News

Biafra Referendum: Again, CNG’s Suit Adjourned

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2023

Editor

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, seeking a referendum to determine the fate of Biafra and other self-determination agitations, to May 24, 2023.

This case has been said to have suffered hearing for over two years. Again, today the case was adjourned after the court presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo could not sit as scheduled.

Counsel to CNG, Barrister Sufiyanu Gambo Idris, while briefing journalists, said: “The court did not sit even though today supposed to be rejoinder. The Judge gave reasons that he is absent even though he is not made available to us, so we decided to take another date and we took 24th of May 2023 for motion.”

Recall that the CNG, had filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the National Assembly from taking any further action towards reviewing the Constitution unless the question of Nigeria’s unity, particularly the Biafra agitation was settled through a referendum.

The court document marked FHC/ABJ/CS/538/2021 was dispatched for service on the Offices of the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Reacting to the development, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, Spokesperson of the Coalition of Northern Groups, said that the coalition have confidence that the court, being the ultimate temple of justice would eventually do justice to the suit.

He said: “We’re however worried that while the case is suffering these much adjournment, the country on the other hand, is getting more embroiled with each passing day. This case ought to be treated as the only available decent option to finally resolve the long drawn and fast escalating regional agitations, unreasonable violence and resounding rumours of war from particularly the southeast.

“This suit, when concluded, will permanently put an end to the widespread pervasive distrust resulting from the hate campaigns persistently waged by political opportunists and authors of senseless violence.

“The suit hopes to secure a final legal pronouncement on the issue of self determination by enclaves that call for it on the slightest opportunity of pretence. We hope the court will see the urgency of treating the matter once for all.”

Also speaking, Counsel to Ibom People’s Movement, Barrister. Adesina Oke, asking to join in the suit for self determination for Akwa Ibom citizens, demanded an end to the political and economic colonization of Akwa Ibom by the Nigerian State.

Oke said: “Ibom Peoples Movement is led by Offiong Offiong Aqua who is the Leader and Chief Political Officer of this self determination group. We are asking for a self determination referendum to determine the future of ignored Akwa Ibom as a Federating Unit in the Nigerian State. Do our people want to continue being second class citizens in Nigeria or not?”

He noted that Akwa Ibom land has natural resources making it the number one contributor to the economy of the Nigerian State, saying that, “Akwa Ibom resources are under the manipulation and control of other ethnic nationalities and the Nigerian State with net benefits of less than one percent to the people of Akwa Ibom. Akwa Ibom people do not have a proper and legitimate representation at the executive branch (MDAs) of the Nigerian State.

“We resolve to maintain the sanctity of the Akwa Ibom people who, as the most ancient of all the ethnic groups in present day Nigeria, are a unique, distinct and aboriginal people sharing no migration history whatsoever with any other tribe in Nigeria.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.