₦airaland Forum

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated six Governors as zonal coordinators nationwide.

The National Chairman of the ruling party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, inaugurated the state chief executives on Wednesday at the Party’s National Secretariat.

Ganduje said the governors are expected to promote harmony, consolidate, and strengthen the party, among other things, to achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The governors appointed are:

1. Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni – North East
2. Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani – North West
3. Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak – North Central
4. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma – South East
5. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu – South West
6. Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu – South South.

Emerging from its National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday, the Labour Party (LP) has made a decisive move regarding its 2027 presidential ticket.


According to a Communiqué issued after the convention, the party reserved the presidential ticket for its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi and offered Governor Otti of Abia State the right of first refusal.

The decision was signed by the re-elected National Chairman of the Labour Party, Comrade Julius Abure, and National Secretary, Umar Faruk Ibrahim.

By reserving the ticket for Peter Obi, the Labour Party said it aims to position itself for a strong and competitive showing in the 2027 polls.

Peter Obi, a seasoned politician and former Governor of Anambra State, brings a wealth of experience and political acumen to the table, a
according to the party.

The party also said Governor Otti’s potential candidacy adds depth and diversity to the party’s electoral strategy, potentially broadening its appeal to voters nationwide.

The Federal Government on Monday initiated proceedings against Binance, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange platform over tax evasion.

The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

In the suit with number: FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, FIRS implicated Binance with four tax evasion accusations adding that it was a decisive move aimed at upholding fiscal responsibility and safeguarding the economic integrity of the country.

Joined with the crypto company as second and third defendants in the suit are Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, both senior executives of Binance currently under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The charges levied against Binance include non-payment of Value-Added Tax, Company Income Tax, failure to file tax returns, and complicity in aiding customers to evade taxes through its platform.

In the suit, the Federal Government also accused Binance of failure to register with FIRS for tax purposes and contravening existing tax regulations within the country.

One of the counts in the lawsuit pertains to Binance’s alleged failure to collect and remit various categories of taxes to the federation as stipulated by Section 40 of the FIRS Establishment Act 2007 as amended.

Section 40 of the Act explicitly addresses the non-deduction and non-remittance of taxes, prescribing penalties and potential imprisonment for defaulting entities.

The charges further detail specific instances where Binance purportedly violated tax laws, such as failing to issue invoices for VAT purposes, thus obstructing the determination and payment of taxes by subscribers.

“Any company that transacts business in excess of N25 million annually is deemed by the Finance Act to be present in Nigeria.

“According to this rule, Binance falls into that category. So, it has to pay taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT) and also collect and pay Value Added Tax (VAT).

“But Binance did not do this properly. So, the company broke Nigerian laws and could be investigated and taken to court for this infraction,” Adekanmbi said.

FIRS, by the law setting it up and various others, is empowered to assess, collect and account for revenue accruing to the Federation and administer relevant tax laws.

Binance pleaded guilty to flouting anti-money laundering laws in the United States in late 2023, settling for a plea bargain that cost the company $ 4.3 billion.

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has approved the appointment of his brother, Ferdinand Uzodimma, as his Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of general services.

Ferdinand Uzodimma was a Councillor, Transition Committee Chairman and Sole Administrator of Oru East Local Government Area.

The governor also reappointed Cosmos Iwu as the Secretary to the Government.

Cosmas is the younger brother of Maurice Iwu, a former national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Also reappointed by the governor are Nnamdi Anyaehie, Patrick Ekeji and Olisaemeka Sydney Agbor as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) respectively.

Iwu, Agbor, Ekeji and Anyaehie all served in the same capacities in the same capacities in Uzodimma’s first four-year term.

Governor Uzodimma also named Sam Anyalewechi Nwaobasi as Special Adviser on Programme and Policy Implementation/ Monitoring.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Oguwike Nwachuku, the appointments are to take immediate effect.

“Governor Uzodimma who congratulated the new appointees urged them to bring to bear their professional competence in the efforts to drive the vision of the Shared Prosperity 3R Government of Imo State,” part of the statement read.

