April 2025 | Page 11 of 45

PDP Governors No Longer Backing Atiku – APC Chieftain Akindele Mocks El-Rufai

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayekooto Akindele, has claimed that no Nigerian governor, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, will support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid in 2027. Akindele mocked Atiku, alleging that Adeleke no longer answers his calls during the day. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Akindele dismissed Atiku and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s chances of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s reelection, declaring that they cannot prevent Tinubu from completing a second term in office. His remarks come amid reports of a growing rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to those reports, a secret deal between some PDP governors and President Tinubu is said to be fueling internal unrest in the opposition party. The alliance is believed to be weakening Atiku’s influence and undermining his political base ahead of the 2027 general election. Recently, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, publicly declared his support for Tinubu, stating the president enjoys broad national backing and will remain in power until 2031. His comment came shortly after the PDP Governors’ Forum reportedly distanced itself from Atiku’s proposed coalition. Akindele doubled down on his criticism, writing: “There’s no Nigerian governor who has declared support for Atiku in 2027. Even Adeleke no dey pick Atiku’s calls at daytime again. One million Atikus and El-Rufais cannot stop the South and Tinubu from spending eight years in power. When it comes to politics, don’t drag anything with the JAGABAN

Over 70% of Nigerian Shipments to U.S. Rejected or Delayed Amid New Tariff Policy

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Since the enforcement of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy—particularly targeting imports from Africa—over 70% of shipments sent from Nigeria to the United States via air cargo have been either refused entry or placed on indefinite hold. Ini Daniel, Chief Commercial Officer at AAJ Express Logistics Limited, disclosed this on Tuesday, highlighting the severe disruption the policy has caused. He noted that the delays have created major setbacks for Nigerian exporters and importers operating in the U.S. market. “Nigerian exporters are facing unprecedented challenges following the full implementation of Trump’s tariff regulations on April 2, 2025,” Daniel said. “Cargo and courier companies are struggling with clearance, creating a crisis for exporters trying to meet demands in the U.S.” The aviation sector has also been hit hard, with airlines reportedly offering steep discounts or even free returns due to the growing backlog of undelivered goods. Exporters, meanwhile, remain in the dark as U.S. customs officials have yet to provide clear reasons for the shipment rejections. Daniel emphasized that Nigeria is not alone in this dilemma—exporters from China, Europe, and other African nations are also being impacted. In light of the uncertainty, he advised Nigerian exporters to temporarily halt shipments to the U.S. until customs authorities issue clearer guidelines. Exporters now anxiously await clarification and a resolution that could restore smooth trade with the U.S. market.

Tinubu Urges Global Climate Unity While Nigeria Struggles With Security Crisis

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on global leaders to act with unity, courage, and sustained commitment in addressing the escalating climate crisis. Speaking during a high-level virtual dialogue on climate and the just transition, he emphasized that climate action should be viewed as a strategic development imperative, not a cost. Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that climate progress and economic growth move forward together. “The global climate emergency demands our collective, courageous, and sustained leadership,” he said. The meeting, co-hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aimed to fast-track international climate efforts ahead of COP30. Leaders from 17 nations and key regional blocs such as the African Union, ASEAN, and the Alliance of Small Island States joined the dialogue, sending a unified message that the global community is moving forward with climate action at full speed. However, back home, Nigeria continues to face pressing security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and communal violence, which threaten both its stability and development efforts. Tinubu presented Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), a roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. The ETP covers five core sectors—power, cooking, transportation, oil and gas, and industry—and outlines a funding requirement of over $410 billion to meet its targets. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to bring electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030, in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Yet, the President acknowledged that meaningful climate progress must go hand in hand with addressing domestic issues like insecurity, which continues to hinder access to energy and investment in affected regions. He further detailed the country’s broader energy reforms, including the finalization of Nigeria’s Carbon Market Activation Policy, which is expected to attract up to $2.5 billion in investments by 2030. Tinubu also announced the ongoing update of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UNFCCC framework, with a comprehensive revision expected by September 2025. Additionally, a new Global Climate Change Investment Fund is being developed to attract climate-smart investments, support green infrastructure, and advance clean energy solutions across Nigeria—especially in rural and conflict-prone areas where development is most needed. Closing his remarks, President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of multilateral partnerships in driving climate solutions, while also stressing the importance of national security in enabling development. He thanked global partners such as the United Nations and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) for their continued support. “We are prepared to collaborate, lead, and deliver — because we understand that the time for climate action is not tomorrow; it is now,” he concluded, adding that Nigeria will not achieve its full climate or economic potential without first ensuring the safety and security of its people.

