Oba of Benin joins ancestors

The Oba of Benin, Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I, has died.

The monarch's death was announced by the Prime Minister and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, in company of other traditional Chiefs today.

Work has commenced on 2017 budget - Ministry of Budget and National Planning

The Ministry of Budget and National Planning, on Friday, disclosed that it has started to prepare the 2017 budget so as to avoid the crisis that trailed the 2016 budget. 

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, made known this known while addressing the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria.

The minister said the federal government has also began work on the Medium Term 2016-2020 Development Programme to achieve sustainable economic development.

Harry Redknapp reportedly set to be named Super Eagles coach

Former Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, is reportedly set to be named as coach of the Nigerian national team, the Daily Star reports.

The British newspaper reports that Redknapp could be appointed Super Eagles’ manager within a few days.

‘Those involved in the hoarding and diverting of petroleum products will be arrested’ – Nigerian Police

The Nigerian Police has clarified their position on a statement released days ago which implied that IGP Arase had ordered Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police & other officers to arrest anybody found selling petroleum products in plastic containers. Apparently, the directive was to arrest those involved in hoarding and diversion of fuel.

The statement reads;

Colombia legalises same-sex marriage

Colombia has become the fourth South American country to allow same-sex marriage after a ruling by the country's constitutional court. The country follows Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay in formally recognising the rights of same-sex couples to marry.

"The judges affirmed by a majority that marriage between people of the same sex does not violate constitutional order," presiding Judge Maria Victoria Calle told the court.

"The current definition of the institution of marriage in civil law applies to them in the same way as it does for couples of the same sex," she affirmed.

First Bank set to fire 1,000 of its workers

FBN Holdings Plc, the parent company of First Bank Nigeria Limited, is planning to cut about 1000 jobs and focus less on providing loans to the oil industry in a bid to reverse  the 2015 financial year’s 82 per cent slump in profit.

The lender expects to boost its return on equity, a key measure of profitability, to between 11 per cent and 14 per cent in 2016 from last year’s “really bad” figure of three per cent, according to the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, FBN’s main subsidiary, Mr. Adesola Adeduntan.

He said the company was also targeting a cost-to-income ratio of 55 per cent in two years time from 59 per cent, Bloomberg reported.

Ambode approves payment of lump sum leave allowance

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the lump sum payment of leave allowance to all staff in the State’s mainstream Civil Service, Local Governments and the State Universal Basic Education Board with effect from May, 2016.

BudgIT shows survey showing states with outstanding salaries & pension arrears

This survey is compiled by BudgIT, Nigeria's civic tech organisation.

PDP's zoning arrangement (Full List)

The zoning committee, headed by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel has recommended that the next national chairman of the party should come from the North-East, a zone which Sheriff is from.

All transactions with Diezani were duly reported – Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank said it did not break any law in the transactions it carried out for a former minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

It was reported that It's managing director Nwankwo and Martins Izuogbe, the bank’s head of operations, arrested by operatives of EFCC over their receipt of $115 million from Diezani.

Leaving PDP is not the answer- Acting PDP BOT chairman

Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party board of trustees, Walid Jibrin, on Thursday,has come out to say that the party will not die and fade out.

Speaking during the party’s 70th national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Jibrin said: “Many of us who are founding members of PDP will not leave the PDP and the PDP will never die. We will continue to be in PDP.”

Enugu killings not done by herdsmen –Police

The Enugu state police command says that the killing of dozens of people in the state was not the handiwork of the Fulani herdsmen.

A statement by Ebere Amaraizu, police public relations officer for the state, blamed the attack on hoodlums.

We will post Corp members to IDP camps – NYSC boss

Corps members would now be posted to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the country during their service year.

This was disclosed on Thursday, by the recently appointed Director-General of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Sule Kazaure.

Kidnapped upcoming artists, DNA Twins, regains freedom

Upcoming musicians, Blair and Clinton Robert aka DNA twins who were kidnapped on their way to Lagos last Sunday have regained their freedom.

