News

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The political atmosphere in Germany is intensifying as the country approaches its highly anticipated federal elections on February 23, 2025. With multiple parties in the race, the election results are expected to influence Germany’s domestic policies and international stance significantly.

Key political parties are ramping up their campaigns, focusing on issues such as economic stability, immigration, climate change, and Germany’s role in global affairs. Analysts predict a tight contest, with shifting voter sentiments crucial to determining the next government.

Among the key contenders is the ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, facing strong challenges from the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) under Friedrich Merz. 

The Greens, led by Annalena Baerbock, are pushing a climate-focused agenda, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP), under Christian Lindner, is emphasising economic liberalisation.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the leftist Die Linke are also competing for voter support, making this election highly competitive and defining for Germany’s political future.

As Germany finds itself at a crossroads, the results of these elections will not only influence the nation’s governance but also have significant repercussions on European and global politics.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Senate has criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for her remarks about the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, regarding seat allocations.

On Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to accept the new seat assigned to her, citing her right to protection under the Senate’s Rule 10.

The dispute arose after her seat was changed following the defection of some opposition senators to the ruling party.

However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the move and accused the Senate leadership of attempting to silence her.

“I have no problem if they take away my right to speak. I am not afraid of you. You are denying me my rights,” she said, addressing the Senate President.

As tensions escalated, Akpabio ordered security personnel to remove her from the Senate chamber, but some senators intervened to de-escalate the situation.

Reacting to the incident in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said that the National Assembly is not a place for entertainment.

“What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not a place for creating entertainment or play. It is a place for serious legislative work,” he stated.

Regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation of rights infringement, Adaramodu explained that, despite being a new senator, she had been assigned significant leadership roles in the Senate.

“If she is claiming that her rights are being denied or that she’s being prevented from speaking, as a new senator, she has been given three major committee leadership roles. Every senator is entitled to lead one committee, but she is now leading foreign affairs and NGOs,” he added.

The Senate spokesman further mentioned that the matter would not be revisited, as Senator Isah Jubril from Kogi had apologized on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“The Senate has fully accepted this apology, and so the matter will not be reopened,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Kaduna Electric and threatened to withdraw its services entirely due to ongoing disputes, including the issuance of ‘service no longer required’ notices to several affected staff members.

Despite intervention from the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, the situation remains unresolved and left employees and the public in a state of uncertainty.

The NUEE has made it clear that unless their concerns are addressed within the stipulated timeframe, they will take further action.

The potential withdrawal of services could result in power outages affecting residents across Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, who are already bracing for another possible blackout.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Kaduna Electric and the state government to find a resolution before the situation escalates.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service Technical and Hangar Services Limited (NCT&HSL) successfully held its maiden Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, in Abuja.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the aviation, customs, and public sector logistics industries to discuss operational development and expansion strategies.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, commended the company’s achievements, stating, “It is evident that the company has made significant strides in this short period, surpassing its achievements in the preceding year. The company’s future prospects are even more important to us.”

He also expressed confidence in the company’s investments, noting, “On my way back from Ilorin yesterday, I made a quick visit to the hangar and saw how busy it was. This underscored that we are investing in the right direction”.

The Ministry of Finance has expressed interest in further investing in the company, which is expected to provide fresh capital, expertise, and networks to drive growth.

Adeniyi noted, “As the majority shareholder, our expectation is that the company will continue to grow as a profit-yielding entity, providing value to our stakeholders and shareholders”.

The Managing Director of NCT&HSL, Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, highlighted the company’s role in modernizing customs operations and reiterated its commitment to balancing workforce competence with financial prudence.

“We are strategically employing qualified and competent staff while keeping a watchful eye on our salary overheads so that we do not overextend our financial capabilities,” he explained.

The company is adopting smarter financial strategies for maintaining equipment, exploring cost-effective alternatives such as leasing or collaborating with other organizations to share resources.

Mbaya assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to operational excellence and financial sustainability, stating, “We continue to seek innovative ways to optimize our expenditure while maintaining the highest safety and compliance standards”.

At the closing session of the AGM, the board appointed new auditors and reappointed directors after due consideration.

The meeting set the stage for long-term planning, including upgrading aircraft maintenance facilities, improving ground handling services, and expanding the NCS fleet to support customs enforcement operations.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Ahmad Salkida, founder and CEO of HumAngle Media, laments the daunting challenges entrepreneurs face in Nigeria. With several years of experience and travels across 25 countries, he describes Nigeria as one of the most challenging environments for independent businesses.

Salkida points to excessive taxation and a lack of basic amenities, arguing that the legal framework fails to distinguish between social enterprises and traditional businesses. 

“The legal and regulatory framework fails to differentiate between social enterprises and traditional businesses, with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) focused solely on meeting unrealistic revenue targets at the expense of struggling businesses.

Success relies solely on relentless hard work and prayers,” Salkida stated, lamenting the physical and mental exhaustion that often comes with achieving success in such a challenging landscape. 

Salkida emphasizes the urgent necessity for systemic reforms to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state has dismissed the suspended chairman and members of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over allegations of employment fraud.

The announcement was made on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of 16 newly appointed commissioners at City Hall in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Governor Sule also disclosed plans to establish an independent body to oversee fresh selection interviews for 3,000 previously recruited teachers, with the aim of selecting 1,500 qualified candidates.

