The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • No rift between ‘Ade Dancer’ and Yeye Asiwaju

    No rift between ‘Ade Dancer’ and Yeye Asiwaju

    A short but dramatic exchange between First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke during an event in Ile-Ife has stirred a huge debate online.

    It was the aftermath of a viral video where the First Lady was seen urging the governor to “keep to time” as he prepared to speak.

    Although the clip triggered criticism and speculation from critics, The Nation gathered that the encounter was nothing more than a light-hearted exchange between two long-time friends known for teasing each other in public.

    The incident occurred on Sunday during the celebration of the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary, where the First Lady was installed as the Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oòdua.

    The event drew an impressive gathering of high-ranking traditional rulers, political leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    Royal fathers at the ceremony were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; and Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye, among many others.

    Also there were eminent politicians, including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), former Ogun governor Ibikunle Amosun, Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Solomon Adeola, Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi.

    Wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, led wives of governors, women ministers, wives of lawmakers and service chiefs to the ceremony.

    Other dignitaries included Speaker of Lagos Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Osun Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, Mrs. Lilian Musa, Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke, Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade, and former Oyo State governor’s wife, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.

    Time was already running behind schedule as formal activities did not begin until about 1pm. Consequently, virtually all speakers delivered unusually brief remarks.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo spoke for less than three minutes; two earlier speakers combined spent about seven minutes; the Sultan of Sokoto used one minute and 32 seconds; and the Ooni himself kept his remarks concise. Even the First Lady’s own speech lasted for three minutes.

    The mood, however, shifted slightly when Adeleke took the stage. True to his signature style, he danced his way to the podium—consuming nearly a minute before speaking.

    He then opened with a spiritual song. It was at that point that Senator Tinubu approached him, urging him softly to “hurry up” to help manage the running time.

     Adeleke, who nodded in acknowledgement, immediately began another song, prompting the First Lady to jokingly warn that she would “pack his speech” if he continued.

    Those familiar with their relationship said the exchange was harmless and reflected the camaraderie between the two.

     Adeleke once acknowledged that their friendship dated back to their time in the Senate, where Senator Tinubu defended him during a media controversy over a viral photograph of him dozing at plenary.

    Since Adeleke assumed office, the First Lady has visited Osun State four times—more than her visits to some All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states—an indication of their long-standing bond that predates their current positions.

    In essence, that encounter on Sunday at the Ooni’s palace was a friendly reminder of old times between two old allies, rather than the heated confrontation portrayed by some online commentators.

    —

  • Ex-NDLEA directors pledge support for Marwa on drug war

    Ex-NDLEA directors pledge support for Marwa on drug war

    Retired Deputy Commanders-General of Narcotics (DCGN), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have visited the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig.-Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) to congratulate him on the renewal of his tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They pledged their support for the battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement.

    According to the statement, the agency’s former Director of Prosecution and Legal Services (DCGN), Sunday Nbona Joseph, commended Marwa for his efforts to transform NDLEA into a frontline drug law enforcement body globally recognised.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    He said the agency, its workforce and Nigeria have a lot to gain from Marwa’s reappointment because of his commitment, hard work and leadership qualities.

    Expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for reappointing him for another tenure of five years, they assured of their preparedness to continue to offer advice, suggestions and support for continuous operational successes of the agency.

    “With your reappointment, we ask God to give you longevity and more ability and capacity to record many more achievements. Thank you very much for the opportunity that you have given to us at such short notice,’’ Sunday stated, after which they presented a giant congratulatory card to the NDLEA boss.

     Marwa thanked them for the kind gesture and best wishes he had received from all of them, including those who could not be present. According to him, “We are grateful to the president who deemed it fit to renew our tenure. I’m grateful to you all for being part of the reason for the renewal. Obviously, a CEO cannot on his own make those seizures, those arrests, those sensitisations and all the rehabilitation going on. No CEO will do that alone. It’s all under commands which fall under your various directorates.

