Makurdi, Benue State – Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has vehemently refuted recent rumors alleging his planned defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia dismissed the claims as “dubious” and a smear campaign orchestrated by unnamed “discontented politicians in Abuja.”

The Governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing his role as the party leader in Benue State. He accused his detractors of attempting to sow discord between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting the strength of their existing relationship.

Governor Alia declared that the allegations, which included insinuations of joining forces with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, are “absolutely gratuitous and lack any trustworthy evidence.” He urged the Benue public to disregard unsubstantiated information and reiterated his dedication to serving the state with transparency and unwavering resolve. He highlighted his efforts to reconnect Benue with the federal government, resulting in numerous benefits for the state and its people, and reaffirmed his commitment to President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Nigeria’s public debt has experienced a substantial surge, reaching N144.67 trillion by December 2024, a 48.58% increase from the N97.34 trillion recorded at the close of 2023. This data, released by the Debt Management Office, indicates a year-on-year increase of N47.32 trillion and a quarter-on-quarter rise of 1.65%.

This escalation is primarily attributable to increased external and domestic borrowing. External debt rose by 83.89% to N70.29 trillion, while domestic debt increased by 25.77% to N74.38 trillion. The Federal Government accounts for the majority of both external (N62.92 trillion) and domestic (N70.41 trillion) debt.

This significant increase in Nigeria’s debt profile has prompted concern among financial experts, particularly regarding the country’s capacity to manage this growing burden amidst existing infrastructural deficits. The implications of this rising debt for Nigeria’s economic stability and future development remain a critical area of analysis.

Nigerian media personality Omotunde Adebowale-David, widely known as Lolo 1, recently shared a deeply personal and traumatic experience: she was sexually assaulted by a male colleague in the broadcasting industry.

Speaking on the ‘Say My Piece’ podcast, which she co-hosts, Lolo 1 detailed the lasting impact of the assault, noting the recurring trauma she experiences upon encountering her assailant. She expressed hesitancy in naming the individual, citing concerns about potential scrutiny for not reporting the incident sooner.

Lolo 1’s courageous disclosure sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual assault within professional spaces and underscores the complex emotional and societal barriers that prevent survivors from coming forward. Her words highlight the denial and self-blame that often accompany such experiences, prompting an urgent need for continued dialogue and support systems for victims of sexual violence. This revelation serves as a potent reminder of the work that remains in creating a safe and equitable environment for all individuals within the Nigerian media landscape and beyond.