BREAKING Archives - Page 5 of 9

BREAKING: Senate Screens INEC Chairman-Designate Amupitan

October 16, 2025 by admin

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is currently appearing before the Senate for his screening and confirmation. Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier and exchanged pleasantries with Senators, was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise. Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow strangers into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South). Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence. Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, after vetting and fingerprinting. According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him. The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, he was cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the Police. The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials. President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who resigned from his position. The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law. His appointment has, however, generated mixed reactions from civil society groups and political stakeholders, with some calling for reforms that will strengthen the independence and transparency of the electoral body. The screening session is expected to focus on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process. If confirmed by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

BREAKING: PDP State Chairmen Disown Suit Seeking to Halt Convention

October 15, 2025 by admin

State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party have dissociated themselves from a court action instituted to stop the party’s forthcoming national convention slated to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November, saying they remain committed to the unity and progress of the PDP. Speaking to journalists on behalf of the PDP Chairmen Forum in Abuja, the forum’s chairman and Edo State PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, criticised the conduct of Austine Nwachukwu (Imo) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia). Aziegbemi announced their suspension from the forum and called on the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee to take disciplinary action against any NWC member found to be directly or indirectly connected to the court case. He stated, ” We distance ourselves completely from the suit and the plan to use it to stop the PDP from holding its National Convention. This is not right. “We want to state clearly that we are solidly behind the Damagum-led NWC, and we will give our full support to ensure a hitch-free convention. The evil plot of the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state will never succeed. “We hope other organs of the party will draw inspiration from our decision. We must all stand firm and make the right choices.” Details shortly…

BREAKING: FG Enforces No-Work-No-Pay on Striking ASUU Members

October 13, 2025 by admin

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities across the country to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike. The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The circular was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission. According to the circular, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over reports of the continued industrial action by ASUU despite repeated calls for dialogue, stressing that government would no longer tolerate non-compliance with extant labour laws. “In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular reads. The minister directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff in their institutions. He also instructed them to submit a comprehensive report indicating staff members who are present and performing their official duties, and those absent or participating in the strike. Alausa further directed that salary payment for the period of work stoppage be withheld from those who fail to perform their duties. He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not part of the strike, are exempted from the directive and will not face any salary deductions. The minister also tasked the NUC to monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular. “Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” Alausa urged the university heads. The federal government had threatened to enforce the policy amid the ongoing nationwide strike by the lecturers. The lecturers on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike starting from Monday, October 13. ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO. Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

BREAKING: Students Protest in Oyo, Rally Support for Dangote Refinery

October 7, 2025 by admin

Some members of the National Association of Oduduwa Students, the Coalition of Yoruba Students, and the Yoruba Movement are currently staging a peaceful protest in solidarity with the Dangote Refinery, amid its ongoing faceoff with oil unions, PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria. The protesters, who converged on Tuesday at Iwo Road Roundabout, end of Ibadan/Lagos expressway, Ibadan in Oyo State, were chanting different songs to show their solidarity. They are marching through major routes, waving placards with inscriptions such as, “Don’t Kill Dangote Refinery,” “#StopsabotagingfuelinNigwria“#EndPENGASSAN,” #EndDAPPMAN,” “#DangoteRefineryIsANationalAsset,” “#StopSabotage, among others.” Wearing matching shirts emblazoned with, “Don’t Kill Dangote Refinery,” the students said the protest is aimed at drawing government attention to what they describe as a “coordinated attempt by vested interests” to frustrate the operations of the refinery, Nigeria’s biggest industrial investment and Africa’s largest single-train refinery. The NAOS President, Olalere Adetunji, called on President Bola Tinubu and relevant government agencies to intervene urgently. “We want to use this period to appeal to the Federal Government to protect the refinery and ensure that labour and marketers’ actions do not derail Nigeria’s move toward fuel self-sufficiency.” Security operatives, including the police and Federal Road Safety Corps, are on ground to maintain order as the protest continues.

BREAKING: NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA Shut As PENGASSAN Begins Strike

September 29, 2025 by admin

The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Monday paralysed operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The industrial action, which followed the weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdrawing their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Our correspondent observed that at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving several employees stranded outside the premises. Security operatives on duty confirmed that no staff were allowed entry, in line with the strike directive issued by the union. Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the busy Central Business District were completely grounded as workers fully complied with the industrial action. Confirming the situation, the PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” effectively restricting access to staff and visitors. He added that his colleagues had also enforced 100 per cent compliance at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies. PENGASSAN said the strike became inevitable after the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. This move is expected to choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices. On Sunday, PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike, instructing all its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease all services starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025. The union also directed members stationed in various field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil. In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed workers had been replaced by foreigners. “All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.” The development has heightened fears of fuel scarcity and blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol while the midstream and downstream authority regulates supply and distribution. Similarly, NUPRC is responsible for monitoring crude production and enforcing gas supply obligations to power plants. All eyes are now on Monday’s emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. Whether dialogue can restore calm or whether Nigeria plunges deeper into crisis may depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise.