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies before parliamentary committees.

Speaking at the breaking of the Ramadan fast on Wednesday in Abuja with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, the president said while oversight is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, excessive summoning of officials can disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens.

He, therefore, urged lawmakers to show discretion in the exercise of their oversight functions.

”I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the Speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight. But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the Governor of the Central Bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation.

”If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations,” the president said.

Expressing confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance, President Tinubu lauded the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

He said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

He urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies and to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society.

”We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.

”We must have faith, and please do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through.

”I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria,” the president stated.

On the recent dastardly killing of soldiers on national duty in Delta State, the president while expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved, pledged that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes would never be in vain.

The president announced that the officers would be given a befitting burial and national honours.

”In responding to distress calls, they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathize and symbolize the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.

”We salute all our men and women in uniform, and we sympathize with them. I will soon make further pronouncements, but they must have a befitting burial and national honours,” the president said.

In his remarks, the Speaker emphasized the importance of forgiveness, generosity, and prayers during Ramadan and called for unity in the nation and support for President Tinubu.

”I want to urge us to use this month to increase our good deeds and minimize our bad deeds,” he said.

Reflecting on the 10 months of this administration, the Speaker noted that the executive and the legislature have continued to work in synergy for the progress of the country.

”So far, so good, the House has been very supportive of the President and his policies, and we shall continue to ensure that we work together,” the Speaker said.

The president of the National Political Science Association of Nigeria (NPSA), Prof. Hassan Saliu, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of stifling the growth of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Atiku was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, and there are indications that he will contest again in the 2027 polls.

Speaking to Punch, Prof Saliu said, “Atiku’s ambition is affecting the growth of the PDP. We follow the debate and the controversy.

“The issues in the PDP before the presidential primary, and even after the presidential primaries, those issues are still there. They have not faded away.


“So, the only way to give PDP a semblance of unity is for Atiku to drop his ambition. There are too many issues surrounding Atiku’s ambition.

“Given his age, if he comes out to contest for president under the PDP next time, I don’t know what will happen to the PDP before that time. But I am assuming that decision may not go down with people at PDP. It is time for Atiku to look at the political temperature and advises himself accordingly.

“Atiku’s interest will not supersede the interests of the PDP; each time this man emerges as a presidential candidate, there are always issues that will eventually affect the chances of the party. This is the right time for Atiku to allow the PDP to breathe fresh air.”

President Bola Tinubu’s government has commenced the distribution of grains to states in order to cushion the hardship caused by the fuel subsidy removal and other economic policies.

The minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this on Tuesday while appearing before lawmakers at the National Assembly.

The minister was invited by the lawmakers, led by Senator Saliu Mustapha to brief Nigerians on Federal Government’s plan to curb rising food costs and plans to make it available to the poor and vulnerable in the country.

The minister told the lawmakers that the Federal Government had kicked-off the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains to some focal points in state capitals across the country.

He said: “We have received directive and approval from Mr. President to distribute for immediate impact 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains free of charge to the Nigerian population.

“This was received in mid-February, as we are speaking we have a record of the distribution being carried out, but I will want to plead with the Honorable House members and Distinguished senators that some of the movements can’t be made public but a lot of states have started receiving their grains.

“We are distributing to state capitals in the first instance as you all are aware the risk involved in the vandalism of foodstuff; so, we are working with the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other national security agencies.


“Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilisation,” he said.

The minister said that the action of the government became important in order to cushion the hardship on Nigerians which he said, will soon become a thing of the past.

He told the lawmakers that his ministry was working with the ONSA and other national security outfits to address issues on vandalism of food warehouses.

Senator Mustapha told reporters after the session that he was satisfied with the steps being taken by the Federal Government to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.

“From our interactive session, we are fully in the picture of what is happening. We are convinced that the steps being taken by the Federal Government is in the right direction,” the senator said.

“All we did again is to further emphasise the need for certain things to be done on time. I think from this collaborative approach by the grace of God, Nigerians will have a better feel of the government policy on food security.”

