Author: Chukwu Ikenna

  • Breaking: Kogi Govt bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s visit, gives reason

    Breaking: Kogi Govt bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s visit, gives reason

    Ahead of the planned visit of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to her hometown in Okene, the Kogi State Government has issued a restriction on “unauthorized movement” and demanded any convoy of persons coming into the state must obtain permit from law enforcement

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is scheduled to visit her senatorial district on Tuesday, her first visit since her suspension from the senate and since some constituents initiated her recall.

    A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo claimed that the decision is based on credible intelligence reports that require proactive measures be taken to avert a security breach

    The government particularly referred to Kogi Central where the senator hails from, saying there are suspicions of a security breach

    The statement reads, “intelligence at our disposal points to the fact that some elements are planning to stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations. This is to create a platform for wanton destruction and breakdown of law and order”.

    It warned that flashes of disturbances are raising tension in the state and threatening to breach public peace and security.

    Consequently, it says it is banning any form of rally. “Effective immediately, the Kogi State Government has placed a total ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace. This decision has been necessitated by intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals are plotting to infiltrate the state under the guise of organizing rallies, using fake security personnel to foment trouble and compromise the security of law-abiding citizens of our dear state”.

    While acknowledging the rights of citizens to gather and express themselves, the Governor Usman Ododo-led government insists security considerations must take precedence in the interest of public safety.

    “As such, no individual, group, or organization is permitted to hold any form of rally within the state until further notice effective today (Monday)”

    It added, “the Kogi State Government has directed that any individual or group entering the state with a convoy of security personnel must obtain prior clearance from state commands of the deploying services. This measure is to ensure proper profiling and verification of all security operatives accompanying such convoys”.

    The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), has been directed to work closely with all security agencies in the state to ensure strict enforcement while security agencies have been placed on “high alert and will take all necessary steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order”.

  • 10 reasons why men are not getting married.

    10 reasons why men are not getting married.

    1. Masculine women wanting feminine treatment

    Some men have complained about having to deal with a prospective partner who wants the sweet treats of being feminine but, in words and actions, shows aggressive masculine tendencies. They complain some ladies of this generation lack the necessary attributes to qualify them for the lifetime commitment.

    Nobody wants to come home and meet his fellow man with boobs and bumbum.

    2. They get sex freely without marriage

    As the economy gets worse, it is becoming easier for men to get free sex without the responsibility that comes with committing to a long-term relationship or marriage. This also reveals a flaw in their life as some ask, “What do I need a woman for if I can always carry short time?”

    A lot of issues arise here as you may impregnate random women, catch expensive STDs or just mess up your finances along the way.

    3. Weddings are expensive

    In a country where a man is expected to marry a woman in three different kinds of wedding – traditional, court and church, the cost of marriage no doubt is something men find very intimidating and mentally frustrating.

    A lot of tension comes with planning, and if you’re not aligned with your partner, family members may create unnecessary issues between you. Some will even give you a special list of what to buy for their papa or mama. Kaikai people, I pour you spit!

    4. In search of a working or businesswoman

    Given economic realities, many men do not want women who do not have a job, business or handwork. No matter what Odogwu does in movies, the reality is very different.

    The man may stay and use you as a plaything, but he will never commit. When you ask important questions about commitment, he will tell you, “Let’s be going and see where this leads.” He will continue to spread you like butter on top of bread.

    5. Fear of losing their freedom

    Some men believe that marriage puts an end to one’s freedom, and in some way, this is true—marriage demands responsibility and prioritising your new family above your personal whims.

    Many men are not used to telling anybody where they are going. So imagine waking up now and having to tell someone, your wife, where you are at all times. Some men are not ready for that type of commitment. But it is what marriage demands.

    6. Career plans and movement

    Today, he is in Nigeria, and tomorrow, South Africa or Ghana. Abuja today, Lome tomorrow or Asaba the next day. A man who is always on the go may sometimes forget to get married.

    This is why sometimes the family will bring home somebody for him to marry, but most times, this doesn’t end well because the man will see you once in a blue moon and zoom off to focus on what is important to him.

    7. Unrealistic Expectations from In-laws

    Some parents have set specific standards for any man who will marry their daughter. And if the man is not patient and willing to get through the process, he can become frustrated. This is why he will even say, “Is it not this babe I have been doing things with all these days, what is the difference now?”

    So, for parents and relatives, please ensure you know what your precious daughter is doing outside the house. She can be arcing for a man from behind, and you will be swearing she has never looked at a man before.

    8. Trust issues from being a playboy

    If the man was a heavy striker who scored both single and ladies in relationships, you could understand why he would be sceptical about committing because he assumes someone else will do the same thing to him.

    Also, if the guy has a circle of friends who are not interested in settling down, he will prefer to continue having the time of his life.

    9. Bad Testimonies from Married couple

    Everywhere you turn on this socha museum, people have bad stories to tell about marriage. In fact, marriage gets such a bad rep that the good stories never really get blown up here. And when you add the constant gender wars, it makes matters worse.

