Big Gist Africa

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and immediate-past Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has called on Abians to remain vigilant and continuously hold the government of Governor Alex Otti accountable, particularly over what he described as persistent financial inconsistencies and lack of transparency in the administration. Prince Ikonne made this call while speaking on a monitored radio programme on Monday in Abuja, where he expressed deep shock over the inclusion of ₦210 million in the Abia State budget allegedly earmarked for the purchase of a photocopier, an action the state government has since attempted to dismiss as a “typographical error.” While debunking the allegation that the government budgeted N250 million for the purchase of a photocopier at its Lagos Liaison Office, through a statement by the State Ministry of Budget and Planning, Abia st...

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is under existential threat and could descend into chaos if alleged plans to manipulate the 2027 general elections are not halted. In a strongly worded open letter dated February 7, 2026, Frank accused the ruling party and the leadership of the National Assembly of plotting to entrench a one-party authoritarian state, describing the alleged scheme as “political genocide” against Nigerians. He called on Trump and the international community to intervene, warning that failure to act could trigger unrest, violent conflict, and a breakdown of law and order. “Nigeria’s general elections scheduled for February 2027 are under serious threat. If current developments are not addressed, they may result in widespread unrest, possible anarchy, and a breakdown of law and order...

*Tasks  officers on integrity, trade facilitation The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, on Thursday February 5,  2026, received the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, on a familiarisation visit, during which he commended officers and men of the command for their exceptional performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation throughout the year 2025. This was contained in a statement signed by the Customs Public Relations Officer Apapa Port Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman, dated February 5, 2026. It said that while addressing officers during the visit, the Zonal Coordinator stated that the purpose of his visit was to acknowledge the operational challenges faced by the Command, appreciate its notable achievements and further boost the morale of personnel who have consistently surpassed expectations, particularly in revenue collection wh...

  The X (formerly known as Twitter) handles of the Special Adviser on Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga and that of the Senior Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu became a theater for hot exchanges over grammatical error and corrections.   The drama ensued after Onanuga, through his X handle @aoanuga1956, made a reaction to the reported incident of vandalism on the rehabilitation work on the Ilesha-Ibadan Expressway.   The presidential adviser had furiously responded to the story, asking that the vandals wrecking havoc on public infrastructure should, according to him, be shot at sight.   “Just shoot these unconscionable vandals/thieves at sight. They are worst species of citizenships,” Onanuga said in a tweet posted at 8:09 am on Sunday.   Few hours after the post, Shaibu replied to it through his handle, @phrankangel at 1:43 pm, dismissing the remarks by Onanuga as, “lawlessness.” ...

The Parliamentary Watch Initiative (PWI) has dismissed allegations that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) operates a N246.77 billion salaries budget, describing the claim as misleading and a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s budgeting process. In a statement signed by its Convener, Amuta Gabriel Amuta, the civic oversight group said it conducted a full-scale investigation into the mandate, operations and financial structure of the NEDC and found the commission to be operating responsibly and within its statutory mandate. According to the group, its extensive forensic review of budget documents, statutory provisions and oversight reports showed that the NEDC under the leadership of its chairman, Major General Paul C. Tarfa (Rtd) and the Managing Director/CEO, Mohammed Goni Alkali is on track and performing beyond expectations for a relatively young development agency. The Parliamentary Watch Initiative explained that the N246.77 billion figure frequently cited in pub...

The All African Students Union (ASSU) has awarded former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari with a distinguished Award in Leadership and Services.  The ward which was presented during the inauguration of the President of the Union, Comrade Osisiogu Osikenyi, in an elaborate ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs auditorium, in Accra Ghana, at the weekend, highlighted the achievements of Senator Yari during his tenure as Zamfara State Governor, Chairman, Nigeria Governor's Forum (NGF), and now a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Abdulaziz Yari is being celebrated across Africa as an icon of modern Nigeria, using his contributions towards Humanitarian activities, political development and critical infrastructural improvement as a base for African leadership and mentorship series. The Award which was presented by the African students union leaders led by the President, Comrade Osisiogu Osikenyi from Nigeria, the deputy...