Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has dismissed reports of an impending face-off between lawmakers and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, insisting that the Speaker enjoys the full confidence of members. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Agbese described Abbas as “the best in providing quality leadership, attending to members’ welfare and supporting constituency development.” The Benue lawmaker, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, stressed that there is no rift within the House, contrary to speculation. According to him, “the confidence of members in Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is not negotiable and unwavering.” He noted that since taking office,…
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has advised Nigerian doctors to remain in the country and build their careers rather than travelling abroad to take up caregiver jobs. Oborevwori made the appeal on Tuesday in Asaba when the Delta chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), led by its chairman Dr. Israel Agadaigho, paid him a courtesy visit. The governor praised doctors who have continued to serve despite the “japa” wave, noting that his administration was investing heavily in the health sector. “It is better for our doctors to work in Nigeria and earn their respect than to go abroad and…
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says there is still no progress in its talks with the Federal Government, raising fresh fears of another strike. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, told reporters on Tuesday that despite pressure from students, parents, and lecturers, the government has made “no concrete move” to resolve the issues. “As it stands, there is no update. Nothing has changed,” he said. The Abuja Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Al-Amin Abdullahi, also voiced frustration, saying members are losing patience with the Tinubu administration. He hinted that a strike could be imminent if the government continues to…
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his 59th birthday. In his congratulatory message, Kalu commended Vice President Shettima’s passion and dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria, citing his remarkable tenure as Governor of Borno State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He noted that Vice President Shettima’s strides in governance, leadership, and legislative contributions have continued to inspire many, adding that his legacies speak profoundly of his deep commitment to public service. The Deputy Speaker wished…
The Lagos State Government has warned celebrities, influencers, and residents against giving money to touts on the streets, saying the act fuels insecurity and worsens environmental problems. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said people who hand out cash to miscreants may think they are being kind, but they are in fact encouraging lawlessness. According to him, the handouts embolden the boys to remain on the streets, multiply, and make enforcement more difficult for the government. He stressed that Lagos can only tackle the menace if residents cooperate by refusing to patronise street urchins. “The public must support…
Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has taken a swipe at ex-governor Nasir el-Rufai, accusing him of never fighting for democracy and ruling with arrogance. Speaking on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Monday, Sani said el-Rufai has been “angry and frustrated” since leaving office in 2023, stressing that the former governor benefitted from the system without making personal sacrifices. “For people like Nasir, when they found themselves in the position of office, they don’t know what democracy is all about because they didn’t fight for it,” Sani said. The former lawmaker recalled his own struggles during the fight for democracy, noting…
The United Kingdom has launched a fresh crackdown on international students whose visas are expiring, warning them to leave the country or risk being removed. According to a BBC report on Tuesday, the Home Office has started sending direct text and email messages to thousands of students, cautioning against overstaying or using asylum claims as a way to remain in the UK. This is the first time the British government is contacting students directly on such scale. The warning follows what officials describe as an “alarming” rise in student visa holders attempting to switch into the asylum system after completing…
A Finnish court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a known Biafra agitator, to six years in prison for terrorism offences and other crimes. The Päijät-Häme District Court delivered the judgment on Monday, September 1, after finding the 40-year-old guilty of supporting terrorist groups, inciting the public to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and breaching the Lawyers Act. Court records revealed that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa used social media to push for the independence of the Biafra region through illegal means. Judges held that he exploited divisions within the separatist movement to position himself as a…
Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi as “political laggards and underachievers,” insisting that their records in office cannot be compared to President Bola Tinubu’s performance in just two years. Onanuga, who is Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the remarks on Monday in a post on X (formerly Twitter). His reaction followed El-Rufai’s recent interview on Channels Television where the ex-Kaduna governor claimed Tinubu has no clear path to victory in the 2027 presidential election, even with the advantages of incumbency. El-Rufai had argued that like former…
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has faulted the Federal Government over meetings held on the welfare of university lecturers without its participation, warning that such gatherings are invalid and may worsen the crisis in the sector. CONUA, a breakaway union of university lecturers officially registered in October 2022, was formed after years of disputes within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Speaking with newsmen, CONUA National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, said it was unacceptable for government to be meeting with only one union on issues affecting the entire university system. “As of today, we have the Congress of…