The Reporters Gang

The Bauchi Accountability and Truth Awareness Front (BATA) has issued a strong rebuke to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the agency of engaging in politically motivated actions against Bauchi State officials. The criticism follows the recent arrest of Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, the state's Accountant General. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Lawal Sani Ningi, BATA dismissed the EFCC's allegations of a N70 billion fraud investigation involving Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, as unfounded and aimed at undermining the administration's achievements. The group argued that the timing and nature of the EFCC's actions suggest ulterior motives designed to destabilize the state's progress. While underscoring the importance of combating corruption, BATA called for fairness, transparency, and adherence to justice in such investigations. The group expressed concern that the EFCC's approach risks overshadowing the strides ma...

The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has extended a warm and enthusiastic welcome to the recent advances made by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, as he embarked on a significant journey towards political collaboration and national unity.  According to a statement signed by Dr. AbdulRazak Ahmed, Director of Strategic Communication for the DWI, Obi's visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the esteemed leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, marked a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics.  "We commend Peter Obi for his courageous decision to embrace the most powerful opposition party in the country, thereby positioning himself squarely within the mainstream political discourse. "Peter Obi's visit culminated in a respectful homage to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu. This gesture not only reflects Obi’s recognition of the vital role traditional institutions p...

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has underscored the importance of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect as essential pillars for Nigeria's progress. The governor made this statement during a visit by Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, alongside his entourage. Governor Mohammed emphasized the urgent need for national cohesion, urging both leaders and citizens to prioritize the nation's interests over personal and political ambitions. "Patriotism remains the foundation for a brighter future," he stated, reiterating his commitment as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum to fostering unity and combating division. Commending Mr. Obi for his visit, Governor Mohammed praised his dedication to nation-building and inclusive leadership. The visit, according to Mr. Obi, was an opportunity to condole with Governor Mohammed over recent losses, engage in discussions on pressing national issu...

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and civil society organisations (CSOs), under the auspices of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), have addressed the ongoing feud between the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging Senator Akpabio to step aside for fair investigation of the sexual harassment allegation against him.  While addressing the media in Abuja on behalf of the CNPP and the coalition, Hon. Nnaemeka Aleke, Public Relations Officer of the CNCSOs, highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Hon. Aleke emphasized the growing concerns regarding the Senate's independence, particularly in light of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's endorsement of Senator Akpabio for the position of Senate President. "Many Nigerians perceive this endorsement as an endorsement of corruption and impunity," the coalition stated. He further...

Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle MON, has unequivocally expressed his concern on the recent incidents in the local government councils in Osun State.  In the  light of this significant development, according to a statement signed by Iyogun Sunday, on behalf of the Director Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, he has called upon security agencies to take proactive measures to maintain law and order in the state. Matawalle emphasized that the ruling is not only a reflection of the judiciary’s independence but also aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice, equity, and the rule of law across the nation.  He highlighted that the  recent incident in Osun state  in which some lives were lost should not be allowed to continue.  As a minister of state for defence, my duty also includes protection  of lives and properties of all citizens...

 Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has issued a resolute call for Nigeria to assert its position on the global stage in the light of  recent diplomatic incident involving the denial of visas to the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, and other members of the Nigerian delegation.  This unfortunate event occurred while they were en route to a significant function honoring Nigerian veterans in Canada. Matawalle expressed profound disappointment regarding the treatment of the Nigerian delegation, emphasizing that such actions jeopardize the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada. “This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity. We cannot allow our country to be treated with such disregard and levity  on the international stage,” he stated. He called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the reasons behind this visa denial, asserting t...

Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, has declared 2025 a pivotal year of consolidation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. This declaration comes as the administration marks 19 months of significant achievements across various sectors. During a Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Minister Idris highlighted key areas of achievement, including fiscal, macroeconomic, and legislative reforms. Notable accomplishments in this area include the removal of fuel subsidies, which has plugged financial leakages amounting to hundreds of billions of Naira annually, and the introduction of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS), which has led to unprecedented stability in the FX market. Other significant achievements include: Targeted Interventions: Over 169,000 students have benefited from the Students Loan Fund, receiving N32.8 billion for school fees and upkeep. New Development Commissions have been established for the ...

General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) has disputed First Bank of Nigeria's (FBN) claim of a $225 million loan, stating that the relationship between the two companies is a project finance agreement, not a normal commercial loan. The management of GHL in a statement noted that the company was approached by FBN to finance the exploration, development, and production of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 120, with FBN agreeing to share profits 50:50 and pay GHL the cost of finance. However, GHL disclosed that FBN failed to meet its commitment to fully finance the project, resulting in losses of $47 million. Find the full statement below:  General Hydrocarbons Limited Vs FBN: The Explainer 1. Is GHL’s liability to First Bank a loan? The simple answer is NO, as it is not a normal commercial loan: it is a Project Finance relationship. Here is how: 2. GHL is the awardee and licenced operator of OML 120. FBN approached GHL to finance the exploration, development and production of OML 120 and share profit...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Security and Intelligent Agencies to harmonize their operations and adopt a whole of society approach in combating evolving Security challenges. Mr. President underscored the critical importance of joint security operational effectiveness in tackling Nigeria’s emerging security challenges. President Tinubu who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Defence H. E. Mohammed  Badaru Abubakar CON, mni gave the asserted this at the opening session of the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference held at Defence Headquarters in Abuja. The President commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation.  He noted that this year’s conference theme, “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations,” aligns seamlessly with his administration’s strategic vision for a more secured Nigeria. “This forum is expedient and timely especially a...