    “I’m not saying anything that is not factual. I rely on the management team, which you have been, from the day I joined until when you left. So, I appreciate you also for all that you have contributed and continue to contribute. Now, I’m not under any delusion that everyone is happy that I came back for a second time, not least the criminal elements.”

    He told them that a lot of successes had been recorded since they retired from the Agency and assured them that more will be attained in the coming days “because President Tinubu is giving NDLEA the full backing we need to achieve more.”

  • Lagos unveils policy framework to combat technology-facilitated SGBV

    Lagos unveils policy framework to combat technology-facilitated SGBV

    The Lagos State government, in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has unveiled a policy framework targeted at preventing and responding to technology-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    The multisectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) was launched at the event to drive the implementation of the policy.

    The framework, described as the first of its kind at the sub-national level in Nigeria, seeks to address the rising cases of digital abuse, including cyber stalking, online grooming, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital extortion, and other forms of technology-enabled violations disproportionately affecting women and girls.

    Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the policy marks a major milestone in the state’s commitment to protecting residents in physical and digital spaces.

    “Technology has transformed communication, but it has also introduced new pathways for harm,” she said.

    “Cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, digital extortion, and online grooming are real and pervasive. As a State, we must ensure that our protections evolve as rapidly as the threats confronting our citizens.”

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Vivour-Adeniyi noted that the development of the policy was supported by the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme implemented by International IDEA. She added that launching the policy on Human Rights Day reinforced Lagos’ commitment to safeguarding digital rights.

    She highlighted the objectives of the framework, which include strengthening prevention, reporting, investigation, and response mechanisms; enhancing the capacity of key stakeholders; and promoting collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

    First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended DSVA for its foresight in addressing the rapidly evolving risks associated with technology and social media. She described TF-SGBV as “real, evolving, and deeply destructive,” particularly for women, children, and vulnerable groups.

    “The unveiling of this policy framework is a bold and timely step to protect human dignity in both physical and digital spaces,” she said. “As we intensify efforts during the 16 Days of Activism, this policy provides a blueprint for a Lagos where online spaces are safe and perpetrators whether behind screens or on the streets are held accountable.”

    Mrs Ibijoke also referenced recent visits to rehabilitation centres, NGOs, and frontline support facilities in Majidun, Igbogbo, Ebutte, Ikorodu, and Alakara as part of her advocacy. She praised the dedication of service providers and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening systems that support survivors.

    The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the launch as a step to align the state’s justice system with emerging global trends. He noted that technology-facilitated violence has become a rapidly growing threat, citing global and national statistics that show a significant rise in online abuse targeting women and girls.

    “Technology must never become a weapon for committing crimes or humiliation. The law must keep pace with human behaviour, even when that behaviour migrates to the digital realm. If SGBV goes online, justice will follow it there,”he said.

    He added that the Ministry of Justice remains fully committed to ensuring prosecution of offenders, while the newly inaugurated TWG will strengthen digital investigative capacity, enhance referrals, and ensure survivor-centered implementation of the framework.

    Representing the Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mary Ayim, reiterated the commitment of the Police Command to enforcing the policy and tackling SGBV in all its forms. She noted that the Gender Unit of the Command, supported by DSVA, has become a model for other states.

    “As law enforcement professionals, we increasingly confront crimes that occur across digital platforms. This policy is a strategic step toward strengthening our investigative and operational frameworks to ensure accountability and protect victims,” she added.

     Justice Abiola Soladoye, who represented the Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, assured continued support from the judiciary. She commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.

    “Lagos State’s judiciary will always support all that is excellent,” she said. She urged police officers to improve commitment to court processes by ensuring Investigating Police Officers (IPOs) appear in court to testify. “Justice delayed is justice denied. We must work together to keep the wheel of justice rolling,” she said.

  • Omotoso, others urge Rotarians to share their stories

    Omotoso, others urge Rotarians to share their stories

    Members of Rotary International District 9111 have been asked to showcase their activities to enable the public to be aware of them.

