Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has scrapped free withdrawals for customers using other banks’ Automated Teller Machines, ATMs. Recall that it was pegged at three free withdrawals per month. CBN said the review was necessary due to rising costs and the need to improve efficiency of ATM services. By the new directive, “The three free monthly withdrawals allowed for Remote-On-Us (other bank’s customers/Not-On-Us consumers) in Nigeria under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide shall no longer apply.” However, withdrawals made from a customer’s bank ATM will remain free. Customers using another bank’s ATM will be charged N100 per N20,000 withdrawal…

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday, said his support for President Bola Tinubu’s election in 2023 was never to gain any favour in return. El-Rufai was an integral member of the Northern governors in the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) who prior to the party’s primary, insisted that a Southerner must succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. Tinubu later emerged as the party’s candidate and eventually won the election against Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP). El-Rufai, who seems to have fallen out with the Tinubu’s camp, has been critical…

Popular gospel singer Paul Nwokocha confirmed the end of his second marriage to Goodness on Sunday, citing the reasons behind his decision to leave the union, which was highly celebrated on social media The singer, who began his career 40 years ago and has 66 albums to his credit, broke the news on his Facebook and YouTube page, shocking fans and critics alike. In September 2023, the singer, who is outspoken about his private life, especially marriage, shared why his first marriage, which lasted two decades, crashed. He said, “I decided to marry my new wife, Goodness, one month after…

The Nigeria Police has debunked rumours speculating that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, disbanded in 2020 has returned. Reports circulating on social media said that the Anti-Robbery Squad which was disbanded on October 11, 2020, following the historic EndSARS protest is back in operation. However, debunking the reports, the Nigeria Police Force in a statement released on Monday morning by its spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the squad remains dissolved. “The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is not back in operation. The recent information regarding SARS reformation and rules of engagement should be treated with caution. “Nigerians are encouraged to verify…

The Federal Government is set to meet with the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools on Wednesday to discuss the proposal by the Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa, to extend basic education to 12 years. The proposal, which aims to integrate junior and senior secondary education into a single continuous programme, has sparked mixed reactions among education stakeholders, with calls for careful deliberation before any decision is made. In an exclusive interview, the National President of ANCOPPS, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, clarified that while the minister had put forward the idea, it…

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a human rights lawyer and counsel for the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has faulted the arrest of a native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’ in Anambra State. Akwa Okuko was apprehended on Saturday by operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba. In a statement on Sunday, Ejiofor criticised the Anambra State Government for the arrest of the native doctor. The lawyer said the action did not only trample on his fundamental rights, but also raises serious questions about the abuse of state power for political…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned the Federal Government that “claims of animals such as snakes, termites, gorillas and monkeys swallowing public funds must never be the fate of the funds budgeted for the critical sector of health in the 2025 budget.” In a statement on Sunday, Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide transparency on how the intervention fund would be allocated. The former Vice President emphasised the importance of accountability, stressing that every kobo must be properly utilised to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system. He said, “In recent years, there have been bizarre claims of animals being…

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has recalled suspended commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Uchenna Igwe, that of Ministry of Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma and his Water Resources counterpart, Mr. Chinedu Nkah. The governor also recalled the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Lawrence Ezeogo and the Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Emeka Ovuoba. Governor Nwifuru disclosed this on Sunday during a church service at the New Government House Chapel, Centenary City, in Abakaliki, the State capital. Governor Nwifuru recently announced the suspension of the top state government officials after uncovering…

President Bola Tinubu has lauded Dr. Kayode Fayemi for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and governance, as the former governor of Ekiti State turns 60.  In a heartfelt birthday tribute personally signed by Tinubu, he described Fayemi as a dedicated patriot whose impact on the nation will be remembered for generations. Reflecting on their shared history during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle of the 1990s, Tinubu credited Fayemi’s brilliance and strategic role in the establishment of Radio Kudirat, a crucial voice against military dictatorship. The radio station, named after the late pro-democracy heroine, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, was instrumental in rallying…

The lawyer representing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has stated that no one should plead for his client’s release, as he has committed no crime. Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s legal counsel, relayed this in a statement titled “Upholding the Rule of Law Is More Important to Me Than Anything Else”, issued on Saturday. Ejimakor asserted that Kanu’s release should be based on legal compliance rather than an act of clemency or pardon. According to the statement, Kanu appreciated the widespread calls for his release but maintained that both a Federal High Court in Nigeria and international…