NIGERIAN NOTCH

A team of Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service has discovered the corpse comb a forest  in imo state where they discovered some decomposed bodies  of  kidnappers' victims. Details Later....  Viewer Discretion advised

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), has said it realised N8.81 trillion as revenue in 2022. According to the financial statement posted on its website, revenue of NNPC Group rose by 37.32 per cent — from N6.42 trillion in 2021 to N8.81 trillion in 2022. The company disclosed this in its audited financial statements for the 16-month period ending December 2022, following pressure from various stakeholders for it to open its books for scrutiny. According to the report, the group’s profit-after-tax (PAT) rose to its highest level at N2.523 trillion — a 273.9 per cent increase from the N674 billion recorded in 2021. The profit was attributed to the “owners of the company” (N2.521 trillion) and “non-controlling interests” (N1.78 billion). Further breakdown showed that NNPC Group had a total current assets of N21.59 trillion and a total current liabilities of N49.35 trillion at the end of 2022, while its total assets increased by 260.48 percent from N16.27 t...

The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos chapter, Philip Aivoji has been abducted. It was gathered that Aivoji was abducted on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while returning from a stakeholders meeting in Oyo state convened by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke. The State PDP Publicity Secretary, Hon. Hakeem Amode confirmed his abduction on Friday. In a statement, Amode called upon security agencies and government authorities at all levels to intervene promptly and secure the release of its chairman. Amode stated, “It is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country, and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning. “The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace. Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident, and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remain unknown. “We implore the govern...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) wishes to inform her esteemed customers that the current state of power supply within its network which has resulted in a drop in supply availability is due to low power generation caused by gas constraints to the thermal generating companies. This development has resulted in low generation, leading to a reduction in the quantum of daily megawatt hour (MWH) of energy allocated to distribution companies nationwide. Consequently, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which is our primary source of power supply is constrained, as they only transmit what is generated and have resorted to System Load-shedding to forestall possible system collapse. This situation has equally impacted the quality of service to our customers, as we are contending with very low energy allocation wheeled to us by the TCN for distribution to our customers. A situation that has left us load-shedding available power to ensure it goes...

Mr. Idoko Collins Chidozie, the managing director of PETERFAN NNELINC GLOBAL LTD has lamented the breech of trust by Zenith Bank Plc, of 50 New Market Road Onitsha, Anambra state, over a loan advanced to him, which the bank did not allow him to have access to.  Speaking to newsmen at his office in Ontisha on 23/01/2024, Mr Idoko, narrated his ordeal with the bank, a condition he said, has led to the crumbling of his business concern which has further thrown him off balance because of the breach of trust from Zenith Bank plc.  He said "the problem started from Peterfan Nnelinc Global Ltd company account, in 2021, when Zenith Bank advanced a loan to us, which we however didn't solicit, as they begged to give us for the loan, through my account officer Obinna Nnodum.  The loan was an sme facility that came in two tranches of 7 and 15 Million respectfully, because the account was very active." He further stated that when the loan was given to the company, he did n...

The African Cup of Nations 2023, hosted by Cote d’Ivoire, has reached the elimination phase with the announcement of the Round of 16 fixtures. The host nation, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, is set to face Senegal in an anticipated match in Yamoussoukro on Monday. Here’s the complete lineup for the AFCON Round of 16 matches: Angola vs Namibia 6pm Nigeria Time, Saturday 27th January, 2024 Nigeria vs Cameroon 9pm Nigerian Time, Saturday 27th January, 2024 Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea 6pm Nigeria Time, Sunday 28th January, 2024 Egypt vs Democratic Republic of Congo 9pm Nigerian Time, Sunday 28th January, 2024 Cape Verde vs Mauritania 6pm Nigerian Time, Monday 29th January, 2024 Senegal vs Ivory Coast 9pm Nigerian Time, Monday 29th January, 2024 ⁠Mali vs Burkina Faso 6pm Nigerian Time, Tuesday 30th January, 2024 Morocco vs South Africa 9pm Nigerian Time, Tuesday 30th January, 2024 Fans are eagerly anticipating these matches, promising a showcase of some of the...

.....IGP orders postings, redeployment of 14 AIGs, 26 Commissioners of Police The Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, declared that same-sex marriage is illegal and prohibited under Sections 214 to 217 of the Criminal Code The Police headquarters has, therefore, ordered the arrest of culprits found to be engaged in unlawful acts in the country. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said: “It is imperative to note that same-sex marriage is strictly prohibited in Nigeria. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalizes the solemnization, operation and public display of same-sex marriages. “Following recent trend on social media where some individuals, who identify as queer, were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian laws, the Nigeria Police Force hereby wishes to enlighten the public on the legal aspects concerning unnatural offences and same-sex ma...

