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Articles by Esther Iroanusi
Buhari appoints former IGP as chairman Police Service Commission
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Solomon Arase, a former Inspector-General of Police, as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC). The president made this known in a letter to the Senate on Tuesday wherein he sought the lawmakers’ confirmation of the former IGP. In the letter read out by the Senate President Ahmad Lawan, the president said the appointment and request for Senate confirmation is in accordance with Sections 153(1) and 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
BREAKING: Senate transmits 35 Constitution amendment bills to Buhari for assent
The Senate has transmitted 35 of the 44 Constitution amendment bills to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent. The lawmakers, on Tuesday, directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to transmit the 35 bills – that have so far met the requirement of the provision of Section 9(2) of the Constitution – to the president for assent. The 35 bills have been considered by 27 State Houses of Assembly (SHA) and approved by at least 24 state assemblies as required by law.
BREAKING: Senate transmits 35 Constitution amendment bills to Buhari for assent
Posted On: 2023-01-24 Posted By: QueenEsther Iroanusi Business & Finance Health & Lifestyle Cities Premium Times Online News Nigeria, Jan. 24 -- The Senate has transmitted 35 of the 44 Constitution amendment bills to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent. The lawmakers, on Tuesday, directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to transmit the 35 bills - that have so far met the requirement of the provision of Section 9(2) of the Constitution - to the president for assent.
Buhari appoints former IGP as chairman Police Service Commission
Nigeria, Jan. 24 -- President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Solomon Arase, a former Inspector-General of Police, as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC). The president made this known in a letter to the Senate on Tuesday wherein he sought the lawmakers' confirmation of the former IGP.
Automated seniors strut their stuff in AI fashion show
By QueenEsther Iroanusi Malik Agegbua, is making waves by combining his imagination with AI software to create older-looking models in beautiful clothes. BBC News reports that his images look like they were snapped on the edge of a fashion runway, but these models are not actually real people. He posted some of his pictures on social media recently and they caught the eye of the Oscar-winning costume designer behind the Black Panther films, Ruth Carter. “This is so dope!!” she wrote on Instagram.
Atiku's campaign asks Buhari to sack Keyamo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo. The party said Mr Keyamo should be sacked for allegedly abusing office. The spokesperson for the Atiku-Okowa (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala, made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday.
Chimaroke Nnamani reacts to suspension, says right to fair hearing violated Original
Enugu Senator, Chimaroke Nnamani, has said his suspension from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came as a rude shock and huge surprise. He said this in a statement on Saturday morning – hours after the PDP announced his suspension for alleged anti-party activities. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the suspension of Mr Nnamani and seven other members from Ekiti State is to take immediate effect.
Chimaroke Nnamani reacts to suspension, says right to fair hearing violated
Nigeria, Jan. 21 -- Enugu Senator, Chimaroke Nnamani, has said his suspension from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came as a rude shock and huge surprise. He said this in a statement on Saturday morning - hours after the PDP announced his suspension for alleged anti-party activities. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the suspension of Mr Nnamani and seven other members from Ekiti State is to take immediate effect.
Nigerian governors invite Emefiele over naira redesign, cash withdrawal policy
Nigeria, Jan. 18 -- The Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) has invited the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to a virtual meeting. The meeting, which is scheduled to hold virtually on Thursday, has on its agenda, the naira redesign as well as CBN's new policy on cash withdrawal. This was contained in a statement by the Forum's Head of Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, on Tuesday night.
Nigerian governors invite Emefiele over naira redesign, cash withdrawal policy
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has invited the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to a virtual meeting. The meeting, which is scheduled to hold virtually on Thursday, has on its agenda, the naira redesign as well as CBN’s new policy on cash withdrawal. This was contained in a statement by the Forum’s Head of Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, on Tuesday night.
Buhari re-appoints seven ICPC board members
President Muhammadu Buhari has re-appointed seven members of the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC). They are Justice Adamu Bello (Rtd.) –member – Katsina State – North-west, Hanatu Muhammed – member – Jigawa State – North-west, Olubukola Balogun (Rtd.) – member – Lagos State – South- west and Obiora Samuel – member – Anambra State – South-east.
Constitution amendment, Buhari's CBN loan, others top agenda as NASS resumes today
Lawmakers of the National Assembly are expected to resume legislative activities today after a three-week break to observe the Christmas and New Year holidays. It would be the final months of the ninth assembly which will end in June. As they prepare to embark on the last lap of their tenure, priorities and expectations are high.
Constitution amendment, Buhari's CBN loan, others top agenda as NASS resumes today
Posted On: 2023-01-17 Posted By: QueenEsther Iroanusi Business & Finance Health & Lifestyle National Education Politics Cities Real Estate & Construction International Premium Times Online News Nigeria, Jan. 17 -- Lawmakers of the National Assembly are expected to resume legislative activities today after a three-week break to observe the Christmas and New Year holidays. It would be the final months of the ninth assembly which will end in June.
