Author: Citynews

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has denied any involvement in the 2018 Offa bank robbery, describing fresh criminal charges filed against him by the Kwara State Government as politically motivated and an abuse of judicial process. Saraki, in a statement on Friday, insisted that previous investigations by federal authorities had exonerated him of any wrongdoing. The former Senate President dismissed the allegations, maintaining that he had no connection to the incident. “Let me categorically state that I have nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter whatsoever,” he said. His reaction followed reports that…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has debunked widespread reports claiming that airtime borrowing and data advance services have been banned in Nigeria, describing such claims as false and misleading. The attention of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has been drawn to a series of newspaper publication and a viral anonymous post in the social media seeking to create the impression that the Commission cancelled, shut down, or banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria. Those claims are incorrect. The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was…

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, have agreed to deepen collaboration between the police and the nation’s apex policy think tank, with a focus on security, leadership development, and policy reform. The meeting, which held on Thursday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, saw Professor Omotayo accompanied by retired DIG ‘Leye Oyebade and Dr. Garba Malumfashi. Speaking during the visit, the NIPSS DG described the institute as Nigeria’s foremost platform for strategic reflection and research, operating directly under the supervision of the…

The former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has condemned the remark by President Bola Tinubu that he is privatising the African Democratic Congress (ADC) despite its ongoing leadership crisis. In a statement issued on Friday, by Phrank Shaibu, his media aide, Atiku said it is not his fault that the president cannot read. According to the ADC leader, Tinubu’s recent remarks can be described as a “reckless tirade” that exposes “a troubling pattern of hypocrisy and historical amnesia.” He also expressed concerns that a President who has been confronted with countless questions over his own credentials would attempt to discredit others…

Lagos, 10 April 2025  – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce its partnership with the Ekiti State Government in launching the Innovation Enterprise Support Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower startups, scale tech-enabled businesses, and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth across the state. The programme provides funding, mentorship, and market access to high-potential enterprises, with a focus on strengthening Ekiti’s innovation ecosystem, creating jobs, and supporting youth, women, and underserved communities. Notably, at least 40 percent of the fund has been reserved for female-led enterprises. The Innovation Enterprise Support…

President Bola Tinubu has declared that no amount of pressure or intimidation will distract him from pursuing his vision for Nigeria. The President made this known while addressing the 36 state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He urged the coordinators to uphold integrity and work together in the collective effort to rebuild the country, stressing that unity and commitment remain key to achieving meaningful progress. Tinubu also highlighted the need to inspire hope among Nigerians, particularly among leaders and supporters tasked with driving his administration’s agenda, noting that their role…

Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi, has clarified the circumstances under which Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, was described as the “incoming governor” ahead of the 2027 general elections. Olusi’s clarification follows widespread reactions from political stakeholders and observers after the remark surfaced during the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos State, organised by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation at the MUSON Centre, Onikan. Speaking with Daily Independent on Friday, Olusi stated that he was not the originator of the statement, noting that the phrase was first used by a traditional ruler from Badagry during…

President Bola Tinubu has criticized opposition figures over their past roles in Nigeria’s economic reforms, particularly targeting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s tenure as chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, NCP. Speaking at a Renewed Hope Agenda meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu criticized the privatisation programme undertaken by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, in which Atiku played a key role “The head Atiku was the chairman of the Privatisation Council of Nigeria at one time,” he observed. Tinubu questioned the handling of key industrial assets such as the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other steel projects.…

The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has debunked speculations that there would be an impeachment plot against the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. There have been calls for Makinde to intervene in the matter. The unrest followed reports from a closed-door meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, which, though expected to be routine ahead of legislative business, reportedly descended into a heated and confrontational session. Sources familiar with the proceedings described the atmosphere as charged and uneasy, with lawmakers sharply divided over the alleged plot and its implications. What began as a routine caucus engagement…

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has told a United Kingdom (UK) court that her role in approving oil contracts during her tenure was largely procedural, as major decisions had already been concluded before reaching her office. Testifying at the Southwark Crown Court in London , the former minister said the operational structure of Nigeria’s oil industry limited her direct influence, with key decisions driven by officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Diezani explained that by the time contract files were forwarded to her, they had already undergone extensive technical and regulatory scrutiny. She said, “The system was already…