News
NASS Minority Leadership: Wike plots Upset, meets Akpabio
The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has on Thursday held a meeting with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for over six hours ahead of the Senate resumption on July 4, 2023.
It was gathered that the marathon meeting was Wike’s move to block the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, hierarchy from nominating the Senate Minority leaders at the upper and lower legislative chambers of the National Assembly.
The meeting, which held in the office of the Senate President, had the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau in attendance, the newly appointed Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel, Senator Jibrin Isah representing Kogi East Senatorial District, and Senator Salihu Mustapha representing Kwara Central Senatorial District.
It was learnt that Wike insisted on nominating the Minority leader of the 10th Senate from his faction rather than allowing the PDP national organ to handle the nomination.
Though he declined speaking with journalists after the meeting ended at about 6.30 pm, and drove away in the convoy of the Senate President, a source, who spoke under anonymity, revealed that the former governor explained reasons his faction should be allowed to produce the Senate and House of Representatives Minority leaders.
It could not be confirmed, if the Senate President agreed to Wike’s proposal.
Recall that the choice of Majority and Minority Leaders of the upper and lower legislative chambers have been traditionally handled by the political party organ.
He said, “Wike was only serious in his faction producing the principal officers, but never revealed names of those he was targeting.
“He is very serious about getting the required support from the leadership of the National Assembly, as well as membership of the other minority political parties in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”
Meanwhile, the APC has 59 Senators, PDP 36, Labour Party 8, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 2, Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2, APGA 1 and YPP 1.
News
Troops Free 8 Abducted Wedding Guests in Kano
Nigerian troops have successfully rescued eight wedding guests who were kidnapped earlier this week in Kano State, the military announced today.
The victims, all attendees of a wedding ceremony, were abducted by gunmen in a rural area on the outskirts of Kano metropolis. The attackers reportedly ambushed the convoy of guests returning from the event late at night.
Acting on intelligence and swift response, troops from the Nigerian Army conducted a coordinated rescue operation in the early hours of Wednesday. The eight hostages—five men and three women—were freed unharmed during the raid on the kidnappers’ hideout.
According to a brief statement from the Defence Headquarters, the operation also resulted in the neutralization of several suspected kidnappers, with others fleeing into nearby bushes. No military casualties were reported.
The rescued individuals have been reunited with their families and received medical checks. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects and recover any looted items.
This rescue comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom targeting social gatherings, travelers, and rural communities remain a persistent threat.
The military reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and kidnapping syndicates across the region.
News
Judge Withdraws from EFCC’s Case Against Ex-AGF Malami
A Federal High Court judge has recused himself from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) high-profile case against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), citing personal reasons.
Justice Obiora Egwatu made the announcement in open court on Thursday, stating that he was stepping aside “for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
”The matter involves the EFCC’s pursuit of interim forfeiture of properties allegedly worth over ₦213 billion linked to Malami, as well as related proceedings.
The case had earlier been assigned following an ex-parte order granted by another judge.
With the recusal, the file is expected to be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a new presiding judge.
The development marks the latest twist in the long-running legal action against the former minister, which continues to attract significant public interest.
News
Man dies, wife injured as truck crushes car in Lagos
A man lost his life while his wife sustained critical injuries on Thursday morning after a granite-laden truck overturned and crushed their Toyota saloon car at Eleko Junction along the Lekki–Ajah Expressway in Lagos State.
The incident was confirmed in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq.
Rescue teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other first responders arrived at the scene, where the man was confirmed dead on the spot.
His wife was extricated from the wreckage with multiple injuries and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. Her condition remains critical, according to hospital sources.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and police have cordoned off the area to manage traffic and commence investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest possible speeding and brake failure on the part of the truck driver, who has been taken into custody for questioning.
This latest road crash adds to the growing concern over reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance on Lagos roads, where heavy trucks frequently share space with smaller vehicles and commuters.
Authorities have appealed to motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent further loss of life. The identities of the victims are yet to be released pending family notification.
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