News
Nigerians Demand Probe Of NDDC Over Donation To Okpebholo’s Campaign
A storm of controversy has erupted on social media following allegations that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has released N10 billion and 18 trailer loads of rice as support for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the upcoming Edo State election.
The hashtag #ProbeNDDCNow has quickly gained traction, with thousands of Nigerians calling for an investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds.
Reports suggest that the funds and rice, purportedly intended for development projects, were diverted to finance Okpebholo’s campaign.
This has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among residents of Edo State, who have taken to Twitter and other platforms to express their anger and demand accountability.
One Twitter user wrote, “Our roads are falling apart, yet NDDC is handing out N10 billion to APC for elections? This is a betrayal of trust! #ProbeNDDCNow.”
Another added, “The money meant for development is being used to buy votes. This is not democracy, it’s corruption! #ProbeNDDCNow.”
Senior officials within the NDDC, particularly those from Edo State, are reportedly furious over the decision to divert funds meant for crucial infrastructure projects, such as the repair of federal roads, to political campaigns.
Many are calling for an immediate investigation into the commission’s financial activities.
Osazuwa Imafidon, a prominent social commentator, voiced his concerns on Facebook: “The NDDC’s role is to improve the lives of Niger Delta residents, not to bankroll political campaigns. We need answers, and we need them now. #ProbeNDDCNow.”
Many Edo residents have expressed their determination not to be swayed by the alleged vote-buying tactics, with some advising fellow citizens to “collect the rice, but vote your conscience.”
As the hashtag continues to trend, pressure is mounting on the NDDC and the APC to address the allegations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is also facing calls to ensure a free and fair election in Edo State, free from the influence of illicit campaign financing.
So far, neither the NDDC nor Senator Monday Okpebholo’s campaign has officially responded to the allegations.
However, with the growing demand for transparency and accountability, this issue is unlikely to fade away anytime soon.
News
Nigerians man nabbed for k!lling his mother for rituals
A 29-year-old man has been nabbed by the police for allegedly killing his mother for ritual purposes in Cross River.
Spokesperson for the Police Command in the state, SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the suspect’s arrest and detention to newsmen on Friday in Calabar, albeit without further details.
The incident had occurred on Dec. 25, 2024 in Batriko, Eastern Boki Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Credible source revealed that a combined team of police and the security team of Obudu council area made the arrest on Friday.
According to reports, the suspect had dumped his mother’s body in a well in Obudu LGA, while security operatives had been tracking him since the incident occurred.
The source said that the suspect, who was arrested alongside a native doctor, would be brought to the state command for further investigation.
Recall that the suspect was alleged to have shaved his dead mother’s hair and dumped her remains in a well thereafter.
The source told NAN that the arrest of the fleeing suspect was effected by security operatives at the shrine of a native doctor, with a bag containing his late mother’s shaved hair.
“As I speak with you, the suspect and the native doctor are presently cooling off at the Obudu Divisional Police Headquarters,” said the source. (NAN)
News
Royal matter: Appeal Court Orders Fresh Hearing into Kano Emirate Tussle
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a fresh hearing in the legal battle over the disputed Kano Emirate involving Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero.
The Appellate Court, in a judgment delivered on Friday, held that Bayero was denied fair hearing due to the shoddy manner in which a Kano High Court conducted proceedings against him.
Justice Mohammed Mustapha, who delivered the lead judgement, stated that the Kano High Court was unfair to Bayero by conducting proceedings without serving him a hearing notice to enable him to present his case.
Justice Mustapha held that all courts of law are bound to ensure justice for all parties by giving them equal opportunities, adding that the conduct of the proceedings against Bayero amounted to a travesty of justice.
Specifically, the Appellate Court held that Bayero ought to have been served with a hearing notice to allow him to present his grievances before judgment was delivered against him in what it described as a shoddy arrangement.
The Court of Appeal, therefore, ordered that the case be remitted to the Chief Judge of the Kano State High Court to be reassigned to another judge for expeditious determination.
Justice Mustapha did not award costs against the respondents in the appeal filed by Ahaji Ado Bayero.
Details later.
News
Just in: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elects Factional President
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze N’digbo Worldwide has elected Dim Uche Nnamdi Okwukwu as its new factional President General.
The election, which took place at a convention in Port Harcourt on Thursday night, saw Okwukwu, a legal practitioner and former Secretary General of the group, chosen unopposed.
Okwukwu, from Elele in Rivers State, expressed his gratitude to the delegates and outlined his commitment to addressing the issues facing the Igbo people.
He stated that uniting the fractured Igbo community would be his priority.
His plans include engaging with the government and key stakeholders to seek the release of Nnamdi Kanu and other political prisoners, as well as pushing for economic and infrastructural development in Igbo areas.
Additionally, he intends to address security concerns, including kidnapping and other forms of violence, and work toward restructuring efforts that involve all ethnic groups.
More to come…
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