Their brother, Quincy Robert, announced on his IG page that they have been released.

FG declares Monday public holiday

The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 2, 2016 as public holiday to commemorate the 2016 Workers’ Day Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), who made the declaration on behalf of the government, congratulated Nigerian workers for “their resilience, hard work and commitment to the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari, despite current challenges.”

Buhari, govs meet over economic crisis

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with the 36 state governors.

The meeting is holding inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Most of the state governors are in attendance while a few others were represented by their deputies. Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State is however absent.

Dolphin Park named after Tunji Braithwaite

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has named the park at Dolphin Estate after late Dr Tunji Braithwaite.

This was disclosed at a special service of songs organised by the family in Oregun, Ikeja, yesterday as part of his burial programme.

Late Braithwaite was the founder of the now defunt National Advance Party during the 2nd Republic.

He died on Monday, March 28, 2016, at the age of 82.

No more payment of overseas medical trips for government officials, says Buhari

President Buhari has reportedly stopped the payment of overseas medical trips for all government officials with medical conditions that can be managed in Nigeria.

Buhari stated this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual General Conference and delegates meeting of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, in Sokoto, yesterday.

Was Teebillz IG account hacked or is his marriage is truly over!

Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage's marriage is heading for the rocks as Tiwa’s husband, Tee Billz is making disturbing accusations against her on the social media.

From the posts on Teebillz’ Instagram account @ teebillz323 on Thursday,the marriage between him and the Mavin artiste whom he once managed is over.

Ex-minister of state for education abducted in Ogun

A former Minister of State for Education, Senator Iyabo Anisulow was on Wednesday kidnapped by unknown gunmen along Igbogila road in Yewa North local government area of Ogun state.

Anisulowo, who was a Senator between 2003 and 2007, was reportedly abducted alongside her security aide, while she was returning from her farm.

Alicia Keys to headline UEFA Champions League final as performing act

American singer, Alicia Keys will perform at the UEFA Champions League final at the San Siro stadium in Milan on Saturday, May 28.

According to UEFA, the singer would take charge of entertainment proceedings at the pre-game ceremony of the final.

Ending herdsmen attacks is my new priority, says President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally broken his silence on the Fulani herdsmen attacks in the country.

In a statement released on Wednesday, by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the President said it is of high priority for his administration to put an end to the attacks.

Terrorists are committing crimes disguised as Fulani herdsmen says Ijaw Youth Body

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) says the attacks being carried out in some parts of the country by suspected Fulani herdsmen are actually being carried out by terrorist disguising as herdsmen.

The group made the assumption in a statement released and signed by its Spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare today.

NLC, TUC proposes N56,000 as new minimum wage to FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have jointly proposed and presented N56, 000 as the new minimum wage to the Federal Government.
Mr Wabba, the NLC president, disclosed this at a news conference to journalists in Abuja today.

Video Alert: Tiwa Savage features Dr Sid on ‘If I Start to Talk’

Tiwa Savage has released the second official video off her RED album –If I Start to Talk featuring label-mate Dr Sid.

Watch below...

Metuh’s trial adjourned on health grounds for two weeks

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh's trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja was on Wednesday adjourned for two weeks by the presiding judge, Justice Okon Abang, on health grounds.

Metuh is being prosecuted for corruption and money laundering charges.

IGP orders arrest of officer involved in Enugu massacre

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, Wednesday, ordered the arrest and detention of a policeman, who allegedly collaborated with the Fulani herdsmen during the killing of residents of Nimbo community in Enugu State.

The IGP, who visited the community alongside the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial zone, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, ordered that the officer known as Corporal Chukwu be detained and investigated.

2016/2017 Premier League season to kick off August 13

The 2016/2017 season of the English Premier League, will kick off on August 13, 2016. This date was confirmed via the league’s official Twitter handle.

“The next Premier League season will begin on 13 August 2016 and end on 21 May 2017,” a post read.

On June 15, the fixtures for the new campaign will be released.

