News Rider

        Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima   The former Governor of Lagos State, Ahmed Tinubu has been declared the winner of the 2023 Presidential election.  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  Chairman Mahmood Yakubu announced the final results in the early hours of Wednesday in Abuja.  Tinubu scored a total of 8,794,726 votes, thereby attaining the constitutional requirement to be declared the winner. This was even as he scored over 25 per cent of the votes cast in 30 states, more than the 25 states constitutionally required. Yakubu said that Atiku Abubakar of the PDP came second with a total of 6,984,520 votes while the Labour Party Peter Obi placed third with a total of 6,101,533 votes.  Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP came fourth with 1,496,687 votes. Each of the candidates, Tinubu, Atiku and Obi won in 12 states while Mr Kwankwaso won only in Kano. How They Won Tinubu won the election in Rivers, Borno, Jigawa, Zamfara, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Osun

 The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has cautioned broadcasters covering and reporting the 2023 elections against violating the provision of the extant electoral laws and Broadcasting Code. Director-General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, on Monday in Abuja informed that the commission had observed that some guests on broadcast stations were making volatile statements capable of causing unrest in the country. To this end, he pleaded with all the broadcasters to desist from using or allowing their platforms and facilities to be used for the broadcast of contents that may lead to the breakdown of law and order. He warned that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to any erring station that operates outside the confines of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. He said: “The NBC reminds all broadcasters covering and reporting the 2023 General Elections to endeavor to abide by the provisions of the Extant Electoral Law(s), the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and other relevant regu

        Mrs Ireti Kingibe  The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mrs Ireti Kingibe has been declared winner of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat. She unseated the incumbent senator representing the FCT under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Philip Aduda to clinch the much-touted position.  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Sanni Saka of the University of Abuja announced the result on Tuesday in Abuja. He said that Ireti scored 202,175 votes to emerge winner, while Aduda of the PDP came second with 100,544 votes, and Mr Angulu Dobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) placed third with 78,905 votes. ”I Prof. Sanni Saka thereby certify that I am the Returning Officer for the 2023 FCT Senatorial district election held on February 25. “The election was contested and the candidates received the votes as announced. “That Ireti Kingibe having satisfied the requirement of the law has been declared the winner,” Saka sa

Gunmen suspected to be political thugs have killed the traditional ruler of Umuezeokaha community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ezeogo Igboke Ewa.  The 80-year-old man, who was a first-class traditional ruler, was murdered in his residence on Monday night.   Until his death, the slain royal father was the chairman of Ezza North Council of Traditional Rulers.  BOblog learnt that the late traditional ruler was supporting a candidate of a political party against another, a situation that could have triggered his murder.  The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi Police Command, SP Onome Onovwakpayeya, confirmed the incident in Abakaliki on Tuesday.  ”Yes, we are aware of the killing and investigation has commenced to fish out the perpetrators of such heinous crime,” she said. Onovwakpayeya noted that the command received information about the killing and is currently investigating the matter to know if it was politically-motivated. Umahi Directs Securi

          Senator Victor Umeh The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Sen. Victor Umeh has been declared the winner of Anambra South Senatorial election.  He beat the incumbent senator, Uche Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to clinch the exalted seat at the National Assembly.  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Chuka Enuka, who also doubles as a Professor of History and International studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, announced the result on Tuesday in Awka. Enuka said that Umeh scored 103,608 votes to beat his closet rival, Mr Dozie Nwankwo of APGA who scored 69,702, while Sen. Uche Ekwunife polled 49,532 to place third. “With the powers vested on me as the Returning Officer, the candidate of the Labour Party having polled the highest number of vote cast and having fulfilled all requirements is therefore declared elected and returned,” he added.

        Peter Obi         The Candidate of Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi has been declared the winner of Saturday’s presidential poll in Delta State.  Independent National Election Commission (INEC) Collation Officer for Delta, Professor Owunari Georgewill announced the result.  He said that Obi scored 341,866 while its closest rival, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 161,600. The APC emerged third with 90,183 votes. The Labour Party excelled in eighteen local government areas including Isoko North, Isoko South, Warri South, Udu, Ughelli North, Uvwie, Okpe, Ndokwa West, Oshimili South, Sapele and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas (LGAs). Others are Ukwuani, Aniocha South, Ethiope East, Oshimili North, Ethiope West, Aniocha North and Ika South LGA’s. The ruling PDP won in seven local government areas such as Ughelli South, Burutu, Patani, Bomadi, Warri North, Ika North East and Warri South West LGAs.

