Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, has called for the probe of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists over the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex and alleged misappropriation of funds. Okocha based his call on the statement by former Head of Service in the state, George Nwaeke, who alleged at the weekend that Fubara sponsored the bombing of the Assembly complex to avert his impeachment by lawmakers. But Fubara’s Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Jerry Omotsegunwa, dismissed the probe call, saying, “It is laughable for any right-thinking individual to…

Senator Elisha Abbo, former APC Senator representing Adamawa North, has made serious allegations against Senator Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of political manipulation and abuse of power. He made these allegations while speaking on Arise TV. Abbo claims that Akpabio visited his hotel room late at night, seeking his cooperation, and subsequently predicted the removal of five senators, a prediction that allegedly came to fruition. Furthermore, Abbo alleges that Akpabio ordered the withholding of his final salary. These accusations have ignited significant controversy within Nigerian political circles, raising concerns about the integrity of the Senate and the exercise of political influence.…

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party at last year’s election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, says he will appeal the judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, which affirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the September 21, 2024 poll. The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the petition of the PDP and Ighodalo for their inability to prove the allegation of over-voting, affirming that Okpebholo scored the highest number of valid votes in the election. The tribunal faulted how the petitioners proved their evidence…

Coalition of health workers in Abia State comprising National association of Nigerian Nurses, Medical and Health Union of Nigeria and Nigerian union of allied workers have issued a 15 days ultimatum to the State government to pay the reviewed consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS). This is as the coalition says it has mandated individual unions to start mobilizing their members across the State about the plans to embark on strike if CONHESS is not paid. In a press release signed by Chairman of Nigerian Nurses and midwives, Ngozi Duke, Chairman of Medical and health union of Nigeria, Offor Solomon and…

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Wednesday swore in Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as the acting Chief Judge. Nzeukwu was sworn in five months after Imo State had been without a Chief Judge. The vacancy arose after the National Judicial Council recommended the immediate retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, for age falsification. Uzodimma swore in Justice Nzeukwu alongside two new commissioners, Prof. Bernard Thompson Ikegwuoha and Dr. Vivian Egu, at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Chambers at the Douglas House, Owerri. Lawyers had called for the appointment of a Chief Judge to give direction, assign cases, and…

The Kebbi State Government has refuted claims that the state has a high number of registered homosexuals and lesbians, specifically 15,979 and 18,567 respectively. Governor Nasir Idris, while reacting to a sermon delivered at an Islamic gathering by Dr. Nasir Kigo, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office in Birnin Kebbi, dismissed the figures as baseless and lacking any supporting evidence. The governor expressed his disapproval of the statistics attributed to the permanent secretary, stating, “After thorough investigation, the government discovered that it was false information. Therefore, we are calling on the general public to disregard this piece of information…

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has approved the employment of 34 Resident Doctors for Residency Training for a fixed term of seven years. The 34 medical doctors were the first batch of the 60 Medical residency Trainees in eight faculties/specialties in the FCTA Hospitals approved for employment by the FCT Minister. Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who made this known in a statement on Wednesday, said the employment will further enhance health-care delivery in the FCT. He said: “This is the first time this is being…

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated a new state security supervisory committee to tame insecurity in the state. Soludo’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, disclosed this in a press statement on Wednesday. Opara described the move as a decisive step and a testament to the governor’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state. According to him, the committee, comprising representatives from various government agencies, traditional rulers and local government leaders, is tasked with registering and monitoring the activities of the units of Agunechemba, among other responsibilities. He said, “This collective…

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance and Adekunle Omoaje against the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission. In its judgment on Wednesday, the three-member tribunal struck out the petition, describing it as lacking merit and frivolous. AA and Omoaje had challenged Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, alleging corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. They argued that the APC candidate did not secure the majority of lawful votes and that INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep grief over the passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Galadiman Kano and a senior kingmaker in the Kano Emirate. Sanusi, who died at 92 after a prolonged illness, is survived by many children and grandchildren, as stated by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, on Wednesday. Among his children is Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State chairman of the All Progressives Congress. President Tinubu described the late Sanusi as a significant pillar of the traditional institution, whose contributions to its survival and development would be remembered beyond the Kano Emirate and the state itself.…