Category: Uncategorized

  • Alawe demands 24-hour services from federal teaching hospital annex in Ilawe-Ekiti

    Alawe demands 24-hour services from federal teaching hospital annex in Ilawe-Ekiti

    The Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, has urged the Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Professor Kolawole Ogundipe to uplift the hospital Annex in Ilawe to provide 24-hour medical services to the people. The monarch also called for the use of the state-of-the-art equipment in the hospital annex, including laboratory facilities […]

    The post Alawe demands 24-hour services from federal teaching hospital annex in Ilawe-Ekiti appeared first on Tribune Online.

  • I Am Ready To Work With Peter Obi If He Emerges NDC Candidate..Kwankwaso

    I Am Ready To Work With Peter Obi If He Emerges NDC Candidate..Kwankwaso

     

    Former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared his readiness to support Peter Obi or any other presidential candidate produced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the party’s decision would be supreme.

    Kwankwaso, who recently aligned with the opposition coalition in the NDC alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, said the party had already agreed to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term.

    The former Kano governor appeared on Arise TV PrimeTime programme and confirmed that the decision was reached after consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the country.

    “If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready”, he affirmed.

    “Right from day one, we sat down together and we looked at the situation on the ground in the country and we decided to take a major decision, including zoning the presidency to the South for four years and after that, the Presidency will return to the North”, he added.

    Kwankwaso added that many northern politicians who joined the party accepted the arrangement because they believed it was the best way to address long-standing political tensions over power rotation.

    “We believe that the best place to take it is to the South so that we can eliminate the confusion that emanated from the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. What is key now is not the Presidency from the North or South, but rather to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.

    Kwankwaso revealed that he and Obi had already held discussions on tackling insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

    “Peter Obi and I have discussed a lot of ways we can tackle insecurity. I have worked together with people across board and I am sure of my capacity.”

    Kwankwaso also hinted at a possible future alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar despite their political differences.

    “We might still work together before election days. We had to leave because of issues that are very detrimental. So, we are not fighting anybody,” he stated.

    overnor argued that the 2027 election would largely be driven by young Nigerians seeking a new direction for the country.

    “The fact remains that so many things have changed in this country but we have to realize that it is the turn of youth.I remember my daughter told me to work with Obi in 2023,” Kwankwaso added.

    According to him, both the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement share similar ideals and could work effectively together.

    “The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, so are the Obidients,” he said.

    Kwankwaso also criticised governors across the country, claiming many were depending heavily on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for political survival ahead of 2027.

    “Our governors have made so much mistakes. I can tell you that all the governors are relying on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win elections,” he said.

    “Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does.”

  • Nigeria needs a vibrant mortgage system to address housing deficit — Dr. Ajayi

    Nigeria needs a vibrant mortgage system to address housing deficit — Dr. Ajayi

    Dr. Franklin Ajayi is the Chairman and CEO of AF Royalton International Estates and Homes Limited, a Nigerian real estate and construction company. In this interview with TAOFEEK LAWAL, he discusses the reasons for the high cost of rent in Nigeria and how a robust mortgage system can help solve the housing deficit among low-income […]

    The post Nigeria needs a vibrant mortgage system to address housing deficit — Dr. Ajayi appeared first on Tribune Online.

  • Nigeria can never become one-party state — Lalong

    Nigeria can never become one-party state — Lalong

    Senator Simon Lalong is a former governor of Plateau State and presently, Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters. In this interview with the North-Central Bureau Chief, ISAAC SHOBAYO, Senator Lalong speaks on national issues, which include the allegation of Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, electoral matters, and insecurity, among other […]

    The post Nigeria can never become one-party state — Lalong appeared first on Tribune Online.