The Labour Party (LP) has cleared the Anambra State Presidential election with a massive margin.  Presidential candidate of LP, Peter Obi polled 584,621 votes against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar who polled 9,036 votes. The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu polled 5,111 votes. Returning officer and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Prof Nnenna Oti declared the results in the INEC collation center, Awka. Below are the results: LP: 584, 621 PDP: 9036 APC: 5111 NNPP: 1967 APGA: 7388 YPP: 1997

The Labour Party has rejected the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections over the failure of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit the results electronically through Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).  Director-General of Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Akin Osuntokun, stated this at a press conference on Monday in Abuja. He noted that INEC failed to implement some sections of the Electoral Act contrary to the publicly advertised guidelines for the conduct of the elections.  Osuntokun lamented that the party has lost confidence in the results being collated and announced at the National Collation Centre, Abuja.  “Nigerians have inundated us with calls and protests over INEC’s non-compliance with provisions of the electoral guidelines and the obvious manipulations of the election results. ”We hereby call on INEC to suspend further announcement of the results, and follow its own guidelines or completely cancel the entir

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja      Former President Olusegun Obasanjo  Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has bared its fangs over the ongoing collation of last Saturday’s presidential election results, describing it as falsified and manipulated. This was even as he demanded the cancellation of elections in areas marred by violence, snatching of sensitive materials  and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) malfunctioning.  In a statement personally signed by the ex-president on Monday, he noted that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials have been compromised to revert to manual transmission of results.  Obasanjo, who is one of the staunch supporters of Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alleged that most of the results collated outside BVAS and server did not reflect the will of Nigerians. Labour party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition party agents had during the announcement of results on Monday, walked out of the National

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has canceled the results of Abaji Area Council senatorial election due to over-voting. Collation and Returning Officer for Abaji, Prof. Sanni Saka, from University of Abuja, disclosed on Monday in Abuja that the results were canceled as party agents raised concerns over excessive voting.  Saka had announced that the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored  9542 votes while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had 9547 votes. The Labour Party got 1789 votes while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) had 43 votes. The total number of registered voters stood at 66, 201, accredited voters 21, 473 while the total valid votes was pegged at 21,112. Also, the total number of rejected votes were 530, even as the total votes cast stood at 21, 373.  Saka noted that INEC would decide when to hold another election in Abaji.  APC Party agent, Mr Suleiman Ango, said that he requested for the cancellation of the results given some discrepan

           Mr Gabriel Agabi A lecturer in the department of Philosophy, University of Calabar, Mr Gabriel Agabi, has been arrested by the police for impersonating as National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff. The man, who wore INEC reflective jacket, was caught with 17 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) not programmed for the ward.  He was arrested at the collation center in Okpoma, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River by security operatives.  The lecturer was later bundled to Ogoja INEC’s office, where he confessed to have impersonated INEC collation officer for Yache ward in Yala Local Government Area of the state, Dr Dominic Abakedi. After his confessional statement, he was whisked away by the police to the Ogoja Area Command for further investigation and interrogation by the Criminal Investigation Department  (CID). One of the BVAS found in his possession had the following details: “BVAS No: 09/18/10/012 with 216 accredited voters and 250 votes cast."

            Late  Valentine Onuigbo Labour Party Chairman in Karshi district, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr Valentine Onuigbo is dead.  BOblog gathered that he died in his sleep few hours to the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday, February 25. 2023.  He coordinated the party's campaign and was one of the delegations to Chattam House London, during a presentation by its Presidential candidate, Peter Obi.  A source revealed that he worked for the party till late Friday and was patiently waiting to cast his vote on Saturday before the unfortunate tragedy.   His body has been deposited in Asokoro Hospital mortuary, Abuja according to family members.   Ozigbo was the former Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Plc.            Late Sunday Zaka The Charman of People's Democratic Party (PDP) FCT chapter, Sunday Zaka also died in the early hours of Saturday in an autocrash.  An aide to the deceased, Bawa Benjamin, confirmed that the accid

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Presiding officers collating results at NIA AKASS Quarters Under tree, Federal Housing Estate Lugbe on Saturday. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE.  Labour Party (LP) has won the Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections conducted at NIA AKASS Quarters under tree, Federal Housing Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.  The polling unit -code 192- with 750 voters is sited under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and registered as Local Government Area Code 06.  Though accreditation and voting commenced simultaneously at 11. 27am due to late arrival of sensitive materials, but the exercise was conducted peacefully, devoid of rancour.  BOblog reports that the voting, which ended at 5.30pm was partly disrupted by the downpour in the locality.  In an interview with a senior citizen, Pa Micheal Okosie, he commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for introducing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).  He was optimistic that the results wou