    These gender fights here will not help us. You cannot stay alone forever. If you can, find someone and settle, please.

    10. Cultural and church limitations

    Some people have sworn they will never marry outside their town, village, state or church. What this does is that it limits the pool of eligible people you can have conversations with and consider as potential spouses.

    As much as you can, keep an open mind. If you have searched in your village and can’t find, expand your tent to your state and continue to expand till you find who you’re looking for.

    I wish you all the best.

  • Reason i nearly withdrew from 2023 presidential race – Tinubu

    Reason i nearly withdrew from 2023 presidential race – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition following a moment of doubt during the election campaign.

    “I almost dropped the idea of running for President,” Tinubu revealed on Saturday night at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he also thanked Nigerians for their overwhelming goodwill and prayers on his 73rd birthday.

    Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the excerpts of the President’s dpeech in a statement signed in the early hours of Sunday titled ‘President Tinubu appreciates Nigerians for birthday well wishes, reveals he nearly quit 2023 presidential race.’

    Reflecting on the pressures he faced, the President recounted how a close relative visited him in the middle of the night and questioned his resolve.

    “Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns. One came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

    “He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’

    “I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’”

    Tinubu added, “I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me.

    “When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.”

    In his address, the President recognised the difficulties encountered along the path to the presidency and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.

    Tinubu also noted that he assumed office during a period of economic challenges and had to make swift decisions, including scrapping the fuel subsidy on his inauguration day.

    “On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal.

    “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone.

    “The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future,” said Tinubu.

     

  • Why you should take your wife as your first daughter – Pastor Oyakhilome

    Why you should take your wife as your first daughter – Pastor Oyakhilome

    Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, who leads LoveWorld Incorporated, has advised men to think of their wives as their first daughters rather than as partners.

    This approach can help them be more lenient with their wives’ errors. In a widely shared video of him addressing his followers, he pointed out that when men view their wives as equals, they may become upset with them due to their expectations.

    On the other hand, if they regard their wives as daughters, they will likely respond with more kindness and understanding.

    He said in part, “Take your wife as your first daughter, more than as your mate. If you take her as your mate you will be offended at the things she does because you expect more from her. If you take her as your daughter, you will be gracious and you will overlook all the nonsense.”

    Check out some of the reactions below:

    @sirjokesinfo said: “Man of God, so if we want to sleep with her at night, should I still think of her as my daughter? Or Mother. Asking for my best friend.”

    @SemiNigerian wrote: “In the real sense, what he said makes so much sense. Because if you see her as a mate, una go dey fight taya”

    @AJwealth7 commented: “This works hand in hand though”

    https://x.com/DAMIADENUGA/status/1906008162592858147?t=1xKLceb1lW7hILyuvHO7WA&s=19

  • Details emerge as Man kicks girlfriend out of rented apartment

    Details emerge as Man kicks girlfriend out of rented apartment

    A lady has taken to social media to share her distress after her ex-boyfriend asked her to vacate the apartment he had rented for her.

    In a viral video, she showed her packed luggage, lamenting how she had no choice but to move out since their relationship had ended. shocked

    The incident quickly ignited reactions online, with social media users divided on the matter.

    While some criticized the lady for playing the victim, others sympathized with her situation.

    “When he rented the apartment, we didn’t hear online. It’s time to move out, and now you’re playing the victim. Madam, if you can’t afford rent, go back to your father’s house,” one user commented. shocked

    Others, however, defended her, with one saying, “May God not let me meet men like this o. Ladies, this is why you should have your own money and not depend on a ‘boyfriend.’ God forbid.”

  • UK Announces visa fee increase for Nigerians (Full List)

    UK Announces visa fee increase for Nigerians (Full List)

    The United Kingdom has announced a visa fee increase from April 9, affecting multiple categories, including study, visit, sponsorship, and transit visas.

    Under the revised fees, a six-month tourist visa will now cost £127, up from £115—a nearly 7% increase. The cost of a two-year visitor visa has risen from £432 to £475, while five-year and ten-year visitor visas now cost £848 and £1,059, respectively.

    Students and their dependents will also see a 10% hike, with the previous £490 fee increasing to £524. Transit visa fees have also been adjusted, with air passengers now paying £39 instead of £35, and land travellers paying £70 instead of £64.

    The increases extend to visa extensions, skilled worker visas, naturalisation, and electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). However, premium services such as fast tracks and premium sponsorships remain unchanged.

    The fee adjustments come as part of the UK government’s broader efforts to manage immigration numbers.

    See the old and new visa fees below:

     

     

     

     

  • Akpabio was a comedian in school – Classmate speaks

    Akpabio was a comedian in school – Classmate speaks

    Charles Preye Zuofa, a classmate of Senate President Godswill Akpabio at Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, has disclosed that Nigeria’s number three citizen was a comedian back in school.

    Zuofa revealed that Akpabio was fondly called “Goddy A” because of his sense of humour and intelligence.