    Speakers, who included the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Strategy, Mr. Gebenga Omotoso; Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State governor,Mr Kayode Akinmade; Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Kayode Ogundipe; Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos Chapter, Samuel Ayetutu; and Chief Executive Officer, Ritemate Technology Limited, Jide Ogunleye, gave the advice at a seminar held by the district for its public image officers in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

    The event had as its theme, ‘’Strengthening Rotary’s credibility and visibility through strategic communication’’.

    Omotoso, a keynote speaker, who cautioned Rotarians against telling their stories to ‘’the general public, said it is better to be specific as the public remains so. He continued: “There is no more general public anyway. Every public has its own character. Every public has its own assets. Every public has its own values that it’s sharing. So, if you want to communicate with anybody at all, try to go directly. If you are talking to a group of drivers, address them as a group of professionals who are drivers or talking to doctors, talking to the engineers, forget about the idea of saying general public. So, as Rotarians, you are part of a global community that brings people together to make a difference. And your work is built on unity, trust, intelligence and a commitment to serving others. But in today’s fast-paced media-driven world, today’s tech world, it’s not enough just for you to do good. You need to share your stories. You need to communicate inspiring actions.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    “Strategic communication is the attribute of your mission for setting life into our vision of a world where people unite to make a difference. By sharing your stories, you write your achievements and showcase the impact of your work. You can amplify it for every relationship which is communication, and is responsible for our actions and services.

    “It’s about listening, engaging, and building long-lasting relationships. It’s about being authentic, being transparent, being original and accountable. It’s about standing up to believe that it is what is right all the time. It’s about putting in maximum effort for a better world through peace and unity. It’s about visiting and using our collective power to drive for positive change what impacts society and the world.’’

    Akinmade, who was represented by Mrs Abolanle Ogunlami, submitted that strategic communication would enhance programmes and projects of Rotarians. He however said there were challenges to be tackled. He listed these as limited resources, changing landscape, and impact measurement, among others.

    He proffered partnerships, surveys, utilisation of good media as solutions to the problems.

    Ogundipe said public image is key to Rotary and even the government. He canvassed positive image making, saying it is good for Rotary.

    Ogundipe, who is the President, Rotary Club of Ewutuntun, added: The theme is apt and timely, reiterating that good image is important.

    Ayetutu spoke on the proper use of Rotray’s logo in their communication. He presented pictures of where the logo was wrongly used in the past. He also demonstrated where the logo could be got and deployed for effectiveness.

    Ogunleye urged Rotarians to use social media to communicate their activities to the global audience. He also said personal handlers are equally good. However, he warned against breaking the rules as such could attract legal sanctions.

    The District Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, said the objective of the training was to hone the skills of the Public Image chairs to make them effective and efficient. He canvassed a strong public image as vital to attract new members, make impact and build relationships.Thus he advised the good use of public relations strategies for the promotion of Rotary’s activities. “How we present ourselves to the public is good. It opens new doors to partnerships,’ he said.

  • Lagos market holds sanitation

    Lagos market holds sanitation

    Ladipo Auto Spare parts Market, Mushin, Lagos has held its quarterly environmental sanitation.

    It was the last for the year, according to the market’s President-General, Prince Africanus Ogudoro.

    Traders turned out en masse to observe the cleaning, which lasted six hours during which the market was shut. They supported the efforts of the Environmental Sanitation Committee to clean the market and cart heaps of refuse to designated places from where the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) vehicles were on standby to cart them away.

    Oguduro declared the exercise a success, thanking the traders for their assistance, time and sacrifice. He said they could have plied their trade during the time the market was shut for the cleaning and that God would reward them.

    He urged them to continue to support the association in its efforts to keep the market clean in tandem with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s agenda to keep markets and their environment clean.

    He advised them to be security conscious to avoid untoward activities in the international market.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    He noted that the market is a brand that is well known and so should be mindful of keeping it.

    The market’s Environment Committee Chairman Chinoso Chufo, expressed similar views. Specifically, he thanked his colleagues for their support.

