Headline

Order Restricting Rivers Allocation Least Of My Problems, Says Fubara

Published

6 months ago

October 30, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday said concerns over the Federal High Court decision that restricted the release of state allocations is “the least” of his problems.

Governor Fubara stated during a special thanksgiving service organised by the state government to celebrate his administration’s resilience amid escalating political crises, which began with the arson attack on the State House of Assembly complex exactly one year ago.

Governor Fubara assured that despite the court order, his administration would continue payments to contractors and ensure workers’ salaries are disbursed from tomorrow.

He also confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would be credited, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures have been completed.

The governor encouraged his supporters to remain resilient, assuring them that all challenges are surmountable.

Reflecting on his administration’s success, Governor Fubara noted that despite predictions that his government would not last even a week, he has successfully led for over a year.

He said his administration has also conducted local government elections against all odds and maintained a full cabinet despite attempts to undermine his leadership through resignations.

Highlighting his administration’s progress, he mentioned ongoing project executions across the state, countering critics who claimed he would be unable to deliver.

He also cited recent reports that position Rivers State as one of the leaders in financial accountability and transparency.

Recalling an incident from October 30 last year, Governor Fubara described a violent confrontation with men in police uniforms as an assassination attempt.

The governor attributed the confrontation to political opponents, whom he accused of ambushing him after he withdrew legal cases against the Martin Amaewhule group, following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

While he expressed no regrets about seeking peace, he acknowledged that his peaceful disposition may have given his opponents an advantage, as they leveraged the withdrawal to secure judgments against him.

Governor Fubara emphasised that his opponents’ refusal to reciprocate his peaceful gestures has influenced his decisions not to yield to other expectations for the resolution of the political crisis.

The praise and worship session, held at the main bowl of the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, was headlined by top gospel singers including Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, Asu Ekiye, Peterson Okopi, and Jackson Jones, among others.

The guest preacher was the esteemed Pastor Uma Ukpai.

The event drew attendees from all walks of life, including top government officials, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emeka Beke, and his counterpart from the Action Peoples Party (APP), Sunny Wokekoro.

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Headline

Many Feared Dead As Four-storey Building Collapses In Ojodu-Berger

Published

1 hour ago

April 19, 2025

The Pledge

A four-storey building has collapsed in Lagos, with occupants trapped, and some feared dead.

The incident occurred in Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State.

Details later…

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Entertainment

Murder: Police Complete Extradition Of Killaboi, To Face Charges ‎

Published

1 hour ago

April 19, 2025

The Pledge

‎The Nigeria Police Force said it has completed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, widely known as “Killaboi,” from Doha, Qatar, to Nigeria.

Killaboi, who had been on the run for the murder of Augusta Onuwabhagbe, was returned to the country in the early hours of today, Saturday, through the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Abuja and the Qatari Judicial Authorities.

‎The extradition followed a petition from the family of the deceased, submitted through their legal representatives, dated 29th September 2024.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, said the matter was assigned to INTERPOL NCB Abuja, after which investigations revealed that the suspect murdered Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, in his residence located at No. 24a Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on 13th July 2023. After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts.

‎Following his declaration as wanted by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on 13th October 2023, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his global apprehension.

The statement said “He was initially arrested in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 20th October 2023 under the false identity ‘KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped custody during a prison break on 26th November 2023 in Freetown.

“Further intelligence gathering revealed that the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, traversing multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before eventually relocating to Doha, Qatar on 24th January, 2025. Operating under the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE” with a fraudulent Guinean passport, he secured illegal employment and concealed his identity.

“Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025. An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria.”

‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja.

He extended appreciation to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their invaluable collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return.

‎The Inspector-General of Police further assured the general public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that the suspect faces diligent prosecution, as part of the NPF’s dedication to justice and the safety of all Nigerians.

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Headline

Easter, period of sacrifice, renewal for Nigerians , says Power Minister

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2025

The Pledge

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabuhas extended warm felicitations to all global Christian community, especially Nigerians and by extension the people of Oyo State as the Christian community celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He said the season reminds,“us of the enduring virtues of sacrifice, love, and renewal—values that align with our collective efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria” .

A statement by BolajiTunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister quoted Adelabuon his avowed commitment to Power Sector Stability.

“The Federal Ministry of Power remains steadfast in addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s energy sector. We acknowledge the economic hardships faced by many, and reaffirm our commitment to stabilizing the grid, expanding access, and fostering investor confidence. Recent reforms, such as the ongoing upgrade of transmission infrastructure and partnershipswith renewable energy developers, are pivotal to achieving sustainable solutions”.

The Minister described Easter as a period of unity and compassion and called on Nigerians to continue to support government policies and initiatives by reporting illegal activities such as energy theft and infrastructure tampering. “Let us also embrace energy-efficient practices to reduce strain on the grid.

As emphasized by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, collective resilience and patriotism are vital to overcoming national challenges .

Adelabuended the messages with a prayer for peace and prosperity. “May the spirit of Easter inspire hope and solidarity. I pray for a Nigeria where every home enjoys uninterrupted power, and every citizen thrives in an environment of peace and progress. Together, we shall triumph over obstacles and illuminate our nation’s future”.