Author: Vincent Osuwo

The Labour Party’s leadership crisis intensified on Monday, when the Julius Abure faction of the National Working Committee rejected reconciliation efforts by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, branding them as false and premature. The Abure camp argued that the legal battle over the party’s leadership was far from done, accusing Otti of being responsible for the current crisis that is ripping the party apart. In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, rebuffed the reconciliation proposal and questioned its timing. “We are not interested in any move by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex…

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has stated that he is closely monitoring happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party’s Oyo State branch, emphasizing that his interest stems from a desire for the party’s survival and success. Wike made the statements on Monday during the 105th meeting of the PDP’s National Executive Committee in Abuja. He assured party officials that his focus was not limited to one state but rather on the PDP’s general stability and prosperity throughout the country. “Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am…

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has ordered that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three others refrain from engaging in any type of industrial action or protest in the Federal Capital Territory. Justice Emmanuel Subilim delivered the interim injunction on Monday while hearing an ex parte application brought by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration. Along with the labor unions, those restrained include the NLC’s spokesperson, Benson Upah; the TUC’s General Secretary, Nuhu Toro; and the Chairman of the FCT NLC, Stephen Knabayi. The application, submitted on February 2,…

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a warning to the public over viral claims suggesting that the agency is currently recruiting new staff. The NMDPRA described the reports as the work of fake recruitment syndicates seeking to defraud unsuspecting job seekers. In a statement released on its official X Twitter on Monday, NMDPRA stated that it was forced to issue the clarification because unscrupulous individuals have been exploiting economically needy Nigerians by proposing bogus job opportunities. The fraudsters allegedly issue forged letters of employment, make hollow promises, and advertise non-existent positions while demanding enormous sums…

Nine suspects charged in the deadly Yelwata attack in Benue State on Monday pleaded not guilty to a 57-count amended charge bordering on terrorism before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects were brought before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik following the dropping of charges against the sixth defendant, Yakubu Mamman, by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Chronicle NG reports that the Office of the AGF, in a statement on Sunday, said the suspects who were “strongly linked to the killings in Yelwata” would be arraigned on Monday following “painstaking investigation and collaboration by government agencies.” The AGF…

Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have restarted operations after a week-long closure mandated by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The reopening occurs alongside increased security measures and alerts against adhering to the Indigenous People of Biafra’s sit-at-home directives. The market had been ordered closed by Soludo following reports indicating that certain traders were adhering to a Monday sit-at-home directive from IPOB. The governor had cautioned that not reopening might result in additional closures. “Traders of the Onitsha Main Market have reopened their shops in compliance with a directive by the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo,” a report by Channels…

Francis Nwifuru, the Governor of Ebonyi State, has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the Amasiri clan’s Afikpo Local Government Area, as well as a 20-hour daily curfew, in response to a fatal attack allegedly carried out by clan members in Okporojo village, Edda Local Government Area. Four people were killed and beheaded as a result of the attack, which also burned down more than nine dwellings. The sanctions were part of resolutions agreed upon during an emergency meeting of the Ebonyi State Security Council on Saturday night, which was called in reaction to the mayhem in Okporojo…

Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), Minister of Defence, revealed on Sunday that he was one of the intended targets of the recently failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, with the conspirators threatening to arrest or shoot him if he refused. Musa made the announcement while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also branded the plotters as “a bunch of very unserious individuals.” While admitting to playing a crucial part in assisting security agencies in thwarting the conspiracy, the former Chief of Defence Staff claimed he was personally targeted for arrest by the plotters. “I was…

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the appointment of Mr. Daniel Eke as the new Sporting Director of Enyimba International Football Club in Aba. The appointment was announced in a statement made on Sunday by the state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who stated that the action is consistent with the state government’s determination to restore Enyimba FC to its due place among Africa’s top football teams. Kanu stated that the decision is part of a larger effort to realign the club for long-term growth while enhancing its business, professional, and administrative structures. He also revealed that the former…

The 2026 Grammy Awards featured top artists from around the world contending for awards in 95 categories at the Recording Academy-hosted award night. While just a few prizes given out at the main ceremony, the rest of the categories will be determined at the pre-telecast premiere event, with winners revealed throughout the show. Nigeria was represented at the 2026 Grammy Awards, with Nigerian artists receiving nominations in a variety of categories but failing to win a single award on the night. Among those nominated are Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid. See the full list of nominees and winners…