Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
Fom Daniel Chollom, a member of the House of Representatives under the Labour Party, announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, citing the Labour Party’s leadership crisis and his desire to support the President in national development. In a letter read during plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Chollom explained that the party’s internal conflicts had made it difficult for him to align with any faction, hindering his ability to deliver effective representation. Reacting to the defection, Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi criticized those leaving the Labour Party, labeling them as individuals lacking ideological commitment and urging…
The FCT High Court has remanded former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello in Kuje Prison, adjourning his trial to January 29. The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has remanded the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Correctional Centre. The ruling comes amid his trial for alleged money laundering. Judge Maryann Anenih denied Bello’s bail application, stating it was filed prematurely, as he was not in custody nor before the court when the request was made. She cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which stipulates that bail applications must be made when a defendant…
Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Tuesday, rejected the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing procedural irregularities in the filing of the application. Justice Maryanne Anenih, while delivering the ruling, stated that the application was premature as it was filed before Bello was present in court or in custody. The judge said, “Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent. “Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.” Bello, alongside two others, is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial…
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago; Controller-General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nana Nandap and the wife of Bayelsa State governor, Gloria Douye Diri, were among personalities inducted yesterday as fellows of the African Business School (ABS). Others inducted include a former governorship candidate in Imo State, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu; Olatubosun Shamsuldeen Adeniyi Kuku and Dr Vivian Chinonyerem Obidinnu. Speaking during the induction ceremony in Abuja, President of the African Business School, King Goddy Idaminabo Idikisime-Olunwa, said the fellows awardees were selected in recognition of their significant contributions in their respective fields. He called on the…
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is ready to sanction any airlines that delay ticket refunds to passengers. Mr Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, tickets refund compliance regulations remains central to the NCAA’s consumer protection agenda. He said that time had come for airlines to adhere strictly to the refund timelines as failure to comply will attract immediate sanctions under Part 19 of the regulations. The director said the Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 aimed to safeguard passenger rights. “Cash…
The South East Caucus in the Senate has joined other stakeholders in the polity to call for broader consultations on the Tax Reform Bills currently pending consideration and possible passage by the National Assembly. Leader of the Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), made this known today during a press briefing after a closed-door meeting with senators from the five South Eastern states held in his office. Abaribe underpinned that the South East senators are not opposed to the bills but are advocating for extensive consultations with their constituents and key stakeholders before a final decision is made in…
The Principal Special Assistant to the state governor on Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control to Benue State Governor, Dr Aondoaka Asambe has stated that the state government would soon conduct livestock census in the state. Asambe disclosed this on Monday in Makurdi after assessing the abattoir livestock market. He said this would help to put an end to incessant farmers/herders clashes and other forms of criminality across the state. He expressed the desire of the governor to turn around the fortunes of the livestock industry in the state. According to him, all livestock establishments in the state would…
The Nigerian Army, on Monday, performed a symbolic lowering and hoisting of the command flag at Army Headquarters as Lt .-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede assumed command as the 24th Chief of Army Staff. The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Oluyede was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on 30 October in an acting capacity following the death of his predecessor, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had on 1 November handed him the insignia of office in an unusual ceremony, in line with the Armed Forces Act. The symbolic lowering and hoisting of the command flag,…
In a swift response to the circulating fake list of ambassadorial nominees on social media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a press release urging the public to disregard the list making the rounds as a pointer to fresh appointments of ambassadors. The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who spoke to newsmen earlier yesterday, emphasized that no such appointments have been made, and the appointment of ambassadors is solely the prerogative of the President. The fake list, which has been making the rounds on social media platforms, has recently caused confusion and speculation among Nigerians. However, the Ministry of Foreign…
Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail in the amount of N50 million following a defamation petition filed against him by Chief Afe Babalola, SAN. In a post shared by Omoyele Sowore on Monday, it was noted that Mr Farotimi was also required to provide a surety of equal value with owned landed property. The case, initially adjourned until January 29, 2025, is now scheduled to continue on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 The farcical trial of citizen Dele Farotimi continues tomorrow at the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti regarding a non-existent offence in Ekiti’s laws. We have urged the…