The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala have been embroiled in an heated verbal exchange between over the affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the current administration. Bwala expressed his respect and admiration for El-Rufai’s brilliance, advising the former governor to “come home because he has toiled all nights.” In a post on his X handle on Thursday, January 30 Bwala, a new convert to the APC, said his worries over El-Rufai’s statements and actions is that they are not borne out of patriotism…
Author: Pius Kadon
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide mass rally on February 4 over the 50 per cent hike on telecom services by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of the Congress’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held in Abuja. He said the NAC-in-session totally frowned at the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike as it was considered as too harsh for the citizens. According to him, to express the Union’s collective opposition to the arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on…
Amid a very tensed and chaotic atmosphere, the Peoples Democratic Party leaders, parading themselves as the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye, are currently attending the Board of Trustees meeting. PDP BoT Chairman and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, officially began the meeting at 12:05 p.m. in Abuja. Meanwhile, Anyanwu was present from the beginning, while Ude-Okoye was said to have arrived at precisely 12:10 p.m. The meeting, which entered a closed-door session shortly thereafter, is coming on the heels of a major internal crisis facing the leadership of the party especially as it…
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has berated former presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai of incompetence. According to the ruling party, Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai have shown gross incompetence and failure to manage their own affairs. A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, maintained that Nigerians cannot be distracted by desperate politicians looking for relevance ahead of 2027. Morka faulted Atiku’s remark of judicial involvement in Nigeria’s electoral matters, emphasizing that he is the country’s most prolific…
An international business development consultant and Policy Analyst Dr. Brian Reuben, has urged state governors and Telecommunication Companies to consider a 15% increase in the plan tariff hike. Speaking on The News Chronicle’s Political Clinic on Monday January 27, Brian lamented that the 50% planned tariff increase was going to heap more burden on Subscribers. He suggested that a 15% upward review in Tariff would have been a fair demand although it could be a difficult decision considering the prevailing economic realities. “It is difficult because, you expect them to provide services. And if they don’t provide these services, the…
A nationwide protest is currently brewing in Nigeria due to the recent approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, for telecommunication operators to raise tariff by 50%. Citing the mounting financial pressures occasioned by the devaluation of the naira and increasing operational costs in Nigeria, telecom operators like MTN and Airtel had demanded a 100% tariff increase. However, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on Monday, January 20 announced the approval of a 50% tariff increase. By the time the Mobil Network Operators implement the approved tariff, Nigerians are expected to pay N16.5 per minute for calls…
According to reports, no fewer than eleven persons have been confirmed dead in an accident involving a fuel tanker along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Saturday, January 25. Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has expressed sadness over the unfortunate accident. The governor, who was at the scene of the accident for an on-the-spot assessment, stated that the government had already swung into action to ensure that the injured victims received full medical attention, while also taking steps to forestall future occurrences, including enforcement of road traffic rules and fixing the bad portion of of the Federal road. Describing the accident…
President Bola Tinubu has pledged his unalloyed support for the Nigerian Armed Forces against evil forces raising challenges against them. He stated this during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Armed Forces Headquarters complex in Abuja. Tinubu lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces readiness in battling all insurgencies “I’m happy to say that the Nigerian Army Forces is coercive, coherent and ready to battle all sorts of insurgencies and we will continue to win. “I’m deeply moved, filled with pride and gratitude to those who wear the uniform of the Armed Forces and I’m using this to warn those…
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni has passed away. The elder statesman was said to have died on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness. Describing the passing of General Useni as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation, a statement by the Plateau state Governor Caleb Mutfwang highlighted General Useni’s exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape. Governor Mutfwang noted that…
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group has disclosed that the country has the potential to record 5.5 per cent growth in the Gross Domestic Product on the back of sustained reforms. Speaking during at the launch of the 2025 Macroeconomic Outlook by the NESG, on Thursday, January 23, the Chief Economist and Director of Research & Development, NESG, Dr. Olusegun Omisakin, said, “We believe at the optimal level, if we embark on more efficient policy reforms, the Nigerian economy has the potential, the GDP to end up at 5.5 per cent and we believe that this is achievable.” Details shortly…
