Some concerned stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have described the recent suspension of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, over allegations of anti-party activities as not only untrue but illegal and unconstitutional. In a statement signed by Stanley Bolou-Ebi and Mercy Ineye on behalf of the Coalition of Concerned APC Stakeholders, the group insisted that the Ekeremor council Chairman of APC, Mr. Mitin Eniekenemi, who issued the suspension notice was sacked a year ago by the decision of a Federal High Court in Bayelsa State. They averred that this jaundiced move by Mr Eniekenemi and his co-sponsors, within and outside the APC, was to create an atmosphere of mischief and discord within the APC in Bayelsa State. “We call on the party’s national leadership to set up an adhoc disciplinary committee to investigate Mr Eniekenemi Mitin and his co-sponsors and bring them to book for stirring the hornet’s nest at this suspicious time. “We insist that the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa Command should swifty investigate the actions of the said Mr. Mitin with a view to bringing him as culprit to book,” the group reiterated.

Exhibits recovered from him included iPhone XR, iPhone 11, Infinix Hot 10 phone, Moniepoint POS machine and two black ropes. On my second day there, I saw Mary whom she mentioned and we greeted each other. Rachael wanted to be the one to follow me, but because I had targeted the phone Mary had, I asked her to go with me instead. Their mother gave us N3,000 to buy other ingredients to add to the herbs for me to change paper to money; Mary kept them. Mary didn’t tell us the phone password but I knew it because she had opened it once in my presence.

Wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Otti, has decried the rising spate of prostitution and forced marriage in the state, saying parents directly or indirectly induced their children to engage in the acts. She said, “There are cases where parents directly or indirectly induce their children to engage in prostitution or forced early marriage. “On several occasions, we have successfully rescued girls from the clutches of these baby factories and child trafficking syndicates. In her address, the commissioner for women affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa call on parents to empower the girl-child, saying “when you train the girl child, you have empowered a nation. The event featured drama, dance, quiz competition, fashion parades, gift and empowerment to the girls who attended the event.

The recent hike in petrol prices has sparked widespread criticism from commuters, motorists, and traders in the South East, according to findings by Sunday PUNCH. However, the NNPCL outlets located along the Awka-Enugu Road sold petrol for N1,100 per litre, resulting in transport fares which suddenly soared above 30 per cent. One of our correspondents, who monitored the situation in Benin, the Edo State-capital, learnt that prices of food items had increased since the removal of the oil subsidy in 2023. A trader, who sells food items on Lagos Street, Mama Jude, said the prices of food items were currently on the high while consumers’ patronage had gradually reduced. A commuter, who gave his name as Niyi, said that transport fare has gone up by about 60 per cent.

“The house agents are endangered species,” said one house-seeker, who identified himself as Mr Mayowa. Before I moved into my new apartment, I was asked to pay agent’s fee to three different agents for showing me the same apartment. “In my opinion, estate agents in Nigeria are one of the most challenging unprofessionals to deal with. Speaking on her good experience with house agents, one Mrs Toyin said: “The last house agent I engaged is a kind man and one of the most trustworthy agents I have ever met. Narrating his experience with house agents in Lagos, an art director in a Lagos-based advertising agency, Temitope Ahmad, said many of the house agents in the state have zero conscience.

The Kano State Anti-corruption and Public Complaints Commission has begun an investigation into alleged N1.5 billion foreign scholarship fraud. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Government sponsored 1,001 postgraduate students to pursue their master’s degrees in India and Uganda. When contacted, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiru A. Kabiru, confirmed the report, saying the two top officials were interrogated over the alleged scholarship scam. He said an investigation is ongoing to identify and bring those responsible for the alleged scam to justice. “Preliminary investigations uncovered fraudulent activities at the office of the Ministry for High Education over the postgraduate students to pursue their master’s degrees in India and Uganda.

and Century Nigeria Limited, in partnership with West African Exploration and Production company and NNPC Energy Services Limited. “The work being done here is a reflection of the kind of investments we want in the oil sector. With projects like this, we are not only building local capacity but also expanding our crude production beyond current quotas. He further underscored the importance of increasing Nigeria’s oil output, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting partnerships that aim to revitalise the sector. “We have several upgrades ongoing at the FPSO facility, and we are setting targets for various stages of the work.

