Tinubu departs Nigeria for France

Published

2 days ago

April 2, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today, Wednesday, depart the country for Paris, France, on a short working visit.

Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the statement, during the visit, Tinubu will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.

Onanuga said the president will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.

“This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year.

“While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities.

“He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight,” the statement added.

I avoided breaking the law by using helicopter — Natasha

Published

2 hours ago

April 4, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has disclosed why she used a helicopter instead of road transport for her recent visit to constituents in Kogi State.

Natasha, who represents Kogi Central senatorial district, said her husband advised her to use a helicopter.

The senator made this known on Thursday while fielding questions on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme.

Gatekeeper reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan received a rousing welcome from supporters in Kogi State on Tuesday.

This development occurred despite a government ban on rallies and processions.

Supporters from Kogi Central’s five local government areas gathered early in Ihima, Okehi LGA, to welcome the embattled PDP lawmaker.

She said: “When I saw the prohibition of fishing and water activities, the ban on convoys, and a list of checkpoints that suddenly appeared, barring entrance into my senatorial district—which spans from Ibilo to Kogi via Auchi, Okene, Abuja, Lokoja, Akure, Ikare, and other major roads—the situation was very intense, and I knew there would be trouble. And my husband said, ‘You know what? We can actually get a helicopter to land us right in our compound,’ because we own the land opposite our village home. And that’s how we got in.

“With that move, we broke no law, and the people gathered right in my compound. The road you see us walking through was constructed by me, so it’s not a government road or facility. Therefore, I broke no law. I’m a good citizen of Nigeria, a law-abiding one at that. I’m sure you can attest to that.”

Politics

Tribunal verdict: APC congratulates Gov Okpebholo, Edo electorate on victory

Published

3 hours ago

April 4, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has heartily congratulated the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, and the entire electorate on the judgement of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal, affirming their electoral victory.

APC, in the statement by Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, claimed that the landmark judgement had validated the overwhelming support of the Edo State electorate for APC’s candidate in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.

The national leadership further noted that the well-deserved victory will energize Governor Okpebholo, who is already saturating the state with good governance and dividends of democracy, urging the Governor to do even more for the Edo electorate.

While insisting that the victory at the tribunal also stood as an affirmation of the popular will of the good people of Edo State, the ruling party, noted: “We applaud the judiciary for its well reasoned decision in the matter, underscoring its independence, professionalism and commitment to strengthening democracy in our country.

“Our great party salutes the good people of Edo State for their massive support of our party during the past election, and for their patience and sustained support through the litigation.

“Confident that this well-deserved victory will further energize Governor Okpebholo, who is already saturating the state with good governance and dividends of democracy, we urge the Governor to do even more for the Edo electorate, and translate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda into meaningful benefits for all in the state.

We remain thankful to President Tinubu, our visionary and dogged achiever, for his exceptional leadership of our great party,” the statement read.

News

Illegal mining: Mining Marshals raid heavily fortified site, arrest 3 foreign nationals

Published

3 hours ago

April 4, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The Mining Marshals has dealt a significant blow to illegal mining in Nigeria, with the successful dismantling of a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Despite being protected by compromised security personnel, the Mining Marshals, led by Commander John Attah Onoja, carried out a strategic and well-coordinated raid that resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals involved in the illicit activities.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake in a statement signed by his SA Media, Mr Segun Tomori, hailed the operation as a “crucial milestone” in the government’s ongoing efforts to sanitize the mining sector.

“We are committed to cracking down on illegal mining operations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” Alake stated.

The operation is a testament to the government’s resolve to tackle illegal mining, which has been a long-standing challenge in the country.

The Mining Marshals have been working tirelessly to identify and dismantle illegal mining sites, and this latest success is a major boost to their efforts.

The site has been sealed off, and a manhunt is underway for the suspects who escaped. Investigations are also ongoing to identify any security personnel involved in facilitating the illegal activities.

The company behind the illegal operations, along with some of the suspects on the run, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja.

This operation marks a significant step towards curbing illegal mining in Nigeria, and the government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating the practice.

Plans are underway to enhance the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals through satellite monitoring of mining sites and the provision of state-of-the-art equipment.

Daily Sun