 The Nigeria Police Force has announced total restriction of all vehicular movements from 12:00 am to 6:00 pm during Saturday's Presidential and National Assembly elections.  This was even as the restriction order exempted workers on essential services such as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, election observers, ambulances and firefighters responding to medical emergencies. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in Abuja revealed that the order was part of measures emplaced to ensure a safe, secure and conducive environment for the conduct of the elections. He was hopeful that the restriction would aid in public order management, safety of electorates and effective policing. Adejobi noted that it was also targeted at preventing hoodlums and criminal minded elements from disrupting the electoral process. The spokesperson hinted that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba had also embargoed security aides a

        Hon Chinyere Igwe The police have apprehended a member representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency II, Hon Chinyere Igwe with  $500,000.  Igwe, a staunch campaigner of PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar was arrested on Friday during a stop and search operation along Aba road. Confirming the arrest on Friday, the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said that the sum of $498,100, was recovered from the suspect. She said: “Police Officers from Rivers State Command deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road today 24/2/2023 at about 0245hrs, while on stop and search, arrested one Hon Chinyere Igwe, member House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency with a cash sum of 498,100 USD inside a bag in his car". Iringe-Koko noted that the police also recovered a list for distribution of the money, adding that the AIG Election, AIG Abutu Yaro has ordered his swift interrogation and arraignment in court. The command enjoined all

        Simon Ekpa The pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa was on Thursday arrested by the Finnish police in Lahti, the capital of the region of Päijänne Tavastia, Finland.  Ekpa, a self-acclaimed stooge of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, had repeatedly ordered South-east residents to observe a sit-at-home. He had at several times informed the Southeasterns to   boycott Saturday’s election in pursuit of his Biafran agenda. BOblog learnt that Ekpa’s arrest was actualised given the ceaseless complaints by the Federal Government and Ndigbo resident in Finland over his plans to instigate war in the Southeast.  Prior to the arrest, Nigerians had already endorsed a petition, detailing the activities of Ekpa and why the Nigerian Government and the European Union must act fast to salvage the economy of Ndigbo.  Their hues and cries finally paid off when the Finland National Bureau of Investigation arrested, detained and quizzed Expa over suspected money col

                    Late Barr Oyibo Chukwu At least, five persons died as gunmen suspected to be political thugs assassinated the Senatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for Enugu East, Barr. Oyibo Chukwu. The incident occurred along Amechi Awkunanaw Road in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State on Wednesday night.  The source, who preferred anonymity, said that Chukwu was assassinated with his driver while on his way home after the campaign in parts of Nkanu West LGA. He revealed that the bus which the candidate used for his campaign was also set ablaze as persons inside it were  burnt beyond recognition. The source said: “They have assassinated Oyibo Chukwu! He was killed inside his campaign vehicle, a Sienna bus. “We finished campaign in parts of Nkanu West and the assailants trailed him as he was heading home, attacked and killed him.” Hoodlums also attacked one of the campaign vehicles belonging to the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for En

        Senator Ademola Adeleke  The Governor of Osun State, Sen Ademola Adeleke has  declared Friday, February 24 as public holiday to enable civil servants prepare for the general elections. A circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, on Wednesday in Osogbo, revealed that the work-free day would provide an opportunity for the citizens to exercise their voting rights. Within the period, public servants are expected to utilise the opportunity to travel to their homes where they registered to vote. Igbalaye appealed to all the residents to be law abiding as they peacefully exercise their voting rights on Saturday and in subsequent elections. 

