Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The Senate has called on the Federal Government to review the minimum wage and salary structure of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to reflect current economic realities. The resolution followed a motion moved on Tuesday by Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, who said the pay for soldiers and security operatives is no longer sustainable given inflation and the rising cost of living. Ndume described the current minimum wage of between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000 for junior personnel as “grossly inadequate,” noting that troops in other African countries earn far higher wages. He cited examples…

By Atoyebi Nike A petrol-laden tanker explosion on the Agaie-Baddegi Road in Niger State has killed about 30 people and left 40 others injured, in one of the deadliest fire incidents in the state this year. Eyewitnesses said the tragedy occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday near Essa village, shortly after Agaie, when a tanker overturned and spilled its contents. Residents and passers-by reportedly rushed to scoop the leaking petrol before the vehicle exploded, engulfing the area in flames. “The explosion was massive  people who came to collect fuel were caught up in it,” said a local witness who helped…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to November 24, following disruptions caused by Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in the capital. The trial, initially scheduled for October 20, was halted after protesters led by activist Omoyele Sowore disrupted judicial proceedings, forcing the court to suspend activities. Justice Umar’s courtroom, located on the third floor of the court complex, remained locked as hearings were cancelled across several divisions. Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, for allegedly transmitting false and injurious…

By At0yebi Nike The Charity Commission of the United Kingdom has frozen the assets of Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) Ministries International, founded by Nigerian pastor Daniel Olukoya, following serious concerns about transparency and financial management. In a statement released on Monday, the commission said it had launched an official inquiry after detecting possible misuse of charitable funds within the organisation’s UK branches. Investigators found that MFM’s trustees failed to maintain proper supervision or control over more than 100 bank accounts operated independently by local branches. “Many of the charity’s financial issues stemmed from its complex structure, which expanded…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Dr Bernard Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, forwarding his name to the Senate for confirmation. The appointment fills one of the two vacant ministerial positions in the Federal Executive Council, following the elevation of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, who became National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July. The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to presidency sources,…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) a specialised security outfit designed to combat illegal and artisanal mining activities nationwide. Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP Nasarawa), the bill provides a legal framework for protecting mining operations, enforcing environmental and safety standards, and promoting sustainable practices in the nation’s mineral sector. According to Onawo, the proposed agency will be responsible for curbing illegal mining, rescuing trapped miners, conducting accident investigations, and providing emergency medical response at mining sites. “The establishment of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service will help safeguard…

By Atoyebi Nike Former Nigerian Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to lead the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission ahead of the country’s October 25 presidential election. According to an ECOWAS statement on Tuesday, the deployment underscores the bloc’s commitment to peace, stability, and democratic governance under its 2001 Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. Osinbajo heads a team of 187 ECOWAS observers, including 150 short-term, 15 long-term, and 22 young observers, supported by 66 additional observers from the African Union. He was received in Abidjan by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs,…

By Atoyebi Nike A teenager, Joy Ogah, on Monday symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima, urging government and policymakers to prioritise girl-child education and protect the rights of young girls across Nigeria. The symbolic handover, organised by PLAN International, saw Ogah highlight the plight of over 10.5 million out-of-school children, 60 per cent of whom are girls. “Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, and dignity not silence,” Ogah said. “When girls are protected, peace becomes possible.” Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive education, saying President Bola Tinubu remains a strong ally of…

By Atoyebi Nike A member of the House of Representatives representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, Hon. Ojema Ojotu, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on Tuesday during plenary when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read Ojotu’s defection letter on the floor of the House. Before the move, the APC already held 10 of the 11 federal constituencies from Benue State. Ojotu’s switch now places all Benue federal seats under the control of the ruling party. In his defection letter, Ojotu attributed his decision to persistent internal…

By Atoyebi Nike Civil rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has accused the Nigerian state of fearing accountability and the rule of law more than armed groups terrorising citizens. Farotimi made the remarks on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, The Morning Brief, on Tuesday, while reacting to Monday’s protest in Abuja demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The protest was led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Farotimi criticised what he described as the state’s “hostility toward peaceful citizens” while showing tolerance to violent actors such as bandits and terrorists. “On October…