Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, marked his second year in office with a heartfelt address to the people of the state, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and reaffirming his commitment to peace, reconciliation, and inclusive governance. In a statement to mark the anniversary of his May 29, 2023, swearing-in, Fubara described the occasion as a moment for sober reflection and renewed determination. Fubara declared that the people’s backing has given him the courage to continue pursuing unity and healing amid ongoing political turbulence. “Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work…
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu has congratulated the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson, Sunday Dare on the occasion of his 59th birthday. Kalu in a congratulatory message described Dare as a seasoned journalist, communication expert and politician who has brought finesse and immense experience to the various positions he has held. The Deputy Speaker noted that during his time as youth and sports minister, the sector recorded notable achievements and transformation. He commended Dare for his dedication to duty as the Presidential spokesperson, saying that he…
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold decision to remove fuel subsidies, describing it as a courageous move that saved Nigeria’s economy from collapse. In a congratulatory message marking Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, Kalu noted that the subsidies were a significant drain on the economy without providing substantial benefits to the people. The Deputy Speaker also commended the President for many other landmark achievements which included the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme with over 900,000 beneficiaries; Students Loan Scheme with over 300,000 beneficiaries and the clearing…
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday ordered a suspension of student visa processing as President Donald Trump’s administration ramps up vetting of their social media, according to an internal cable. The latest move, which will affect international students including Nigerians, a major source of revenue for US universities, after Rubio rescinded hundreds of visas and the Trump administration moved to bar Harvard University from admitting any non-Americans. A cable signed by Rubio orders embassies and consulates not to allow “any additional student or exchange visa… appointment capacity until further guidance is issued.” It said the State Department “plans…
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…