Author: Vardiafrica

The House of Representatives has reversed its earlier decision to advance a bill that would strip the Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors of constitutional immunity. The abrupt U-turn came on Thursday after Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion to rescind the decision, effectively halting further progress on the proposed legislation. The bill, sponsored by Rivers lawmaker Solomon Bob, had initially scaled through the second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. It aimed to amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, removing the immunity clause that shields these top officials from prosecution while…

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has sworn in Prof. Ibibia Lucky-Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), tasking him with the responsibility of leveraging his vast experience to enhance governance in the state. The swearing-in ceremony, held on Wednesday evening at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, marked a significant step in the administrator’s effort to stabilise governance and restore public trust in Rivers State. In his address, Retired Vice Admiral Ibas emphasiSed that Prof. Worika’s appointment was not just an administrative decision but a strategic move to reinforce the…

The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has announced the cancellation of this year’s Sallah festivities, including the traditional Durbar, due to security concerns. In a broadcast on Wednesday, he expressed regret over the decision but emphasised that safeguarding the lives and property of Kano residents remains his top priority. “Following the people’s mandate bestowed upon us and our commitment to their protection, we find it necessary to withdraw any arrangements made for the Sallah celebrations given the current situation,” he said He acknowledged the importance of the Durbar tradition but insisted that it should not come at the…

US President Donald Trump has said he would consider a reduction in tariffs on China if that country’s government approves a sale of TikTok’s operations in the United States. ByteDance has an April 5 deadline to find a non-Chinese buyer for TikTok or face a U.S. ban on national security grounds that was supposed to have taken effect in January under a 2024 law The law is the result of concern in Washington that TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance makes it beholden to the Chinese government and that Beijing could use the app to conduct influence operations against the United States and collect…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of four new members to the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), filling existing vacancies and strengthening the board’s capacity. The approved nominees are Mr. Olusegun Omosehin of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and Engr. Wole Ogunsanya of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). President Tinubu also endorsed the nomination of Mazi Sam Azoka Onyechi, who represents the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF), and Barrister Owei Oyanbo from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The nominations arose from the exit of previous institutional representatives from the Governing Council.…

European Union citizens should stockpile enough food and other essential supplies to sustain them for at least 72 hours in the event of a crisis, the EU Commission has said.In new guidance released Wednesday, March 26, the commission stressed the need for Europe to shift its mindset, to foster a culture of “preparedness” and “resilience.”The 18-page document warns that Europe is facing a new reality marred with risk and uncertainty, citing Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, rising geopolitical tensions, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and electronic warfare as prominent factors.The initiative appears to serve as a wake-up call for member states…

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, received the immediate past chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas in the state. Fubara received them at his private residence in Port Harcourt. The former chairmen paid a solidarity visit to express their unwavering support for Governor Fubara and the mantra of his administration, “Rivers First”. Leading the delegation was Prince Ezebunwo Ichemati, former chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, ALGON, Rivers State Chapter, and former Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council. The 23 former chairmen reaffirmed their loyalty and dedication to the governor’s…

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, says it will impound any articulated vehicle seen carrying animals with passengers in the state. The state FRSC Sector Commander, Dr Samuel Ibitoye, made this known to newsmen after a meeting with members of the Ondo state House of Assembly on Wednesday in Akure. He said that all anomalies associated with articulated vehicles in the state would be addressed for road safety. He said that advocacy with enforcement agents on the activities of drivers of articulated vehicles were ongoing in the command. “Enforcement is ongoing to address ‘mixed loading’ which is…

The Sole Administrator, imposed by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has suspended all political officeholders in the state. The directive applies to the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, chairmen, and members of boards, agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals. Also affected are all special advisers, special assistants, and senior special assistants. This was stated in a statement released by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator on Wednesday, ordering the affected officials to hand over their responsibilities to the highest-ranking civil servants in their respective ministries, departments, and…

The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday, March 26, that mandates the compulsory registration of citizens, aiming to overhaul Nigeria’s identity management system. This move follows the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act. The passage came after the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central, submitted and considered a report on the matter. Umeh explained that the legislation seeks to establish a harmonized, cost-effective identity system that aligns with global best practices. The bill also aims to enhance data accuracy, promote inclusion, and close gaps in Nigeria’s…