Author: Editor
By Promise Adiele This essay is not intended to elaborate on Nigeria’s socio-political and economic regression or to emphasize the potential of a new socio-political beginning. It does not attempt to achieve a consensus about the more suitable quintessential habitation between City and Village. Rather, it presents a realistic interpretation of City and Village to underscore their precise fittingness or otherwise towards the 2027 elections. This exercise has become necessary given the sudden incursion of City and Village into Nigeria’s socio-political lexicon. Expectedly, Nigerians are divided between the two spatial continuities. But of course, both City and Village are…
By Kolawole Ogunbiyi In a country grappling with inflation, debt pressures, unemployment, and deepening poverty, public finance management should reflect prudence, equity, and clear developmental priorities. Yet, one of the most visible symbols of fiscal wastage in Nigeria today is the proliferation of expensive official vehicles, particularly double-cabin pickup trucks such as the Toyota Hilux across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including those whose mandates do not require rugged field mobility. While vehicles are legitimate operational tools in governance, the indiscriminate allocation of high-cost, heavy-duty trucks to agencies without construction mandates, rural outreach functions, or emergency response roles raises serious…
Our Reporter, Abuja African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday condemned the alleged teargassing of peaceful protesters, saying the development reinforces Nigeria’s image as a “now disgraced nation.” Reacting to reports that demonstrators were dispersed while demanding electoral reforms, Obi said citizens were attacked for exercising their constitutional rights. “Today, in our beloved country Nigeria, harmless citizens performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties peacefully were tear-gassed simply for asking for what is right: free, fair, and credible elections in a democratic nation,” he stated. The former Anambra State governor accused some political leaders of abandoning…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday amended the Electoral Act to adjust the timetable for the 2027 general elections, reducing the statutory notice period from 360 days to 300 days. The amendment affects Clause 28 of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and grants the Independent National Electoral Commission greater flexibility to schedule elections between December 2026 and January 2027. The move is aimed at preventing the presidential and National Assembly elections—earlier fixed for February 20, 2027—from coinciding with the Ramadan period, which lawmakers said could affect voter turnout, logistics, and inclusiveness. The decision followed a motion for…
Our Reporter, Abuja Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of American civil rights leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, describing him as a towering figure in the global struggle against inequality and injustice. In a statement on Tuesday, Okonjo-Iweala said she was saddened to learn of Jackson’s passing, noting that he remained steadfast throughout his life in confronting systemic discrimination and advocating for social justice. She recalled having the privilege of spending time with the late activist, during which they discussed issues surrounding inequality and injustice — causes that defined much…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia/Ben Ezechime, Enugu The new caretaker committee chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow, has declared that “nobody can uproot PDP” in the state, promising to rebuild the party and make it a dominant political force ahead of the 2027 polls. Emeka-Yellow made the declaration in his acceptance speech after the nine-member caretaker committee was sworn in on Tuesday in Enugu by the South-East National Vice Chairman of the party, Chief Ali Odefa. Other members of the committee are Chief Ochiobi Fidel Chukwuemeka, Engr. Gladys Okoro, Chidindu Kalu, Samuel Chukwudi, Kelvin Sampson, Lady…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has approved the appointment of Francis Nwaze as Senior Special Assistant on Media, with immediate effect. Mr. Nwaze brings extensive experience in public communication and media relations to the role. He previously served as Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Media (Spokesperson) from 2019 to 2023, and earlier worked as Technical Assistant on Media between 2017 and 2019. He holds a Diploma in Journalism, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Ebonyi State University. The minister said he has strong confidence in Mr.…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Governor Alex Otti will on February 25 formally flag off the construction of the Enyimba International Hotel Limited, a 250-room, five-star hospitality facility in Aba. The project, to be developed by Radisson Blu Group, was announced on Monday by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists at Government House Umuahia on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor. Kanu said the hotel aligns with the state’s industrial transformation agenda, with a strategic focus on growing the hospitality industry. He disclosed that the Abia State Government has already signed a…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the relaxation of the curfew earlier imposed on Amasiri Autonomous Community in Ebonyi State following a protracted boundary dispute. He, however, vowed that all suspects arrested in connection with the violence would be prosecuted. He stated this at a media briefing after a State Security Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital. The governor said the council reviewed developments in the crisis involving Amasiri, Okporojo, and Akpoha communities. He disclosed that after assessing ongoing investigations and security reports, the council agreed to adjust the 20-hour…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, on Tuesday joined protesters at the National Assembly, intensifying calls for the compulsory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026. Appearing on the fourth day of the demonstration, Ezekwesili cautioned lawmakers against what she described as “dangerous ambiguities” in the proposed legislation, warning that discretionary clauses could undermine electoral credibility. “I have been particularly loud in stating that if the Senate gets away with a provision that is ambiguous—one that gives discretion to determine the ifs and buts, instead of making it mandatory—that…