Author: Opalim Lifted

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. The IPOB leader was arraigned on Friday before James Omotosho, judge of a federal high court in Abuja. On March 8, John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high court, reassigned the IPOB leaders case to a new judge after the defendant repeatedly asked Binta Nyako to recuse herself from his case. The IPOB leader directly told Nyako that he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial. On September 24, Nyako recused…

The Federal Government has announced that all full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates will now be mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa stated this after a meeting with the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu. According to the Minister, only full-time HND graduates are eligible for mobilisation. The resolution of the long-standing issue regarding their mobilisation for national service is contained in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday night. The release was signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo. Recall…

A last-gasp Vinicius Jr strike earned Brazil a hard-fought 2-1 win over Colombia in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday. Vinicius scored the winner nine minutes into added time to rescue a much-needed win for Brazil who appeared destined for a third consecutive 1-1 draw after a Luis Diaz canceled out Raphinha’s early opener for the hosts in capital Brasilia. The victory lifted Brazil to second in South American qualifying with 21 points, four behind leaders Argentina and one ahead of Uruguay in third, both of whom have a game in hand and will clash on Friday. The…

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Oluseye Nafiu, said the scheme will begin paying N77,000 to corps members as an allowance in March 2025. The brigadier general spoke at the NYSC zonal offices in Wuse and Garki, Abuja on Thursday. Nafiu said the scheme prioritises the welfare of corps members. He urged them to remain disciplined and dedicated to national service. The brigadier emphasised the NYSC’s role in fostering national unity and cultural integration. He pledged that the management would continue to uphold values of patriotism, leadership, and teamwork among corps members. Ushie Uguamaye: Tinubu’s aide…

NNPC Retail Limited (NRL) has hosted the She-Fix 2025, an event dedicated to empowering women in automotive, technical and energy sectors and commemorating the International Women’s Day. The event, which took place recently at The Stable Centre, Surulere, Lagos, attracted over 300 active participants as part of global celebrations marking this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD). It has as its theme “Driving Diversity and Powering Progress.” The event emphasised the critical role women play in driving innovation, national growth and economic development, a statement by Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd said. Hands-on activities, engaging discussions and…

Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna state governor, said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend elected officials in Rivers state is “wanton aggression against democratic tenets and the rule of law”. El-Rufai acknowledged the need for urgent action to address security challenges in Rivers, but argued that declaring a state of emergency should not lead to the dismantling of democratic structures. Declaring the emergency in a live broadcast on March 18, Tinubu announced the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers assembly, for six months. The former minister urged Tinubu to reconsider…

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, said she is paying for rejecting Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s sexual advances.  She added that she had to summon the courage to speak up and damn the consequences. Akpoti-Uduaghan was speaking in an interview with Sky News. She was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio. The lawmaker said she believes her suspension was illegal, unjust and a way of silencing her. She also baulked at the senate’s position that she was not suspended over the sexual harassment claim. Dickson, Akpabio clash over Tinubu’s…

The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in Rivers state. The seal of approval for the president’s proclamation came via voice vote during plenary in the green chamber on Thursday. The voice vote was used since the house could not muster the necessary numbers to pass the motion by at least 240 of the 360 members as stipulated by the constitution. On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the south-south state, citing the protracted political crisis. The president controversially suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all…

The House of Representatives has commenced debate on President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers state. Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, read Tinubu’s letter during plenary on Thursday. The president appealed to the lawmakers to “expeditiously consider” his request. On Tuesday, the president declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the protracted political crisis. The president controversially suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all house assembly members for six months. ‘Brazen attempt at power grab’ Amaechi knocks Tinubu over emergency rule in Rivers The president has since appointed…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Nigerians should stand up and defend the country’s democracy by resisting the state of emergency imposed in Rivers state by President Bola Tinubu. Atiku spoke in Abuja on Thursday at a press conference of concerned political leaders. Atiku said it is not only the responsibility of the opposition parties to defend democracy but the duty of everyone to reject the “brazen assault” on the elected government in Rivers. On Tuesday, Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the protracted political crisis in the state. The president suspended Siminalayi…