NLC Slams Power Minister Over Electricity Claims Decries Privatization Failures

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu over his claim that 150 million Nigerians now enjoy adequate electricity with just 5,500 megawatts. In a statement released on April 23, 2025, the union described the remark as a blatant insult to the intelligence of Nigerians and a deceptive narrative aimed at masking the true state of the power sector. The NLC emphasized that international standards recommend at least 1,000 megawatts per one million people, which means Nigeria should be generating no less than 150,000 megawatts to meet the needs of its population. The union questioned the minister’s claims, asking where the supporting power plants and transmission infrastructure are, if such a level of coverage truly exists. It cited widespread blackouts, idle factories, and ongoing outages as clear evidence that the government’s narrative doesn’t match the daily experiences of Nigerians. The NLC traced the roots of the crisis to the 2013 privatization of the power sector, which handed over critical infrastructure to private interests for just N400 billion — a move the union believes sparked more problems than it solved. More than ten years later, the NLC noted, there has been little to no improvement in electricity supply or infrastructure, despite the billions of naira in public subsidies given to power companies. The union also condemned ongoing efforts to privatize the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), warning that such a move would only worsen the sector’s challenges. It criticized the recent hike in electricity tariffs under the Band A, B, and C system, calling it a veiled exploitation strategy that has forced many Nigerians to choose between food and electricity bills. In its final message, the NLC accused government officials and private profiteers of enriching themselves while leaving workers underpaid and the public underserved. The union vowed to resist what it called a grand deception, promising to continue pushing for a power sector that genuinely serves the Nigerian people. “If you generate, transmit and distribute more power, we will see it in our homes and factories, not on television and in newspapers,” the NLC stated. President Joe Ajaero concluded: “Let there be light, not lies

Oborevwori Condemned APC for Bringing Poverty to Nigeria

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

While he was campaigning for the Delta State governorship election in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Sheriff Oborevwori condemned the poor policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Oborevwori went as far as saying the ruling party must go. However, on Wednesday, rumours and previous denials of defection gave way to a confirmation that the governor has joined the same party he criticised less than three years ago. In October 2022, Oborevwori said the APC had nothing to campaign with in Delta because the ruling party had brought poverty to the country. The Independent newspaper quoted Oborevwori’s words: “What they have succeeded in doing is bringing poverty. The economy is dead. Insecurity in Nigeria is something you can’t talk about. Yet somebody said he wants to come and contest under that party in Delta State. We are waiting for APC in the state.” Similarly, in November 2022, Oborevwori condemned the APC-led government for failing to curb insecurity in Nigeria. He said that only the PDP could solve all the problems affecting the country. Reports such as this and this quoted him thus: “The only party that has the solution to the problems currently bedeviling the country is the PDP. PDP is the only party that can reset and rebuild this nation is the PDP. So APC must go.” When it was reported in January that the governor might dump the PDP for the APC, Oborevwori dismissed it as a rumour. These were the words of his chief press secretary then: “The Governor had no reason to defect to any other party, given his wide acceptance in the PDP and followership by well-meaning Deltans and residents.” The story changed on Wednesday when it was announced that the governor had officially defected to the APC. Oborevwori was not the only one who defected in Delta. Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate former governor of the state, as well as the Speaker, the state party chairman and all local government chairmen also defected to the ruling party. According to reports, the decision was made to “advance security and the welfare of the people and ensure that development in Delta is not truncated

