Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has halted the enforcement of its January 10 judgment, which upheld the Kano State government’s repeal of the 2019 Emirates Council Law, pending the Supreme Court’s determination of an appeal on the same matter. The ruling was delivered on Friday by a three-member panel led by Justice Okon Abang. The court granted a stay of execution, effectively maintaining the status quo in the ongoing legal tussle over the Kano Emirate dispute. The appellate court had earlier set aside a June 20, 2024, ruling by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Federal…

By Deborah Nnamdi Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has properly written to the state House of Assembly of his intention to present the 2025 budget. Fubara was on Wednesday locked out of the Assembly Complex for what the spokesman of the House, Hon Enemi George said was “his inability to formally communicate the House”. In a letter titled: Notice of Presentation of Rivers State 2025 Budget to Rivers State House of Assembly, and addressed to the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Governor said: “You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of 1.1 million U.S. dollars and 135,900 Saudi Riyals at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service’s Spokesperson, revealed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja. Maiwada explained that the seizure occurred during a routine baggage check of an inbound passenger arriving on Saudi Airlines Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia. He explained that during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage by NCS officers, the undeclared currency was found concealed within packs of palm dates. The interception, he said, aligned with…

Lagos State’s ongoing electricity deficit continues to impose a significant financial strain on both residents and businesses. A recent report estimates that this energy shortfall adds an extra N5.3 trillion to their annual expenses. The 2025 Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU), published by the Lagos State Government, reveals that while the state needs about 9,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, it only receives a meager 1,000 MW from the national grid, which accounts for just 11 percent of the total demand. As a result, over 80 percent of Lagos’ population and businesses depend on off-grid power sources, mainly powered by petrol,…

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the Lagos-Calabar highway project, rejecting accusations that it is a wasteful and corrupt initiative. His remarks follow former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of the project in his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, where he labeled it as a prime example of waste and corruption. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Ondo State, Umahi acknowledged the inevitability of criticism but emphasized that the project would ultimately bring prosperity to the people. He emphasized that the project is transparent, with a great return on investment, and urged everyone to ignore negative statements.…

Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has urged his opponents to prioritize the state’s interests, emphasizing his willingness for complete peace in the region. The governor made this statement on Thursday during the inauguration of the Okirika Grammar School, which had been remodeled by his administration. Fubara said: “It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has made its judgment, we don’t have any option but to abide by it, and by the grace of God, we have started the process. “We are appealing to the other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State.…

By Deborah Nnamdi Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, stated that Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former governor of Anambra State, is the face of opposition politics in Nigeria, expressing his readiness to work to strengthen opposition politics ahead of 2027 presidential election. Speaking after his closed-door meeting with Obi at the Government House in Bauchi, Mohammed said he admires and respects Obi’s style of politics, adding that the ex-governor of Anambra State has a clear vision of politics and governance. “We have a lot of respect and admiration for him because of his…

By Deborah Nnamdi Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has announced that all vice-chairmanship positions in the 25 local government areas will be exclusively designated for women in the upcoming local government elections. A staunch proponent of women’s inclusion in governance, Bago expressed that women have long been sidelined despite their substantial contributions to society. He underscored the importance of ensuring their active participation in leadership positions. Highlighting the crucial role women play in national growth and development, Governor Bago emphasized their ability to foster progress and transformation when provided with the necessary opportunities. “Empowering women at the local…

By Deborah Nnamdi President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on Thursday threatened to impose 200-percent tariffs on wine, champagne, and other alcoholic products from France and other European Union countries in retaliation against the bloc’s planned levies on US-produced whiskey. A post on his Truth Social platform stated: “If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES,” Trump has launched trade wars against competitors and partners alike since taking office, wielding tariffs as a tool…

By Deborah Nnamdi An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Wuse Zone 6, on Thursday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM. The arrest order followed a criminal defamation case that was brought before the court by a renowned female gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo. In his ruling, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana ordered the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM and produce him before the court to answer to criminal allegations that were levelled against him by the gospel singer. The court noted that the…