BREAKING

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna There are reports that Mr Bashir Saidu, former Chief of Staff to immediate past Governor of Kaduna state, North-Central Nigeria, Nasir El Rufai, has been arrested by security operatives. Sources said he was picked up for alleged money laundering and sale of government properties, during the El Rufai administration. El Rufai enjoyed a two-term tenure, 2015-2019 and 2019-2023. But, friends of the ex-Chief of Staff have raised dust, questioning why an anti-terrorism security outfit should be used in hounding him over alleged political matters. They also maintained that Saidu is innocent, saying he presented many documents…

Today, we join friends, family, associates and family to celebrate the remarkable Engr. Mazen Kalassina on his birthday. As he embarks on another year of life, we take this opportunity to acknowledge and honor his extensive contributions to the fields of engineering, leadership, and artificial intelligence (AI). With a career spanning several years, Engr. Mazen has distinguished himself as a pioneering force in innovation, adeptly bridging the gap between human intelligence and the rapidly advancing world of AI. Engr. Mazen's unwavering commitment to leveraging technology serves as a catalyst for positive change, driving progress and enhancing the quality of life…

By Felix Durumbah The Nigerian government has reacted to the allegation by the military junta in neighbouring Niger Republic that France was using Nigeria to destabilize it (Niger) and other countries. Nigerien junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani had recently told a meeting in his country that Niger's former colonial overlord, France, had offered Nigeria money to set up a base in Borno state and was cooperating with Islamic terrorists, Islamic State for West Africa (ISWAP), to begin destabilization of several countries in West Africa for her ulterior motives. But Nigeria's Federal Government reacted on Thursday, strongly rejecting the allegations. The…

Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, today (Tuesday) breathed the fresh air of freedom after meeting his bail conditions. Fellow activist, Omoyele Sowore, who disclosed this, said Farotimi was on his way to his home in Lagos. Sowore, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said the activist lawyer had left the correctional centre in Ekiti State, where he was remanded by court order. “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti state and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”, Sowore posted. A Chief Magistrate Court in…

After about 574 days in office, President Bola Tinubu is to address Nigerians today in his first media chat with the nation. The chat is scheduled to take place tonight by 9 pm, ahead of Christmas celebrations. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. Onanuga acknowledged that this will be Tinubu's first presidential media chat. He stated: “The first presidential media chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 pm on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. “All television and radio stations are requested to…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan Fresh credibility crisis has gripped Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti state, South-West Nigeria, as a lecturer was reportedly queried, then suspended, by the university authorities for complaining publicly of an alleged fraud of over N10 million perpetrated against him. The money was the remainder of payment on a grant offered the lecturer by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to pursue a Ph.D programme at a university in Cyprus. The said sum allegedly developed wings in the hands of three Accounts Division staff of TETFUND, possibly in collision with other persons, leaving the lecturer stranded in…

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday announced the reconstitution of executive management teams of 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. A statement by presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, which disclosed this, said Tinubu expressed optimism that the 72 appointees, six for each of the 12 management teams, would use their wealth of experience to bolster the efficiency of the organisations, in line with his administration’s goal to improve the lives of Nigerians. The full list of appointees below: OGUN-OSUN RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ABEOKUTA (Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun): Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun – Chairman…

A mind-boggling sum of N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom by Nigerians between May, 2023 and April, 2024. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office on May 29,2023. The shocking ransom figure was made available by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Such payments came amid rising insecurity in the land even as security agencies keep battling terrorists,bandits,kidnappers and others involved in the roiling violence. NBS published the ransom amount in its latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report. The report showed that the ransoms were paid by households affected by kidnapping incidents, highlighting the growing threat posed by criminal…