    He said the next sanitation comes up in the first quarter of next year and that it would continue alongside the one ordered by the state government which is held every Thursday.

  • Rivers Assembly faults Fubara’s claims on peace meeting

    Rivers Assembly faults Fubara’s claims on peace meeting

    Rivers State lawmakers yesterday disagreed with Governor Siminalayi Fubara on his claims that some elders were frustrating his meeting with them (lawmakers).

    Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who spoke in Port Harcourt, the state capital, described as disparaging the governor’s assertion that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike failed to fulfil his promise of arranging a meeting between him and the legislators.

    Amaewhule said the lawmakers met with the governor many times after the emergency rule but Fubara refused to implement the decisions reached at the peace gathering.

    The Speaker recalled that Wike arranged a meeting between the 27 members of the Assembly and the governor at the minister’s official residence in Abuja.

    He also recalled that another meeting was arranged by Wike, which involved members of the Elders Council, some lawmakers and the governor at the residence of the local government chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    Countering the governor for failing to show leadership, Amaewhule said Fubara had no reason to attack the minister and Alabraba after such meetings.

    He recalled that in one of the meetings between the governor and the lawmakers, Fubara told them that he would not present any other Appropriation Bill to the Assembly.

    The Speaker regretted that the Assembly was in the dark about the actions of the governor and that Fubara had been spending money without the approval of the lawmakers.

    He said: “Emergency rule was declared and after the emergency rule, we asked the governor to bring his budget so we could take care of all he intended to do. We asked him to present his budget.

    “In 2024, he spent without appropriation. In 2025, he was spending. After the emergency, we had a meeting and we asked him to bring his budget.

    “Here in that meeting, the governor told us blatantly that he was not going to bring the budget. God is my witness. I shouldn’t have brought all these because we are trying to see how we can mend fences. We kept mum, hoping the governor would do the right thing.

    “From September, the governor has been spending without our approval. He has been awarding contracts to his cronies, especially those who masterminded the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly. They are mocking us that they have been rewarded for burning the Rivers House of Assembly.

    “The governor does not seek the approval of the Rivers Assembly. He has been spending money from his back pocket.

    “The governor’s outburst is the reason for this conference. We need to set the record straight. The Minister of the FCT means well for Rivers State. He wants peace and wants the state to move forward.

    “The minister summoned all the members of the State House of Assembly and 27 of us were present in that meeting in the official residence of the minister in Abuja. The governor sat with us and we had a meeting with him. We were shocked to hear the governor say that no meeting had been called.

    “Let us also inform Rivers people that after the emergency rule, the FCT minister also caused a meeting to take place at the residence of Chief Alabraba in GRA, Port Harcourt.

    “We had the meeting of the elders’ council, and in that meeting some members were present. How many meetings does the governor want the FCT minister to call for him to do the needful? Is it 100? We didn’t want to do this press conference because we have resolved, following the interventions of Mr. President, to sheathe our swords to allow peace to reign.

    “We didn’t want to speak to the press so as not to heat up the polity. We kept quiet even when he refused to bring his appropriation bill.”

    Amaewhule said that as part of their investigations about what transpired during the emergency rule, they discovered that the outgone Rivers Administrator left a whooping N600 billion in the accounts of the state.

    He said perhaps the governor’s anger was that the House Committee on Education submitted a report that highlighted the collapse of educational infrastructures in the state under Fubara.

    Amaewhule said: “Part of what we have found out that transpired during the emergency rule is that the outgone administrator left over N600 billion in the account of Rivers State. The governor has been boasting of how he will use the funds to divide the assembly and buy the members.

    “The governor needs to know that members of the Assembly are not for sale. The 27 of us remain committed to the dreams and aspiration of the people and to our constituents. We are prepared to serve Rivers and to do the needful.

    “The governor’s outburst disparaging the FCT minister will not help him. The governor does not need to react in a reactionary way just because of the report of the house committee on education. The governor should know that as a governor he ought to be a leader. at the moment he is failing.