In commemoration of Ash Wednesday, clerics have harped on the need for Nigerians to embrace peaceful elections and abstain from sinful acts.  BOblog reports that Ash Wednesday signaled the beginning of Lenten Season for Catholics worldwide, expected to last for 40 days. It is also a season of penance, reflection and fasting which prepares Christains for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Speaking shortly after the Ash Wednesday sermon on Wednesday, the Parish Priest of the Holy Family Parish, Ologo, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Christian Oji, enjoined Nigerians to use the lenten period to pray for peaceful elections in the country.  He said that the lenten season is a period for Nigerians to reconcile with one another, sue for peace, honesty and assist the less privileged. Oji disclosed that it's a period that Nigerians should assist the nation to achieve its greatness and purposes, adding that Christians fast to elevate their faith in Christ through abstinence and a

The Supreme Court has fixed March 3, 2023 to deliver judgement on suits filed by 16 States challenging the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBNs) cashless policy. This was even as the court ordered the consolidation of the 16 suits against the implementation of the Federal Government's naira swap policy into one. A seven-member panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro on Wednesday announced the date after taking final arguments from lawyers to parties in the case.  But a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) representing Rivers State, Emmanuel Ukala expressed dissatisfaction with the consolidation.  He emphasised the need for the suit to be heard without any encumbrances since the matter centered on the same issue. All the states in their respective motions concurred with the three aggrieved states of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara that started the legal fireworks.  The 16 states are Kaduna, Kogi, Zamfara, Ondo, Ekiti, Katsina, Ogun, Cross River, Lagos, Sokoto, Rivers, Kano, Nasarawa, Abia, Ji

Gunmen suspected to be political thugs have attacked a popular Radio Station, Wish FM 99.5 and the Atlantic Television Network in Ozuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.  The broadcasting stations were bombed with explosive devices suspected to be dynamite on Tuesday night, even as sporadic gunshots filtered the air.  Both Wish FM 99.5 and Atlantic Television Network are owned by a member of the House of Representatives, Chinyere Igwe, said to be a strong supporter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.  The incident, which occurred around 8:40pm, led to the destruction of some equipment and property in the facility which houses the two broadcast stations.  Igwe confirmed the attack on Wednesday, just as he was excited that no life was lost during the incident.  But the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said that she was yet to receive a report of the incident.  She promised to make the details

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has suspended the registration for 2023 direct entry into tertiary institutions.  The registration, which kick-started on Monday, February 20, was suspended till further notice.  JAMB spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, stated on Tuesday in Abuja that the registration was put off in order to deploy certain measures that would serve  prospective candidates better. He hinted that a new date and fresh registration procedures would be announced in due course. The new procedure would include the upload of JAMB admission letter in the case of OND and NCE admission. It would also entail the upload of letter issued by universities in the case of university Diploma, and admission letter issued by `A’ Level examination bodies.  The registration, which commenced on Monday, February 20, was initially scheduled to end on Thursday, April 20. Benjamin cautioned candidates that only JAMB offices nationwide were approved to register them for dir

         Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali The Nigerian Army has sought for more partnership with the media in tackling insurgency nationwide. Theartre Commander, North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, stated this during interface with members of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) Borno State Council on Tuesday in Maiduguri.  He noted that collaboration is imperative towards achieving lasting successes in the fight against insurgency, describing the media as critical stakeholders especially in the counter- insurgency operation. “My predecessor told me how the media played a critical role in ensuring patriotic and unbiased reportage which assisted our operations. “Also, we are both playing the same role towards restoration of peace in the North East and I want you to sustain these efforts. “We are seeking for your enhanced synergy as this fight cannot be done from the military alone," he added.  This, he said was the reason that the Niger

       First Lady Aisha Buhari  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied approving the recirculation of old N500 and N1000 notes for the next 70 days.  To this end, the apex bank insisted that only N200 old notes would be reissued and circulated concurrently with the new notes in line with the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari. First Lady, Aisha Buhari, had through her Instagram account on Tuesday shared a press release, announcing that the old N500 and N1000 notes would remain legal tender for the next 70 days till May 1, 2023? But the CBN on Tuesday in Lagos dismissed the statement, describing it as fake news.  The statement was jointly signed by Deputy Governor of Corporate Services, Mr Edward Adamu and Director of Corporate Communications, Mr Osita Nwanisobi.  CBN informed that Buhari did not approve the  reissuance and recirculation of old denominated notes as legal tender for 70 days up to May 1, as stated in the fake press release. The statement reads: &qu

Ahead of the Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Federal High Court of Nigeria has informed judges to commence on a five-day recess.  The judges are expected to sit up to Wednesday, 22nd February 2023 before proceeding on the break.  This was contained in a circular signed by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho on February 20, 2023 titled ‘Break for the 2023 general elections’.  Tsoho revealed that the judges would resume on Tuesday, February 28, three days after the election.  The Chief Judge directed heads of its divisions in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt to designate a judge for the legal needs of the North, South-West, South South/South-East geo-political zones. The circular reads: "In view of the forthcoming 2023 general elections, your Lordships are by this letter permitted to observe a short break in order to perform your civic duties. “Your Lordships are to sit on Wednesday before proceeding on the break and shall resume work on  Febru

