Author: statereporter

In a move aimed at elevating the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standards, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the commencement of a substantial infrastructure upgrade, necessitating the temporary cessation of all flight operations. The decision, made public on Sunday, underscores FAAN’s commitment to modernizing key aviation hubs across the nation. This comprehensive overhaul will address critical infrastructural needs, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and passenger safety. A spokesperson for FAAN stated, “This temporary closure is essential to allow for the seamless execution of upgrade works. We recognize the inconvenience this may cause…

FULL TEXT: Tinubu’s Declaration Of State Of Emergency In Rivers State The president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months. TEXT OF THE BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE ON TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025 Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to…

The Kano State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has nullified the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. Speaking to journalists in Kano on Saturday, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, clarified that the January 10, 2025 judgment delivered by the appellate court remains valid, affirming the state government’s authority to reinstate Sanusi II. Dederi stressed that only the Supreme Court has the power to overturn the appellate court’s decision, explaining that the recent ruling merely granted a stay of execution, not a reversal…

South Africa’s expelled Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has been given 72 hours to leave the US. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, confirmed to News24 that Pretoria was making arrangements for his return. Once in South Africa, he will be expected to debrief Pretoria. “And then, from there, Pretoria will assess what are the next steps that need to be done and attend to it.” He said Pretoria had received official confirmation from the SA mission in the US late on Friday night that Rasool had been expelled.

Jake Epelle, the founder of TAF Africa, has issued a passionate appeal to Nyesom Wike, urging him to reconsider his approach to political conflicts to avoid causing harm to ordinary citizens. Addressing Wike directly, Epelle stressed the importance of safeguarding public welfare. “Don’t let your children die. Don’t let people stop going to school. Don’t let people stop getting access to social services,” he implored. Epelle, positioning Wike as a political elder, encouraged him to embrace reconciliation over division, using a vivid metaphor to drive home his point. “Slap him with your right, draw him back with your left,”…

The Nigerian federal government has voiced its opposition to the National Assembly’s proposals to establish nearly 200 additional universities across the country, citing concerns about the system becoming overburdened. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, articulated the government’s stance during a recent press briefing in Abuja, revealing that approximately 200 bills related to the creation of new universities are currently before the National Assembly. Currently, Nigeria has 278 universities, comprising 64 federal, 67 state, and 147 private institutions. The government had previously implemented a one-year freeze on the licensing of new private universities to ensure that only institutions with adequate financial…

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has claimed that some individuals allegedly paid money to secure ministerial appointments in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. El-Rufai made the statement during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he also addressed his ministerial nomination saga and clarified his reasons for declining the offer to serve in Tinubu’s cabinet. Responding to claims that he left the All Progressives Congress (APC) after being snubbed for a ministerial position, el-Rufai insisted he never lobbied or contested for the role. “Yes, that’s what they say, but did I contest for minister? I know some that paid money before…

The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, suspended a facilitator, Mr. Okoroafor Ifeanyichukwu, from work on Friday following a viral video of him harassing a male student. The suspension notice, relayed in a letter with reference FPN/TEDC/80/1 and dated March 14th, 2025, highlighted, “You are hereby suspended from duty as a facilitator in the Technical and Entrepreneurship Development Centre pending the outcome of investigation into the incident that occurred yesterday 13th March, 2025 at the site of your entrepreneurship training.” The letter, assented by the Director of TEDC, Dr. Okoye P.C., was copied to the Rector, Dean of Student Affairs,…

Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has announced his willingness to partner with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to bolster opposition politics in Nigeria. Mohammed made this statement on Thursday following a private meeting with Obi at the Government House in Bauchi. He praised Obi’s political approach and his vision for the nation, describing him as a respected figure in Nigerian politics. “We hold him in high regard due to his unique style of politics, his statesmanship, his versatility, and his profound understanding of governance and…