    He also dismissed the allegation of sexual harassment levelled against the senate president by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying for over 50 years he has related with Akpabio, he has never seen him molesting any woman.

    He also stated that as senior prefect at the Federal Government College, Akpabio never molested any woman, whether in or outside the school.

    He said he was present at the guided tour of Akpabio’s House in Uyo, where Natasha claimed that the Senate President made some improper comments about her.

    He said unless proven in court, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations and the one made earlier by a former Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunueh, were strange.

    He said: “Goddy A as we used to call him back then in FGC, Port Harcourt was a very intelligent, yet humorous student. Before stand-up comedy became popular in Nigeria, ‘Gody A’ was a stand-up comedian. He contested I think in our 4th year and won the best DJ and stand-up comedian of the school; it was thereafter that we coined and gave him the nickname ‘Goddy A’.

    “The Senate President was someone who made light of what would ordinarily pass for serious situations. He always cracked jokes to make everyone feel comfortable in his presence. The Senate President even in his humorous nature was a serious minded, studious and intelligent student who exhibited high level leadership qualities.

    “He was our Senior Prefect and, you know to be Senior Prefect you must be a well-rounded individual who embodies leadership, responsibility, integrity, and strong interpersonal skills. As Senior Prefect, Godswill Akpabio played a crucial role in maintaining order, fostering a positive school environment, and serving as a role model for the entire student body.

    “Am not surprised that the high-quality leadership traits he exhibited back then, has now catapulted him to the leadership of the legislative arm of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

    Zuofa said after their FGC years, he still maintained close relationship and contact with the Senate President and was part of many public engagements, celebrations and receptions involving Akpabio.

    “A documentary was made to celebrate Godswill Akpabio at 50. I spoke on behalf of his friends in the documentary. I was also present at his 59th birthday held in Uyo. I was further present at his 61st birthday and well attended triumphant homecoming held at the world renowned Godswill Akpabio Stadium. My presence and active involvement at the organization of these milestone events underscore the durability and depth of our relationship”, he said.

    While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations made against Akpabio by Natasha, he said: “But the allegations of sexual harassment do not align with the behaviour and conduct of the Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio that I have known and interacted with very closely for 50 years.

    “Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio who is a remarkably close friend and, about whom I can safely give a character opinion has always displayed and treated women with utmost courtesy and respect. I must restate that the current allegations of sexual harassment are entirely contrary to my personal experience of the Senate President, and I would consider it totally unfounded until otherwise proven”.

  • God-fearing Corps Member Raises Alarm After Receiving ₦777K Instead of ₦77K

    God-fearing Corps Member Raises Alarm After Receiving ₦777K Instead of ₦77K

    A Nigerian female corps member has gone viral after revealing she mistakenly received ₦777,000 instead of the newly approved ₦77,000 NYSC allowance.

    In her video, she expressed shock at the bank alert and stated her plans to report the overpayment to the police, her Local Government Inspector (LGI), and her bank to avoid accusations of dishonesty.

    “I received an alert of ₦777K instead of the ₦77K they’re paying others. My own 7 is 3. I’m going to the police station to report, I’ll also visit my LGI office and inform my bank before I get accused of not raising an alarm,” she said.

    Her honesty has sparked mixed reactions online, with many praising her integrity while others question potential lapses in the NYSC payment system.

     

  • Peter Obi breaks silence on joining APC

    Peter Obi breaks silence on joining APC

    Former Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has refuted claims of defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said he has no intention of joining the ruling APC.

    Posting on X, he distanced himself from any involvement in an APC gathering.

    Obi assured that he does not involve himself in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation.

    According to Obi: “I have come across a report circulating on social media regarding an APC gathering where my name was mentioned.

    “Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation. My name should not be associated with such narratives.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member. My stance on politics has always been rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement.

    “I firmly believe that all political parties should assess aspirants solely on their competence, capacity, and compassion — qualities essential for building a better Anambra and a better Nigeria.

    “As for Valentine Ozigbo, I maintain that he, like every other aspirant, should be evaluated based on these key leadership qualities in his new political party.

    “I wish all political parties the very best in conducting free and fair primaries, and I call on all stakeholders to uphold justice throughout the process. We must reject toxic politics, for that is the only path to achieving the democratic nation we currently lack.

    “By doing so, we will move closer to the new Nigeria we seek.”

     

  • Why Wike and Fubara are fighting -Amaechi reveals

    Why Wike and Fubara are fighting -Amaechi reveals

     

    Former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi has weighed in on the ongoing feud between the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asserting that the conflict is rooted in money-sharing disputes.

    Amaechi made the statement in an interview with DW on Saturday, offering a candid perspective on the political tensions currently gripping the oil-rich state.

    The former Governor also voiced his opposition to the emergency rule recently imposed on Rivers by President Bola Tinubu, labeling it as unconstitutional.

    Amaechi said: “The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel? Nigerians don’t dislike corruption again. I’ve not seen anybody on the street querying what the problem is. Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the problem is about?”