Author: Opalim Lifted

Organised labour has reaffirmed its demand for a N500,000 minimum wage, insisting that the proposed amount reflects the rising cost of living despite the Federal Government’s planned N70,000 monthly transport support for workers. Gbenga Olowoyo, national secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), said labour remained committed to the demand but was willing to negotiate with the Federal Government to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Olowoyo spoke during an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, following a meeting between organised labour and the Federal Government that lasted more than six hours to discuss workers’ welfare and measures…

President Bola Tinubu will travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage, the presidency has announced. Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the visit would provide the president an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria. According to Onanuga, Tinubu will pray for the country’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress during the pilgrimage. “While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” the statement reads. Tinubu to Inaugurate NAF Equipment Before Departure…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign council has alleged a plot to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the January 16, 2027 presidential election over the Ebola outbreak. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication for the ADC campaign council, claimed the party had received information that INEC chairman Joash Amupitan could be summoned to the Presidential Villa and instructed to change the election date. However, Shaibu provided no details or evidence to substantiate the allegation. The ADC spokesperson urged President Bola Tinubu to abandon any alleged attempt to alter the…

Stand-in goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli was the hero by saving two penalties as holders Manchester City edged past Brighton in a shootout after a 2-2 draw to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Rulli kept out the final two spot kicks from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to send City through to face League One side Bradford City in the last eight. Brighton stunned the home crowd by going ahead on the half hour mark through Malick Yalcouye’s finish from close range, the midfielder converting from Georginio Rutter’s cross. But five minutes before half-time, City drew level courtesy of Mateo…

Liverpool knocked out Chelsea on penalties to book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals as Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson tasted defeat on their return to Anfield. The tie was, inevitably, settled on a shootout after finishing level in normal time when a Morgan Rogers penalty for the visitors was cancelled out by a Cody Gakpo spot-kick at the other end. In a tense outcome, Valentin Barco hit the woodwork for Chelsea, but Kostas Tsimikas blazed over for Liverpool and former Reds captain Henderson levelled. Blues keeper Mike Penders then saved from Ryan Gravenberch, but Giorgi Mamardashvili kept out…

The House of Representatives has invited Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to brief lawmakers on the commission’s preparedness for the 2027 general election. The invitation followed a motion co-sponsored by Mansur Soro (APM, Bauchi) and Abdussamad Dasuki (ADC, Sokoto) during Wednesday’s plenary. Soro, the lead sponsor, said the credibility, transparency and acceptability of the 2027 elections would largely depend on INEC’s preparations, including voter registration, voter education, personnel training, security coordination and the timely implementation of the electoral timetable. Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Voter Registration The lawmaker expressed concern over operational challenges reported at some…

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to ensure that anyone who attempts to rig the 2027 elections faces the consequences. Obi made the declaration on Wednesday during an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, where he addressed party supporters on electoral integrity and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system. “Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” he said. The former Anambra State governor also pledged to prevent electoral malpractice if elected president in 2027, saying his administration would strengthen political parties and reform…

The Federal Government plans to present the 2027 budget before the end of 2026, while the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a revised national food and nutrition policy and a new nutrition bill. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. “The intention is to present it before the end of the year,” she said when asked about the timeline for the 2027 budget. FG Approves Revised Food and Nutrition Policy Uzoka-Anite also announced the approval of the…

The Federal High Court in Lagos has admitted an offer letter as evidence in a N152 million disputed property trial involving American-based engineer Anthony Ugbebor, Lagos property developer Olukayode Olusanya and his company, Oak Homes Limited. Justice Musa Kakaki admitted the document, dated February 5, 2024, while rejecting three other documents tendered by the prosecution because they were photocopies and their sources had not been established. The ruling followed objections raised during proceedings on July 20, 2026, when the prosecution sought to tender the documents through the nominal complainant, Ugbebor. In his ruling, Justice Kakaki said the witness had failed…

The Federal High Court in Lagos has rejected the bail application of Afolabi Michael, a socialite popularly known as KC Luxury, in his alleged cocaine trafficking and money laundering trial. In a ruling on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Justice Musa Kakaki held that the application lacked sufficient evidence to justify granting bail. KC Luxury is standing trial alongside Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch on a 22-count charge bordering on the alleged conspiracy to export 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine to the United Kingdom and money laundering. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Why the Court…