Buhari re-appoints seven ICPC board members
Posted On: 2023-01-17 Posted By: QueenEsther Iroanusi Others Premium Times Online News Nigeria, Jan. 17 -- President Muhammadu Buhari has re-appointed seven members of the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).
PDP, APC bicker over alleged plans to postpone general elections
Both the ruling party, APC, and the main opposition party, PDP, have tackled each other over alleged plans to postpone the 2023 general elections. While the PDP accused the ruling party of plans to manipulate the electoral commission, INEC, into postponing the elections, the latter dismissed the allegations as untrue and borne out of fear. This comes amid fears that the general elections my be postponed.
INTERVIEW: Why PDP will win in Kwara after 'Oto ge'
Bolaji Abdullahi is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Kwara Central senatorial district in next month’s elections. A former Commissioner for Education in Kwara State and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Abdullahi says he is the best and most experienced candidate for the senatorial seat serially held by members of the famous Saraki family.
INTERVIEW: Why PDP will win in Kwara after 'Oto ge' - Bolaji Abdullahi
Posted On: 2023-01-14 Posted By: QueenEsther Iroanusi Business & Finance Health & Lifestyle Education Employment Cities Premium Times Online News Nigeria, Jan. 14 -- Bolaji Abdullahi is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Kwara Central senatorial district in next month's elections.
Pastor faked his own kidnappings to get the ransom
By QueenEsther Iroanusi A pastor in Plateau State in north central Nigeria has been arrested for allegedly faking his own kidnapping – twice. The pastor, Bitrus Albarka of ECWA Church in Jos, the state capital, conspired with the gang that collected the ransom money meant for his release. He told the police that he needed the ransom to pay off his debts. The pastor also allegedly burnt a vehicle owned by a senior pastor of the church. He said he was confused and didn’t know what came over him.
Threat to impeach Buhari, other key events in Nigeria's Senate in 2022
With the Ninth Assembly winding down legislative activities for the session, the Senate experienced fewer controversial episodes in 2022 compared to previous years. For most of last year, the attention of senators was divided and mostly focused on party activities like primaries and national conventions. And for lawmakers who were seeking re-election, that was another reason to put a pause on legislative activities.
Burna boy among African stars in Rolling Stone’s Greatest Singers
By QueenEsther Iroanusi Nigerian music star Burna Boy and South Africa’s Mariam Makeba made Rolling Stone’s ‘Greatest Singers List’. They ranked 197th and 53rd respectively. Also on the list are Nigeria’s Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, who ranked 188th, and Senegalese tenor Youssou N’Dour ranked 69th. Other African musicians who make an appearance on the list include South African mbaqanga singer Mahlathini (153), Egyptian star Umm Kulthum (61) and British-Nigerian soul singer Sade Adu (51).
Buhari asks NASS to reconsider stance on loan repayment of N22.7trn to CBN
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the National Assembly to reconsider its position on his request to pay an outstanding N22.7 trillion to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He made the appeal on Tuesday when he signed the 2023 budget into law. The money, he had said, was taken by the federal government from the apex bank and it is the balance accumulated for over 10 years. PREMIUM TIMES reported how senators disagreed during the consideration of the president’s request last Wednesday.
Why I signed 2023 budget despite National Assembly's additions
President Muhammadu signed the 2023 budget of N21.8 trillion into law on Tuesday morning. The budget was signed about six days after it was passed by the National Assembly. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the lawmakers increased the budget from N20.5 trillion as proposed by the president to N21.83 trillion – showing an increase of over N1.3 trillion.
Burna Boy turns up six hours late to show and insults crowd
By QueenEsther Iroanusi Nigerian superstar Burna Boy turned up over six hours late for a concert in Lagos and proceeded to tell the crowd they should be grateful that he was there – and his fans are not happy about it. The Love Damini Concert was scheduled to be held at 9pm on Sunday night. According to fans who were present at the event, the singer did not show up on stage until about 3:30 a.m. “Some people have been around since 9pm.
PDP reacts to Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi, says Atiku most acceptable candidate
The PDP Presidential Campaign Council has described the endorsement of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the latter’s personal opinion. The PDP said Mr Obasanjo’s opinion does not reflect the position of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians across the country because the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is the most acceptable of all the candidates.
Presidential elections of 2003, 2007, 2011 massively rigged - Mamman Daura
Mamman Daura, a nephew and close confidante to President Muhammadu Buhari, has said the past presidential elections of 2003, 2007 and 2011 were massively rigged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said the consistent rigging and lack of trust in the electoral system is one of the reasons that Mr Buhari “broke down” during his presidential campaign in 2011.
