Author: Vardiafrica

In a brazen disregard for the rule of law, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to comply with a court order secured by Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State. The order, granted by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, directed INEC to allow PDP lawyers and forensic experts to inspect critical election materials used in the controversial September 21, 2024 governorship election.The court, presided over by Hon. Justice W.I. Kpochi, had on September 29, 2024, issued the ruling after reviewing the motion filed by PDP’s legal team. The order granted unfettered…

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has assured the agencies saddled with the responsibility of tackling corruption in the country, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) of the continuous support of the Judiciary in the fight against corruption in Nigeria She stated this at a 2-day capacity building workshop organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for Justices and judges in Nigeria aimed at fostering collaboration between the Judiciary and the anti-graft agency towards enhancing the…

The newly built council secretariat at Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government area has been set ablaze. A resident in the area confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Monday even as videos circulating on social media show the administrative building on fire. Police authorities have not commented on the incident and the extent of damage is still unclear. This followed the withdrawal of the police officers securing the 23 council secretariats by the commissioner of police. The Emohua Local Government Council secretariat has also been set ablaze. Some youths blocked the entrance chanting songs in solidarity with the FCT…

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unable to carry out investigations in 10 states in Nigeria, as a result of court orders restraining it. Olukoyede disclosed this at the ongoing 6th EFCC-NJI Capacity Building Workshop For Justices and Judges held at the Conference Hall of the National Judicial Institute in Abuja. The EFCC Chair described the workshop theme “Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes,” as apt. Although Olukoyede did not disclose the states involved, he, however, lamented that the EFCC’s activities have…

The Senior Staff Association Of Statutory Corporations And Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun an indefinite strike over the failure of the management to address certain issues regarding the welfare of its members In the communique SSASCGOC/NAFDAC/COMMUNIQUE/VOL.1 issued on October 4, 2024, the aggrieved workers said the move was necessary after several meetings with the management over critical issues that have to do with promotions, salaries, and the general welfare of the staff, failed to yield positive results. The communique listed several…

The Rivers State Police Command has unsealed all 23 Local Government Area Secretariats in the state following the election and swearing in of new chairmen. This was confirmed in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko earlier on Monday morning. She said the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala acting on the orders of the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the council secretariats in the state. The secretariat was sealed in June following the disagreement between the Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi…

Kellyrae on Sunday was crowned the winner of this year’s Big Brother Naija Season 9, taking home the grand prize of N60 million, an SUV, and other rewards. He pipped fellow housemate Wanni who emerged runer-up and Onyeka. who emerged as the second runner-up. Kellyrae now joins the likes of last season’s All-Stars winner Ilebaye Odiniya (Gen Z Baddie) to claim the grand prize. Regarded as Nigeria’s most anticipated TV show, this season’s theme ”No Loose Guard”, which premiered on July 24, 2024, welcomed 14 pairs of housemates, However, only one pair and six individual contestants made it to the…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sworn in 23 newly elected local government chairmen in Rivers State. The exercise held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Sunday, comes a day after the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC) conducted an election at the grassroots. The event was attended by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum. The governor expressed joy at the success of the LG election, saying it takes the help of God to survive the past few days.…

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Sunday hailed the just concluded local government election in the state, saying the electorate is resolute in rejecting oppression. After a tense election, the Action Peoples Party (APP) swept 22 of the 23 LGAs in the state. However, the Action Alliance (AA) won just one LGA – Etche. Reacting to the outcome, Atiku commended the people of the oil-rich state for “their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.” “As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn in the newly elected chairmen of the 23 local government areas, following their victories in Saturday’s Local Government Council elections. The swearing-in ceremony held on Sunday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, saw 22 chairmen from the Action Peoples Party (APP) and one from the Action Alliance officially inaugurated into office. After the electoral process, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) declared the APP victorious in 22 local government areas, while the Action Alliance secured one chairmanship seat. Governor Fubara, while addressing the newly sworn-in chairmen, congratulated them on…