Author: Chronicle Editor

The glowing reviews and commendations have not stopped coming in since United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, recently upgraded its Mobile Banking app. Over the past few weeks following the upgrade, social media sites including twitter, Instagram and even Facebook have been agog with excellent comments about the ambience, functionality and versatility of UBA’s revamped mobile app. The latest of such glowing reviews came last weekend, from a Former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, who on his social media handles, gave kudos to the bank for introducing lots of exciting and interactive features to aid banking, while allowing customers…

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has tested positive for COVID-19, the state government said in a statement on Monday. John Okiyi Kalu, Abia commissioner of information, announced that the governor had gone into isolation before his test result returned positive. He said the governor has directed the deputy governor, Ude Oko Chukwu, to act on his behalf pending the time he resumes duty. Kalu said it would be recalled that on Saturday, 30th May, 2020, Ikpeazu volunteered his sample for COVID-19 test and subsequently directed members of the state Executive Council (EXCO) and those of the inter-ministerial committee on…

Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has denied asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio. He said he did not authorise a “fake” letter requesting the acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to investigate the minister. A statement by his spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, reads: “The attention of the Office of the Deputy President of the Senate has been drawn to a letter dated 7th May, 2020, purportedly written by the Clerk of the Senate, acting on behalf of the Office of Deputy President of the Senate, requesting the Chairman of the…

The Senate approval of President Muhammadu Buhari’s $5.513 billion loan request will save at least 20 million jobs, Senate President Ahmed Lawan said at the weekend. Dr. Lawan explained that the National Assembly did its scrutiny of the request and did not just give frivolous approval. He said Nigeria was able to get concessionary, multilateral or bilateral loans with very favourable conditions of one per cent, 10 years or 20 year moratorium. He also said that over 400 bills are being processed in the national assembly to add value to Nigerians’ lives. He said there has been less friction between…

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell has strongly criticised President Donald Trump’s handling of anti-racism protests, saying he has “drifted away” from the constitution. The Republican, a former top military officer, is the latest to condemn Mr Trump’s response, including his threats to use the army to quell unrest. He said he would vote for Democratic candidate Joe Biden in November’s poll. President Trump responded by calling Mr Powell “highly overrated”. Mr Powell, the only African American so far to have served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has joined a growing list of former top…

A majority of Minneapolis City Council has pledged to dismantle the local police department, a significant move amid nationwide protests sparked by George Floyd’s death last month. Nine of the 13 councillors said a “new model of public safety” would be created in a city where law enforcement has been accused of racism. Mayor Jacob Frey earlier opposed the move, drawing boos from the crowds. Activists, who for years have defended such a move, called it a turning point. Mr Floyd’s death in police custody triggered mass protests against racism and police brutality. Security measures across the country were lifted…

The Presidency has drawn the attention of all citizens and the international community to a most misleading campaign spearheaded by the so-called Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) using false allegations of Christian persecutions against the Nigerian State. A very deep and wide investigation by an agency of the Nigerian government, working with international partners have made us become aware that there are two, interconnected campaigns being run concurrently by the IPOB in this regard. Both are using the cover of Christianity – and calling for a US Special Envoy to be appointed to stop the “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria.…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced 260 confirmed new coronavirus cases in the country on Sunday. The 260 cases announced by the Centre for Disease Control takes the total number of confirmed cases to 12486. The NCDC also announced the discharge of 133 patients from isolation centers across the country with 12 new deaths reported. Lagos state, the epicentre of the virus in Nigeria topped the number of confirmed cases with 38 new cases taking the total number of confirmed cases in Lagos alone to 5767. Nigeria announces 389 new coronavirus cases But it was Abia that…

By Raheem Akingbolu Those who are in the business of brand building say building a brand is like building a house. You have to be sure of the location where you are buying a plot. Will it flood when the rains come and what kind of people will be your neighbours? You have to get the foundation right and solid. You have to make sure the walls and angles are straight or you will end up with a wonky house. The same for a brand. You have to know the audience you wish to address and the competition you are…

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has hit a snag its bid to bring former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke to justice. Diezani who served during the six-year stint of Goodluck Jonathan fled Nigeria for the United Kingdom shortly after Mr Jonathan lost his re-election in 2019. But she had a plan, she was going to stay away from Nigeria for as long as possible until it is safe for her to return and her safe haven wasn’t the UK, it was the Dominican Republic were she is not only a citizen but has been appointed Trade and…