Ace comedian, public affairs commentator and media entrepreneur, Atunyota Akpobome (aka Alibaba), has said that some states created by the military regime should be local government areas.

Alibaba noted that some of the 36 states of the Federation were created by the military to appease some commanders who were later deployed to the states as administrators.

Alibaba said subregionals unable to generate enough revenue to sustain their operations but depend solely on monthly allocations from the Federal Government should be local government areas.

He said: “Some states were created just to appease some military officers. ‘Oh, this guy is a senior military officer, he comes from this area, we can’t give him a state now, let’s just create a state and take care of those people’.

“Or the issue of: We want to create four states in the north, let’s just balance it with some states in the south so that it will look deliberate because some of the states that were created needed to be local governments.


“Up till now, we have states that if they do not get federal allocations for three months, there will be problem in the state. Meanwhile, those same states have enough natural resources.”



He noted that Nigeria’s challenges started when the federal military government asked the regionals and the states to bring all their monies to the national purse and then began to give them whatever they think they should get through the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

He also faulted the 1999 Constitution bequeathed to the country by the military regime of ex-Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), during the country’s transition from military rule to democratic governance in May 1999.


Alibaba said: “Our constitution is the biggest problem we hve now; it’s an anomaly, it’s not actually a constitution; it’s something that some people drafted, got some lawyers to knock it together because the constitution doesn’t speak to the growth and national development of our country.

“The truth is if you want this country to grow, let each state generate its own revenue. The Federal Government can assist them if they want to but the funds and revenue that comes from certain states should not be shared to every other person.”

Nigerians trading on the Binance platform may soon be guests of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Binance Holdings Limited to provide the EFCC with detailed information on all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform.

The move follows a motion filed by the anti-graft agency demanding details of Nigerians trading on Binance.

An EFCC operative, Hamma Bello, said that the EFCC’s Special Investigation Team received intelligence that money laundering and terrorism funding were carried out on Binance.

His words: “On receipt of the intelligence, the team began an investigation by conducting surveillance of the activities of the platform.

“The team uncovered users who have been using the platform for price discovery, confirmation and market manipulation which has caused tremendous distortions in the market, resulting in the naira losing its value against other currencies.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming 2024 Ondo Gubernatorial Election.

Speaking at a rally in the state capital, Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa said he is seeking to secure another term in office to continue his contributions to the development and progress of Ondo State.

He expressed commitment to bringing about positive change in Ondo State and outlined his vision for sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social services.

The governor passionately declared that it is time for Ondo State to shine again, pledging to lead efforts that would elevate Ondo State to new heights of prosperity and prominence.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also appealed to the residents of Ondo State for their support in the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the state and expressed confidence that, with the collective effort of the people, Ondo State could achieve remarkable progress.

Bandits who abducted 16 residents of Gonin Gora area of Kaduna metropolis have demanded for a ransom of N40 trillion for their release.

John Yusuf, a community leader of the area, disclosed this in a telephone interview on Monday in Kaduna.

Yusuf said the bandits called and demanded N40 trillion, 11 Hilux vans and 150 brand new motorcycles for the release of the victims.

“The bandits have contacted us. They are demanding for N40 trillion, 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles for the release of 16 people they are holding captive.

“Where are we going to get this kind of money! Even if we sell the entire community, we cannot raise N40 trillion. Even Nigeria as a country has never made a budget of N40 trillion,” Yusuf said.

The community leader said, the bandits invaded the community two times within a week.

“The abductions happened twice within four days interval,” he said.

According to him, “During the first attack three people were kidnapped while in the second attack 13 people were abducted bringing the total number of people being held captive to 16.
He lamented the vast bushes bordring the community and Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state and called for the establishment of a military based in to check the activities of the criminals.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid by establishing a military base behind our community where the bandits take advantage of the bushes to invade our community.


“From our community down to Birnin Gwari which is over 150 kilometres is a stretch of bush.

“We also have another stretch of bushes from Gonin Gora down to Niger state.

“So when the criminals have free access through the bushes to our community. We are pleading with government to help us”, the community leaders pleaded.

