Author: Samiat Yusuf Moshood

The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) are locked in a dispute over the slow pace of product loading at the refinery. PHRC has accused tanker drivers of causing delays in the evacuation of petroleum products, a claim strongly refuted by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the PTD’s umbrella body. NUPENG described the allegations as misleading, insisting that PHRC is not being transparent about the situation. Meanwhile, key stakeholders, including the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), and the Independent Petroleum…

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s resolve to eliminate security threats and violent crimes in Nigeria. He also lauded the Armed Forces for their successful hosting of the 2nd African Military Games in Abuja. Speaking at the closing ceremony held on Saturday night at the Moshood Agboola Stadium, Tinubu—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—praised the military for fostering unity and camaraderie across the African continent. According to Tinubu, the event went beyond athletic competition, serving as a platform for collaboration and innovation in addressing shared challenges. *”The games we have witnessed are a powerful reminder of what we can…

Resentment over the proposed Tax Reform Bills at the National Assembly has intensified in the North, with northern youths criticizing Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, for his perceived insensitivity to the region’s concerns. The youths, representing the 19 northern states, described the bills as “anti-North,” arguing that their implementation would further marginalize the region economically. They accused Senator Jibrin, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, of failing to protect the North’s interests during the legislative process. The Tax Reform Bills—submitted by President Bola Tinubu—aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system. The executive arm has stated that the proposed laws are…

Two renowned scholars from Ilorin, Abdulfatahi Abdullah Oloyin and Abdulfatahi Abdulsalam Oladipupo, popularly known as “Ibeji Idunnu,” have unveiled a new Arabic book titled *Nafathatul Alkalam Fih Thalathiyatil Hakam*. The launch event took place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Muhammad Kamalud-Deen College, Apalara Area, Ilorin. The book, translated into English as *Expressions of Words in the Triad of Wisdom*, is a 44-page publication featuring 99 sets of three-part messages that offer practical insights into various aspects of life, including spirituality, marriage, human relations, and work ethics. The book was reviewed by Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Senior Special Assistant on Community…

As the December 1 deadline for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage approaches, Katsina, Zamfara, and Cross River remain the only states yet to comply, raising the likelihood of industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Following the approval of the new wage by 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including Imo, which sanctioned the implementation on Tuesday, the remaining three states are under pressure to avoid a shutdown of activities due to potential strikes. Several states have exceeded the N70,000 benchmark, with Lagos and Rivers leading at N85,000, and Lagos promising workers up to N100,000 monthly by 2025.…

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo at an illegal oil bunkering site in Port Harcourt. This statement comes amid growing public concern following the journalist’s detention by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army. The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), founded by Soyombo, disclosed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that he had been in military custody for three days. “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days running. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ stated. In a statement on Friday,…

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday deferred the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on a 19-count charge of alleged N80.2 billion fraud due to the absence of his legal team. Bello, who was present in court, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that he only learned of the proceedings late Thursday night, suggesting his lawyers were unaware of the change from the original January 21, 2025, date. The court acknowledged the lack of notification to Bello’s counsel and ruled that proceeding without them would violate the principle of fair hearing. EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued…

In a decisive move to secure stability at the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed for a second term as Director-General. The 70-year-old Nigerian, the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, was the sole candidate in the race. Her reappointment, unanimously approved by the organization’s 166 members during a special General Council meeting, ensures her leadership through August 2029. The decision, accelerated at the request of African nations, preempts potential opposition from a returning Donald Trump administration, known for its disdain for international trade rules. During Trump’s first term, the WTO faced severe disruptions,…

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigations into alleged misappropriation of state funds during his tenure continue. Bello arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday morning, driving himself in a black Toyota Hilux and accompanied by his legal team. His appearance follows a Supreme Court ruling upholding the EFCC’s constitutionality and dismissing a lawsuit filed by state governments challenging the anti-graft agency’s legality. This latest session comes amid ongoing probes into Bello’s administration. At a previous hearing on November 14, the EFCC requested an adjournment until November…

The Senator representing Kwara Central, Senator Saliu Mustapha, has been named the Chairman of the 5th-anniversary celebration of Satcom Media, a leading media organization in Kwara State. The event, set to commemorate Satcom Media’s five years of excellence, will take place on November 29, 2024, at the NUJ Press Centre in Ilorin. Senator Mustapha, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, is widely recognized for his contributions to community development and youth empowerment. His selection as Chairman underscores his longstanding support for the media and progressive initiatives. Miss Idris Sekinat, Chairman of…