TodayPrice

Category: News

  • ‘Your call for state of emergency senseless’ – Osun Govt, PDP tackle Senator Ajibola

    ‘Your call for state of emergency senseless’ – Osun Govt, PDP tackle Senator Ajibola

    The Osun State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state have described the state of the emergency comment attributed to the APC national scribe Dr. Ajibola Basiru as “senseless.”

    The state government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Wednesday, described the call as an attempt to regain government through the backdoor.

    According to him, it would be better for Senator Basiru and his party, the APC, not to disturb the peace and tranquility currently enjoyed in Osun in an attempt to take the reigns of governance through the backdoor.

    “It must, however, be emphasized that not only Basiru alone holds this senseless and obnoxious impression but the entire APC cohorts and their members/followers in Osun state, who, on a daily basis, are scheming for one mischievous device or the other in order to come through the backdoor to take the reigns of governance in Osun state but by the grace of God and with the support of the people of Osun state for the administration of Ademola Adeleke, all the evil machinations against the people-oriented government of Ademola Adeleke will not see the light of the day.

    “Furthermore, we call on our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to see through the antics of people like Ajibola Basiru, a rejected and frustrated politician and his already rejected APC apologists in Osun, by dismissing the wicked and baseless call for the declaration of the state of emergency in Osun.

    “Well, any right-thinking person will know and interpret all these political shenanigans of APC to be that of already frustrated souls looking for whatever means to make Osun ungovernable.

    “On the unwarranted and unnecessary political crisis created by the APC in Osun, as a reminder, three cases are now pending before the courts of law instituted by different stakeholders,” he added.

    Also, the PDP, reacting through its Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji, described Basiru’s statement as that of a desperate politician, saying the call is unnecessary.

    “The statement attributed to the National Secretary of the APC is reckless and dangerous. I wouldn’t know why someone would be calling for a state of emergency in Osun; in a state like this, it’s like the APC wants to bastardize our democratic experience.

    “What it now looks like is that every state lost by the APC will now be taken back through the back door through a state of emergency.

    “There will always be disagreement in any political environment, but calling for a state of emergency speaks volumes about the real intention of the APC causing unnecessary violence in the state recently over the issue of local government councils. If Governor Ademola Adeleke has not charged the newly elected council officials to stay away God knows what might have happened by now in the state. But his call depict desperation”, he added.

  • Nigeria facilitated evacuation of Gaza infants to UAE, Jordan, Egypt  —  Minister

    Nigeria facilitated evacuation of Gaza infants to UAE, Jordan, Egypt  —  Minister

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar has revealed that Nigeria played a crucial diplomatic role in facilitating the evacuation of infants and babies from war-torn Gaza to hospitals in Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for urgent medical care.

    Speaking during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series on Thursday in Abuja, Tuggar explained that the intervention came after the Red Cross approached Nigeria for assistance in resettling the children, many of whom were in critical condition.

    Tuggar noted that Nigeria had to make a strategic decision based on the fragile medical state of the children and the risks associated with transporting them over long distances.

    He said, “The Red Cross reached out to us, asking if Nigeria would be willing to take in some of the infants from Gaza because they were looking for countries that had expressed concern over the dire humanitarian situation.

    “Our response was that we cannot take the risk of flying such fragile infants, some born with heart conditions, all the way from the Middle East to Nigeria. If something happens, people will question why we took such a risk when we have our own healthcare challenges here,” he stated.

    According to him, the Nigerian government leveraged diplomatic channels to negotiate with the governments of Jordan, the UAE, and Egypt, urging them to take in the children.

    “We used our good offices and diplomatic connections to reach out to the Foreign Ministers of these countries and impress upon them the need to accept and provide medical care for the infants. And alhamdulillah, it succeeded,” Tuggar added.

    The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s actions align with its broader diplomatic principle of “strategic autonomy,” allowing it to engage with multiple global partners based on national interest and humanitarian considerations.

  • Sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, arrives Rivers, holds security meeting

    Sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, arrives Rivers, holds security meeting

    The Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) has arrived the state to resume duties, saying “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm.”

    Ibas arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa at about 11:25 am on Thursday and was received by top officials and security personnel. He was immediately treated to a guard of honour at the airport.

    Ibas, accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, zone 16, immediately proceeded to Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Upon arriving at the Government House, he was conducted around by some officials and thereafter proceeded to the executive Council Chamber where he addressed the Government House officials and the service chiefs who were present.

