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| THE CABLE | 3 FEB 2025 | "Ned Nwoko left PDP over fear of losing 2027 senatorial ticket," indigenes react to Ned's defection | Fred Oghenesivbe, director general of the Delta state orientation and communication bureau, says Ned Nwoko resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over fears that he would not secure the party’s senatorial ticket in 2027. The senator representing Delta north, had in a letter dated January 30, 2025, notified his ward in Aniocha north LGA of his decision to quit the party. The lawmaker said his resignation from the PDP is due to “deep divisions and factionalisaton within the party”. The senator added that the crisis in the party has not allowed him to deliver on his promises to constituents. Speaking during an interview with TVC news at the weekend, Oghenesivbe said Nwoko’s defection was “about 2027 politics and securing a ticket to run”. Oghenesivbe, an aide to Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta governor, described the reasons stated in the lawmaker’s resignation letter as “laughable”. “We all knew it was only a matter of time before he (Nwoko) defected. This is about the politics of 2027 and his chances of securing the ticket to run,” he said. “As of today, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is the leader of the PDP in Delta state, and Senator Nwoko has not been aligning with the governor or working closely with PDP leaders in the state. “So, Nwoko is somehow scared that he may not get the PDP ticket (senatorial) in 2027 because he has misrepresented our party at the national assembly. “What I meant by he has misrepresented the party is that the issues that he raised concerning delivery of the dividends of democracy to his people is at variance with what we believe in the PDP. We believe in procedure, we believe in obeying laws. “There is this issue of Okpai step down transformer, which is a joint venture of the federal government, the NNPCL, and the federal government. “And I think one of the parties in that agreement failed to perform their responsibility, by way of supplying about 20% of the light generated in that area to immediate communities. And that is not the business of the state government. “But Ned Nwoko went ahead to say that the governor of the state should bring the money to step down the power. And we said in a joint venture agreement which is legally binding, for you to bring another party into the agreement, then all the stakeholders must come to a roundtable to discuss the possibility of bringing in Delta state government. “But because Ned wanted to play politics, he felt he could just use that as a leeway to find his way out of the party by saying the governor did not bring out the money.” Nwoko, 64, has been a member of the Nigerian senate on the PDP platform since 2023. | NED NWOKO; DEFECTION; 2027 ELECTIONS; PDP; DELTA | CABLE | ||||
| VANGUARD | 3 FEB 2025 | PDP NEC member berates the PDP Governors Forum for fueling crisis | A member of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Umar Abdullahi, has berated the party’s Governors Forum for allegedly acting in a manner capable of exacerbating the crisis over the position of National Secretary. Abdullahi who spoke in Abuja, on Sunday, said this in response to the Communique issued by the PDP Governors Forum after its meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital on Friday. The PDP Governors threw their weight behind Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye, one of the claimants of the position. They based their decision on the judgments of an Enugu State High Court which was upheld by a Court of Appeal. However, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who claims to be in possession of a stay of execution order from an Abuja Appeal Court, insists he remains the bonafide occupant of the office. While reacting to these developments, Abdullahi faulted the party’s governors describing the statement contained in their Communique as “inflammatory.” He said, “The use of communique in addressing a conflict within the Party is not an appropriate step for such a dignified forum. “The Governors are supposed to deploy all internal conflict resolution mechanisms before resorting to public pronouncement. The forum holds a place of honour and should discharge their duties in a fatherly manner. “Again, disregarding the legal position of the matter in issuing a public statement of such nature, the Governors appear to be exercising authority beyond their constitutional powers. “Their opinion counts but cannot override the decision of the court of competent jurisdiction and that of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party which is a statutory organ of the party. Related News Current crisis will make PDP stronger - Zamfara Gov Crisis: PDP will come out stronger, says Zamfara Governor Stop blaming Wabara, PDP Govs for your woes, group replies Anyanwu “It was understood that, the Board of Trustees (BoT) resolved in their last meeting of January 29, to set up a committee headed by Turaki, SAN to look into the matter and advise the Party appropriately but two days later the Governors issued a counter statement in their communique recognizing Ude Okoye. “The decision of the Governors is not an appropriate step to achieve peace more-so when the appeal is pending in court for determination. “It is quite unfortunate that the PDP Governors’ Forum decided not to wait for the fact-finding Committee set up by the PDP Board of Trustees to complete its assignment, before issuing an advisory that has escalated the crisis. “The Governors’ Forum could have set up their own independent committee to look into the matter, in the best interest of the party. “In the petition to the security agencies, Sen. Anyanwu alleged that a certain group of persons