Author: Vardiafrica

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, has recounted his recent encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Reports indicated that the agency detained him in Abuja over allegations of a fraudulent cash withdrawal amounting to N189 billion. Speaking to his supporters on Thursday, the 14th of August, 2025, after returning to Sokoto, Tambuwal explained that he had been invited by the EFCC and went to their office voluntarily on on the 6th of August. He stated that after initial questioning, he was allowed to leave but was directed to return on August 10 and 11 for further…

A federal court in the Ottawa, Ontario district of Canada, has labelled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) as “terrorist organisations” who engage in “ballot box snatching, intimidation, and violence”. The characterisation was contained in a judgment on an application for judicial review. The previous ruling on a refugee status case was handed by the Immigration Appeal Division [IAD] on March 25, 2024. BACKGROUND Douglas Egharevba, the applicant who is Nigerian, had appealed the decision not to grant him asylum on the grounds that he was a member of the PDP and APC at different times. In January 2019,…

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on “Obidients” — his supporters — and other Nigerians backing him to vote for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming bye-elections scheduled for 16 August 2025. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the elections would take place in 16 states across the country, covering two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies and nine state assembly seats. Obi’s appeal follows the Labour Party’s exclusion from the polls after INEC failed to recognise any of its candidates due to the party’s unresolved leadership crisis. “On the 16th of August 2025. Nigerians…

NLC gives FG 7-day ultimatum to refund ‘diverted workers’ funds’, constitute PenCom board.The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to refund the allegedly diverted workers’ funds from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). In a communiqué issued at the end of the NLC central working committee (CWC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, the congress condemned the diversion of 40 percent of workers’ contributions from the NSITF to the national coffers, describing it as a violation of the NSITF Act and an assault on workers’ social protection rights. “The CWC expressed outrage…

The Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on the federal government to put social safety nets in place for poor Nigerians who are feeling the pains of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. Okonjo-Iweala stated this on Thursday after a meeting with the President at Aso Villa in Abuja. Though she commended the president for the economic reforms including petrol subsidy removal and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, the former Nigerian finance minister asked the government to ensure poor Nigerians have help to cope with the economic hardship occasioned by the reforms. She…

The Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Alabo Boma Iyaye, has received the Heart of Gold Award from a Non-Governmental Organisation, the Eve Afrique Empowerment Initiative. Receiving the Eve Afrique Redball Award, meant to celebrate outstanding Niger-Delta indigenes who have contributed to the development of the Niger Delta region, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Hon. Iyaye expressed delight at being among the distinguished individuals who were found worthy of the honour. He said: “I am deeply honoured to be one of the recipients of the Heart of Gold Award. I am humbled…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated its Elective National Convention Zoning Committee ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The 44-member committee, made up of 37 state representatives and 6 members from the party’s Board of Trustees, is chaired by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, with Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, serving as Secretary. Speaking during the inauguration at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, described the committee as the “engine room” for laying the political foundation of the party’s leadership for the…

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has applauded the economic reforms of the Tinubu-led administration, affirming that the measures are progressing in the right direction. Okonjo-Iweala stated this on Thursday to State House Correspondents, while speaking on her meeting with the President at his residence, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Noting that the President and his team had worked hard to stabilise the Nigerian economy, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Okonjo-Iweala, commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the stability, she emphasised that the president rightfully deserves credit for the notable achievements. “So we think that the President and…

Bitcoin surged to an all-time high of $124,000 on Thursday, August 14 fueled by growing demand from U.S. retirement accounts, institutional investors, and treasury firms. The move coincided with a rally in American stocks, reflecting heightened global risk appetite. The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market value rose 0.9% from its July peak, while Ethereum hit $4,700 — its highest level since late 2021. Bitcoin is now trading near $121,500, having broken decisively above the $120K mark after a strong rally from $116K. Analysts say the breakout signals strong momentum, supported by President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies, increased certainty of Federal…

The defence headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, has surrendered to the military. Markus Kangye, director of defence media operations, spoke on the development on Thursday in Abuja, while providing updates on the activities of the armed forces. “Simple answer to the question about terrorist leader, Bello Turji… Turji has not surrendered. We are still on the look out for him,” Kangye said. Turji, who operates largely in Zamfara and Sokoto states, has been linked to several deadly raids on communities in the north-west. He also reportedly operates a strict, deadly tax regime in…