Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri CON, has congratulated Nigerians on the celebration of 26 years of unbroken democracy. The Governor called on Nigerians to appreciate the nation’s path to greatness, evident in the developmental strides and wealth creation witnessed across the country. “Today, we celebrate an extraordinary Nigerian journey of 26 years, marked by transformation, growth, and the deepening of democracy,” he said. While regretting that rights and values are under attack, freedoms are being eroded, and civic space is diminishing, he stressed that polarization is intensifying and mistrust is growing. The Governor commended…
By Atoyebi Nike A London-bound Air India flight, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) on Thursday afternoon, plummeting into the Meghani area of the city and igniting a massive fireball. Flight AI171 was carrying 242 individuals — 230 passengers and 12 crew members — when it went down just minutes into its journey to London Gatwick. The aircraft, heavily fueled for the long-haul route, burst into flames upon impact, complicating rescue operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the incident, identifying Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar…
By Atoyebi Nike In a landmark moment for global health governance, the 78th World Health Assembly on May 20, 2025, adopted the Pandemic Agreement, a new international legal framework aimed at preventing a repeat of the inequities witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement was approved by 194 Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) after three years of negotiations. Its adoption was met with resounding applause, symbolizing the power of multilateral cooperation in shaping a more inclusive and effective global response to future pandemics. However, while the agreement represents a major milestone, the most contentious issue—Article 12 on…
By Atoyebi Nike At least 120 Palestinians have been killed and 474 others injured in Israeli airstrikes and shelling across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry on Tuesday. The ministry also confirmed the recovery of three additional bodies from under the rubble of previous attacks. In a sharp escalation, 57 Palestinians seeking aid were reportedly killed by Israeli forces earlier today, with more than 363 wounded, bringing the total casualties at aid distribution centres since the war began to 224 dead and 1,858 injured. The figures underline the worsening humanitarian crisis as…
By Atoyebi Nike The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has struck out two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and awarded ₦100,000 in costs to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the first respondent in the suit. A three-member panel led by Justice Hamman Barka ruled on May 21, 2025, that the motions—filed on March 20 and March 25 and marked CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025—be struck out following Akpabio’s request to withdraw the appeal. The motions sought leave to appeal a Federal High Court decision delivered on March 10, 2025, in a case between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Clerk of the National Assembly, the…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigeria Renaissance Group (NRG), a pro-democracy civil rights organization, has raised an alarm over what it described as a coordinated plot to stage blackmail-driven protests against key officials in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a statement released Tuesday, the group claimed intelligence pointed to a manipulated protest campaign, rather than a genuine expression of public dissent. Targets of the alleged smear include: Chief Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Chief George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman. According to NRG spokesperson Comrade…
By Atoyebi Nike The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over fake recruitment messages circulating online. In a statement on Tuesday, Abdulmalik Jibril, Secretary of the CDCFIB, said the board is aware of a fraudulent letter being shared on social media claiming to provide recruitment details. Jibril clarified that although President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,150 personnel into four paramilitary services and 209 staff for the board’s secretariat, the process has not started. He noted that a waiver is being sought to shorten the standard six-week advertising…
By Atoyebi Nike The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been honoured with the chieftaincy title ‘Ugosimba 1 of Enugu’ by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council. The title, which means jewel or eagle from another kingdom, was conferred during her two-day working visit to the state. Council Chairman Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu said the honour reflects her love for Enugu, humanitarian efforts, and national service. “You served three Senate terms and hold the CON honour, but more importantly, you’ve shown care for the vulnerable and health workers,” Asadu stated. In her response, Mrs Tinubu expressed gratitude and praised Enugu as…
By Atoyebi Nike The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed November 8 for Anambra’s governorship election. Campaigns kick off officially on June 11. The state, which pioneered off-cycle elections after Peter Obi’s legal victory in 2007, joins Bayelsa, Kogi, Ondo, Edo, Ekiti, Osun, and Imo in holding polls outside the general cycle. Out of 16 candidates, about eight stand out, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), seen as the top contender due to his performance and federal endorsement. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC) is backed by the ruling party and paired with grassroots mobilizer Senator Uche Ekwunife. Paul Chukwuma (YPP) brings…
By Atoyebi Nike The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it received 275,256 complaints of rights violations in May alone. Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, made this known while presenting the Commission’s May dashboard report. He said the complaints cover attacks in the North East, sexual violence, and displacement due to natural disasters. “When over a quarter of a million people reach out in one month, it shows how many Nigerians feel unprotected and ignored,” Ojukwu said. He warned that many citizens no longer expect justice. “That is a dangerous place for any society,” he added. Ojukwu cited recent floods…