forged the PDP constitution/Electoral Guidelines which they used in misleading the court in delivering judgement against him. “This is something that should be taken up seriously before anybody can back up the judgement. “An issue of forgery involving PDP document is a serious criminal offense which the Governors are expected to fight against. “A crime of such magnitude is not what the Party should treat with sentiment or levity. “There is reason for the Governors to retrace their actions as critical leaders of the Party and the nation to ensure that due diligence is followed in resolving this crises rocking the party. “Towing the part of the Board of Trustees (BoT) by setting up an independent committee to review the case is the right thing to do to avoid making someone a victim of mischief or creating an environment for crises.” | PDP; NEC; NORTHER GOVERNORS' FORUM; | VANGUARD | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 3 FEB 2025 | Telcom operators say implementation of the 50% tariff hike begins in March 2025 | Telecoms operators have said they are preparing new tariffs to reflect the 50 per cent hike approved by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) . Although the NCC has said the 50 per cent tariff hike granted the operators on January 20, 2025 should commence this February, the service providers said it would commence the full introduction of the new tariffs in March. The operators, which addressed journalists, content creators and other stakeholders in Lagos, at the weekend, said the hike was to sustain the sector, stressing that it was not about profitability to them. This is coming as the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called for massive protest, tomorrow, February 4, to force a downward review of the 50 per cent hike to about five per cent. But leading the telcos discussion, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, said the operators would issue their tariffs differently and were currently filing, reviewing and obtaining approvals from the regulator. “So, we are now following what is called the regulatory requirement, regulatory steps of filing, reviewing and obtaining approvals. As soon as those approvals come through, different players will introduce new rates as the time comes. I’ll say over next week, we start seeing some improvement in the prices,” he stated. Adebayo stressed that the tariff adjustment was essential for the survival of the telecommunications sector, stressing that the government should not rely on the sector to subsidise others. “The other side of it is that the sector cannot be the subsidy for other sectors. Our cost should be reflective of the economy. Telecoms can’t be used as palliative. “So, you can’t say because the costs of garri, pepper and okro have gone up, we now have to subsidise peoples’ living by providing services that are sold at lower than cost. It’s a matter of time before we start seeing the negatives . “I think it is important that we need to charge rates that are sustainable, and we can’t stand as a subsidy for the problems of people in other sectors, which is not the problem caused by the operators,” he stated. On investments, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, said telecoms operators had never stopped investing; however, he noted that the 50 per cent hike would enable operators to invest more in the service. Director of Product Innovation and Business Development at 9mobile, Kenechukwu Okonkwo, said issues of tariffs were best left to market forces, stressing that he hoped that things improved greatly in the country to avoid further hike. Regarding the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) debt with banks, Adebayo confirmed that progress was being made towards a final resolution. | TELECOM TARIFF HIKE; NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION | GUARDIAN | ||||
| PUNCH | 3 FEB 2025 | Edo Assembly files suit to secure a declaration by the court that it has the power to suspend the State's 18 LG chairmen | The Edo State House of Assembly has urged the state high court to affirm the suspension of the chairmen of the 18 local government areas of the state. In a suit marked B/34/2025 and filed on January 28, 2025, the House seeks “A declaration that by virtue of the provisions of Section 20 (b) of the Local government Law, 2000, Edo State, the 1st claimant (Edo State House of Assembly) has the power to suspend a chairman and/or vice chairman of a local government council in Edo State.” The House had on December 17, 2024, suspended all the LG chairmen and their deputies for what it described as insubordination to Governor Monday Okpebholo. The legislative action followed a petition to the House by Okpebholo, who complained that the LG chairmen shunned his directive that they should provide their councils’ statement of accounts. The embattled LG chairmen and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, however, faulted the suspension of the LG chairmen, contending that the governor lacks the power to demand LG account statements in view of the LG autonomy recently declared by the Supreme Court. All the chairmen and their deputies have since been impeached, which the chairman and their deputies are also challenging in court But in the suit filed through its lawyer, C. O. Edosa of C. O. Edosa and Co, the Assembly wants the court to determine whether the decision to suspend the chairmen and their deputies violated Section 20(b) by undermining the democratic structure of local government councils in the state. Another issue raised is whether, under Sections 11(3) and 14 of the law, the legislative arms of the councils were properly constituted by democratically elected members. Additionally, the claimants seek to clarify whether, in the absence of a chairman and vice chairman, the legislative arms of the