National Assembly increases own budget to N228.1bn, releases details Original
The National Assembly has increased its budget to N228.1 billion for the 2023 fiscal year. The approved sum is part of the N21.8 trillion budget for 2023 passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the 2023 budget passed by the lawmakers reflects an increase of over N1.3 trillion against the N20.5 trillion proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari in October.
Senate passes 2023 budget
The Senate has passed the nation’s budget for the 2023 fiscal year. The budget was increased from N20.5 trillion presented by President Muhammadu Buhari in October, to N21.8 trillion (21,827,188,747,391). This shows an increase of over N1.3 trillion. The lawmakers increased the Oil Benchmark Price from $70 to $75 to reflect the current market values of the oil barrel in the international market.
Rowdy session in Senate over Buhari's request to approve N23.7trn already spent
The Senate was thrown into a rowdy session on Wednesday after some lawmakers opposed a request by President Muhammadu Buhari for the Senate to approve N23.7 trillion taken from the Central Bank of Nigeria by the federal government. The lawmakers were considering the president’s request on “ways and means advances” during plenary when angry lawmakers disrupted the session demanding details of the request.
JUST IN: Senate extends implementation of 2022 budget
The Senate has extended the implementation of the 2022 budget from 31 December to 31 March, 2023. The lawmakers extended the budget implementation shortly after the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday, read a request for an extension from President Muhammadu Buhari.
'Problems' in Buhari's 2023 budget stalls passage
The National Assembly has postponed the passage of the 2023 budget till next week due to ‘problems’ discovered in the budget. The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, announced this at the start of the plenary on Thursday. He said the lawmakers cannot pass the budget because it “came with some problems” that were discovered by the National Assembly Committees on Appropriations.
Buhari seeks NASS' approval for N819bn 2022 supplementary budget
President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted a 2022 supplementary budget of N819 billion to the National Assembly. In separate letters to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the president sought the lawmakers’ approval of the budget. He said all of the additional budget of N819,536,937,813 for 2022 are capital expenditure and it became necessary due to the devastation caused by floods on farmlands and road infrastructure.
Senate passes Business Facilitation bill
The Senate has passed the Business Facilitation bill. The bill, an executive legislation, was one of the five bills for concurrence that the lawmakers considered and passed at plenary on Tuesday, having been passed by the House of Representatives. It seeks to promote the ease of doing business in Nigeria by amending relevant legislation. President Muhammadu Buhari, in June, transmitted a letter to the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, seeking consideration and passage.
Senate confirms Lauretta Onochie as NDDC chair
The Senate has confirmed Lauretta Onochie and 12 other nominees as chairperson and members of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) respectively. Those confirmed, apart from Ms Onochie are Dimga Erugba (Abia), Emem Wills (Akwa Ibom), Dimaro Denyanbofa (Bayelsa), Oruk Duke (Cross River), Gbenga Edema (Ondo) and Elekwachi Dinkpa (Rivers).
Davido makes first performance since son’s death
By QueenEsther Iroanusi Nigerian singer Davido performed alongside Aisha and Trinidad Cardona at the World Cup finals on Sunday. The trio performed “Hayya Hayya” (Better Together) — the first single of the multi-song Fifa 2022 World Cup official soundtrack. It was Davido’s first public performance since the death of his son, Ifeanyi, in a tragic drowning incident in September. The Fifa theme song was performed before the estimated 88,000 fans in attendance at Lusail Iconic Stadium, Qatar.
How to ease PVC collection - CSOs
Some civil society organisations have asked the electoral umpire, INEC, to create a dedicated desk for CSOs, media and citizens to bring awareness to the challenges surrounding the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs). This, they said, will allow for quick resolution of the challenges. They also asked INEC to increase proactive information dissemination and create a mechanism to report its officials engaged in extortion or deliberately sharing misleading information to disenfranchise.
Create special courts for child rights violators - Activists tell Nigerian govt
The Lagos Speak Up Stand Out (SUSO) Peace and Security Activists have called on the federal government to create special courts across the country dedicated to trying child rights violators – to accelerate access to and dispensation of justice. The activists also asked the federal government to separate all existing departments responsible for child welfare/protection from the ministry of women affairs, and poverty alleviation.
Buhari abandoned us despite supporting his reelection bid - MACBAN
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) says President Muhammadu Buhari has abandoned herders despite their massive support for his re-election in 2019. The group also said the president in the last seven years neglected the pastoral sector with little annual budgetary allocations.
Governor orders cook arrested for crappy Christmas catering
By QueenEsther Iroanusi Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, South east Nigeria, has ordered the arrest of a caterer who allegedly served “poor quality food” during a Christmas party for widows and the elderly in the state. He gave the order on Thursday. The governor, who did not disclose the name of the caterer, said it was terrible for someone to serve others what he or she could not consume. He also asked the police to investigate the cook so that she refunds the money paid to prepare the food.