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC have urged Nigerians to reject the 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariff. While describing it “another harsh burden” the NLC threatens to mobilize workers to boycott telecom services. In the same vain, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, also described the tariff that will begin next month as outrageous, lamenting that it will worsen the harsh living conditions of workers and Nigerians. Also reaction to the development, the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, decried the hike, emphasizing that was ill-timed and did not take into…
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has approved the recruitment of 500 teachers by the State Basic Education Board to enhance learning. According to the newly sworn-in Edo state Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Iyamu, who announced this on Wednesday January 22, reiterated the vital role of the education sector by the Okpebholo-led administration. While noting that the recruitment is strictly going to be merit-based, Iyamu added that the recruitment would be done in tranches, maintaining that “it is meant to fill the numerous vacancies in public schools. “Government is committed to ensuring that all public schools in Edo are adequately staffed…
Controversial Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has reacted to United States President Donald Trump’s recent executive order recognizing only two genders: male and female. Part of a number of directives signed by Trump upon resuming office, mandates the recognition of only two genders across all U.S. government policies. In his inaugural address, the US President maintained that; “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female.” Responding to the announcement, Bobrisky took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday January 21 to dismiss any…
Retail outlets owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, from N965 to N990 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory. The outlets in Lagos state also saw a price increase from N925 to N960 per litre. This is even as the price of crude oil showed a marginal decline on Tuesday. It was gathered that some of the filling stations indicated that the prices have been adjusted. The N20, or 2.1 per cent increase is more than the N970 retail price announced by the Dangote refinery in partnership with…
The World Health Organization has expressed displeasure over the United States’ intention to withdraw from the organization. While appealing to the US government to rethink the decision, the International health body in a statement on its X account on Tuesday, emphasized its crucial role in protecting global health, including that of Americans. WHO highlighted its work in addressing the root causes of diseases, strengthening health systems, and responding to health emergencies, often in challenging environments where others cannot operate. On Monday, January 20, newly sworn-in President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from WHO.…
Dangote Refinery has stated that “the recent adjustment in our ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) is directly related to the significant increase in global crude oil prices.” In a statement issued on Sunday, January 19 the refinery clarified that “any fluctuation in its international price inevitably impacts the cost of the finished product.” The News Chronicle recalls that earlier this week, Dangote announced a 5% increase in the depot price of petrol, raising it from N899.50 to N950 per litre. However, the statement clarified that “it is important to note that this increase is considerably lower than the…
According to reports, the death toll from Saturday’s tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko in Niger State has risen to 86, with 55 others injured. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), stated that the explosion, which occurred when a tanker carrying petrol overturned, has left a devastating impact on the region. In a statement, the NSEMA Director General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed that the bodies of the deceased were recovered from the site. He added that 80 of the victims were given a mass burial, facilitated by the agency, the Gurara Local Government Area, and volunteers, while five…
Following the constant increase in the price of Brent, the global benchmark for crude, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has notified of an upward adjustment in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, to its customers. In a statement made available to The News Chronicle on Friday, January 17, the refinery announced that its refined products would now be priced at N955 per litre at the loading gantry, marking an adjustment in its pricing structure. It added that marketers buying between 2 million – 4.99 million litres will now buy at N955 per litre while 5 million litres…
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Thursday January 16 proposed allocating 30 per cent of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue based on derivation, instead of 60 per cent. The Forum’s resolution followed the controversy surrounding the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly. The NGF also proposed sharing VAT revenue with 50 per cent based on equality and the remaining 20 per cent based on population to ensure an equitable distribution of resources. Recall that the formula earlier proposed by the bills suggested sharing 60 per cent of VAT revenue based on derivation, meaning states would receive funds proportional…