    In a brief chat with the media, Ibas said: “I want to thank you all for what you have been doing so far. When I got in here, I decided to meet with the head of service and service commanders. I will have to meet them for formal briefing. I assure you that later this evening, I will have to address you on some issues you want to know.”

    Asked about the hospitality accorded him upon his arrival, the retired Vice Admiral who spotted an all-white native attire said: “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm. We just want Port Harcourt to get to where it has always been.”

  • Ibadan tragedy: Oyo withdraws charges against Ooni’s ex-wife, Oriyomi Hamzat

    Ibadan tragedy: Oyo withdraws charges against Ooni’s ex-wife, Oriyomi Hamzat

    Oyo State Government has withdrawn all charges against Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

    The individuals had initially been implicated in legal proceedings following the December 2024 funfair stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children.

    Following court session on Thursday, the relieved defendants were seen exchanging pleasantries, an indication that the charges had been formally dismissed.

    Addressing journalists, Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, explained the reasoning behind the decision, emphasising the legal and humanitarian considerations involved.

    “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation,” Aikomo stated.

    He further clarified, “In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties. And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them.

    “It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today. So we withdrew the charge and it was struck out by the court. There is no charge against them again, so they are free.”

  • Senate, Reps approve Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers; Dickson tackles Akpabio

    Senate, Reps approve Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers; Dickson tackles Akpabio

    The Senate and House of Representatives, today, Thursday, passed and adopted the state of emergency proclamation of President Bola Tinubu in Rivers state, and the six-month suspension he slammed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Hours earlier, the House of Representatives passed and adopted the proclamation through a voice vote with 243 members in attendance.

    The House also made recommendations to the proclamation.

    The House recommended that a national committee should be set up to mitigate and restore peace back to Rivers State.

    Secondly, the National Assembly should take over the activities of the state Assembly within six months.

    Senate…

    At the upper chamber, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage after a closed-door session that lasted over one hour.

    According to him, the Senate relied on its Orders 133, 134, 135 and 136.

    Earlier, Akpabio disclosed that Tinubu had written the Senate a letter of proclamation on the six-month suspension he slammed on Fubara.

    The letter read, aloud at plenary by Akpabio, said: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.

    “The main features of the proclamation are as follows:

  • Nigeria ranks 105 as Finland tops global happiness index again

    Nigeria ranks 105 as Finland tops global happiness index again

    Nigeria secured the 105th spot out of 147 nations in the 2025 World Happiness Report, unveiled on Thursday, March 20. The report was compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board.

    Finland retained its title as the world’s happiest country, followed by Denmark and Iceland. The rankings are based on factors related to social, physical, and emotional well-being.

    The top four nations—Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden—maintained their positions from the 2024 rankings while Norway landed at No. 7.

    For the first time, two Latin American nations made it into the top 10: Costa Rica at No. 6 and Mexico at No. 10.

    The Netherlands (No. 5), Israel (No. 8), and Luxembourg (No. 9) completed the top 10 list.

    The United States, which fell out of the top 20 for the first time last year, now ranks No. 24.

    Last year’s report focused on happiness disparities across age groups, noting a decline in well-being among younger populations in multiple countries.

    The US reached its highest ranking of No. 11 back in 2012. The latest report also highlights a 53% rise in the number of Americans dining alone over the past 20 years.

    The decline in happiness is not exclusive to the US. The United Kingdom, now at No. 23, recorded its lowest average life satisfaction since 2017. Meanwhile, Canada, which has seen a downward trend in happiness over the past decade, remained in the top 20 at No. 18.

    Afghanistan ranked last at No. 147, followed by Sierra Leone (No. 146), Lebanon (No. 145), Malawi (No. 144), and Zimbabwe (No. 143), rounding out the five lowest-ranking countries in terms of happiness.

    World’s 25 happiest countries in 2025

    1. Finland

    2. Denmark

    3. Iceland

    4. Sweden

    5. Netherlands

    6. Costa Rica

    7. Norway

    8. Israel

    9. Luxembourg

    10. Mexico

    11. Australia

    12. New Zealand

    13. Switzerland

    14. Belgium

    15. Ireland

    16. Lithuania

    17. Austria

    18. Canada

    19. Slovenia

    20. Czech Republic

    21. United Arab Emirates

    22. Germany

    23. United Kingdom

    24. United States

    25. Belize

  • Senate receives Tinubu’s proclamation letter on state of emergency

    Senate receives Tinubu’s proclamation letter on state of emergency

    ABUJA – PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has written the Senate a letter of proclamation on the six-month suspension he slammed on Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State.