The newly appointed commissioners, who were screened by the state legislature, include:

Yakubu Kwanta – Youth and Sports (Akwanga LGA)

Umar Tanko Tunga – Lands (Awe LGA)

Munirat Abdullahi – Finance (Doma LGA)

Gabriel Agbashi – Science & Technology (Doma LGA)

Isaac Danladi Amadu – Environment (Karu LGA)

Margret Itaki Elayo – Pending Portfolio (Mans LGA)

Dr. Ibrahim Tanko – Information (Keffi LGA)

John D.W Mamman – Education (Kokona LGA)

Aminu Mu’azu Miafata – Local Government & Community Affairs (Lafia LGA)

CP Usman Baba – Security & Sundry (Lafia LGA)

Mohammed Sani Ottos – Trade and Investment (Nasarawa LGA)

Mohammed Agah Muluku – Water Resources (Nasarawa Eggon LGA)

Barr. David Moyi – Special Duties & Legal (Obi LGA)

Gaza Gwamna – Health (Toto LGA)

Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel – Justice (Wamba LGA)

Mu’azu Gosho – Works (Wamba LGA)

Governor Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nasarawa State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In his newly launched book, A Journey in Service, former military president Ibrahim Babangida has revealed that his close ally and colleague, General Sani Abacha, plotted a violent coup to remove him from office.

Babangida, who oversaw the country’s military regime from 1985 to 1993, disclosed the shocking details of Abacha’s intentions during a book launch event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday.

Abacha, who later led the military junta that ousted the transitional government of Ernest Shonekan, opposed the process of handing over power to a civilian administration.

Babangida reflected on his interactions with Abacha, admitting that at various points, he feared for his own safety and the well-being of those around him.

He also questioned why Abacha was not retired earlier to prevent the issues that would later lead to his own downfall.

“There was no pact between Abacha and me,” Babangida clarified in his book, addressing speculation about a secret agreement between the two.

Despite his growing concerns, Babangida chose not to take drastic action against Abacha or other opposition forces in the military, fearing it could lead to bloodshed due to the deep divisions within the armed forces.

Babangida expressed regret over his decision to not neutralize the opposition earlier, especially the Abacha-backed ABC News (ABN), which he accused of disrupting the transition process.

Reflecting on his time in power, Babangida admitted that his instincts told him to take a stronger stand against Abacha, but the unstable political environment made such a move dangerous.

This revelation offers new insight into the tense relationship between the two military leaders and the challenges Babangida faced as he navigated the difficult road to civilian rule.

By Anas Abbas

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against 20 foreign nationals accused of engaging in cybercrimes aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s economy.

The arraignment took place on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Judge Musa Kakaki.

Among those charged are 15 individuals from the Philippines, one from Indonesia, and four from China.

The defendants have been identified as Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Pengua Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants, along with the corporate entity Genting International Co. Limited, allegedly accessed computer systems on December 18, 2024, with the intent to significantly disrupt Nigeria’s economic and social structures.

They reportedly recruited local youths for identity theft and misrepresented themselves as foreign nationals to gain financial benefits, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act of 2015 (as amended in 2024).

All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, N.K. Ukoha, representing the prosecution, requested that the court also enter a not guilty plea for Genting International Co. Limited, which was not present in court.

Ukoha urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility until the trial commenced.

In response, defense attorneys Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai opposed the prosecution’s request and sought a brief adjournment to allow their clients to consider a potential plea bargain.

After considering both sides, Judge Kakaki ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody and scheduled the next hearing for March 18 and 20.

These individuals were among 792 suspects apprehended by EFCC operatives in Lagos during a crackdown in December 2024.

By Anas Abbas

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the establishment of two new federal universities in Osun and Ekiti State The newly created institutions are the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences located in Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies situated in Iragbiji, Osun State.

The announcement was made by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele following the signing of the relevant legislation at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

Both bills, sponsored by Bamidele in 2023 and 2024, had previously been passed by the Senate, received approval from the House of Representatives, and ultimately secured presidential assent.

In a statement released on Thursday titled “NASS Secures Presidential Assent to Federal Universities in Ekiti, Osun,” Bamidele highlighted the vital role these universities will play in fostering national development.

“These universities will help close the knowledge gap in science, technology, and innovation, promote environmental sustainability and climate action, and enhance agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria,” he stated.

He referred to the presidential assent as a “defining and significant milestone” in the administration’s efforts to address food insecurity and climate change challenges.

Prior to the presidential approval, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had strongly advocated for the establishment of both universities in a letter to the presidency dated February 19.

By Anwar Usman

Tensions flare-up in the Senate on Thursday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan exchange words with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute.

The issue started when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle prompted by opposition members moving to the majority wing which she refused to abide by.

The Chief Whip of the house, Senator Tahir Monguno, explained the Senate rules to justify the change, and stated that seat adjustments were under the authority of the Senate President.

He also warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate debates.

The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio supports Monguno’s order and denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her old seat.

In response to that, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice, accusing the leadership of trying to silence her.

She stated that “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege”.

The standoff intensified when the Senate President directed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her.

However, with the help of some lawmakers calmness was restored, although Akpoti-Uduaghan stand firm in her refusal to move.