Author: Vardiafrica

The Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Siminalayi Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers for consideration. They made this known during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday with the motion moved by the deputy speaker Dumle Maol. “That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in Suit no.: SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of Statutory Federal allocations to the Rivers State Government and halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to sign a landmark minerals deal with the United States, a step that was initially intended to support the country’s post-war recovery and reinforce international cooperation. In an interview with UK media, Zelensky made it clear that the agreement is still on the table, pending readiness from both parties. “If the parties are ready, we are ready to sign the minerals deal,” Zelensky said during a late-night gathering with UK media following a key summit in London. This statement came after a significant clash earlier in the week between…

Speaking at the Niger Delta Arts and Culture Expo organised by the NDDC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting the unique traditions of the Niger Delta people. Ogbuku who was represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, highlighted the need to deepen the significance of Niger Delta’s cultural heritage beyond entertainment. He noted: “Africans are known and respected for their culture. Nigerians, and particularly Niger Deltans, are born into an enviable heritage that must not be allowed to die. The current leadership in the…

The UK and France will work with Ukraine on a plan to end the fighting with Russia, which will later be presented to the United States, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday. “The United Kingdom, along with France and possibly one or two others, will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, and then we’ll discuss that plan with the United States,” Starmer told the BBC. Starmer is hosting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on Sunday for a summit on the conflict, which has taken on huge significance in the wake of the clash between the Ukrainian…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of the oil-rich state that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s verdict after carefully reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC). This followed the Friday judgment of the apex court, which declared the LG election conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, as invalid. In a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara revealed that he has met with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025. He emphasised that his government is committed to upholding constitutional principles and will act in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, the…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected plans by the Federal Government to regularise electricity tariffs for customers for Bands A, B and C. In a communique released on Sunday after the National Executive Council (NEC) in Yola, Adamawa State, the labour union vowed to lead mass nationwide protests across Nigeria should the government continue with its plan. Last Thursday, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said lower bands would be upgraded to Band A. In its communique sign by NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the labour union rejected the “forcefully migration” of consumers from lower bands to Band A. “On…

The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has inaugurated the 7.3-kilometre Oyigbo Road network, which traverses Obunku, Umuosi, Obeakpu, Mgboji, and Ndoki communities in the Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. He also launched the reconstruction of the Mgboji-Umuagbu Akwete Road, linking Rivers, Abia, and Akwa Ibom states. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Engr. Momoh said that the road projects were testimonies to the fact that NDDC was living up to its mandate to facilitate the rapid development of the Niger Delta region. He noted that the NDDC last Saturday commissioned the reconstructed Abraka-Oben Road in Ethiope East…

The Nigerian Army has renamed the Ikeja cantonment after the late Chief of Army Staff (CAOS), Taoreed Lagbaja. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the decision was in recognition of Lagbaja’s courage and service to Nigeria. “This renaming is not just a new title; it represents our respect, gratitude, and recognition for the courage and sacrifices of one of Nigeria’s exceptional military officers, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the former chief of army staff,” Sanwo-Olu said. “By naming it after Lieutenant General Lagbaja, we pay tribute to a leader whose life exemplified courage, discipline, and patriotism. “His distinguished service in…

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued an ultimatum to foreign airlines operating in the country to patronise local catering services or risk having their summer flight schedules rejected. The statement was made during a stakeholders meeting focused on “Transforming the Aviation Industry” held in Lagos on Friday. “I will not approve summer schedules for foreign airlines until they show me agreements demonstrating partnerships with our local caterers,” Minister Keyamo declared during the meeting. The minister expressed frustration that Nigerian catering companies have been systematically excluded from the lucrative airline catering business, despite foreign carriers profiting…

United States President Donald Trump says his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, is not ready for peace. Trump spoke in a social media post after a meeting between him and Zelensky ended in a shouting match on Friday. The two leaders were discussing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, but Trump said Zelensky disrespected the “United States of America in its Cherished Oval Office.” “He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” the US president added. During the Oval Office meeting, Trump warned Zelensky that Ukraine had to “make a deal with the US, or it would end its…