councils have the authority to manage and control the affairs and funds of the local government councils. The claimants request declarations affirming that the Assembly’s actions have not dismantled the democratic structure of the councils and that local government administration remains intact. They also seek a declaration confirming that, under Section 20(b) of the Local Government Law, 2000, the Assembly has the legal authority to suspend local government chairmen and vice chairmen. Furthermore, the claimants argue that, based on Sections 11(3) and 14 of the law, the leaders of the legislative arms of the local government councils are duly elected officials. The defendants have been instructed to enter an appearance, either personally or through legal representation, within 42 days of being served. “If the defendants fail to enter an appearance within the specified time and at the designated place, appropriate orders may be issued, and proceedings may continue as the Judge deems just and expedient,” the summons states. | EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; LOCAL GOVERNMENT; | PUNCH | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 3 FEB 2025 | FG mulls plans to increase electricity tariffs in a few months | The Federal Government says Nigerians should brace up for fresh electricity tariffs in months. President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, said this in an interview in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, according to Bloomberg. Verheijen was in Tanzania attending a World Bank-backed conference where Nigeria presented a $32 billion plan to boost electricity connections by 2030. Private investors are expected to contribute $15.5 billion and the rest will come from public sources, including the World Bank and African Development Bank. The energy adviser said Nigeria’s power prices need to rise by about two thirds for many customers to reflect the cost of supplying it. Higher electricity tariffs, which need to be balanced by subsidies for less-affluent consumers, are required to fund the maintenance needed to improve reliability and to attract private investors into power generation and transmission, said Verheijen. “One of the key challenges we’re looking to resolve over the next few months is transitioning to a cost-efficient but cost-reflective tariff,” Verheijen said. This is needed “so the sector generates revenue required to attract private capital, while also protecting the poor and vulnerable,” she said. The move to raise tariffs comes amid mounting pressure from Nigeria’s debt-burdened electricity distribution companies for tariffs to be cost-reflective so they can improve their finances. Nigeria’s privatised generation and distribution in 2013, yet prices set by the government’s Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission don’t cover the suppliers’ costs. Government subsidies cover some of the difference, but profitability is hard to achieve. Nigeria’s power industry needs significant investment to achieve its development aims, Verheijen said. Of the country’s 14 gigawatts of installed power, only 8 gigawatts can be transmitted around the country and just four or five gigawatts can be directly delived to homes and businesses, she said. Siemens AG is working with the government on a $2.3 billion project to improve transmission and distribution, while more than 7 million Nigerians in rural areas have been given access to power via decentralized renewable projects. “Your energy policies have to be closely linked with your own ambition for your country,” Verheijen said.“ Our own ambition is to be a $1 trillion economy in five years and to move to an upper-middle income country in 25 years.” Nigeria’s gross domestic product is currently just under $200 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund. | ELECTRICITY TARIFF; FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 4 FEB 2025 | NLC shelves planned nationwide strike over telecoms tariff hike, moves to collaborate with the FG | The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended the planned nationwide strike billed to commence today (Tuesday) over the recent 50 per cent increment in telecommunication tariff by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). NLC President, Joe Ajaero, announced the suspension after an extensive meeting with a delegation of the federal government led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, last night. He said labour and the federal government had agreed to have a larger 10-man committee, evenly split between both parties to look at the entire tariff structure and model and come up with realistic and all inclusive recommendations. He added that the committee is expected to come out with a report after two weeks. Ajaero explained: “That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow (today ) will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee. The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of withdrawal of services, which are the three issues put on line. “But we are going to use the subject of this meeting to put in our displeasure on the arbitrary tariff and the tax that is killing the workers now.The tax regime which is unbearable. So, those are actions that are still on course until they are addressed.” Also briefing journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who spoke on behalf of the federal government, said the meeting, which was at the behest of the SGF, was aimed at maintaining industrial harmony and protecting the interest of Nigerians. He said that the purpose of the meeting was to look into the study carried out by the NCC which led to the 50 per cent increment on telecommunications tariff. The minister said the parties agreed to set up a 10-man committee made of representatives of the federal government and NLC