Author: Opalim Lifted

Nigerians are groaning over multiple road taxes they are being forced to pay despite the position of the Federal Government. It will be recalled that the FG declared a ban on road taxes, but this does not appear to reflect the reality for many citizens across the country. A tricycle (keke) rider, Obidient Peter, known as @Onihax on X, who operates between Lagos and Ogun states, on Wednesday evening shared a post expressing his grievances over the multiple road taxes he is compelled to pay. His post counters the viral advice of buying a ₦5 million tricycle to “triple your…

A group of supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a protest, warning prominent Nigerian politicians to stay away from the party amid growing speculation of political realignments ahead of future elections. The demonstrators, mostly women, carried a bold banner listing key political figures including David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. The banner read: “Please leave our party alone,” signalling resistance to any perceived takeover or influence by political heavyweights. The protest highlights internal concerns within the ADC as rumours swirl about possible defections and alliances involving major opposition figures. While the…

Nigeria’s opposition has raised fresh concerns over what it describes as a steady erosion of democratic space under President Bola Tinubu. In a strongly worded statement, Phrank Shaibu, spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alleged that the current administration is consolidating power in a way that threatens political competition. Shaibu argued that with more than 30 state governors reportedly aligned with the ruling party, the expectation should be greater openness. Instead, he claimed Nigeria is witnessing increasing fear of opposition voices and electoral contests. According to him, the government already benefits from major institutional advantages, including control of security…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended senior officers overseeing the Lagos-Seme border commands over alleged extortion. In a statement on Friday, Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS spokesperson, said the move followed online reports accusing some immigration officers along the Lagos-Seme corridor of misconduct bordering on extortion. The spokesperson said Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, had “temporarily relieved the comptrollers in charge of the affected commands of their duties” pending the outcome of a probe into the incidents. Akinlabi said Nandap unequivocally condemned the actions depicted in the reports, describing them as “unacceptable” and in direct violation of the core…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Auwalu Samaila, a Boko Haram member, to death by hanging for terrorism offences. James Omotosho, the presiding judge, convicted Samaila after he pleaded guilty to a six-count charge filed against him by the Federal Government. Delivering judgment on Thursday, the judge said the convict showed no remorse despite the gravity of his actions. “It is when somebody is remorseful and seeks forgiveness from God that he can receive mercy from Him,” the judge said. “The convict before me is not remorseful despite the many atrocities and lives lost through his actions. “May…

A cleric, Apostle Benjamin Okon, has described the reported recruitment of “so-called” repentant terrorists (Boko Haram members) into the Nigerian Army as a dangerous decision that could worsen the country’s security situation. Okon, who is the Deputy Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Territory and Eket Field Superintendent of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, made this known while speaking at the closing of the 44th Eket Major Convention themed “Crucified with Christ,” held at the Eket Field Headquarters. He called on the administration of Bola Tinubu to urgently purge security agencies of personnel allegedly collaborating with bandits and other criminal elements, stressing…

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the death of Oseni Omoh Braimah, a brigadier-general, following a Boko Haram attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State. Suspected terrorists attacked the camp of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI in the early hours of Thursday, killing an unspecified number of military personnel. According to Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, the “coordinated terrorist attack” occurred at about 12:30 a.m. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the president extended condolences to the military and the families of the…

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Gombe stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding formal recognition. Gombe, joined by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, and hundreds of supporters, accused a rival bloc led by former Senate President David Mark of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution. Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the dispute. He warned against what he described as attempts by…

Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires in the summer, the club has announced. Robertson, 32, joined the Reds from Hull City in 2017 for £8m and has won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time on Merseyside. In a video announcing his decision, the Scotland captain said: “I think now’s the time for me to move on”. The defender added: “The nine years I’ll look back on with a big smile on my face.” Robertson was a target for Tottenham during the January transfer window, with a…

Ollie Watkins struck twice as Aston Villa claimed a 3-1 win at Bologna, while a ‌Martim Fernandes own goal helped Nottingham Forest secure a 1-1 draw at Porto in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final ties on Thursday. Elsewhere, SC Freiburg took a significant step toward the semi-finals by beating Celta Vigo 3-0 at home. Real Betis drew 1-1 away at Braga on Wednesday. Villa took the lead a minute before the break ⁠through an Ezri Konsa header, with Watkins doubling the advantage in the 51st minute after capitalising on an error from Bologna defender Torbjorn Heggem. The…