Breaking: 3SC Lose Assistant Coach, Akin Olowokere

August 11, 2025 by admin

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan has lost one of its technical staff and Assistant Coach, Akin Olowokere. ‎Olowokere slumped and died on Monday morning during a training session at Ikenne, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on Monday morning. ‎He was one of the new technical and backroom team unveiled by the club. ‎Others unveiled by the club included: ‎- Ayeoba Adedeji Gabriel – Assistant Coach ‎- Shakiru Lawal – Assistant Coach ‎- Gopar Cornelius – Goalkeeper Trainer ‎- Grace Towobola – Strength & Conditioning Coach ‎- Tammy Tamuno – Team Manager / Team Scout ‎- Habeeb Opeyemi – Psychologist ‎- Jesse Afuye – Match Analyst ‎- Lawrence Adedeji – Coaching Officer Akin Olowokere was the former head coach of Ekiti United. He resigned his appointment due to personal reasons.

JUST IN: Babangida’s Son Declines Tinubu’s Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture

July 21, 2025 by admin

Muhammed Babangida, son of former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has formally declined his recent appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. In a letter dated July 21, 2025, and addressed to the President, Babangida expressed profound appreciation for the honour bestowed on him but stated that personal and professional considerations would not allow him to serve the role effectively. “It is a true privilege to be thought worthy of such a strategic role in advancing the nation’s agricultural and economic development,” he wrote. “After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with utmost respect, to decline the appointment.” The letter, which was signed and made public, emphasized Babangida’s continued support for the administration of President Tinubu and his commitment to contributing to national development through other avenues. “I remain fully committed to the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria under your leadership. I continue to hold your administration in the highest regard and stand ready to support national development in other ways where my expertise may be of service,” he added. The decision is seen by many observers as a significant gesture of personal principle, especially given the strategic importance of the Bank of Agriculture in the current administration’s economic diversification agenda. As of the time of filing this report, the presidency has not issued a formal reaction to the declined appointment.

BREAKING: Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Is Dead

July 7, 2025 by admin

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed on. Oodua News learnt that the monarch, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne. Details later…

BREAKING: APC National Chairman Ganduje Resigns

June 27, 2025 by admin

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, has stepped down from his position. A source within the APC national headquarters, who does not want his name mentioned in print because he is not authorised to speak on the matter, said the National Working Committee will announce an acting chairman soon. As of Friday, details surrounding his resignation remain unclear at press time. However, a reliable source exclusively informed our correspondent that “Yes, Ganduje has resigned, and most of his personal belongings have been moved from the APC national secretariat. “The National Working Committee will soon confirm this and announce an acting replacement.” When our correspondent visited the APC national headquarters in Abuja, several party supporters were seen gathered in clusters, discussing the development and awaiting official confirmation from the NWC. Attempts to reach the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for confirmation or denial were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls from our correspondent. Meanwhile, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad posted on his X handle on Friday, said, “The National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress(APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position, effective immediately, as confirmed by multiple sources. “The former National Chairman of our party would be succeeded in acting capacity by one of the party’s national vice chairmen until a substantive chairman is elected at the national convention scheduled for December 2025.”

BREAKING: Tinubu Signs Tax Reform Bills Into Law

June 26, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has signed into law four tax reform bills on key areas of Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework. Tinubu signed the bills at a ceremony held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, at about 03:20pm local time. The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders. “When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Onanuga said. The presidential assent to the bills was witnessed by the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senate Majority Leader, House Majority Leader, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and his House counterpart. The Chairman of the Governors Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State; the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; the Minister of Finance and Coordination Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, were also at the ceremony. One of the four bills is the Nigeria Tax Bill (Ease of Doing Business), which aims to consolidate Nigeria’s fragmented tax laws into a harmonised statute. “By reducing the multiplicity of taxes and eliminating duplication, the bill will enhance the ease of doing business, reduce taxpayer compliance burdens, and create a more predictable fiscal environment,” said the Presidency in a statement Wednesday night. The second bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, will establish a uniform legal and operational framework for tax administration across federal, state, and local governments. The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the third bill, repeals the current Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and creates a more autonomous and performance-driven national revenue agency— the Nigeria Revenue Service. It defines the NRS’s expanded mandate, including non-tax revenue collection, and lays out transparency, accountability, and efficiency mechanisms. The fourth bill is the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. It provides for a formal governance structure to facilitate cooperation between revenue authorities at all levels of government. It introduces essential oversight mechanisms, including establishing a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman. Punch