Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS has given Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger six months, from January 29 to July 29, 2025, to reconsider their decision to exit the regional bloc. President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, announced the six-month grace on Sunday in Abuja after the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. “The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. “The Authority acknowledges that by the provisions…

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has directed its members to resume duties effective Monday, December 16, 2024. This directive followed the expiration of a two-week industrial action observed by the union from December 2, 2024, to December 15, 2024. ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, in a statement, said the directive for polytechnic lecturers to resume duties followed the warning strike over the inability of the government through its agencies to execute nine items in the work plan jointly developed with ASUP to resolve some pending issues of trade dispute. “Within the period of the strike, the Federal Ministry of…

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has stated that his government has committed over N2 billion to upgrade the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital and build student hostels to address accommodation shortages. Mbah made this disclosure on Saturday while responding to questions from the Students’ Union leadership during his Town Hall meeting with Enugu residents, themed “Governance Issues: The Journey So Far.” He explained that his administration was not only building smart schools for primary and secondary students but was also focused on fostering innovation and experiential learning in the state’s tertiary institutions. According to Mbah, the state government has…

A former National Vice-Chairperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South East, Fidelis Chukwu, has been named the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization. Fidelis Chukwu Mr. Chukwu succeeds Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the immediate past President-General of the group, who passed away on July 25, 2024, after a prolonged illness.  The spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, announced the development in a statement, explaining that Mr. Chukwu emerged during an Imeobi Ohanaeze meeting held on Saturday in Enugu. A Brief Tenure for Imo State According to Mr. Ogbonnia, Mr. Chukwu’s tenure will last for only…

The South East Youths Stakeholders Forum, a coalition of youth leaders and progressive voices from the South East region, has noted with grave concern the unwarranted distractions, smear campaigns, and calculated gang-up against the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in relation to the ongoing nomination process for the South East Development Commission (SEDC). We unequivocally condemn these actions, which are clearly aimed at undermining the integrity and leadership of the Deputy Speaker, who has been a steadfast advocate for the development and progress of the South East region. Such divisive tactics not only…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for prioritizing the development of the South East region. Specifically, Kalu acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in initiating the construction of the Abia Airport, which is set to commence next Tuesday. Kalu said that the Abia Airport project is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in the region. A statement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, noted that the project will not only boost economic activities in…

Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has urged President Bola Tinubu to remove what he described as “excess baggage” within his administration. According to Governor Mohammed, while governors have confidence in the President’s leadership, the actions of certain cabinet members are undermining his efforts. He said the President must “throw away the excess baggage,” emphasizing the need for decisive action. Governor Mohammed remarked as the special guest during the commissioning of the 14.1km Umuakali-Eberi Road in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State. He noted that the focus across various states should be on…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the public to disregard reports on the death of its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi on Saturday said Yakubu is alive. The clarification was necessitated following reports that the INEC Chair had died in London. “Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024. “We hereby appeal to…

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says he has directed immediate payment of allowances to some Permanent Secretaries and other civil servants earlier disengaged by his administration. During his monthly press briefing on Friday night, Otti also revealed that his administration will ensure that all concerned will get what is due them. He highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s security architecture to tackle emerging crime trends in certain areas. The governor assured the people of the state, especially those returning from the diaspora, of their safety during the festivities. Additionally, Otti noted that Southeast governors are working collaboratively to address…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Nwakuche Ndidi as the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. In a statement released on Friday, Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Board, announced that Ndidi’s appointment will officially begin on December 15, 2024. His appointment comes after the conclusion of the term of the current Controller General, Haliru Nababa. The statement reads: “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has graciously approved the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service following the expiration…