Author: Vincent Osuwo

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has dismissed recent criticism accusing him of de-marketing Nigeria, saying truth-telling about the country’s challenges is essential to national growth. Obi, in a statement on X on Thursday, said his remarks about Nigeria’s economic and political realities are meant to strengthen, not tarnish, the country’s image. Despite not mentioning names, Obi’s statement comes a week after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accused him of speaking negatively about Nigeria abroad. “I tried reminding those who argue that I de-marketed Nigeria by telling the truth about its economic and social status vis-à-vis the…

Tianzhen Ye, a Chinese national convicted of narcotic-related offences in Nigeria, has requested bail on medical grounds due to a life-threatening diagnosis of blood and lung cancer. Ye, who was apprehended in November 2024 and pleaded guilty before the court in January 2025, is currently serving a two-year sentence at the Ikoyi prison. Through his counsel, Mary Dibiaezue, the defendant begged Justice Deinde Dipeolu to consider lowering his imprisonment sentence to an option of a fine or, in the alternative, admit him to bail to obtain urgent medical treatment. According to court documents, he was diagnosed with cancer after his…

The Senate on Wednesday, passed two of President Bola Tinubu’s four proposed tax reform legislations, marking a significant step forward in Nigeria’s continuing overhaul of the tax administration system. The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill have both been accepted as legislation. Their passage came one day after deliberations were postponed to allow MPs to address problematic sections in the proposals. However, the Senate rejected a plan to boost the value-added tax from 7.5% to 10%, preferring to maintain the present rate amid growing public anxiety over rising living costs. Tinubu submitted the four…

The police in Rivers State have vowed to arrest the suspected pirates who attacked boats and kidnapped no fewer than 13 passengers. The abduction occurred along the Isaka River in the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State. According to reports, one of the boats was en route to Bonny Island while the other was going towards the Cawthorne Channel in Bille in the Degema local government area of the state when the attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon. Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, gave this assurance while confirming the abduction, adding that the investigation was ongoing. She…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its local government and state congresses on Wednesday, describing the process as successful despite a restraining order issued by an Ekiti State High Court. However, an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti issued an interim order stopping the congresses. Justice E. B. Omotosho issued the decision on Wednesday while ruling on an ex parte motion in suit number HAD/424M/2025 filed by a party member, Afolabi Adedeji. The judge therefore adjourned to May 14, 2025, for the hearing of the motion on notice. The defendants in the complaint are the PDP, its acting…

The Federal Government has kicked against the move by prominent economist and political activist Prof. Pat Utomi to inaugurate a shadow government composed of members from various opposition parties. According to Utomi, the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government”, launched virtually on Monday evening, will function as a credible opposition force, highlighting the failures of the President Bola Tinubu administration while offering ideas for better governance. Describing it as an aberration in a federal system of government, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in an interview, said, “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has removed gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s name from its amended charges against gospel music executive Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZeeTee. The EFCC initially charged EeZeeTee, CEO of EeZee Global Concept Ltd, with fraudulently converting Chinwo’s earnings. However, on Wednesday, the commission filed a new eight-count charge against EeZeeTee, accusing him of failing to disclose the company’s financial transactions and engaging in unauthorised foreign exchange deals between 2022 and 2023. According to the EFCC, the company received $255,436 throughout that period without making required disclosures to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.…

The Labour Party (LP) has suspended six senior members indefinitely, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe, for alleged anti-party conduct. Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowumi have all been suspended. The party’s National Executive Council stated that the decision was made in response to the recommendations of a five-man Disciplinary Committee formed on May 2, 2025, to investigate claims of anti-party conduct. In a statement issued by National Secretary Umar Farouk Ibrahim on Wednesday, the party stated that the suspension is effective immediately and prohibits the affected members from engaging in…

Chief Boniface Mgebu, a former Permanent Secretary in Ebonyi State and a member of the State Independent Electoral Commission, was attacked by suspected hoodlums on his journey from Abakaliki to his village, Noyo Alike, in the state’s Ikwo LGA. According to reports, the attack occurred at 7 p.m. on the Obubura-Enyida route in Abakaliki LGA, when his Hilux Jeep, cash, phones, and other valuables were set on fire. Chief Mgebu, who spoke from his hospital bed at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital (AE-FUNAI) in Abakaliki, claimed he was ambushed by two armed persons who wanted to either forcefully take his…

Barcelona wonder boy, Lamine Yamal, has promised that he and his teammates will not stop fighting until they win the UEFA Champions League trophy for the Blaugrana. Yamal made the vow after Barcelona lost the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on Tuesday. Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Francesco Acerbi all scored goals, resulting in a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes. Davide Frattesi scored in extra time to send Inter Milan to the Champions League final, 7-4 on aggregate. Inter Milan will now battle Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the Champions League final later this…