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal by the APC to affirm the Rivers State Governor Fubara's election. The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the election of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. The court, in a unanimous judgement of its five-member panel, dismissed the appeal filed to challenge the victory of Mr Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the 18 March 2023 election. The dismissed appeal was filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Tonye Cole. The court’s panel led by Kudirat Kekere-Ekun held that the appeal lacked merit. In the lead judgement that was delivered by a member of the panel, Ibrahim Saulawa, the court held that it saw no reason to tamper with the concurrent decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which had both affirmed Governor Fubara’s election. Dismissing the appeal on Thursday, the Supreme Court held that Mr Cole failed to prove his al...

~ An assurance of reinforced zeal to better the lives of the people of Anambra South Senatorial District.  The story of representation in Anambra South Senatorial District took a different turn with the advent of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah in the red chamber in 2019. In his avowed determination to bring about a drastic change in the fortunes of the people of his zone, the senator took off from day one with a clear vision of what needs to be done in order to change the face of representation in the district. This he commenced by throwing his doors open to the people of the senatorial zone in a classic case of 'Open Door Representation'. In a press release made available by his  Head, Media and Strategic Communications, Hon Chuks Ogbonna, who enumerated the many reasons why Anambra South Senatorial District is blessed to have Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah as their Senator, however outlined the key points of the constituency briefing.   Below are the key poi...

The price of 1 kilogram (Kg) of rice increased year-on-year, YoY, by 81 percent to N917.93 in December 2023 from N506.17 in the corresponding period of 2022. The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this yesterday in its Selected Food Price Watch for December 2023. NBS also said the average price of 1kg of Beans brown (sold loose) rose by 48.5 percent YoY to N870.67 in December 2023 from N586.14 in December 2022. Similarly, the average price of 1kg onion bulb rose by 122.9 percent YoY to N971.86 in December 2023 from N435.93 in December 2022. In addition, the average price of 1kg of Tomato rose by 77.6 percent YoY to N814.16 in December 2023 from N458.42 in December 2022. Meanwhile, the NBS in its Transport Fare Watch for December 2023 released yesterday said transport fare for bus, motorcycle (Okada), air and water transport journeys increased during the period. It stated: “The average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within the city per drop declined to 13...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has insisted that the death certificate of Grace Tiaga, a former director of legal services at the ministry of petroleum resources, must be presented in court. Taiga was arrested and charged to court by the EFCC over allegations of receiving payments from Process & Industrial Development (P&ID) to skew the controversial 20-year gas supply and processing agreement (GSPA) against Nigeria. The EFCC alleged that Taiga received illegal payments from Marshpearl Limited, a company controlled by the owners of P&ID, through her daughter. After retirement, she reportedly continued receiving payments from P&ID directors. She was also accused of failing to follow due process in giving legal advice on the GSPA. On September 20, 2019, a federal high court in Abuja remanded her at the Suleja prison after she pleaded “not guilty” to an eight-count charge of fraud brought against her by the EFCC. Taiga was later granted bai...

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, approved the appointment of AIG Dasuki Galadanci, AIG in charge of Zone 12 Bauchi, as a Deputy Inspector General of Police to represent the North West geopolitical zone of the country. He will replace DIG Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, who is expected to retire on February 2 this year. The Commission also approved the promotion of 1,897 senior police officers to their next substantive ranks. In a statement by its spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission elevated 14 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police. “However, one of the commissioners for promotion to AIG was stepped down to enable the Commission to review the pending disciplinary matter against the officer, which was sent to the Commission by the Nigeria Police Force.” The new AIGs are: Yetunde O. Longe, CP Eastern Ports, Port Harcourt; Haruna Gabriel Garba, CP Federal Capital Territory; Tajudeen Akinwale Abass, CP Delta...

Gov. Soludo has sacked Obi Achebe as Chairman of the Traditional Rulers  Council, BUT he was careful not to use the word *sack*. Yes, we know there is a popular saying that if you want to hide important information from a black man, you hide it inside a book, but this is Anambra and not one educationally disadvantaged state in South Sudan. Gov Soludo and his Chief Press Secretary have made a daring attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of Ndi Anambra,  but he forgot that this is Anambra and this is 2024 too when we no go gree for anybody.  According to the press release from his Chief Press Secretary: SOLUDO HAS SUDDENLY COME TO THE REALISATION THAT THE TRADITIONAL RULERS' COUNCIL IS AN ILLEGAL BODY THAT HAS OUTLIVED ITS SUPPOSED TENURE AND THAT OBI OF ONITSHA HAS BEEN OPERATING ILLEGALLY.  Accordingly, a new committee has been set up to draw up modalities for setting up a new body that will now consist of the traditional rulers, government functionaries...

