***As it refutes Reports of suspending actions ***Akpabio Defends Tax Reform Process, Dismisses Claims of Rushed Legislation There were some disagreement at Plenary on Thursday when the Senate contradicted itself over its Wednesday proceedings on the controversial Tax Reforms Bills. The Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele disagreed with reports suggesting that actions on the controversial Tax Reform bills have been suspended. This was coming against the backdrop that at Wednesday’s plenary Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin while presiding had explained reasons for putting actions on hold on the bills. Coming under Order 42, the Senate leader countered media reports suggesting…
Author: National Update
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal and Ekiti State Governments, demanding the immediate release of human rights lawyer Dr. Dele Farotimi from remand. Frank warned that failure to release Farotimi would trigger mass protests, with Nigerians urged to occupy police stations and formations nationwide. The ultimatum is coming after a Wednesday ruling by the Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court, Ado Ekiti Division, which ordered Farotimi’s remand in a correctional facility over alleged defamation. The case stems from Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice…
By Emmanuel Oloniruha The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has urged government at all levels to ensure the enrollment of People Living with HIV/AIDS in health insurance scheme. The IHVN Regional Manager, Federal Capital Territory, Dr Tangkat Holse at the flag-off of the 2024 World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign, on Tuesday in Abuja. The theme of the event organised by the IHVN FCT Region, in collaboration with the FCT Health Management, was “Take The Right Path: Sustain The HIV Response and Stop HIV among Children to End AIDS.” Holse also urged government and stakeholders to sustain efforts targeted at…
By Emmanuel Oloniruha Prof. Sani Adam, INEC National Commissioner, has advised Nigerian workers to embrace opportunities offered by cooperative societies to build better future for themselves. Adam, in Charge of Health and Welfare Committee, gave the advice on Wednesday in Abuja, during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the INEC Staff Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society (ISMCS). Adam said that cooperative society, through collective savings, offered opportunities for individuals to come together support one another and build a better future for themselves, especially in this difficult period. “With the current economic realities, a cooperative society is a reliable option for you to…
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his commitment to partnering with traditional rulers to address insecurity and other challenges at the grassroots level. The Governor made this pledge during a meeting with traditional rulers from Edo North, emphasizing the vital role they play in maintaining peace and security. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted him to have acknowledged the historical significance of traditional institutions, noting that they were the first line of defense in community security. Governor Okpebholo highlighted his administration’s respect for traditional institutions, referencing the recent restoration of the statutory…
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has firmly rejected claims that Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, neglected education in favor of religious infrastructure. Governor Namadi accused of spending over N1.5b on religious infrastructure at the expense of education, however, the forum defended the Jigawa Governor insisting that the administration is committed to a balanced approach that will advance both educational and religious needs. In a statement issued by the PGF’s Director-General, Fulurunso Alunko, the forum declare that the allegations are misleading and politically motivated. The statement emphasized that Namadi’s administration prioritized a balanced approach to governance, addressing the social, spiritual,…
Ms. Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) has made history by becoming the first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, 43 years after its establishment. Ike, along with four other executive members, was elected unopposed and sworn in on Wednesday in an election overseen by officials from the NUJ National Secretariat under tight security. Other elected officials include Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria (VON) as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper as Secretary, and Sandra Udeike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as Treasurer. The new executives will lead…
Concerns have escalated in the media and political space over the arrest of Dele Farotimi, alongside a reported invasion of his law firm and harassment of his staff by alleged members of the Nigerian Police Force. As of the time of this statement, Dele Farotimi has been arraigned on a 16-count charge for alleged defamation and cybercrimes before a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. After pleading not guilty, he was denied bail and remanded in prison custody, highlighting a troubling decline in the operations of our democracy. The issues surrounding Farotimi’s arrest stem from a petition alleging defamation in…
Following the recent arrest of Barrister Dele Farotimi, the Obidient Movement, led by its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has raised concerns over alleged threats against Peter Gregory Obi, former presidential candidate and leader of the movement. During a press conference on Wednesday, the group condemned what it described as a systematic crackdown on dissent, exemplified by the recent arrest of prominent human rights lawyer Barr. Dele Farotimi. Dr. Tanko warned that the threats against Peter Obi were part of a broader campaign to silence voices critical of the government. He stated, “We are aware of the one-by-one targeting of…
Following rampant cases of flight cancellations and delays in the Aviation sector, the Senate at plenary on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, (SAN) and other stakeholders in the sector. The resolution was reached after the adoption and approval of a motion by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who is representing Oyo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Titled, “Incessant Delayed and cancelled flights by Airline Operators in Nigeria,” the Senator in his motion, drew the attention of his colleagues to the worrisome development. Buhari noted series of reportage in…