The Nigerian Army has promised adequate security for Borno residents in the forthcoming general elections.  Commander of 7 Division Garrison, Operation Hadin Kai, Brig.-Gen. Jafar Ibrahim, disclosed this while flagging off “Operation Show of Force,” on Monday in Maiduguri. The five-day 'Operation Show of Force' exercise would be conducted in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.   Ibrahim said that the exercise would intimate the residents of their readiness to ensure that the polls were free, fair and credible. He noted that the exercise would boost the residents confidence and propel them to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice during the elections. “This exercise is not something new. It is a tradition that usually happens every four years and the aim is to reassure the people that the elections will hold and that it will be peaceful in the state. “It is against this background that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Div

The Federal Government has commenced the construction of 2×30/40MVA substation worth N6.8 billion in Akwa Ibom State.  At the ground-breaking ceremony of the event in Ibiono Ibom on Monday, Minister of State for Power, Prince Goddy Jeddy-Agba, said that the engineering, procurement and construction of the power facility would last for 18 months.  When completed, the project is expected to improve power supply in the locality in fulfilment of President Muhammadu Buhari's campaign promises to the people of Akwa Ibom.  He appreciated the people of Idedep for donating land for the project, adding that the facility would strengthen the national grid by increasing its wheeling capacity to 25,000MW by 2025. Jeddy-Agba pleaded with the people of Akwa Ibom to provide all the necessary support and assistance required for the speedy completion of the project. The State Governor, Udom Emmanuel assured that the project would be completed within the expected timeframe,  Emmanuel, who

About 17 passengers cheated death on Monday as a boat en route Ebute Ero from Ikorodu in Lagos State capsized.  An eyewitness disclosed that the incident happened at about 7:a.m on Monday around the Third Mainland Bridge, close to Bariga ferry terminal.  He noted that the passengers were lucky to have escaped unhurt compared to other incidents that led to the death of two or more persons. The General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel confirmed the incident.  He noted that the disruption, which occurred around the Third Mainland Bridge, close to Bariga ferry terminal, involved a commercial passenger ferry named Fazma logistics. Emmanuel said that all the passengers were  rescued by first responders including officers of the LASWA. He hinted that the boat was recovered immediately while the boat captain was being interrogated.  The GM stated that investigation is ongoing to ascertain the possible and remote cause of the accident. 

Ahead of the February 25 presidential election, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has endorsed the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Sen Datti Baba-Ahmed.  The endorsement followed the formation of ADC Grand Coalition for Obi-Datti and its Star Alliance Partners, which is made up of 11 groups.  Information obtained from ADC official Twitter handle revealed that the endorsement took place at River Plate Gardens on Monday in Abuja.  The partners that are standing in solidarity with ADC comprise of Nigeria Mothers for Good Governance, Fulani United, Nigerian Artisans, League of Imams, Nigerian Traders and Yoruba United. Others are Mega Political Coalition, Kanuris United, Almalgamated Coalitions, CEG Groups and Nigeria Legions United.   Part of their mandates is to provide adequate political backing for Obi-Datti presidential ambition that would lead to LPs victory on Saturday. The event was attended by prominent personalities such a

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered the sum of N900 million for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that was trapped in commercial banks.  In a statement on Saturday, spokesman for the commission,  Mr Wilson Uwujaren disclosed that the money was fraudulently withheld since 2015 by some deposit money banks.  He noted that the banks refused to remit the money into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for NHIS, adding that the recovered fund was released to NHIS on February 8. Uwujaren informed that the commission had on February 10, 2022, released the sum of N1.5 billion to the NHIS that was recovered from the banks. He stated that EFCC had also on August 5, 2022, released N1.4 billion to the scheme. The Executive Secretary of NHIS, Prof. Muhammad Nasir Sambo had on July 29, 2021, praised EFCC for assisting NHIS in the recovery of funds trapped in commercial banks. 