Man killed partner with punch during holiday tripIOM POLICE John Meadows pleaded guilty to manslaughter at a hearing on FridayA man who killed his partner by punching her in the neck during a family bust up while on holiday on the Isle of Man from Merseyside has been jailed for five years and eight months. John Meadows, 53, killed 56-year-old Jillian Hughes with a single punch near the Palace Hotel on Douglas Promenade on the evening of 29 March. Douglas Courthouse heard witnesses described the blow as a "boxer's punch", which was "quick as lightning". The court heard Meadows had arrived on the island along with Ms Hughes and other family members the same afternoon on the ferry and had appeared "jovial". The court heard he had previous convictions for violent offences and had been cautioned for battery against Ms Hughes in 2017.

Dedicated to promoting unique and exceptional high-quality content, i5ives series has emerged winner in three categories at the recently concluded Nigeria Electronic Media Content Exhibition & Awards (NEMCEA). The i5ives Series’ outstanding production and talents were recognised with awards for Best Teen Series, Best Producer, and Coveted Best Overall Web/TV Drama Series, which came through the Rayan Media stable and was marketed by HT Ventures. According to the MD/CEO Rayan Media Ltd, Latifah Dele-Lawal, said the awards are a testament to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of the entire Rayan Media team. “We look forward to continued success and opportunities to showcase our expertise.”

The Publisher of The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, was recently honoured as a Peak Performing Woman 2024 by The Peak Performer (TPP) Africa. The publisher received the award during the Women in Leadership Summit, which was part of the inaugural TPP Festival held from October 2 to October 4, 2024, in Lagos. According to the convener of TPP Festival, Dr. Abiola Salami, the award was created to celebrate successful business owners and corporate to inspire the younger generation of Africans. Their stories are much needed by the young of today; their values are much needed by the young of today. There are a number of things going right in Nigeria and on our continent.

The Consulate-General of India High Commission in Lagos, Chandramaouli Kumar Kern, has lauded the effort of the Indian community in uplifting local communities through collaborative projects and service which is boosting Nigeria and India ties. He expressed gratitude for the involvement of the Indian community in Nigeria. The presence of Rotary in Lagos is one of the strong instruments for Nigeria and India cooperation,” he said. “It is heartening to see how the Indian community contributes to Rotary’s mission of service. “The Rotary Club has also been instrumental in strengthening cultural and social relations between India and Nigeria.

The Imo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected kidnapping and organ trafficking syndicate in the Douglass area of Imo State. During the pursuit, the victim managed to jump from the moving bus, prompting immediate rescue efforts by the police. The officers engaged in a hot chase, leading to the abandonment of the vehicle by the suspects and the arrest of Emmanuel, while other members of the syndicate fled into nearby bushes. He emphasized that this successful rescue demonstrates the Imo State Police Command’s commitment to combatting violent crime and ensuring the safety of the community. The Police Command urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, assuring that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Dr. Christos Christou, the International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), expressed deep concern over the difficult situation faced by the people in Northern Nigeria. They have been experiencing high levels of malnutrition, frequent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, lack of medical facilities and personnel, all aggravated by ongoing insecurity. Dr. Christou’s statement was in response to the recent flooding that devastated communities in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Nigeria. We support the local healthcare system in tackling malaria and other diseases, as well as in providing access to maternity services. Outbreaks of infectious diseases significantly increase mortality risks for children under the age of Five.”“Unvaccinated children in this age group are particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, diseases which elevate the risk of acute malnutrition.

According to reports, the latest price hike follows the NNPCL’s decision to terminate its exclusive purchase agreement with the Dangote Refinery. According to the minister, the government no longer regulates petrol pricing, and the NNPCL has been absorbing losses since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023. Idris further linked the price hike to external pressures, particularly the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has caused instability in global oil markets. The majority of Qatar’s 2022 fuel subsidies were given for natural gas and equivalent to about 19% of its GDP. My submission, then, is simple: full deregulation of PMS is the same thing as final burial of the Nigerian masses.

The Ports Authority Police, Eastern Ports Command, has arrested several individuals accused of port vandalism, theft, and diversion of goods, including sugar belonging to Bua Foods. This comes as the Command reassures port users of adequate security to conduct their lawful businesses. Manzah noted that crime rates are generally low within the Port, but the Command remains vigilant. He said some of the arrested suspects attempted to cut aprons under the berths and steal in Rivers Port. The Eastern Port Police Image-Maker also disclosed that men of the command arrested one Dikio Okomba, a suspected notorious vandal and currently being remanded at the Correctional Center while his prosecution is ongoing.