    “He doesn’t want to be a leader. His outburst does not show him as a leader. He is sending his attack dogs to insult us on social media. This will not help him. He gives them money every day to insult us. it will not help him. All those things are not in the best interest of Rivers.

    “He needs to show leadership. We are debunking the governor’s assertions. We have been meeting with him but he had failed to keep to the terms. He doesn’t want to keep to the terms. But we will remain calm.

    “In 2023, we started making arrangement to move to the APC. Immediately he heard that we were making the arrangement, he ran to the courts, sponsored people with over 50 cases spending taxpayers’ money to ensure that our seats were declared vacant. But all his attempts failed. The governor is now in APC and we welcome him to the APC. The governor should do his job within the constitution.”

  • Turaki-led NWC: PDP governors free to dump party

    Turaki-led NWC: PDP governors free to dump party

    • ‘We’re not begging any governor not to leave’

    The Taminu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it never begged any of its governors or members not to leave the party, but was reaching out with a view to rebuild the party.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said this on a national television programme last night.

    Ememobong said the Tanimu Turaki-led leadership of the party was reaching out to all stakeholders, including the governors.

    He explained that while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who dumped the party for Accord (A), was a victim of circumstance, his Rivers State counterpart was part of the problem that eventually led to his leaving the party.

    He said: “In the circumstance that we are, you know that except for the legislature, where the law binds their hands, every executive has the capacity to do anything that would be legal, but immoral. So, we are not begging anybody, but we are reaching out.

    “The Turaki-led administration is reaching out, the governors’ forum is reaching out. But you know there’s a thin line between what is illegal and what is immoral.”

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Baring his mind on Governor Adeleke’s defection to Accord, Ememobong said the governor was “a victim of circumstance, which is vicarious …because every problem has a human cause and, therefore, should also have a human solution.

    “At the level of the leadership, which he belonged to at the party, the party ought to have acted decisively.

    “So, it’s vicarious in the sense that strong action by leadership ought to have been taken from 2023, immediately the decline started. But there were negotiations. I mean, you also cannot fully blame them because sometimes you think that with negotiations, when passions are calm, people could reconsider their position.

    “But unfortunately, it didn’t until the convention took the decision it did in Ibadan. So, that’s the nature of what has happened. He’s become a victim of circumstances arising from vicarious liabilities which he cannot completely extricate himself from.”

    Explaining why he was giving excuses about the Adeleke and Fubara issues, Ememobong said: “No, we’re not giving excuses. We’re saying that both are circumstantial, and even the victims of the circumstances themselves had a role to play in the conflict that eventually engulfed them. So, we’re not making excuses.

    “But in the case of Fubara, you do know that Fubara voluntarily became a candidate of the party and you do know that the people who brought him have always said that there were agreements. We’re talking about agreements, and till today, he hasn’t said what the agreement was, but this political party stood by him.

    “The point of our anger is really when he mentioned that he wasn’t secure in the platform. We all have great sympathies for Fubara, even as a person. Before becoming a Publicity Secretary, I had sympathies for him. He was a calm, gentle person who is pushed to the wall, who has no other direction to move than in the opposite direction.

    “But to attempt to lay the blame other than where the blame ought to be… If you backtrack and look at the origin of the crisis, you know that the origin is between two people. You remember that people rose up at the beginning of this crisis and began to speak for him. After a while, he came out and said: ‘No, no, don’t worry; it’s a father-son matter.’ And after a while, a state of emergency was declared. People started advocating, and he went silent.

    “I spoke to some governors, especially Governor Bala Mohammed, asking what happened. Governor Bala Mohammed said: ‘Look, we were ready and we have deployed at some points, but the governor would either remain incommunicado or will say, “Don’t worry, we would handle it.” So, volenti non fit injuria — you cannot do harm to a consenting person.