Senate panel grills Lauretta Onochie, others for NDDC appointment
The Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs screened Lauretta Onochie and 14 other nominees for their appointments as chair and members of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Ms Onochie, currently a special assistant to the president on new media, appeared before the panel on Thursday for the screening process. She and the other nominees were appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on 23 November.
Senate asks CBN to reconsider cash withdrawal policy
The Senate has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria to “considerably adjust the withdrawal limits” in response to public outcry on the policy. The lawmakers also mandated its Committee on Banking and Finance to embark on aggressive oversight of the apex bank on its commitment to flexible adjustment of the withdrawal limit. The committee will periodically report the outcome to the Senate.
Lawan, Omo-Agege's absence stalls plenary, senator complains.
The Senate did not start Wednesday’s plenary until about 12:40 p.m., which was over two hours behind the scheduled time of 10 a.m. Although lawmakers of the ninth assembly are known for starting plenary sessions late, Wednesday’s incident was different. Lawmakers began to arrive at the chamber at about 10 a.m. and exchanged pleasantries but after over an hour, some of them were seen leaving the room. There was no sight of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and his deputy, Ovie Omo-Agege.
Senate moves to limit president's powers on sacking EFCC chairperson
A bill that seeks to limit the president’s powers on removing the chairperson of the anti-graft agency, EFCC, scaled second reading at the Senate on Tuesday. The bill seeks to amend the EFCC Act to subject the termination of the appointment of the chairperson of the commission to the confirmation of the Senate “in order to guarantee the security of tenure.” It is sponsored by the Senate Minority Whip, Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu North).
Nigerian dog festival raises the woof!
By QueenEsther Iroanusi Dog lovers in Nigeria travelled from far and wide over the weekend to the Lagos Dog Festival, where pooches of all shapes and sizes took centrestage. The carnival was held to encourage pet ownership in the country, where dogs are often bred for their meat. According to Reuters, the dogs were dressed up in colourful outfits and made to parade the red carpets at the festival.
I'm puzzled’ by Boko Haram’s existence, persistent operations
The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said he is puzzled by the existence and operations of Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria. The presidential hopeful who said he does not understand the terrorists’ phenomenon, wondered why they still operate despite efforts of the Nigerian Army to eliminate the group. He made the comments during a presidential town hall on Channels TV on Sunday. Atiku appeared on the programme alongside his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa – the Delta State governor.
I'll give you your entitlements, appointments, Atiku tells Abuja indigenes Original
The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, says he will give the people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) all their entitlements without flinching, if voted into power in 2023. Atiku made the promise at the party’s campaign rally in Abuja on Saturday during which he delivered his manifesto to the residents who turned out in large multitude for the event. Addressing the crowd, Atiku said the PDP will do more than what its administration did in the past.
Cashless Policy: CBN officials appear before Senate panel for screening, say worries will be addressed
Two officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, on Friday, appeared before the Senate Committee on Banking and Finance on Friday and explained the new withdrawal limit introduced by the bank. They are the bank’s Deputy Governor on Financial System Stability, Aishat Ahmad, and the Deputy Governor on Corporate Services, Edward Adamu. The duo, who were recently re-appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, were before the lawmakers for their screening exercise.
Why we threatened over 100 MDAs - Senator
The Senate on Wednesday threatened to cut down 2023 budgetary allocations of over 100 Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The indicted MDAs were threatened for repeatedly failing to appear before the Senate Public Accounts Committee to respond to queries raised in the Auditor General’s report and the allocation of Service Wide Votes.
How Obasanjo 'tackled' Head of State Yakubu Gowon during Nigerian civil war
While the Nigerian civil war raged, then Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo wrote daring letters to the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, questioning the approach of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to the conflict. This was revealed in a new book, “The Letterman: Inside the ‘secret’ Letters of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo” written by the Editor-in-Chief of PREMIUM TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed.
UPDATED: Senate threatens to cut budgets of over 100 MDAs for ignoring summons ( LIST )
The Senate has threatened to cut down the 2023 budgetary allocation of over 100 Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The threat is based on the grounds that heads of the MDAs have repeatedly failed to appear before the Senate Public Accounts Committee to respond to queries raised in the Auditor General’s report and the allocation of Service Wide Votes.
Why we threatened over 100 MDAs - Senator
The Senate on Wednesday threatened to cut down 2023 budgetary allocations of over 100 Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The indicted MDAs were threatened for repeatedly failing to appear before the Senate Public Accounts Committee to respond to queries raised in the Auditor General’s report and the allocation of Service Wide Votes.
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