Fulani Herdsmen Attacks: Emir of Ilorin tells FG to act fast

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, has urged the Nigerian government to take a more decisive action on the incessant herdsmen attacks on communities to avert the risk of another security crisis like the Boko Haram in the north of the country.

Speaking to the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who paid him a visit on his way to inspect the steel manufacturing industry in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Alhaji Gambari said that the herdsmen are not Fulani but persons who are taking advantage of the persistent crisis and lack of government intervention to cause the loss of lives and property.

Professor Osinbajo  assured the monarch that the federal government remains commitment to its fight against terrorism and other forms of attacks on innocent Nigerians.

Trump, Clinton win big in super Tuesday primaries

Donald Trump won in all five Republican presidential primaries held yesterday in a clean sweep that illustrated his dominance this prompted the real estate mogul to declare himself the “presumptive nominee.”

In the Democratic race, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton won four of the five states in play on Tuesday: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) won the primary in Rhode Island.

EFCC confiscates Diezani Alison-Madueke's property

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) has seized properties belonging to former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and her ally Jide Omokore.

The Nation reports that EFCC confiscated houses, a wrist watch worth £600, 000 as well as other gold and diamond jewelry from the former minister who is being prosecuted at the Westminster Magistrate’s Court in London for money laundering and bribery allegations, along with her accomplice Jide Omokore.

Kaduna refinery to begin production of petroleum today

The Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical company says it will begin 2 million liters of petroleum products today.

According to the management of the company, the refinery will get its supply of crude from Escravos, Delta state and then begin refining immediately. This is part of efforts to increase the supply of fuel nationwide.

Obanikoro, Muazu, others to be extradited back to Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission said it has initiated legal procedures that will result in the extradition of past government officials who fled the country to avoid investigation into their corrupt dealings and possible criminal prosecution.

The commission is said to be collaborating with the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United Kingdom’s National Crimes Commission to ensure the return of the ex-officials to Nigeria.

According to Punch Newspapers, some of those currently under investigation for possible repatriation to Nigeria are: Musiliu Obanikoro, former Minister of State for Defence, and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.

$15bn diverted in arms deal fraud, not $2.1bn - EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has revealed that the money diverted from arms purchase funds is over $15bn, as opposed to the $2.1bn initially alleged to have been embezzled.

Punch Newspapers reports that the EFCC discovered that the total anti-insurgency money diverted by various personalities and agencies was over $15bn.

EFCC seizes two houses belonging to former minister

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has reportedly seized two houses belonging to Senator Nenadi Usman, a former Minister of Finance.

Usman was last week, arrested in connection to the N2.5bn arms deal which was allegedly paid into her company account, Joint Trust Dimensions Limited, and another N140m allegedly paid into her Zenith Bank Account.

DSS arrests Saraki’s assistant

A Special Assistant to the Senate President on Youth and Student Matters, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, was on Monday, arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services.

According to a statement issued by his brother, Obinna Ikeagwuonu, Ugochinyere was arrested and detained by the DSS when he went to honor an invitation by the Assistant Director of Internal Security at the DSS headquarters. His family is yet to hear from him ever since.

2016 Budget: Buhari to sign soonest

The Executive and the National Assembly appear to have resolved the issue surrounding the 2016 budget and President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to sign the document into law in the coming days.

This conclusion was arrived at on Tuesday, after the meeting between the president, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the leadership of the national assembly led by the senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Nigeria isn't ready for nuclear power – Shehu Sani

Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central senatorial district has advised the Federal Government to be careful investing in nuclear power.

He said this on Tuesday while flagging-off distribution of Solar Power energy and transformers to hundred communities within the Kaduna Central Senatorial zone.

He stressed that Nigeria as a country is not ready for nuclear power, after revealing that N2 billion has been allocated for the construction of nuclear station in the 2016 budget.

Governor Dickson’s ex-aide in custody for offering N10m bribe to EFCC agent

A former Senior Special Assistant on Media to Bayelsa State Governor Abnedgo Don-Evarada , has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

According to the EFCC, Don-Evarada was arrested on Monday in Port- Harcourt, Rivers State for offering a bribe of N10million to the EFCC’s Zonal Head in Port-Harcourt, Ishaq Salihu.