  • On Olatunji Disu’s Appointment As The IG Of The Nigeria Police Force By Fanisi Babatunde PhD

    On Olatunji Disu’s Appointment As The IG Of The Nigeria Police Force By Fanisi Babatunde PhD

    Personally, by my own assessment, The appointment of Olatunji Disu as the current Inspector General of Police has ushered in a renewed sense of purpose, discipline, and institutional responsibility within the Nigeria Police Force. At a time when public confidence in law enforcement had been significantly eroded, his emergence represents a decisive shift toward restoring credibility and professionalism.

    Disu has come to be widely regarded as an epitome of intolerance for misconduct, discipline in service, and accountability in leadership. His approach to policing is not merely administrative but deeply reformative, anchored on the principle that law enforcement must first be governed by law and order within its own ranks. This firm stance has sent a clear message across the force that indiscipline and impunity will no longer be tolerated.

    One of the most remarkable aspects of his tenure so far is the speed with which he has begun to restore sanity and operational discipline. Units that previously operated with little oversight are now subject to stricter internal controls, while officers are being reoriented toward professionalism and respect for civil authority. These early interventions, though still evolving, are already reshaping public perception of the force.

    Importantly, Disu has justified his appointment through visible actions and measurable commitment to reform. Rather than relying on rhetoric, he has demonstrated capacity through decisive leadership, prompt responses to internal challenges, and a clear insistence on accountability at all levels. His performance so far reflects a leader who understands the weight of his office and is determined to deliver results that align with public expectations.

    A critical factor underpinning his effectiveness is his evident grounding in proper training and professional development. Leadership, as often said, is a reflection of preparation, and in Disu’s case, this is unmistakable. His composure, clarity of purpose, and structured approach to reforms all point to a leader shaped by rigorous training and exposure. He embodies the reality that when leaders are well trained, their decisions are measured, their actions deliberate, and their institutions better guided.

    Beyond policy directives, Disu’s personal disposition reinforces his message. He leads with a quiet firmness, neither overly theatrical nor detached, but with a visible commitment to doing what is right, even when it is inconvenient. This balance of authority and responsibility is gradually becoming a defining feature of his leadership style.

    In a system where public trust must be earned and not demanded, Olatunji Disu appears to understand the assignment clearly. His tenure, though still unfolding, offers a compelling narrative that with the right leadership, grounded in discipline, accountability, and proper training, even the most challenged institutions can begin to rediscover their honour and purpose.

    Fanisi Babatunde, PhD writes from the Kogi State University, Kabba, Nigeria.

  • Don’t Drag Me Into APC Screening Controversy, Wike Warns

    Don’t Drag Me Into APC Screening Controversy, Wike Warns

    The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday distanced himself from controversies surrounding the screening of Rivers State governorship aspirants by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to Wike, he had no involvement in the process.

    Wike spoke while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across parts of Abuja ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu in office.

    “I’m not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” Wike said.

    He said he would not speculate on issues outside his political jurisdiction.

    “What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” he added.

    On the political situation in Rivers State, the minister said an emerging “rainbow coalition” ahead of the 2027 elections would adopt strategies based on political strength across different parts of the state.

    “That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We’ll look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.

    Speaking on infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike said several ongoing projects would be inaugurated as part of activities marking Tinubu’s third year in office.

    He said contractors handling major road projects had assured the administration that outstanding works, particularly streetlights, would be completed before the end of May.

    “We are very happy with what we have seen on the ground. When we went to Karsana, where we have the Renewed Hope Estate, I think it is about 500 metres remaining for them to finish the asphalt,” he said.

    According to him, the road linking Dutse-Alhaji to the M5 corridor, being handled by Lubrix, was nearing completion, while the contractor had promised to complete the streetlights before month-end.

    Wike also said the road project around the Body of Benchers area, being executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, had been completed aside from streetlight installation.

    “That road is already completed and the contractor, CCECC, has promised that within the next 10 days they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” he said.

    The minister also inspected the bridge project at Tungan Madaki and expressed satisfaction with the level of work completed.

