Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The legal team representing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday raised the alarm over what it described as a disturbing pattern of selective justice, following the Federal Government’s decision to file criminal charges against her despite multiple unresolved petitions she lodged earlier this year. In a statement released by her counsel, Uju Nwoduwu, the team outlined 12 petitions submitted by the senator between March and May 2025. The petitions reportedly detail allegations including cyberstalking, defamation, threats to life, and an alleged assassination attempt. According to the legal team, none of these complaints have been acted upon by the Nigeria Police Force…
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives and Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals Commend Gov Otti’s administration for the significant progress made in the healthcare sector over the past two years especially prioritizing healthcare revitalization through increased budgetary allocation since the start of his tenure. The unions, in a joint statement signed by Comrade Ngozi Dike (NANNM) and Comrade Oparaocha Chibueze (NUAHP) acknowledged the administration’s efforts in giving new momentum to the health sector as a vital component of the government. The unions hailed the launch of health insurance for the formal sector as a game-changer, describing it as…
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned against incitement to its open drug markets enforcement policy going on across the country. The agency said it has become aware of misleading videos circulating on social media, in which a social media influencer attempts to incite traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market against the Federal Government’s regulatory efforts. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement on Tuesday, “alerts the public and relevant security agencies to this incitement, which may amount to a breach of the Cybercrime Act.” It recalled that between February 9 and…
Orji Kalu, senator representing Abia north, says the wave of endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election is based on his performance. Speaking to journalists at the national assembly on Tuesday, Kalu said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not threatened by any political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections. Kalu, who chairs the senate committee on the South-East Development Commission, said Tinubu’s leadership has inspired confidence across party lines. “No, no, no. I don’t think a party like APC has anybody to fear,” Kalu said. “We are the ruling party. We love Nigeria. That’s why many of us are building…
The National Assembly has received a formal request from President Bola Tinubu seeking approval for a $21.5 billion external loan and a ₦758 billion domestic bond to settle outstanding pension liabilities. The request, aimed at financing critical projects across various sectors of the economy – particularly infrastructure, health, education, and water supply—was read on the floor of the Senate during plenary today. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts for further legislative scrutiny, with a report expected within two weeks. In a separate request, President Tinubu also sought the Senate’s authorisation for the issuance…
Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to children across the state in celebration of the 2025 Children’s Day. In his message to mark the occasion, Fubara described this year’s national theme, “tapping the untapped natural treasure,” as a powerful reminder of the immense and often overlooked potential that lies within every child. This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen. The governor stated, “You, our children, are the most precious treasure we have. Your talents, dreams, energy, and creativity are limitless…
New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso on Monday said that he has the energy and excitement to deliver success worthy of the Spanish giants as he was presented as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement. Alonso will lead the team at the Club World Cup this summer and has signed a three-year deal until June 2028, after Ancelotti departed to take charge of the Brazil national team. Madrid failed to win a major trophy this season, losing their La Liga crown to rivals Barcelona, who also beat them in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals. Real were dealt with a…
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, has withdrawn the bill seeking to make voting compulsory for eligible Nigerians. The bill was co-sponsored by Abbas and Daniel Ago, lawmaker representing Bassa/Jos north federal constituency of Plateau state. On May 15, the bill scaled second reading in the green chamber. Leading the debate, Ago said the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to tackle the problem of low voter turnout. He said compulsory voting law would increase civic engagement and voter participation, making electoral involvement a legal obligation rather than a personal choice. Ago said the bill,…
Ralph Nwosu, the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says coalition talks between opposition leaders will be finalised in a few weeks. Some influential members of opposition parties have been spearheading a coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Recall that opposition leaders are finalising plans to adopt the ADC as the platform to challenge the APC in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Nwosu said the party constituted committees that have met with those involved in the talks, including the civil society organisations (CSOs) and citizens’ groups.…
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has explained why he may not be able to contest for presidency after 2027. He said the 2027 general elections may be his final shot at the presidency. Obi confirmed he would contest in 2027 on the LP’s platform and hinted at a possible exit from active politics after that. He spoke in a seven-minute, 16-second video clip that has since gone viral. Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, confirmed the video saying “it was recent.” Obi explained that he would be 65 in 2027 and might not be willing to…