The Reporters Gang

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have jointly raised alarm over what they describe as a dangerous attempt by the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, to manipulate the Local Government Election Petition Appeals Tribunal for political purposes. In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, the groups alleged that Justice Ikpambese orchestrated the removal of Justice Maimuna Ikwulono from the Appeals Tribunal for maintaining her judicial independence.  Justice Mohammed has since been appointed in her place, raising serious questions about the credibility of the tribunal's work. The CNPP and CNCSOs cited credible reports linking the Chief Judge’s actions to an ongoing political feud with Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and an alleged alliance with the Secretary to th...

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to enhancing military cooperation with the State of Israel during a recent courtesy visit from Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ship House, Abuja. During their meeting, the two officials discussed strategies for bolstering defence cooperation, strengthening mutual security frameworks, and exploring opportunities for enhanced military training and capacity building within the Nigerian Armed Forces. Ambassador Aduda highlighted the critical need to deepen defence ties in  the light of evolving global security challenges. He emphasized the importance of strategic areas such as joint operations, knowledge exchange, and the modernization of defence cooperation.  The discussions also included plans to finalize a new bilateral defence agreement aimed at fostering technical collaboration in defence industry...

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, today, 15 April 2025, held his operational briefing with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) alongside the Service Chiefs at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja. The high-level meeting was convened to provide the Honourable Minister with a comprehensive appraisal of the prevailing security landscape across the country according to a statement signed by Sani Datti, on behalf of the Director Information and Public Relations.  The briefing focused on the operational engagements, challenges, and strategic efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating insecurity and restoring peace to troubled regions.  In particular, the Minister was briefed on the current security situation in the North East, Plateau State, North West, North Central and South East regions, being the areas most affected by insurgency, banditry and communal unrest.  The discussions centred on how to boost ongoing military operations, intelligen...

In a significant move towards bolstering defence capabilities, the Honourable Minister of Defence of Nigeria, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has called for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the defence sector.  His remarks came during a high-level meeting with a delegation from Pakistan led by General Shahir Shamsad at Ship House, Abuja.  During the discussions, Minister Badaru lauded Pakistan's cost-effective counter-terrorism strategies, emphasizing their relevance and potential as a model for Nigeria.  Highlighting the long-standing relationship between both nations, the Minister said, "The history of cooperation between Nigeria and Pakistan provides a solid foundation for expanding collaboration in the defence sector."  He stressed that such partnerships would not only boost military capabilities but also foster trust and mutual understanding. The Minister expressed his support for forging partnerships free of...

In a historic show of unity and gratitude, leaders from the Enugu North Senatorial District, widely known as Nsukka Zone, have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for another term in office beyond 2027. This endorsement comes as a recognition of the governor's remarkable achievements in transforming the zone within just two years of his administration.   The endorsement was made during a gathering at Adada House, Nsukka, under the aegis of the Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Branch. The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including socio-cultural groups, academics, traditional rulers, industry leaders, politicians, business owners, and labor representatives from the six council areas of the zone.   A communique issued at the end of the interactive session, signed by over 700 prominent figures such as Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, Senator Chuka Utazi, and Dr. Mike Ajogwu SAN, highlighted the governor's monumental infrastructural ...

 he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has wielded its regulatory hammer against eight electricity distribution companies (DisCos), imposing a hefty fine of N628,031,583.94 for failing to comply with monthly energy caps in the third quarter of 2024. In a statement issued yesterday, NERC named Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola DisCos as violators of the commission’s 2020 Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020). The regulation was designed to bring estimated bills for unmetered customers in line with the actual consumption recorded by metered users on the same feeder.  A review of billing data from July to September 2024 revealed widespread overbilling of unmetered customers, contrary to prescribed energy caps. NERC’s fine represents five per cent of the total gross overbilling during this period. “The non-compliant DisCos have been sanctioned to pay fines amounting to six hundred and twenty-eight million, thirty-one thous...

  Nigeria's Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has underscored that the proposed Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) College Project signifies a steadfast commitment of military and police families to nation-building.  This statement was made during the ground-breaking and fundraising ceremony held in Abuja, where he commended DEPOWA for its visionary leadership in advancing this significant initiative. In his address, Minister Badaru described the event as a historic milestone: “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I join you today to celebrate this momentous occasion—the ground-breaking and fundraising for the DEPOWA College Project.  "This initiative embodies the unwavering commitment of our military and police families to nation-building, and I commend DEPOWA for its visionary leadership in championing this noble cause.” Highlighting the importance of education, the Minister stated, “Education is the bedrock of societ...