Barely seven days to the 2023 general elections, the Obidient Movement organised a nationwide rally in support of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his vice, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed.  This was even as the march was carried out across the 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory, likewise some cities around the world. A statement issued by the organising committee of the event on Saturday in Abuja, revealed that the Obidient 100 million Global March would set the stage for the creation of a new Nigeria if Obi would be elected the president on Saturday, February 25.  The statement was endorsed by the Lead Global March, Mr Kingland Justin; founder of 100 million March, Prof. Chris Nwaokobia; Head of Support Groups, Mrs Nina Atalor, and Head of Strategy and Operations of Obidient Global March, Marcel Ngogbehei. Justin disclosed that the rally provided an opportunity to unveil the last phase of their three-stage strategic approach meant to recover

The Federal Government has raised the alarm over  terrific flood across 178 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).  This followed earlier predictions by the NIgeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) of impending floods in many states.  Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu disclosed this at the official unveiling of the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) on Friday in Abuja with the theme: "Flood Prediction and it’s Impact on Socio-economic Livelihood." The forecast revealed that 178 LGAs in 32 states and the FCT fall within the highly probable flood risk areas while 224 LGAs in 35 states including the FCT fall within the moderately probable flood risk areas. This is even as the remaining 402 LGAs fall within the probable flood risk areas.  The highly probable flood risk states are Adamawa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross- River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday denied directing commercial banks to accept the old N500 and N1,000 notes immediately, a situation that amounts to ridicule. A staff of the CBN at Lagos branch had informed customers, who were mostly traders that invaded their office to generate a code from the CBN platform and deposit the old N500 and N1,000 notes to their banks.  The source pegged the maximum amount that the banks would collect at N500,000, saying that the old currencies were no longer legal tender. But the apex bank debunked the claims in a statement via its  verified handle on Twitter, which was signed by the Director, Corporate Communications Department of CBN, Mr Osita Nwanisobi.  He enjoined the public to disregard any message or information that was not formally released by the CBN on the subject. “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to some fake and unauthorized messages quoting the CBN as having authorised the Deposit Money Banks

 The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to foreign broadcasters with offices in Nigeria and beam their signals into the country to register with the commission .  This is even as the commission encouraged Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and other broadcast stations streaming online, to also register in order to avoid disconnection and prosecution. Director-General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah disclosed this at the presentation of letters to the 67 newly approved licensees on Friday in Abuja. He noted that NBC is determined to join forces with security agencies to clamp down on illegal broadcasters in the country.  Ilelah reminded licensees that are yet to pay their outstanding debts, to hurriedly do so or risk their licences revoked for illegal broadcasting. He informed that the refusal to pay for licenses amount to economic sabotage, adding that the commission would be left with no option than partner with security and anti-corruption

As protests deepen across the States, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks to start accepting the old N500 and N1,000 notes from the public immediately.  This is even as the apex bank pegged the maximum amount that the banks would collect at N500,000, adding that the old currencies were no longer legal tender. A source confirmed that the CBN ordered the banks to accept the old cash instead of going to the CBN office following difficulties encountered in getting access to the bank.  “Go to your bank but fill out the form before you go. Go with the reference code you generate. With your code, banks will collect it from you. But if it is more than N500,000, you will go to the CBN and deposit it, " an official added.  The CBN had earlier opened a portal on its website and made it mandatory for those willing to return old notes to fill and generate a code. But on Thursday, February 16, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele ordered the banks to make the old N200

Some residents of Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Friday barricaded the Benin-Ore expressway over a shortfall in the supply of new naira. BOblog reports that the protesters made bonfire on both sides of the expressway to register their anger on the scarcity of new notes.  This obstructed human and vehicular movement and resulted to heavy gridlock on the axis.  In separate interviews, the protesters frowned at their inability to access cash, which is already threatening their livelihood.  One of the protesters, Angela Alonge lamented that she was unable to withdraw cash from her banks’ Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) and was also disallowed from gaining access into the banking hall.  Another protester, Femi Martins wondered why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) initiated such policy without considering the plight of Nigerians in cities and communities.   He said the essence of the protest was to register their grievances on the hardship caused by the F

        IGP Usman Baba At least, 310,973 policemen have been mobilised to secure 176,846 polling units nationwide ahead of the forthcoming general elections.  The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba stated this at the weekly briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the State House Abuja, on Thursday. ”From INEC records, there are 176,846 polling units in 8,809 wards of the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory where the elections will be conducted," he said.  He noted that the police, with the support of other security agencies have perfected plans to deploy 310,973 personnel to cover the locations. This would comprise conventional policemen, mobile policemen, special counter terrorism unit, special forces, intelligence response team and other sections of the police. Baba stated that the manpower required for the successful conduct of the elections would be complemented by the military and other security agencies.