Lagos Marine Bridge to Close for 60 Days for Structural Repairs

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago012 mins

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the full closure of the Marine Bridge in Lagos for 60 days, starting on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This long-anticipated shutdown marks the beginning of a critical structural rehabilitation aimed at replacing 50 worn-out bridge bearings. The repair will unfold in three phases, each lasting 20 days, and is expected to create significant traffic disruptions, especially during the initial phase when a section of the bridge will be completely closed.Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this update while speaking on a national television program. She clarified that the Marine Bridge—often confused with the Ijora Bridge—will undergo a phased lift-and-replace operation to update its aging components. The Role of Marine Bridge in Lagos TransportationThe Marine Bridge connects key commercial and residential areas, including Apapa, Iganmu, and Ijora. It plays a vital role in Nigeria’s logistics and maritime economy by serving as a major route to the Apapa Port—the country’s busiest and most important seaport. Every day, thousands of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, pass through this bridge to access warehouses, terminals, and major business centers. Over the years, the bridge has suffered from neglect, with critical structural parts like bearings reaching the end of their life cycle. Bridge bearings are crucial—they support the weight of the bridge and help it respond to loads, temperature changes, and vibrations from vehicles. With several decades-old bearings now weakened, the Ministry is stepping in to prevent future collapses or safety incidents. Three Phases of Repair: What to ExpectThe Marine Bridge repair will happen in three phases, each taking 20 days. Each stage targets a specific section of the bridge, and the extent of the closures will vary. Phase One (April 27 – May 17): Full Closure of Bridge Entrance The first phase involves a total shutdown of the section at the beginning of the bridge. Engineers will lift this part of the bridge to replace several of the old bearings. Because of the intensity of the operation and safety risks, no vehicles will be allowed to pass. This is expected to cause major traffic congestion in surrounding areas such as Iganmu, Ijora, and Apapa. Phase Two (May 18 – June 6): Midsection Repairs with Partial Diversions In this phase, work shifts to the middle of the bridge. There will not be a total closure this time. Instead, vehicles from Iganmu will be funneled into one lane while work is carried out on the other. This approach will reduce complete gridlock while allowing construction to continue smoothly. Phase Three (June 7 – June 26): Final Work Near Apapa Exit The last section to be repaired is the bridge’s exit near the Area B Police Command in Apapa. Similar to Phase Two, traffic will be diverted to one side while workers carry out repairs on the other. This phase will complete the replacement of all 50 bearings and conclude the project. Heavy Traffic Expected – Motorists Urged to Take Alternate RoutesThe full closure in Phase One is expected to cause the worst traffic congestion. The Lagos road network is already under strain, and blocking off a major access point like the Marine Bridge will place additional pressure on nearby roads. Motorists, especially commercial drivers, should prepare for delays and disruptions. To reduce traffic buildup, the Ministry has recommended alternative routes for different categories of drivers: For Heavy-Duty Trucks and Trailers:Articulated trucks should completely avoid Ijora. Instead, they are advised to move from Costain to Iganmu and proceed directly to Apapa using dedicated freight corridors. This will prevent unnecessary gridlock around Ijora and keep the repair zone safer. For Smaller Vehicles and Local Businesses:Cars and smaller trucks that need access to businesses near Ijora 7UP can take a left at the Ijora roundabout and use the side access route to join the bridge from an alternate angle. This route will be available once full closure ends after the first phase. Traffic officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be deployed to key intersections to manage congestion and ensure smoother vehicle flow. Commuters are encouraged to leave early, carpool where possible, and use digital traffic apps like Google Maps and Traffic Butter to find the fastest routes. Stakeholders React to the AnnouncementThe closure has drawn mixed reactions from residents, transport operators, and logistics companies. For many freight businesses operating out of Apapa Port, the timing of the closure—so close to the middle of the year—raises concerns about delays and rising operational costs. For everyday commuters, the situation is equally frustrating, especially for those who rely on the bridge to travel to the island for work. Despite these concerns, the Ministry of Works insists the bridge closure is necessary and overdue. According to Kesha, “This temporary inconvenience will ultimately benefit everyone. Safety is the top priority, and we must act now to prevent future tragedies.” The Ministry has also coordinated with several stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), port concessionaires, and local governments, to manage the fallout and ensure cooperation throughout the repair period. Why This Rehabilitation is UrgentThis is not the first time the Marine Bridge has required emergency attention. In the past five years, short-term repairs have been carried out to address joint failures and exposed steel components. However, engineers have repeatedly warned that those efforts were only stop-gap measures. The bridge’s core components, including the bearings, have not been comprehensively replaced in decades. By late 2024, inspections revealed that many bearings had become brittle or displaced, risking severe structural instability. In response, the Ministry approved the full-scale rehabilitation now underway. This project marks the first time in over 30 years that such an extensive operation will be carried out on the Marine Bridge. Post-Repair Expectations and Future Infrastructure PlansOnce the repairs are completed in late June, the Ministry of Works will conduct final inspections, including load testing and safety assessments. If all goes well, the bridge is expected to remain structurally sound for another 10–15 years, provided it receives routine maintenance. Looking…

