Rountrip

By Hussein Ibrahim True representation is not about empty promises; it is about having a leader who is dedicated to improving the lives of their constituents and making a positive impact in their communities. In the light of this, figures like Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya, House of Representatives member, for Fofure/Song Federal Constituency – Adamawa State, emerge as beacons of hope, reminding us of the transformative power of genuine representation. As the current Chairman of the House Committee on Police Institutions and a dedicated representative for Adamawa State, Hon. Boya has carved a niche for himself as a leader who not only understands the needs of his constituents but actively translates that understanding into tangible improvements in their lives. His journey, marked by unwavering commitment, impactful projects, and unwavering dedication to national development, paints a compelling portrait of what true representation should entail. Hon. Boya’s story is not one woven from mere po...

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon Philip Agbese, has described the petition against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as a tactic to distract and thwart the war against oil theft.  Agbese, speaking to journalists over the weekend, said the petition is the handiwork of some disgruntled elements hit by Ogalla's reforms and strategic cleansing of the waterways.  Having failed to compromise the CNS, the Rep member said these individuals and groups have taken to smear campaigns to dent Ogalla's person and office. Agbese said allegations that the Naval Chief facilitated an unorganized bunkering of Nigerian crude and a multimillion-naira contract-splitting fraud is not only false but laughable. He said as a lawmaker who raised a motion for his colleagues to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue last year, the outcome so far has been mind-blowing.  Agbese recalled that during the Sectorial Debate, the House allowed the Servi...

By Ochonu William In the bustling corridors of Nigeria’s politics and National Assembly, where ambition and dedication intertwine, where the present and future decisions of nations are decided, few figures stand out as bright as Engr. Hon. Sani Bala. A lawmaker who embodies the very essence of public service, an epitome of stewardship, and a great loyal patriotic citizen. Bala is a tireless advocate for his constituents, a loyal party member, and a dedicated legislator. Hon Sani Umar Bala Tsanyawa born in Tsanyawa Local Government of Kano State, Nigeria, is a learned engineer, a politician, and a member representing Kunchi/Tsanyawa constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. Looking at his humble beginnings, and rise into political status, one would wonder less at the harem of marvelous portfolios in his study. These are achievements earned on sheer hardwork, resilient study, with loyal and honest dealings all through his long political walk. Engr. Hon Sani Bala’s work ethic ...

By Attah Adadu Nigeria’s communication sector, once a sluggish behemoth plagued by inefficiency and disarray, has witnessed a remarkable metamorphosis in recent years. This revitalization, a symphony of bold reforms and strategic vision, owes much to the leadership of the astute Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida. One of the notable reforms spearheaded by the current EVC and the Ministry of Communication is the focus on digital transformation and expanding connectivity across the nation. The deployment of advanced technologies, such as 5G networks, has the potential to revolutionize various industries, enhance communication capabilities, and bridge the digital divide. These initiatives are known to be crucial in fostering economic growth, empowering individuals, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. Prior to Maida’s tenure, broadband penetration in Nigeria hovered around a dismal 22%, throttling progress ...

The Katsina Youth Network (KYN) has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo. In a statement co-signed by its president and secretary general, Alhaji Usman Galadanci and Wakil Jubril, the group said Keyamo's reforms in the aviation sector are visible and laudable.  They said that the Minister has shown a deep knowledge of the industry and came prepared for the job with critical interventions at the policy level. According to them, the renowned SAN is sanitizing the ministry riddled with controversies, uncertainties, and dirty dealings into the most transparent under President Tinubu. The youths further said that Keyamo is revamping the aviation sector and positioning it for optimal service delivery, citing the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to Lagos as an example.  The KYN also hailed the "suspension of the fraudulent Nigerian Air project and sack ...

The Ogoni - American organizations; National Union of Ogoni Students, NUOS Int'l USA, Center for Democracy Human Rights and Anti- Corruption, CDHRAC, and Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP have urged the Federal Government of Nigeria, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject the Royal Dutch Shell's purported "backdoor sale and caveat emporium and buy at your own risk of its onshore activities," arguing that Ogoni Oil is not for sale or transfer. The group added in a statement jointly signed by the President of NOUS Int'l USA, Pius Barikpoa Nwinee, it's Acting Secretary General, Deekor Adokor, Coordinator, CDHRAC Int'l, USA, Cornelius Dumerenee, and its Secretary General, Toate Ganago dated Monday January 22, 2024 and made available to journalists that, "Shell has liabilities ranging from the burning of over 17 Ogoni towns and villages, and engaging in activities that led to the death of over 300,000 people, and instigating the then ...

APC Stakeholders in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have promised to support the Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in his bid to turn Ondo State around following the demise of his former boss and principal, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. In a 10-point communique issued at the end of the well attended stakeholders meeting on Thursday 25th January, 2024, the APC pillars in Ose unanimously agreed at the following points: 1. That the leadership of the APC in Ose Local Government commiserate with Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Olowo of Owo and people of Owo, the entire family of Akeredolu and the good people of Ondo State on the demise of our leader and Governor, late Arakunrin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON. 2. That Ose APC leaders congratulate the new Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on his new position as the Executive Governor of Ondo State as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as ammended) and pray for t...

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been dragged before the Nigerian Inspector General of Police and the American Embassy in Nigeria over a series of criminal allegations against Amercian singers, Dr Fortunate Egbuchere and Prince Egbuchere. According to the petition sighted by New Telegraph, the lawyer of the American singers said the “Zazuu” crooner was alleged to have committed various types of crimes. The lawyer said the crimes include, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, criminal conversion, armed robbery, stealing, criminal assault, assault occasioning harm, threat to life, criminal defamation, extortion, obtaining by pretense, false imprisonment, misrepresentation and making of false information to the police. The petition which was signed by the counsel of the claimants, Kayode Mogbojuri Esq, Solicitors to Dr. Fortunate Egbuchere and Prince Egbuchere said both are working and trading under t...

