Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

A former National Vice-Chairperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South East, Fidelis Chukwu, has been named the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization. Fidelis Chukwu Mr. Chukwu succeeds Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the immediate past President-General of the group, who passed away on July 25, 2024, after a prolonged illness.  The spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, announced the development in a statement, explaining that Mr. Chukwu emerged during an Imeobi Ohanaeze meeting held on Saturday in Enugu. A Brief Tenure for Imo State According to Mr. Ogbonnia, Mr. Chukwu’s tenure will last for only…

The South East Youths Stakeholders Forum, a coalition of youth leaders and progressive voices from the South East region, has noted with grave concern the unwarranted distractions, smear campaigns, and calculated gang-up against the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in relation to the ongoing nomination process for the South East Development Commission (SEDC). We unequivocally condemn these actions, which are clearly aimed at undermining the integrity and leadership of the Deputy Speaker, who has been a steadfast advocate for the development and progress of the South East region. Such divisive tactics not only…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for prioritizing the development of the South East region. Specifically, Kalu acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in initiating the construction of the Abia Airport, which is set to commence next Tuesday. Kalu said that the Abia Airport project is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in the region. A statement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, noted that the project will not only boost economic activities in…

Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has urged President Bola Tinubu to remove what he described as “excess baggage” within his administration. According to Governor Mohammed, while governors have confidence in the President’s leadership, the actions of certain cabinet members are undermining his efforts. He said the President must “throw away the excess baggage,” emphasizing the need for decisive action. Governor Mohammed remarked as the special guest during the commissioning of the 14.1km Umuakali-Eberi Road in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State. He noted that the focus across various states should be on…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the public to disregard reports on the death of its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi on Saturday said Yakubu is alive. The clarification was necessitated following reports that the INEC Chair had died in London. “Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024. “We hereby appeal to…

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says he has directed immediate payment of allowances to some Permanent Secretaries and other civil servants earlier disengaged by his administration. During his monthly press briefing on Friday night, Otti also revealed that his administration will ensure that all concerned will get what is due them. He highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s security architecture to tackle emerging crime trends in certain areas. The governor assured the people of the state, especially those returning from the diaspora, of their safety during the festivities. Additionally, Otti noted that Southeast governors are working collaboratively to address…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Nwakuche Ndidi as the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. In a statement released on Friday, Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Board, announced that Ndidi’s appointment will officially begin on December 15, 2024. His appointment comes after the conclusion of the term of the current Controller General, Haliru Nababa. The statement reads: “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has graciously approved the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service following the expiration…

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched the National Economic Council’s (NEC) Ad Hoc Committee on National Electrification and the NEC Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication. He stated during his Thursday inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that without resolving the power sector problem and guaranteeing that Nigerians have access to reasonably priced energy, including electricity, the country cannot hope for significant national economic progress. He called on the nation’s leaders to put aside their differences to address the issue in the electricity sector and take part in Nigeria’s rebirth as an industrialised nation. Referring to nations…

The Labour Party has taken legal action over the defection of six members of the House of Representatives from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). On Thursday, Akangbe Illiya, representing Jos South/Jos East in Plateau State, joined the APC, increasing the number of Labour Party lawmakers in the House who have defected. In a statement, Labour Party spokesman Obiorah Ifo condemned Illiya’s defection, calling it “quite unfortunate and condemnable.” While acknowledging that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of association, the party emphasized that Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution clearly outlines the conditions under…

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted N500m bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in an alleged N80.2bn money-laundering suit. In a ruling on Friday, Justice Nwite said he was moved to grant the bail due to the show of understanding between senior counsels of the defence and prosecution teams. The court ordered the former governor to produce two sureties in like sum, who must own properties in Abuja and be verified by the registrar of the court. Additionally, the two sureties alongside Bello must deposit recent passport photographs to the…