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

Tinubu Orders Security Overhaul Declares Enough Is Enough

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a complete overhaul of the country’s security strategies, with a strong directive to immediately address the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states. During a high-level meeting with service chiefs at the State House in Abuja, the President condemned the continued killing of innocent Nigerians and declared, “Enough is enough.” National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who briefed journalists after the meeting, revealed that the President had received detailed reports on recent attacks, death tolls, and destruction of properties in the affected states. He added that Tinubu had been actively monitoring the situation, even during his recent trip abroad, issuing instructions and demanding swift action. The meeting, which lasted several hours, involved exhaustive briefings from security agencies and led to fresh directives aimed at restoring peace. Ribadu explained that President Tinubu emphasized the need to engage more with local authorities, including state governments and community leaders, as a more effective way to address insecurity. “We need to work with communities, local governments, and governors,” Ribadu said, noting that the President had already sent officials to assess the situation on the ground in the most affected states and had now called for intensified collaboration at all levels. The NSA described the President as deeply concerned and resolute in his commitment to end the violence. He stressed that the attackers often target civilians in ungoverned areas using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), making it imperative for both federal and grassroots stakeholders to act in unison. “We are working to ensure peace is restored,” Ribadu affirmed.

Nottingham Forest Trials For 3 Nigerian Players

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Nottingham Forest, currently sitting fourth in the English Premier League table with 60 points, is set to give three Nigerian players from Unicorns Football Club of Ilorin a chance to shine. Left winger Olamide Sunday Olasehinde, central defender Sulyman Kehinde Quadri, and midfielder Sanni Sukanmi Adebayo have arrived in the UK for a two-week trial with the club. Unicorns FC CEO Victor Awoniyi expressed his excitement about the trials and plans to utilise this opportunity to showcase the country’s abundant football talents. The trio’s trial is part of a larger trend, with Unicorns FC having successfully sent no fewer than nine players abroad in the last one year. Secretary of the team, Suleiman Atunrase accompanied the players during their stay in the UK, allowing them to focus on the game. This opportunity comes as English football continues to attract top talents worldwide. Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi who expressed delight at the opportunity, said representing Nigeria in major international tournaments, such as the Under-15 and Under-17 World Cup, was a pivotal moment in his career. He, however, recognised that many young talents in Nigeria are not as fortunate. “With Nigeria’s vast pool of talented individuals, making it to the national team is a remarkable achievement. “By creating opportunities for these young talents, we are not only giving them a chance to showcase their skills but also making their dreams a reality,” Awoniyi said. He further explained that providing platforms for young talents to develop and grow is essential in nurturing the next generation of football stars. “It’s a privilege to be part of initiatives that help young players achieve their goals and pursue their passions,” Awoniyi added. He concluded by saying arrangements are also in top gear to send more players across Europe for a chance to achieve their dreams.