NewsReports

A total of N4.8 (4,870,350,000) billion has been allocated to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, text messages, among others. Of the figure, N1.93 billion was earmarked for “WhatsApp Intercept Solution” and N2.93 billion for “Thuraya Interception Solution” – a communications system used for monitoring voice calls or call-related information, SMS, data traffic, among others. This was contained in …

The front banners of major newspapers in Nigeria on Monday bore a picture of an individual with a sealed mouth. “Information Blackout,” read the caption that ran with the picture. “It’s not just against the media….it’s about society’s right to know, your right to be heard.” The message is a joint release from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian …

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday said he would not be a party to any bill that sought to gag media practitioners. Mr Gbajabiamila made the assertion at an award ceremony tagged ’’Recognising Good Governance and Legislative Excellence in the Face of Adversity,” in Abuja. The speaker was reacting to calls to expunge the Press Council …

A former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has advocated the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to reflect a single term rotational presidency. Mr Ekweremadu made the call on Monday in Lagos while speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch Law Week 2021 with the theme “The Nigeria of Our Dreams.” He said he had long advocated a …

Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria and the Joint Committee for Establishment and Public Service of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Pension have agreed to review lump sum payable to retirees. FILE: Unpaid federal retirees The agreement was contained in a communique on Monday at the end of the third annual PenOp-NASS retreat in Lagos. The lawmakers and …

If the new provision on fuel imports inserted by the Senate in the Petroleum Industry Bill is adopted by the House of Representatives and the President, only active refinery licence holders will be allowed to import petroleum products into the country when the bill becomes a law. Companies holding refining licences in the country include Dangote Oil Refinery Company, Waltersmith …

VP charges team, recalling notable exploits of 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney Olympics teams As Team Nigeria to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics prepares to leave the shores of the country, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called on the team to replicate the outstanding performances of past Nigerian Olympians, noting that “you stand on the shoulders of giants.”Recalling the exploits of …

…Will continue to engage His Royal Majesty to secure final return Edo State Government’s actions so far on the return of looted Benin Artefacts have been driven by selfless, patriotic considerations and in the best interest of Edo State and Edo people, Governor Obaseki said in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq …

Governors in the South-West geopolitical zone have proposed conversion of the present six geopolitical zones into federating units, as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly. The South West Governors’ Forum, in a document presented to members of the National Assembly from the geopolitical zone, also made other proposals to weaken central government, while …

The monarchs, under the aegis of Forum of the Yoruba Obas, also demanded compensation for the families of those killed during the raid. About 19 traditional rulers in the South-West region have called for the immediate release of the aides of the Yoruba activist, Mr Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho), who were arrested by operatives of the Department of State …