    “So, while he has our sympathies, the attempt to shift blame is what we are very angry with. There’s no need shifting the blame. We know that this is a situation where Stockholm syndrome has happened, where a captive has fallen in love with the captor—we frown against that conscious amnesia where he picks and chooses where the blame should be. He knows where the origin of his problem is”.

    Speaking further, the PDP Spokesman said “You do know that people do not enter a crisis until the parties themselves have declared war. So if people have agreements and the agreement is going fine and the state is not suffering, you have no business going into it because you wouldn’t even know there was an agreement.

    “But it is when people begin to shout or things begin to happen to suggest that a crisis has occurred, that’s when third parties come in. In this circumstance, even when he went to the meeting with the President, did he consult the party? Did he consult the Governors’ Forum?

    “Remember that even after his election as governor, it took a long while for him to even associate with the party. We quite understand that maybe his hands were tied. But immediately you feel the pinch, you begin to call for help.”

  • Lawmakers seek 50% cut in airport charges to slash fares

    Lawmakers seek 50% cut in airport charges to slash fares

    House of Representatives members yesterday foreclosed approving any form of government subsidy for airline operators as a way of reducing airfare during the Yuletide.

    But the Green Legislative Chamber urged the Federal Government to cut by 50 per cent the various airport fees, which the operators say account for rising airfare and upward push on operational costs.

    In a resolution following a Motion by Obinna Aguocha (LP, Abia), on the exorbitant rise of airline ticket and the consequential impact on security of lives, the lawmakers sought for the establishment of a transparent assessment mechanism to create a system to determine the true minimum necessary operational costs for airlines throughout the yuletide season.

    Leading the debate on the Motion, Aguocha drew his colleagues’ attention to the exorbitant rising cost of Airline ticket in the country which he claimed currently affects millions of Nigeria families.

    Describing the Christmas season as traditionally a time for reunion, reflection and joy, the lawmaker noted that the rooftop fares under the weight of economic challenges, have made travel increasingly prohibitive.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    Aguocha expressed concern that “the soaring costs of domestic air travel have created a barrier preventing many from returning to their ancestral homes, where shared laughter and family connections are meant to thrive and improve self-worth”.

    He argued: “With the myriad of challenges faced by airline operators, ranging from high JetAl fuel prices to excessive currency fluctuations, I implore this Honourable House to consider the broader implications of their pricing strategies”.

    The lawmaker said the insatiable pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians, adding that by temporarily reducing fares during this critical period.

    Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) said it was out of place to ask the government to subsidise airfare and coat of operations for airlines, insisting that saying airline operations was a business venture.

    The Edo lawmaker, who said about 90 per cent of Nigerians cannot afford to use the services provided by the airlines, but rely on road and rail infrastructure, added that “rather than subsidise air fare, it will be more ideal to ask government to subsidise road transport for Nigerians.”

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo on Wednesday said competition is what can drive down airfares.

    According to him, the aviation industry is fully deregulated.

  • State can’t progress amidst disagreement, says Fubara

    State can’t progress amidst disagreement, says Fubara

    • Governor: I’m ready to make sacrifices for peace

    Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara has promised to do everything required of him to let peace reign in the state.

    Fubara, who spoke yesterday while inaugurating the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda-Omerelu Road built by his administration, insisted that the state cannot make progress without peace.

    The governor, who was accorded a red-carpet reception by a crowd of residents and supporters, urged all lovers of Rivers to eschew disunity and embrace togetherness.

    He promised the people that development would get to all the nooks and crannies of the state, but maintained that progress would not come to the state in an atmosphere of disagreement.

    Fubara said: “My plea will continue to be: everyone should try to maintain peace. We can’t develop our place in an atmosphere of disunity. Progress will not come to our people when there is disagreement and fighting. Everyone who loves this state, I will continue to say we need peace for development to come into Rivers State.

    “I stand here to make this promise again. Whatever is required of me to ensure that there is total peace, I will continue to do it. I also make this promise to the good people of Rivers State that development will get to every part of this state. We will make sure that we touch every part of the state. It is our promise today and we will live up to it.”