The Presidency has maintained that there are no plans to move the Federal Capital to Lagos as speculated in some quarters. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, stated this in a statement via his official X handle on Wednesday. President Tinubu has no plan whatsoever to move the Federal Capital to Lagos. The rumour first surfaced during the campaign last year by opponents looking for all manners of weapons to stop him. We trashed it. Those peddling it anew are dishonest, ethnic and regional champions,… pic.twitter.com/VRAdltlkdN — Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) January 24, 2024 According to Onanuga, those peddling rumour are dishonest, ethnic and regional champions, trying to draw attention to themselves. He claimed that those pushing the campaign of falsehood know they are playing politics, albeit dangerous politics to pitch the North against the South. Onanuga said Abuja has come to stay as it is backed by law. His statement...

The  traditional ruler of Umuona community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, dethroned by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Igwe Humphrey Ejesieme has said he is innocent of the accusations leveled against him that led to the State Government's withdrawal of his certificate of recognition. Igwe Ejesieme made the disclosure in an exclusive chat with TNC correspondent in his palace at Umuona. Igwe Ejesieme was elected the traditional ruler of Umuona in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State in 2013. He was later presented with Certificate Of Recognition on the 7th of March, 2014 by the then  Governor Peter Obi. The governor had in June 2023, withdrawn his Certificate of Recognition over allegations of interfering with the town union matters. But Igwe Ejesieme said trouble started in his kingdom when the leadership of the community's town union, early in 2023, alleged that he invaded their meeting with thugs who wielded dangerous weapons. Igwe Ejesieme ...

The United States government has urged the Federal Government to implement the reports of various #EndSARS panels set up to investigate human rights abuses by security agencies during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. The US made the call at the United Nations Human Rights Council 4th cycle Universal Period Review of Nigeria in Geneva, Switzerland. Addressing some human rights concerns in Nigeria, a representative of the US government asked the Federal Government to take steps to implement the #EndSARS report, amend the Nigerian Press Council Act to remove restrictions on freedom of expression and review the standard operating procedure of the armed forces to protect human rights. She said: “Our main concern is on certain restrictions on Nigerians on the enjoyment of human rights. In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Nigeria implement recommendations from state level investigations panel report on security forces response to the #EndSARS protests includi...

Many are believed to have been killed and houses, a church and mosque burnt in Sabogari Area of Mangu local government area of Plateau State during a fresh attack by gunmen. An eyewitness, Pansak Lazarus, who is a member of the affected community, told newsmen that the number of casualties cannot be determined for now. “I cannot give you the exact number of people killed but many were killed. More than 15 houses were burnt as well as several shops destroyed,” he said. Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, DSP Alfred Alabo, who spoke to newsmen, called for calm, saying the police are on top of the situation. Similarly, the media officer of the Special Task Force in charge of security in Plateau, Bauchi and some part of Southern Kaduna, codenamed Operation Save Haven (OPSH), Captain James Oya also confirmed the attack but declined to give casualties figures. He stated that troops of OPSH had been deployed to the affected area with a view to bringing the situation under control,...

    Akeredolu, former Ondo State Governor, died on December 27, 2023 after a long health battle. Rotimi Akeredolu will be buried on February 23, 2024.  This is according to a funeral timetable released by the late Akeredolu’s family on Monday evening. “Friday, February 23, 2024: Funeral Service at St Andrew’s Anglican Church Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo. Time: 10 am,” the burial schedule released by Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, Jnr. read partly. “Interment follows immediately after the burial service at the burial site, Owo. (Strictly for immediate family)”. Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, after a battle with illness. READ THE FULL STATEMENT ABOUT AKEREDOLU’S BURIAL RITES BELOW CELEBRATION OF A REMARKABLE LIFE With hearts overflowing with gratitude, the entire Akeredolu family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to all those who have extended their warmth and compassion to us during this trying time, following the unfortunate transition of our beloved ...

.... Otedola returns to ranking, named among continent’s wealthiest The president of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has retained his position as the richest person in Africa with a net worth of $13.9 billion in the 2024 Forbes list of 20 of Africa’s Richest billionaires released yesterday. According to Forbes, the fortunes of Africa’s wealthiest people rebounded slightly in the past 12 months, reversing the decline in their fortunes from a year ago, though they were still off their all-time highs. The New Jersey-based media outfit pointed out that the 20 billionaires on the 2024 Forbes list of Africa’s Richest were worth a combined $82.4 billion, which was up $900 million from last year’s $81.5 billion. However, executive chairman of Geregu Power Plc and a non-executive director FBN Holdings, Femi Otedola, was named among the 20 richest persons in Africa. Otedola was listed as the 19th richest person in Africa with net worth of $1.1 billion. Specifically, Forbes attribut...

