Author: Chief Editor

Iboro Otu analyses the coup in Mali and links it to reign of impunity which leads to corruption in many African countries, including Nigeria Just a couple of days ago, former president of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, penned an assuring message on his successful mediation trips – leading the ECOWAS fact-finding and resolution team to Mali. The ink is still wet on that page. Yesterday, however, we woke up to a coup in Mali. Whether it is Gambia, Guinea, Sudan, name them, Africa seems to be on the back foot when it comes to democratic gains. Is this a recurring…

On the sideline of the recent inauguration of the All Progressives Congress National Campaign Council for the October 10 Governorship Election in Ondo State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Chairman of the council spoke with journalists including Nseobong Okon-Ekong on the council’s plans for the gubernatorial election, and endorsements of the party’s candidate, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State by all the stakeholders What necessitated such a large campaign council -104 members? The large number of the campaign council is a reflection of the number of people who truly want to serve our party. It is a reflection of…

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has denied the poster published on social media indicating his interest in the 2023 presidential race. The Chairman of Ikere Local Government Area, Mr. Femi Ayodele, yesterday published the poster with presidential-ambition bearing Fayemi’s portrait on social media to clear the air and confirmed his loyalty to the governor. Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said he was not oblivious of the distraction such action will cause the government, denying ever authorising such action. Debunking the claim, Fayemi said: “The attention of the state governor has been…

Seeks support of staff, unions to make varsity better The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Theophilus Soyombo, assumed duties yesterday, pledging to lift the institution to a higher pedestal than he met it. He also promised to prioritise the welfare of staff, while calling for their support. Soyombo, who addressed journalists and staff from the Senate building, sought the support of all to make the institution better. He said: “These are indeed trying times for our great university and our prayer is that God will see us through this trying period. “My major focus will be…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday said he wished to live for 20 more years after which God could call him home. Obasanjo, 83 years, spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the first year coronation anniversary of the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Sabur Bakare, Jamolu II. Oba Bakare received the staff of office from a former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on May 21, 2019 as the 9th Agura of Gbagura. Obasanjo, who joined other dignitaries at an interdenominational service organised to mark the celebration, said he wished to be at the 20 years anniversary of the monarch, adding…

The Verdict By Olusegun Adeniyi, Email: olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com When it comes to elections, Nigerian politicians have always played by their own rules. It is therefore no surprise that many of them no longer believe in securing electoral victory with votes of the electorate. Now, they register their own political party or secure the endorsement of one of the numerous briefcase parties, get their name on the ballot and then wait for the election to be over before employing judicial ambush. Lawyers in their service look for any technicality with which to approach the courts to seek ‘redress’. Unfortunately, too many of…

Order blockade of embattled country Army colonel, Assimi Goita, takes over The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders are to hold a virtual summit today to find a way forward on the military take-over of Mali. The sub-regional body had yesterday ordered a blockade of the country to force the coupists, led by an army colonel, Assimi Goita, to stand down, even as it, along with Nigeria, has called for the immediate activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force. ECOWAS resolved to close all land and air borders, as well as to stop all economic, trade and financial flows…

Anti-graft commission yet to invite minister, says aide The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the alleged involvement of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, in financial dealings in the commission amounting to N81.5 billion. The EFCC, in an invitation letter addressed to a group, Foundation for True Freedom and Good Governance, led by a human rights activist, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, said it would need his assistance in the investigation. But Akpabio’s aide, Mr. Anietie Ekong, stated…

Cautions leaders against inflammatory utterances Boko Haram abducts 100 people in Kukawa, Borno The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday urged the federal government and states in the northern region to take all measures to end the wave of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping ravaging the North. It also asked religious, traditional and political leaders in the region to refrain from making wild and inflammatory utterances that will aggravate tensions arising from the pervasive insecurity in the region. The forum expressed concerns about the worsening living conditions of the people, saying life is now as tough as it was during the civil…

Federal pensioners have made a passionate appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to speedily approve the upward review of the federal pensions. Chairman, South West Zonal Congress of Federal Pensioners in Federal Colleges of Education, Dr Stephen Fatusin, urged the President to help the poor retirees by approving the increase as the harsh economic realities in the country were worsening the degradation of their quality of life. Fatusin, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja, lamented that the current situation of pensioners was so bad that some earn as low as N8,000 per month or even less, adding that increasing…