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has described the lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and others against the National Assembly leadership as a complete waste of time.  In a statement signed by Dr. Joyce Ogwu, the Centre said the suit challenging the increase of budgetary allocation for lawmakers was a mere distraction and another wild-goose chase by SERAP.  Ogwu said even though it was constitutional for the parliament to tinker with the estimates proposed by the executive, the adjustment was done to meet the current realities and in the overall interest of Nigerians.  The Centre said proper funding is necessary for parliaments to meet their obligations, adding that operational items are critical infrastructure needed everywhere in the world. Ogwu further said that vital assets like libraries, printing press, and hospitals among others are a legacy for the future and should be commended.  The SHAC, therefore, advised...

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has cautioned some activists against misusing of protests for personal gains against public institutions. The Co-convener of the group, Mr Declan Ihekaire made this known at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.   Ihekaire said some activists had allegedly embarked on protests to blackmail the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) leaderships. The co-covener said the current security challenges in Abuja should necessitate a responsible approach to protests, avoiding actions that might lead to security breaches. He said the group found it necessary to address instances where activism deviated into avenues for personal enrichment and unwarranted attacks on critical institutions. Ihekaire said recent developments had revealed attempts by self-proclaimed activists, led by Mr Deji Adeyanju, to allegedly exploit public concerns regarding the NNPCL and the CBN.   He said: “Their planned...

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, has continued to receive applause over the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters from Abuja to Lagos. The Nigeria Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) said it is the best decision that will enhance productivity and also boost operational efficiency. "The decision to relocate FAAN HQ from Lagos to Abuja ab initio was unwise and not well-thought-through," the body said in a letter jointly signed by Akinwumi Emmanuel and Ugbeikwu Sunday, its national secretary and president respectively. "Lagos, aside from being the commercial nerve center, is the hub of the aviation business in Nigeria. Therefore, the relocation of FAAN HQ from Abuja to Lagos can be described as the best decision that will enhance productivity and also boost operational efficiency." Meanwhile, the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National U...

Renowned legal practitioner, Dele Kuboye, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to jettison his governorship ambition. Kuboye, in an open letter to Aiyedatiwa, said this is in the best interest of Ondo South senatorial district. Recall that Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor on 27 December 2023 following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu. With a fresh election scheduled for November 16, there are indications that Aiyedatiwa would run for the position. But Kuboye argued that the law does not permit the incumbent to be sworn-in as governor thrice if his intention is to run for two terms. According to him, Ondo South earnestly yearns for a two-term of eight years for whoever will represent the district as governor from 24th February, 2025. Kuboye, however, urged the "governor to put the interest of our mutual district before self. " "I went to church today but I could not concentrate! I have been told occasionally by few individuals that you would be running for go...

By Samaila Musa  In a nation that has experienced its fair share of challenges, it is easy to become disillusioned and believe that we have seen it all. However, amid the chaos and uncertainty, there are individuals whose potential for greatness is yet to be fully realised. One such individual is Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, an astute mind whose brilliance cancels every trending political disillusionment where it has become commonplace and whose exceptional qualities as a representative are yet to be fully explored  From his early days as the minority leader of the House to his tenure as the majority leader, Gbaja’s footprints remain indelible in the annals of Nigerian politics. To claim that Gbaja is simply a talented politician would be a gross understatement. He is a visionary leader, an orator who wields words as tools of progress, and a tireless advocate for the betterment of his nation. His ability to navigate the complex political landscape with finesse and integrity has ...

By Cletus Agada It is no longer news that the honourable Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, S.A.N. directed that the headquarters of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) be relocated back to Lagos. This directive was not difficult to comply with because the Abuja Headquarters status was just on paper as the day-to-day administrative and operational activities of the agency have always been carried out from Lagos. A statement by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the agency, said those affected by the decision have since returned to Lagos as there is no office space for them in Abuja That was even before the relocation order of the Honourable Minister was effected. The question begging for an answer is how a critical, hands-on agency like FAAN relocated to a new city without first making provisions for adequate offices to accommodate her working staff. The second paragraph of Mrs. Orah's statement should draw the attention ...

  As many as 100 non-governmental organizations, under the aegis of Economic Freedom Fighters,  Nigeria  (EFFN), have demanded that President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu immediately sack the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso for his ineptitude and lack of direction and to also declare a state of emergency on the economy.  At a press conference held in Lagos at the weekend,  the CSOs cited the current economic crisis in the country, which they claim has proven that the CBN under Cardoso’s leadership has no answers to the crushing economic crisis that has brought the naira to a lifetime low with resulting hardship on citizens. They said President Tinubu no longer has the luxury of assuming or pretending that Cardoso is doing a sterling job at the CBN when the Governor himself is  aware that he is a failure when it comes to the management of the naira. The naira lost value to N1,360.00 to the dollar on Friday, and the falling value...

A student group, the Concerned Public Tertiary Institutions’ Students Association (CoPTISA) has accused some rectors and vice chancellors of government-owned tertiary institutions of molesting students abusing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for personal gains. CoPTISA has appealed to President Tinubu in a letter to urgently act and get to the root of the malfeasance in the tertiary education subsector as the last hope Nigeria has for recovering government-owned schools from “a syndicate of looters in its ivory towers.” The group’s national president said, “The education sub-sector is on its knees because of how these VCs brazenly engage in sex for marks, project fund diversion, project abandonment, financial malfeasance, breach of procurement procedures as well as admission and other forms of racketeering. “Monies released to our schools by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) are being stolen with projects improperly executed in connivance with contractors who have...