The federal government, on Monday, January 22, assured that the soon-to-take-off Student Loan Scheme would be devoid of human intervention as every action would be taken on an application, specifically designed for the purpose. This assurance was given by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Board, Akintunde Sawyerr, who spoke, along with the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after a briefing meeting with President Bola Tinubu. He explained that the government was keen to ensure that young Nigerians do not fail to acquire tertiary education just because of a lack of funds to continue their studies. According to him, the implementation of the student loans scheme would enable Nigerians to pick a career trajectory of their choice, rather than being forced to do something else because they were unable to acquire the requisite education due to lack of funds. Sawyer ...

Delta State Government has said that it would not compromise on the execution of quality projects across the State. Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon who stated this during a Radio programme on Kpoko FM, Warri, monitored in Asaba, thanked the people of the State for their support during the elections and legal battles. While stating that the administration would not take the support of the people for granted, Ahon noted that “the governor is fine and he is fast settling in for the business of governance, having won 38 legal battles. Like he said in his M.O.R.E. agenda, he is ready more than ever before to deliver the dividends of democracy to all Deltans. “This is a government for every class of persons, nobody will be sidelined in this government. As you can see, projects are being executed across the state, in all senatorial districts, Local Government Areas and communities. “In the recent past we have also engaged over 2000 teaching and non-tea...

The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has announced the start of its maiden free computer-based mock examination, for the 2024 first-series West African Senior Secondary School Examination, WASSCE for private candidates. The mock examination slated for January 23 to 24, is open to all prospective candidates as noted by the Ag. Head, Public Affairs, WAEC national office, Lagos, Moyosola Adesina. Part of the release signed by her read: “WAEC has scheduled a free Mock Examination for all the prospective candidates for the first-ever Computer-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2024- First Series which starts on Wednesday, 31st January 2024. “The mock examination will be held on the 23rd and 24th of January, 2024. Candidates are expected to log on to the mockcbt.waec.org.ng portal from their mobile phones or personal computers to take the examination. The mock examination portal will be accessible all day, for the two days. Candidates would be allowed to access the mock...

Inibehe Effiong a Human rights lawyer, who was on The Morning Brief on Monday, January 22, 2024 on Channels TV has called for the scrapping of social investment programs in Nigeria.    He asked that the Federal Government scraps the N-Power and other social intervention programmes under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Effiong, while commenting on the controversy surrounding embattled minister Betta Edu, and her suspension over alleged financial misconduct. According to Effiong, the social intervention programmes introduced under the humanitarian affairs ministry have not in any way pulled poor Nigerians out of poverty. “We have been hearing of N-Power over the years. We have now seen that the government is saying that they want to spend N3 billion to audit the social register which is scandalous. What are you spending N3 billion to audit? It’s embarrassing, some of the things we hear in this country. “So, I am saying that these social ...

Justice James of the Federal High Court Abuja has nullified the N800 billion budget passed by the Edison Ehie led group of the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The court also upheld the suit filed by the Assembly and Speaker Martin Amaewhule, against Fubara, which sought an order of injunction restraining the governor from frustrating the Assembly under his leadership as speaker, among others. On December 13, 2023, in the heat of the protracted political crisis rocking the oil-rich state and the demolition of the Assembly Complex, Fubara presented the 2024 budget proposal of N800bn to five members of the State Assembly led by Edison Ehie, who would later resign from the House. The presentation was done at the Government House in Port Harcourt, following the demolition of the Assembly Complex by the state government and after a court restrained Ehie’s contender, Martins Amaewhule, from using the Assembly Comp...

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, in this interview, calls on Nigerians to put public officers to task over deliverables, especially under the 2024 budget. The 2024 budget has a record increase in deficit. It gives me the impression that the government will continue to borrow to the point of crowding out the private sector It’s not going to crowd out the private sector because the first thing the president had directed is that we are no longer going to borrow money unlawfully. So the Central Bank is not going to print money for the government anymore. If, to the extent that we would borrow from the Central Bank, it is going to be within what the law allows. Our law allows up to 5% of the previous year’s revenue. What we have been doing wrong is to go beyond that 5% limit. So now there’s that clarity. And secondly is where we are to borrow; we will issue bonds. It’s an option. People can invest. It even provides an opportunity for some private inves...