Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
Gunmen have reportedly killed at least 11 people in an attack on some communities in Nyiev-ya, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident happened on December 25 when the people were celebrating Christmas with their families. A resident in the community confirmed the attack in a telephone conversation on Thursday. The resident, who preferred to be anonymous, told Channels Television that they received a distress message that “Nyiev-ya is under attack.” “The terrorist herders came this afternoon (December 25), and invaded Ubutu and GSS Anwase, killing and burning houses,” the resident said “Daniel Jam’s son was killed by…
Tragedy has once again struck the family of Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, following the death of his eldest son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi, in a fatal car accident. The incident occurred barely 24 hours after the governor lost his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi. According to eyewitness accounts, Abdulwahab was returning from Kafin Hausa to Dutse with his friends when the vehicle he was driving lost control, causing it to somersault. While his friends sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Dutse General Hospital, Abdulwahab was pronounced dead at the scene. A close family source, who spoke…
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has urged President Bola Tinubu to backtrack on the tax policy reforms as it could lead to anarchy. He made the call during the Christmas Day celebration organised in Bauchi on Thursday. According to him, the policy does not in any way favour the North, adding that the governors would not be able to pay salaries. He said, “To the tax reforms- it is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay you salaries. “They must listen, otherwise, they are calling for anarchy and…
The Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) has described terrorism allegations against Nigeria and other member states by Niger Republic as “unfounded”, saying it is solidly behind its members. Niger Republic had accused Nigeria and other ECOWAS members of colluding with France to destabilise the country. However, ECOWAS in a statement on Thursday described the allegations as “unfounded”. “The Commission of the Economic and West African Staes (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states. “The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism. “For…
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated enforcement action against five airlines (two international and three domestic operators) for various violations of Part 19 of the NCAA regulations. The violations include the non-payment of refunds within the stipulated time frame, non-responsiveness to the NCAA’s directives, missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, delayed and cancelled flights, amongst others. A spokesman for NCAA, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this to journalists at the corporate headquarters of the Authority in Abuja on Tuesday. He said that although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations stipulate actions that airlines must take during…
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee has rejected the request to disbar human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over the allegation that he criminally defamed legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola. The LPDC said it had no jurisdiction to adjudicate on the petition filed against Farotimi by one Mr. Ola Faro, a lawyer in Afe Babalola’s law firm. Faro’s request came on the back of Afe Babalola’s legal battle against Farotimi over allegations of criminal defamation. In a petition to the police, Babalola complained that Farotimi defamed him through a book he published, titled, “Nigeria and its Criminal…
Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi has regained freedom after meeting his bail conditions. The development was disclosed by a politician and activist, Omoyele Sowore. He was arrested earlier for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD. Posting on X, Sowore said the embattled activist lawyer was no longer at the prison yards in Ekiti State. He wrote: “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti state and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”…
President Bola Tinubu has insisted that there is no going back on the controversial tax reform his administration recently introduced. He said this while answering questions during his maiden presidential media chat broadcast on Monday night, insisting that the economy cannot be revived with the “old broken book.” “Tax reform is here to stay; we cannot just continue to do what we were doing years to years in today’s economy. We cannot retool this economy with the old broken books, and I believe I have that capacity that is why I went into the race,” Tinubu said. “I am focused…
President Bola Tinubu said on Monday that he has no regrets about the fuel subsidy removal. Speaking during his first presidential media chat on Monday night, Tinubu expressed his resolve, stating, “I have no regrets whatever removing subsidies. It was necessary.” The President explained that the subsidy regime was unsustainable, likening it to mortgaging the future of the country for present consumption. “We were not investing; we were just deceiving ourselves. The reform was necessary. We cannot have expenditures we don’t have revenue for,” Tinubu said. He further emphasised the importance of fiscal discipline, urging Nigerians to adopt better financial…
President Bola Tinubu will hold first presidential chat since assuming office on Monday night. According to a statement released by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the chat will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on the stations of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast. “The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. “All television and radio stations are requested to hook…