Yusuf commended the Nigerian Army for their efforts in containing the bandits.

He said, “The army are really trying, despite the fact that they are seriously overstretched. Whenever we make distressed calls they come.

“But the problem is that before they reach the community, the bandits would have done what they wanted and left”.

The community leaders further called on the federal and state governments to take proactive action to stop the menace, “if not it is going to consume all of us.”

On Wednesday, February 28, bandits invaded Anguwan Auta, community in Gonin Gora, killed two people and abducted three others.

About four days after, the criminals were said to have returned to the area and abducted 13 people.

Hundreds of youths in the area, had protested against the first attack, blocking the busy Kaduna – Abuja highway which passes through Gonin Gora.

Many indigenes and residents of Edo North Senatorial District have expressed their displeasure over the planned impeachment of the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.

Recall that Shaibu fell out with Governor Godwin in 2023 over plans to contest for governor of Edo State.

During the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elect in February, Shaibu organized a parallel poll in his residence where he was declared winner. Asue Ighodalo was declared winner of the main PDP primary election in Edo State.

Last week, the Edo State House of Assembly issued Shaibu an impeachment notice.

But the protesters, who were seen chanting solidarity songs, urged Governor Obaseki to give peace a chance.

Some inscriptions on their placards read: “No to impeachment of Edo deputy governor”, “Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding”, “Give peace a chance”, “We choose peace against impeachment”, and “Edo people reject impeachment of the Deputy Governor”.

The protesters, who trooped out in their numbers, described the move to impeach Shaibu as a political vendatta.

The protesting women, men and youths, under the aegis of Edo North PDP Rescue Movement (ENREM), first converged on the popular Jattu junction in Etsako West Local Government. They later marched on major streets of the communities.

The leader of the protesters, Festus Owu, urged Edo lawmakers to focus on providing good legislation for residents and indigenes, instead of engaging in the fruitless venture of impeachment that would bring no food to the table of hungry citizens.

They urged Governor Obaseki to prevail on the House to discontinue any impeachment move against the deputy governor.

Comrade Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has strongly criticized the government led by President Bola Tinubu, stressing that Nigeria is retrogressing in various sectors under the current administration.

Abure called for action from opposition parties and the Nigerian masses to confront what he described as poor governance.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the country, citing challenges such as insecurity, economic deterioration, and political issues affecting innocent citizens.

Abure condemned the government’s inability to address security challenges, infrastructure, and the economy.

According to Abure, the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by Tinubu is a failure, and the Nigerian masses are enduring unprecedented hardship.

His words: “It is not capturing power that matters, but what you do with the power. It is not winning the election but what you do with the victory; how you transform lives and the people’s welfare.

“If you capture power and you cannot use it to address security challenges, the people are still being killed, you cannot use it to address infrastructure, you cannot use it to make the economy work, then what is the use of being in office?

“In all ramifications, the Tinubu-led APC government is a failure and the Nigerian masses have never had it as bad as this.

“At present, Nigerians are begging for food. Is it not a shame that Ukraine, which is at war, is sending us grains and all that?

“Nigeria has all it takes to build a great nation, but sadly, this APC government is presently taking us backward. Nigerians must unite to chase away this oligarchy in power.

Shyngle Wigwe, the biological father of billionaire business mogul and late former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe on Saturday slumped and was rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment.

This was made known by a popular influencer on social media, Tony Ogbuagu who denied the purported death of the late billionaire’s father.

He wrote: “Herbert Wigwe’s father is not dead please. He only slumped and has been taken to the hospital. Make una slow down with all these bad news.”

Dignitaries, guests and hundreds of mourners arrived at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State for the funeral service of Wigwe, his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizzy.

SaharaReporters had reported that Wigwe who died in a helicopter crash in the United States alongside his wife and son were buried on March 9, 2024 after a combined funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo.

Wigwe and his family members died when a chopper heading to Las Vegas crashed near a border city between Nevada and California in February.

SaharaReporters was told that Wigwe left Lagos State, Nigeria, on Wednesday to watch the Super Bowl 58, an American football competition.

The LVIII was held on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.