Author: Opalim Lifted

Several senior figures linked to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari are currently under investigation and prosecution for alleged corruption totalling an estimated N3.47 trillion. The scale of the allegations, unfolding amid the crippling debt burden left behind by the Buhari-led administration, has reignited debates over accountability, selective justice and the true cost of Buhari’s eight-year presidency. At the centre of the storm are former ministers and top officials widely perceived as close allies of the late former president and members of the current ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is…

Manchester United and Bournemouth produced a Premier League classic at Old Trafford as both sides led and had to come from behind before settling for a point from an eight-goal thriller. United’s 2-1 half-time lead evaporated within seven minutes of the restart as Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier struck. But Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick and Matheus Cunha’s effort within two minutes of each other turned the contest on its head a second time, only for 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi to drive home an equaliser six minutes from time to earn Bournemouth a point from a breathless game. Amid the chaos, it was…

The government of Canada has announced plans to open a new Express Entry pathway for foreign doctors in 2026. The announcement was made in a statement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Under the new measures, Canada will introduce a dedicated Express Entry category for international doctors who have accumulated at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience within the past three years. The category targets physicians currently in Canada on a temporary basis who are contributing to patient care. Invitations to apply under the new stream are expected to be issued in early 2026. Canada flags Nigeria,…

Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, sitting at Gwarimpa in Abuja, has ordered that the former Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, be kept at Kuje prison till December 18. Ngige will be remanded until the date when his bail application is decided. Justice Hassan issued the order on Monday shortly after taking arguments for and against the bail request of the former governor of Anambra State. Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto SAN, pleaded with the Judge to admit the former Minister to bail on various reasons, but mainly on health grounds. He…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations by some political actors that it is being weaponised against opposition figures, insisting that its operations are guided strictly by law and not partisan considerations. In a statement on Monday, the anti-graft agency said recent claims of “weaponisation of the EFCC,” “erosion of its independence,” and “persecution of opposition politicians” amount to a deliberate misrepresentation of its constitutional mandate to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes. The commission stressed that its only operational guide is the EFCC Establishment Act, which empowers it to investigate and prosecute all suspects involved…

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said that blessings spoken in prayer carry enduring consequences, describing them as central to spiritual and material outcomes in the lives of believers. Adeboye made the remarks on Saturday during the Holy Ghost Congress of the church, which concluded on Sunday with a thanksgiving service. His message focused on the significance of spoken blessings, particularly those uttered in prayer, drawing from biblical accounts to illustrate their lasting impact. Referring to the story of Isaac and his sons, Jacob and Esau, Adeboye said the narrative showed…

The presidency has rejected claims of weaponisation of anti-corruption agencies as put forward by opposition politicians. On Sunday, a coalition of opposition leaders accused the federal government of deploying the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate and weaken political opponents, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, described the opposition as failed politicians seeking scapegoats for their shortcomings. He said claims that democracy is under threat because politicians are joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) are unfounded. “Our constitution…

The General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Adejare Adeboye has assured Nigerians that things will be better, although he called on leaders to be decisive in building Nigeria on righteousness with a view to lifting up the nation and bringing it out of the woods. Adeboye gave the admonition on Friday at the monthly thanksgiving service at the RCCG headquarters, The Throne of Grace, Ebute Metta. Adeboye said to build a righteous nation, it becomes imperative for leaders to lead by example for those they are ruling to follow suit. He also called on Nigerians to…

A coalition of opposition leaders has accused the federal government of weaponising anti-corruption agencies to intimidate and weaken political opponents, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. In a joint statement titled “Anti-Corruption, Not Anti-Opposition”, the opposition figures said key state institutions, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are increasingly being perceived as tools for political persecution. In the statement signed by David Mark, chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Lawal Batagarawa, former minister…

The Supreme Court has upheld the president’s powers to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country to forestall a breakdown of law and order. The apex court also affirmed the president’s powers to suspend elected officials within a set timeframe. The ruling was premised on a suit filed by Adamawa state, in cahoots with 10 other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led states, challenging the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers state in March. The president had suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, his deputy and lawmakers of the Rivers assembly for an initial…