Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
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…
The embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, presided over a plenary session on Thursday with only four lawmakers in attendance. The session took place after security operatives allegedly forced open the chamber doors, granting Obasa and his loyalists access. As of 3 pm, the plenary was ongoing, but over 26 lawmakers boycotted the session in what appeared to be a show of support for the substantive Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. The lawmakers, gathered at the Assembly’s garden, reaffirmed their February 17 vote of confidence in Meranda, despite Obasa’s return, which was reportedly aided by armed men and suspected political thugs. A lawmaker,…
The Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on security agencies not to ignore calls by the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, that there were threats to her life and her staff. Afenifere said such comments must not be dismissed with mere platitudes. It said Prof Adeyeye stood at the frontline of Nigeria’s battle against counterfeit drugs, toxic consumables, and the nefarious interests of syndicates profiting from human suffering. Afenifere, in a statement by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, said any attempt on her life was an assault on…
The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, returned to the assembly complex on Thursday, accompanied by a heavy security detail. His arrival came shortly after security personnel assigned to the House of Assembly were withdrawn. There have also been reports of incumbent speaker, Mojisola Meranda’s security detail also being withdrawn. According to eyewitnesses, Obasa arrived at the assembly flanked by heavily armed police officers and civil defence personnel. Meranda and other members were reportedly absent during the incident as the House is on recess. A source also confirmed, “They have restored all Obasa’s security aides…
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised the alarm over threats to her life and the safety of agency staff, calling on authorities to protect them as they navigate hazardous conditions in their duties. She also advocated for the death penalty for those involved in the production and sale of fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. Speaking at a State House briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC had recently seized illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion in an ongoing crackdown against substandard…
Bose Ogulu, the mother of Nigerian music sensation, Damini Ogulu, popularly called Burna Boy, has been nominated for Manager of the Year at the 2025 Music Week Awards. Organisers of the award on Wednesday announced Bose Ogulu alongside other contenders in the global music industry, including Alistair Goldsmith, Neil Hughes, and Wes Banton. This year’s Music Week Awards is scheduled to be held on May 8 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, United Kingdom. The Music Week Awards celebrates excellence in the music industry, including labels, A&R, live events, and management. Winners for the annual award are selected through…