Prominent Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has voiced strong opposition to the growing trend of nepotism in Nigeria’s political system, blaming both past and present administrations for promoting ethnic bias and undermining national unity. Speaking during a Christmas service at his Abuja residence, Chief Clark criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for favoring certain ethnic groups in key appointments, a practice he argued has continued under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Clark accused Buhari’s government of sidelining competent Nigerians in favor of candidates chosen based on ethnicity rather than merit. He lamented that despite widespread calls for reform,…
Author: National Update
In his 2024 Christmas message, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has sounded a note of caution against the growing influence of secularism and the erosion of moral values in modern society. Speaking to Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Bishop Kukah expressed concern over the commercialization of Christmas, which he said is overshadowing its spiritual essence of peace, joy, and reconciliation. “Christmas is increasingly being seen as another holiday or at best, one of the greatest opportunities for smart business returns. We have refused to accept the warning of Jesus that we cannot serve two masters,”…
In a bid to mark the 2024 Christmas season with acts of compassion, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has granted clemency to Segun Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo. They were sentenced to death in 2014 for robbery-related offenses committed in 2010. The duo, aged 17 at the time, had been convicted of stealing two fowls, eggs, and mobile phones from individuals in Okuku, Osun State. Despite the minor theft, the court had sentenced them to death by hanging in 2014, sparking nationwide outrage over the severity of the punishment. They were granted a prerogative of mercy alongside 51 other convicts who…
By Friday Idachaba In a chilling act of betrayal, the Kogi State Police Command has arrested Abdulmuqeet Musari for allegedly attempting to murder his close friend, Usman Tijani, a 19-year-old Cyber Security student, after robbing him of N200, 000 The suspect reportedly lured Usman to a Cemetery in New Zango, Adavi Local Government Area, where he overpowered him, slit his throat, and fled with the cash Confirming the incident on Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Williams Ovye Aya, said Musari is now in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations Preliminary reports revealed that the…
The Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs. Joy Enwa, has denied any wrongdoing following her arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriating N1.3 trillion linked to the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. The EFCC confirmed her detention as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct, which reportedly involves funds from the 13 percent derivation allocation for oil-producing states. Just before her arrest, Mrs. Enwa described the allegations as politically motivated, stating, “I have always carried out my duties with transparency and accountability. This is an attempt to tarnish my reputation because…
The Nigerian military has strongly defended its recent airstrikes in Sokoto State, insisting that the operation targeted members and associates of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group, not civilians as widely speculated. In response to reports alleging that the strikes mistakenly hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area, Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar, spokesman for the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, clarified that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and rigorous surveillance. “Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group,” Lt. Col…
By Ahmed Aminu, Dutse In a bold move to enhance grassroots development and promote economic recovery, the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program has distributed motorcycles to facilitators across the 27 local government areas of Jigawa State under its FADAMA CARES Results Area II initiative. The distribution is seen as a strategic intervention aimed at bridging gaps in rural service delivery, ensuring timely support for farmers, and strengthening community-based projects. The State Programme Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Inuwa, emphasized that the motorcycles were provided to ease mobility challenges faced by facilitators in reaching remote communities. “This intervention is…
In a bold move to tackle food insecurity and boost agricultural production, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has earmarked over N70 billion for the agricultural sector in the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged “Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” is designed to revive the state’s economy and deliver democratic dividends with a strong focus on agricultural revolution, food production, and infrastructural development. Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua quoted him while signing the budget into law, to have emphasized his administration’s commitment to people-centered approach, pledging to address food shortages and make Edo food-sufficient. He stated…
The Edo State Government is setting a new benchmark in maternal and infant care with its plan to upgrade Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the state’s 18 local government areas. This initiative aims to provide efficient, affordable, and accessible healthcare services, especially for mothers and newborns. The announcement came as Mrs. Edesili Anani, Administrator of the Office of the First Lady, celebrated Christmas with mothers of newborns and other patients in hospitals across Edo State. Mrs. Anani emphasized the administration’s focus on maternal and child health, which underscores its broader commitment to improving healthcare facilities. She stated, “The Senator Monday…
A northern advocacy group, Northern Frontiers for Good Governance, has demanded a probe into the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security over an alleged N1 billion contract awarded for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The group, in a petition addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 20, 2024, described the contract as a misplacement of priorities, questioning why funds meant for agricultural development were diverted to non-agricultural projects. Signed by its National Coordinator, Mallam Abdullah Tanko, the petition raised concerns about the ministry’s focus at a…