Author: statereporter
Stakeholders from across Ekeremor LGA have issued a forceful critique of entrenched political practices in the Local Government Area, condemning what they describe as exclusionary leadership by local political elites. The interest of ordinary citizens of the LGA, not sectional or family interests, must become the priority. In an address to community leaders and residents from EKELGA, it was asserted that only a select number of wards in the LGA have repeatedly benefited from political appointments, development funds, and representation leaving other wards chronically sidelined. What had once been dismissed as coincidence is now seen by many as willful marginalization…
The Niger Delta Ex-agitators forum of Bayelsa west from Phase 1, 2 & 3 has endorsed Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for Senate 2027, to represent Bayelsa west senatorial district at National Assembly. Their declaration below: Ladies and gentleman, it is with so much gratitude to God Almighty that I welcome you all to this event as we are indeed privileged to be among the living. Having said that, we are gathered here today to do one thing, and one thing alone, and that is the ENDORSEMENT of our senator, the peoples senator, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson to return to…
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, says drivers working with his company through the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) earn better salaries than many Nigerian graduates. Speaking during the launch of the Dangote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, Dangote urged unemployed drivers to seize the opportunity, noting that the scheme offers not only attractive pay but also access to housing loans. “Any NUPENG driver who doesn’t have a job and wants to join Dangote CNG drivers to earn more money is welcome,” he stated. His comments highlight the widening gap between graduate employment opportunities and earnings in…
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has affirmed that the August 30, 2025, local government elections in the state were both constitutional and legitimate. Delivering judgment, Justice Stephen Jumbo dismissed a suit filed by Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Williams Stanley, who had challenged the legality of the polls. Stanley had argued that the appointments of the state’s Sole Administrator by President Bola Tinubu, as well as the nominations of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) chairman and members, rendered the elections invalid. However, Justice Jumbo ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter, noting that under…
Minna, Niger State – In a bold move to promote peace and curb inciting religious rhetoric, Niger State Governor Umar Bago has directed that all religious preachers must submit their sermons for vetting and approval before delivering them. Governor Bago made the announcement during a public address in Minna, stressing that the measure was necessary to regulate religious messages, prevent extremism, and preserve harmony among Niger State’s diverse communities. “This is not about infringing on anyone’s religious freedom,” the governor stated. “It is about ensuring that messages delivered from the pulpit do not incite violence, promote division, or threaten the…
The Rivers State Government on Sunday, September 14, held an inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf, Port Harcourt, to mark the conclusion of the emergency rule imposed on the state. The solemn service drew the presence of the state administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas (rtd), alongside top government officials, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and other dignitaries. However, the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were noticeably absent from the event. President Bola Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State…
The Federal Government has stated that ordinary Nigerians will not be required to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN/Tax ID) in order to open or operate bank accounts, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise. What the Law Actually Says: From January 1, 2026, all taxable entities, which includes individuals earning taxable income, businesses, and non-residents supplying taxable goods or services, must register for a Taxpayer Identification Number under the newly signed Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. The requirement covers activities such as supplying taxable goods or services, entering into contracts with government, participating in stock market transactions, or obtaining insurance.…
Abuja, Nigeria – More than 4,000 law graduates from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over their exclusion from admission into the Nigerian Law School. The petition, submitted through the NOUN Law Graduates Forum, seeks urgent government intervention to end what the group describes as discriminatory practices that have denied them the opportunity to complete their legal education and qualify as practicing lawyers in Nigeria. The dispute arises from a longstanding face-off between NOUN and the Council of Legal Education (CLE), which regulates legal…
ABUJA – The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. Obi described Jonathan as a “dear elder brother, statesman, and leader,” noting that their discussions were centered on the state of the nation. While details of the meeting were not made public, the former Anambra State governor said the engagement was “fruitful,” adding that such consultations were necessary for Nigeria’s progress.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated a Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to roll out urgent measures aimed at bringing down the soaring cost of food in Nigeria. The directive comes as millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with the rising cost of basic staples. Earlier interventions included the release of 102,000 metric tonnes of grains—such as rice, maize, millet, and garri—from strategic reserves and millers’ warehouses, alongside import duty waivers on key food items. However, despite these efforts, food inflation remains at a staggering 39.93% as of November 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Staple items like…