Boko Haram kingpin arrested by Nigerian troops

Nigerian troops on Monday, arrested a Boko Haram kingpin known as Albani of Monguno – in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno state.

According to a statement by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Sani Usman, the kingpin was arrested during a clearance operation by troops of 7 Brigade, 8 Task Force Division.

Olisa Metuh falls during meeting, rushed to hospital

National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples, Olisa Metuh was yesterday rushed to the National Hospital, Abuja after falling off a swivel chair.

The incident took place shortly after he came into the National Working Committee meeting hall at the party secretariat to witness the inauguration of the caretaker committees of the party in Borno and Kebbi states.

Lagos/Ibadan expressway: Court strikes out Bi-Courtney suit

A Federal High Court has dismissed a case brought before it by Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited against the Federal Minister of Works, Attorney General of the Federation and three companies.

Bi-Courtney had been been granted concession of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway by the Federal Government but lost the contract when the government rescinded its concession due to a delay in the construction of the said expressway.

Police ban sale of fuel in jerrycans

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, has instructed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General as well as FCT/State Commands Commissioners of Police to arrest anyone found selling petrol or other petroleum products in plastic containers.

According to the directive which was issued by Arase on Monday, the police said apart from the hardship black marketing is causing to fuel buyers, it has also rendered some innocent and law abiding citizens homeless due to fire outbreak from jerry-can petrol storage.

Photo News: Nigerians stage protest in Abuja, demands Saraki's resignation

A coalition of civil rights group in Nigeria are presently staging a protest at the National Assembly Abuja where they are demanding for the immediate resignation of Senate President Bukola Saraki who is facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged false declaration of assets.

The protesters are also demanding that the senators return the 36 SUVs they recently purchased.

Boko Haram now have new means of identification – Army

Troops of the 22 Brigade Garrison and elements of 3 Battalion on patrol in Gima village, Ngala Local Government Area made a startling discovery. They discovered that Boko Haram terrorists now have new means of identification.

According to the Army Spokesperson,Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the troops came in contact with some elements of the Boko Haram that started escaping in disarray on sighting the team.

Prisons CG begs Reps, says officer found guilty will be dismissed

The Controller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) Dr Peter Ekpendu during questioning by the House of Representatives Committee on Interior over the alleged assault on a female lawmaker by his men last Wednesday, explained that his vehicles had passed when the incident took place, adding that it was the vehicles of two of his deputies that were involved in the incident.

The female lawmaker, who reported the incident, recalled that she was assaulted and insulted by a Senior Inspector of Prisons (SIP) Mr. Dan Odeh, at the exit gate to the National Assembly last week.

South-West PDP may break away after May 21st national convention

The South-west geopolitical zone of the Peoples Democratic Party has vowed to leave the party if the zone is denied the opportunity to produce the next national chairman of the party.

One of the members, Doyin Okupe, who is a former presidential aide told Premium Times on Monday, April 25 that leaders of the party in the zone are already in working on the next course of action if the zone is “robbed” of the position of national chairman at the party’s national convention scheduled to hold on May 21.

Lil Kesh to start his record label

On Sunday, there were rumours of a Lil Kesh departure from YBNL. 

A report by the Netng on Monday, can be seen as confirmation that Lil Kesh is indeed leaving to start his record label.

The website reports that this move has not caused any friction between the rapper and his label CEO, Olamide as it was a pre-planned move.

2016 Budget: Saraki, Ekweremadu, others to meet with Buhari

The National Assembly and the Presidency may finally find common grounds on the 2016 budget as Senate President, Bukola Saraki, alongside other senators will on Tuesday, April 26 meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss and find a solution to the controversy surrounding the 2016 Appropriation Bill.

The meeting is expected to be attended by Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu; Senate Leader, Ali Ndume; Deputy Senate Leader, Ibn Na’Allah; Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye; and Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena.