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. Farotimi, known for his outspoken activism, has been at the center of legal scrutiny in recent weeks.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday presented the 2025 budget proposal of ₦49.7 trillion, titled the ‘Restoration Budget’, before a joint session of the National Assembly. The budget prioritizes security, infrastructure, health, and education as key sectors for national development. “This budget will restore macro-economic stability, secure peace, and build prosperity,” Tinubu stated during his 30-minute presentation, which concluded at 1:10 pm. Key Allocations: –  Defence and Security: ₦4.91 trillion – Infrastructure: ₦4.06 trillion – Education: ₦3.5 trillion – Health: ₦2.4 trillion Tinubu outlined the budget’s objectives, including fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, enhancing the business environment, and promoting human capital…

Motorists faced severe traffic disruption on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday following a fatal accident involving a 40ft container truck on the Kara Bridge. The truck driver, whose identity remains unknown, lost his life in the crash. Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed the incident, which completely obstructed vehicular movement along the busy axis. “Following distress calls received at 4:26 am via the Emergency Toll-Free Lines, LASEMA activated its Emergency Response Plans. Upon arrival, the Response Team discovered that a truck laden with steel coils and a 40ft container had overturned, blocking…