The Federal Government has reacted to recent remarks made by the 16th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms carried out under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a statement released by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Thursday, the government reaffirmed its commitment to reforms geared towards improving the economy, stressing that it does not need external validation to continue with its policies. This statement is coming after Emir Sanusi’s comments at a public event in Lagos on Wednesday, where he acknowledged the necessity of the reforms but said he had chosen…
Former Director Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, has stated that the appointment of Folashade Adekaiyaoja as deputy director-general of the Department of State Services was a good decision taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking on AriseNews Morning Show on Thursday, January 16, the Security Expert, maintained that the prioritization of staff welfare, training and promotion by the the leadership of the Department of State Services has repositioned the service for the better. While dismissing criticisms in some quarters on the appointment of a certain ethnic group occupying both positions of the Director General and Assistant Director General of…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has sanctioned nine Deposit Money Banks with fines amounting to N1.35bn for failing to ensure cash availability via Automated Teller Machines during the festive period. Each of the banks was fined N150m following spot checks that showed non-compliance with the apex bank’s cash distribution guidelines. The affected banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc. The fines will be directly debited from the banks’ accounts with the CBN. According to a…
Former presidential aspirant of the APC in the 2019 general election, Dr Abubakar Alkali has stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress, risks the chances of winning the 2027 general election if other major political parties agree on a merger. Alkali, who stated this on Monday January 13 while responding to questions on The News Chronicle’s Political Clinic, emphasized that though the opposition parties have not openly agreed on a merger, such strategy was a normal thing in politics. According to him, the opposition political parties have to be confidential and not unveil all their methods. The Convener, Movement for…
Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has been impeached by 32 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. His impeachment follows allegations bordering on corruption and financial mismanagement. Reports say, the embattled Speaker was impeached for gross misconduct and abuse of office. Obasa has been accused of spending N17 billion on a gate to the assembly complex, which critics described as excessive and fraudulent. There have also been allegations of mishandling constituency funds and projects levelled against the speaker. Details later…
The alleged baby mama of Nigerian renowned businessman, Okechukwu Pascal aka Cubana Chief Priest, Hellen Mutimu, has taken to social media to appreciate singer Burna Boy for fulfilling his promise to send help to her and her son. Hellen insisted that herself and Cubana Chiefpriest had a sex@ul encounter three years ago that resulted to the birth of her two-year-old son. However, Chiefpriest has not acknowledged the boy neither has he taken up responsibility. Recall that last week, Chiefpriest and Burna Boy had a spat on social media. During their spat, Burna Boy asked for Hellen to reach out to…
Former Spokesperson to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande has stated that there is no reason for anyone to assume that Osinbajo has left politics or resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC. Akande made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Sunday in Lagos. It would be recalled that the former Vice President has not been active in many political circles since leaving office in 2023, sparking speculations that he may have dumped the APC and politics. The former Vice President had contested the APC primary in 2022 but failed to clinch the…
President Bola Tinubu has departed the nation’s capital city, Abuja, to attend the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, ADSW, in the United Arab Emirates. The president jetted out at 06:30pm on Saturday to attend the summit slated for January 12 to 18. This was contained in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. According to him, Tinubu’s planned trip to the Middle East is at the behest of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “The Summit will bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress.…
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. In a statement on Friday January 10 by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi. “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement noted. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, in his remarks, said the announcement ends the legal…
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has urged those campaigning for him to run as Senator to desist from such act. The governor made this known on Thursday January 9 while playing host to a delegation of traditional rulers and prominent stakeholders from Akwanga LGA who paid him a New Year homage in Lafia the state capital. Addressing the gathering, Sule who stressed his commitment in ensuring that the next two years of his administration remain the best, frowned at any form of distraction. “I have been focusing my attention that by the grace of God, the next two years will…
Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has denied rumours of his arrest, stating that he is currently at his residence in Onitsha, Anambra State. His statement comes amid allegations of death threats and counterclaims involving him and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka. In a post shared on his official Twitter handle on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Obi called on his supporters to disregard the rumours of his alleged arrest, stressing that the claims were completely untrue. “The recurring fake News on me. I have been made aware…