    The letter was read at plenary by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    The Senate Immediately went into a closed-door session

    The letter read, “I compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.

    “The main features of the proclamation are as follows:

    “A declaration of a State of Emergency in one State of the Federation, namely, River State.

    “The suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

    “An appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba, as the Administrator to administer the State something to any instruction or regulation as made from time to time be issued by me.

    “While I look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

    Akpabio after reading the letter said, “This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate for Immediate passage.”

    Immediately after the letter, Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP, Bayelsa West raised a point of Order 133 that has to do with having a closed-door session over the proclamation letter.

    The day’s plenary session commenced at noon with the National Anthem and thereafter the prayer at 12.01 pm.

    The motion for the adoption of Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday was adopted by Senator Barinada Mpigi, PDP, Rivers South East and seconded by Senator Idiat Adebute, APC, Lagos West.

  • Akpabio, Dickson clash over Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration

    Akpabio, Dickson clash over Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration

    The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, heatedly argued during plenary over the provision of Senate rules regarding the handling of President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State.

    During the Senate plenary on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi moved a motion to reorder the Order Paper to allow the Senate to handle the debate on the state of emergency in Rivers before other motions itemized for legislative action.

    As Bamidele stood to point out the order, Dickson raised a point of order, which Akpabio was hesitant to oblige.

    Rather than giving Dickson the floor, Akpabio reminded him of how the former Governor of Bayelsa State had gone on television to say he wouldn’t support the Senate on the state of emergency in Rivers.

    While Dickson insisted on getting Akpabio’s attention through a point of order, the Senate President asked him to put off his mic.

    Akpabio said, “Senator Seriake Dickson, let’s not argue. If we argue, it won’t be good for any of us.

    “We are all distinguished people. You were a former governor, and I was a former governor. Please turn off your mic and sit down. I watched you on television. You said whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never go with you.

    “I said you said whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never have your vote.

    “I don’t know but if you have already made up your mind to go on television when the Senate has not done anything or considered any issue, I am not arguing with you, but I say, please allow me to preside.”

    Reacting, Dickson said, “Mr Senate President, you know we must have mutual respect for all our colleagues, and I do have regard for you, particularly, as our presiding officer and I think that should be reciprocal.”

    He maintained that his point of order was to draw the senators’ attention to the provision requiring them to break into a closed-door meeting first.

  • 2025 First Solar Eclipse: date, time and where to watch

    2025 First Solar Eclipse: date, time and where to watch

    The first solar eclipse of 2025 will grace the skies at sunrise on Saturday, March 29, offering a stunning celestial display across eastern Canada, the northeastern United States, Europe, and parts of Africa.

    The event, a deep partial eclipse, will see up to 94% of the sun obscured in parts of Canada and 85% in the U.S. at its peak.

    Solar Eclipse: A Rare Celestial Phenomenon

    The eclipse will be most striking along the Atlantic coast, where viewers in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, and Quebec will witness a breathtaking sight—an eclipsed sun rising on the horizon, resembling a “smiley face” or “devil’s horns.”

    Major cities such as New York (21% coverage) and Boston (43%) will get partial views, while the Nunavik region of Quebec will experience the most dramatic scene with 94% of the sun obscured at sunrise.

    In Europe, the eclipse will occur mid-morning, with London (30%), Paris (23%), and Berlin (15%) seeing partial coverage. Northwestern Africa and parts of Russia will also witness the celestial event, albeit with less visibility.

    Safety First: How to Watch the Eclipse

    Experts urge skywatchers to use proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses compliant with the ISO 12312-2 standard, or solar filters on telescopes and binoculars.

    Pinhole projectors provide an indirect but safe way to observe the eclipse without risking eye damage.

    A Cosmic Encore

    This partial eclipse echoes a similar event on June 10, 2021, when an annular eclipse created an eclipsed sunrise over the northeastern U.S. and Canada.

    With this March 29 event following closely on the heels of a “blood moon” total lunar eclipse earlier in the month, skywatchers are in for a thrilling astronomical season.

  • Reps pass Tinubu’s state of emergency rule in Rivers

    Reps pass Tinubu’s state of emergency rule in Rivers

    On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed and adopted President Tinubu’s proclamation by voice vote, with 243 members in attendance.

    Read Also: Tinubu swears in Ibas as Rivers administrator; Fubara, family, others vacate govt house

    The House also made recommendations to the proclamation.

    The House recommended that a national committee should be set up to mitigate and restore peace back to Rivers State.

    Secondly, the National Assembly should take over the activities of the state Assembly within six months.

    Details soon.