Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the weekend maintained that only contractors who can deliver quickly are needed to work on Nigerian roads, stressing that henceforth, contractors must get to site two weeks before they are paid mobilisation fees. Speaking while inspecting ongoing works on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) from Zuba Interchange to Western Bypass in Kaduna, the minister said that this would guarantee that road projects are not abandoned by those he described as ‘recalcitrant’ contractors. However, he lauded Messrs Infiouest International (Nig) Limited, which he said has proven its capacity to deliver quality jobs…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government areas pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. The governor also directed the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3, 2025. Fubara gave the directive in a statewide broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening, in response to the Supreme Court judgment. This is the first time the governor will be speaking since last Friday’s Supreme…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Sunday, paid a condolence visit to the home of late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died a few weeks ago.  He described the late Adebanjo as a man of courage who stood unwaveringly for truth and justice. During a visit to the late elder statesman’s residence in Lekki, Lagos, Jonathan emphasized that no nation could thrive without upholding these values. He said, “When we learned about the death of our leader I issued a statement. Some of you must have read that statement, but I said that statement in newspapers was not enough, we…

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on Muslim faithful to embody the spirit of the fasting season to show brotherly love and devotion to God. The former governor of Anambra made the call on Saturday in his 2025 Ramadan message to felicitate with the faithful on his X handle. According to him, as the holy month of Ramadan begins, following the official sighting of the moon and the pronouncement by the Sultan, I would like to urge our Muslim brethren to embody the spirit of the season. “Let’s continue to show brotherly love,…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has blacklisted an Indian firm, Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, over alleged production and importation of dangerous opioid combinations into West Africa, including Nigeria. In a statement signed by its Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Friday, NAFDAC accused the Indian company of producing and distributing Tafrodol and Royal 225—drugs containing a harmful mix of Tapentadol, an opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant. NAFDAC stated that the substances pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and death. “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has congratulated Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe on his 70th birthday, commending his dedication to public service. Kalu also commended Senator Abaribe’s tireless commitment to the people of Abia South Senatorial District he represents at the Senate, acknowledging his remarkable legacy as a voice for equity and justice in Nigeria, particularly in the South East geopolitical zone. He said that Senator Abaribe’s modest contributions to Nigeria’s development, his candour and commitment to social justice also attest to an enduring legacy of political courage. “Today, we celebrate a man…

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, on Friday, ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to stop further release of financial allocations to Rivers state government with immediate effect. The Apex Court directed that the order shall be in force until the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, “stops all his illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional activities.” The Supreme Court said that no money should be released to the Rivers state government until a lawful Appropriation Law is enacted under the Martin Amaewhule leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly. In a unanimous judgment delivered…

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan, has accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. Akpabio has since denied the allegation through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo. Akpoti-Uduaghan made the allegation during an interview with Arise Television on Friday. She alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances. The Kogi lawmaker added that by rejecting Apkabio’s sexual advances, she was subjected to persistent harassment in his home in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, and his office. She said, “My issue with Akpabio started on the…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has just signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law. Tinubu signed the budget in the presence of principal officers of the National Assembly and other top government officials in a small ceremony in his office at the State House, Abuja, on Friday. The bill was passed by the two Chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday, February 13, after Tinubu asked for an increase from the proposed N49.7tn. The National Assembly approved a ₦54.99 trillion ($36.6bn) budget for the fiscal year, surpassing President Bola Tinubu’s initial proposal of ₦54.2tn. This increase reflects additional anticipated…

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has announced free medical surgeries to mark the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s 83rd birthday. Adeboye was born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State. He will be 83 on Sunday. According to a statement by his son, Pastor Leke Adeboye, on Thursday, the programme, which is part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, would offer free medical services in various areas, including obstetrics and gynaecology, surgeries, general surgeries, eye surgeries, dialysis sessions, reading glasses, and consultation. According to the church, the free medical services will be executed by the Redeemer’s Health…