    “Now we are here at Tungan Madaki. The job is almost completed. The bridge has been launched. In fact, they have started the one we directed them to do from here to Zuba. It is a wonderful thing, so we are happy,” he said.

    Wike described the projects as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal in the capital city.

    “All these will be part of projects to be inaugurated by Mr President during his third year anniversary. Quality jobs done by very good contractors. We are happy. The excellence is there,” he added.

    The minister also reacted to complaints over alleged harassment by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council during tax enforcement operations, saying tax compliance remained a challenge among residents.

    “There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but knowing our taxpayers, people don’t like to pay tax. When tax collectors come, they find one excuse or the other,” he said.

    He, however, said no formal complaint had been received by the FCT Administration against officials of the council.

    Don’t Drag Me Into APC Screening Controversy, Wike Warns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Why I Held House Of Reps Speaker’s Cloth…Supporter

    Why I Held House Of Reps Speaker’s Cloth…Supporter

    A supporter of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, Ahmad Saidu, popularly known as Abba, has explained why he held the speaker’s attire during a recent political event in Zaria.

    Saidu, who spoke with journalists in Zaria, on Monday, also apologised to the Speaker over the incident which occurred during Abbas’ declaration for re-election at the Mallawa Eid Ground, Zaria.

    According to him, he sustained a serious fracture on his right hand in an accident, leaving the hand broken in three different places.

    He said he had earlier received treatment at the Traditional Orthopaedic Centre, Likoro, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, before he was referred to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.

    Saidu explained that financial difficulties prevented him from continuing with the treatment after support from some individuals stopped.

    “We could not continue with the treatment because we cannot afford the medical bills after the support we received stopped,” he said.

    He added that after learning the Speaker would attend the declaration event, he decided to go there in the hope of personally appealing for assistance.

    “As one of the supporters of the Speaker, I went to the event hoping to seek his help. When I got close to him, I held his gown while trying to show him my fractured hand, but security personnel dragged me away,” he said.

    Saidu expressed regret over the development, saying he never intended to embarrass the Speaker publicly.

    “If I had known the incident would cause such national embarrassment to the Speaker, I would have preferred to continue living with the pain.

    “I am one of his supporters and I appreciate the interventions and assistance he has been rendering to people, which prompted my action,” he added.

    Also speaking, the victim’s father, Malam Sa’idu-Ibrahim Abubakar, apologised to the Speaker and alleged that political opponents had exploited the incident to spread false narratives.

    He said the family had struggled for more than two years to fund treatment both at ABUTH and the 44 Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna but could no longer cope with the expenses 

    The father, however, commended the Speaker for agreeing to shoulder the medical bills of his son despite the incident at the event venue.

  • Hope, hurt and the coming elections

    Hope, hurt and the coming elections

    ALEXANDER Pope (1688–1744), the 18th-century English poet and satirist, is known for his numerous famous quotes from his works. However, the one believed to be his most famous is the one referred to as Alexander’s ‘Ninth Beatitude.’ It was part of his October 6, 1727 letter to John Gay (1685–1732), a fellow Tory satirist and […]

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  • When the cost of living becomes life-threatening

    When the cost of living becomes life-threatening

    By: Gideon Alabi THE recent hike in the prices of commodities has caused a great deal of untold hardship for many Nigerians today. Those who can no longer cope with the high cost of living now battle depression, with some even contemplating suicide. For many salary earners, monthly income is no longer enough to clear […]

    The post When the cost of living becomes life-threatening appeared first on Tribune Online.

  • Xenophobic attacks: NLC engages South African Labour Centre to protect migrant workers

    Xenophobic attacks: NLC engages South African Labour Centre to protect migrant workers

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has written to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), demanding urgent action to halt rising xenophobic attacks against African migrant workers in South Africa, warning that the violence threatens the unity and future of the continent’s working class. In a strongly worded solidarity letter addressed to the president […]

    The post Xenophobic attacks: NLC engages South African Labour Centre to protect migrant workers appeared first on Tribune Online.