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Speaking on the project, the governor recalled that it was borne out of his promise when he went to the area about a year ago to inaugurate the other side of the road.

    “We were here about a year ago to inaugurate the other side of the road. At that event, the people of Emohua, Egbeda in particular, requested that this stretch, 8.7 kilometres, that if the government would be magnanimous by doing the road, it would bring development to the people.

    “We made a promise that we were going to do the project and today, I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omarelu people.”

    Fubara decried the idea of ceremonious inauguration of projects in Africa, but said he decided to embrace it to let people know his administration’s story.

    He said: “You know in Africa what we do is when we deliver projects we call our people to showcase what we have done. But in the real sense of it, what is the purpose of governance? Governance is to provide services to the people.

    “We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from and if you don’t tell people our story, a lot of people won’t know that we are doing something to show.

    “Let me thank everyone of you for your support. Like I said, we don’t even need to come here to do this, but if we don’t tell our story, who will?

    “So, we are here to tell the world that even in the face of our tribulation, we were still focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour.”

    The governor restated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his administration would back all groups working to deliver him in 2027.

  • EFCC to arraign ex-Labour Minister Ngige Friday

    EFCC to arraign ex-Labour Minister Ngige Friday

    Former Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige will today be arraigned today by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charge bordering on alleged corruption.

    Ngige, who was also a former Governor of Anambra, would be arraigned at a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting at Gwarimpa in Abuja.

    In the eight-count charge, marked: FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, the former minister was the sole defendant.

    In the charge dated October 31 and filed on December 9 by a team of lawyers, led by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, Ngige was alleged to have committed the offences while serving as Minister of Labour under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In count one the defendant was alleged to have between September 2015 to May 2023, while being the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles is his associate.

    Ngige was said to have awarded seven different contracts for consultancy, training and supply by the NSITF to the said company to the tune of N366,470,920.68.

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    In count two, the defendant was alleged to have while being the supervising Minister of NSITF, used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Zitacom Nigeria Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles is his associate.

    Ngige was alleged to have awarded eight different contracts for supply, training and consultancy, with NSITF, to the said company to the tune of N583,682,686.00 (Five Hundred and Eighty Three Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Six Naira) only.

    Count three accused Ngige of using his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Jeff & Xris Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike is his associate, by the award of eight different contracts for consultancy, training and supplies with NSITF to the said company to the tune of N362,043,163.16 (Three Hundred and Sixty Two Million, Forty Three Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Three Naira and Sixteen Kobo) only.

    In count four, he was allegedly to have used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Olde English Consolidated Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Uzoma Igbonwa is his associate.

    He was accused of awarding four.different contracts for consultancy, training and construction by NSITF to the said company to the tune of N668,138,141.00 (Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Million, One Hundred and Thirty Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Forty One Naira) only.

    In count five, the ex-minister was alleged to have used his position to confer unfair advantage upon Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Uzoma Igbonwa is his associate.

    Ngige was said to have awarded four different contracts by NSITF to the said company for consultancy, training and supply to the tune of N161,604,625.00 (One Hundred and Sixty One Million, Six Hundred and Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty Five Naira) only.

    The offences were contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    In count six, the defendant was alleged to have corruptly accepted a gift to the tune of N38, 650,000 (Thirty Eight Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) only, through his “organisation called Senator (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119), a contractor with NSITF, while performing your official act as Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment.”

    In count seven, Ngige was alleged to have, while being the minister between September 2015 to May 2023, did corruptly accept a gift, to the tune of N55,003,000 (Fifty Five Million, Three Thousand Naira) only.

    The “gift” was received through his organisation called “Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1017263219), a contractor NSITF, while performing your official act as Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment.”

    Also in count eight, the former minister was allegedly to have corruptly accepted a gift, to the tune of N26,130,000 (Twenty Six Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) only, through his organisation called Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme.

    The money was received from Jeff & Xris Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011533930), a contractor with NSITF, while performing his official act as Minister of Labour and Employment.

    The offences were contrary to Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 179(c) of the same Act.