to review the study by the NCC and submit its report within two weeks. “So, the summary of it is that Labour and the Nigerian Labour Congress specifically and the delegation of the federal government have set up a committee of five each. We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks. And at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that we will give to the government and the organised Labour for final consideration. “The crux of the matter is that there is already a study that was conducted by the NCC that led them to arrive at this 50 per cent increase. Now, we are discussing this with labour. Labour has agreed that they will look at that study. “We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks. Now, I think what has happened here has effectively taken out that position.Both of us have agreed. In fact, it is an attempt to put a stop to that that led us to make this meeting to happen today. And so this meeting has happened. “Both the organised Labour, the NLC in particular, the government people have sat down here and agreed on this position. So, there won’t be any protest tomorrow by the Nigerian Labour Congress. There will be some form of report that will come up in about two weeks from now to consider the study and other considerations by both parties,” Idris said. Present at the meeting were Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijanni; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Dingyadi; Minister of Budget and National Planning,Atiku Bagudu, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among others. | NLC; TARIFF HIKE; TELECOM TARIFF; FEDERAL GOVERNMENT | THISDAY | ||||
| VOICE OF NIGERIA | 4 FEB 2025 | FG sets up 10-man Committee to review hike in telecom tariff. The Committee is made up of 5 members from the FG and 5 from NLC | The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have constituted a 10-member committee to review the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs. The decision was reached following a stakeholder meeting to ensure industrial harmony and safeguard the interests of Nigerians. Speaking on behalf of the federal government, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that the meeting’s purpose was to investigate the study carried out by the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, which led to the increment. He said the 10-man committee, comprising five members from the federal government and five from the NLC, is expected to review the study by the NCC and submit its report within two weeks. | NLC; TARIFF HIKE; TELECOM TARIFF; FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; NEC | VON | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 4 FEB 2025 | Tinubu swears in eight new Permanent Secretaries, 21 RMAFC Commissioners | President Bola Tinubu yesterday administered oath of office on eight newly appointed federal permanent secretaries and 21 commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The brief ceremony took place inside the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, before the commencement of the first Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in 2025. The swearing-in of the new Perm Secs, which was done in two batches of four each, was anchored by the Director of Media in the Office of the President, Abiodun Oladunjoye, who read the citations of the appointees. The new permanent secretaries included Onwusoro Ihemelandu (Abia State), Ndiomu Philip (Bayelsa State), Anuma Nlia (Ebonyi State), Ogbodo Nnam (Enugu State), and Kalba Usman (Gombe State). Others are Usman Aminu (Kebbi State), Oyekunle Nwakuso (Rivers State), and Nadungu Gagare (Kaduna State). President Tinubu also swore in 21 newly appointed federal commissioners of the RMAFC, alongside a federal commissioner for the Federal Character Commission and a member of the National Population Commission. The RMAFC commissioners, whose appointments were confirmed by the Senate in August 2024, included Linda Oti (Abia), Akpan Effiong (Akwa Ibom), Enefe Ekene (Anambra), Prof. Steve Ugba (Benue), Chief Eyonsa (Cross River), Aruviere Egharhevwe (Delta), Nduka Awuregu (Ebonyi), Victor Eboigbe (Edo), Wumi Ogunlola (Ekiti), Ozo Obodougo (Enugu), and Kabir Mashi (Katsina). Others were Adamu Fanda (Kano), Dr. Kunle Wright (Lagos), Aliyu Abdulkadir (Nasarawa), Bako Shetima (Niger), Nathaniel Adejutelegan (Ondo), Saad Ibrahim (Plateau), Modu-Aji Juluri (Yobe), Bello Garba (Zamfara), and Mohammed Usman (Gombe). Also sworn in was a member of the Federal Character Commission, and a member of the National Population Commission. Also, former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Kayode Oladele, was sworn in as a member of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), representing Ogun State. Mrs. Olukemi Victoria Iyantan (Ondo), took her oath of office as Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC). In his speech, Tinubu urged the newly inaugurated permanent secretaries and commissioners to uphold diligence, innovation, and commitment in the discharge of their duties, emphasising the importance of their roles in advancing the administration’s governance and development agenda. The swearing in ceremony was followed by the commencement of the FEC meeting. Before the meeting commenced, members of Council observed a minute of silence in honor of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jeremiah Useni, who died on January 23, 2025. Present at the FEC meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and cabinet Ministers. | RMAFC; PERM SEC; TINUBU; APPOINTMENT | THISDAY | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 4 FEB 2025 | Righting the wrongs of the past? Tinubu Signs Bill to establish a Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni, Rivers State | President Bola Tinubu on Monday signed into law a bill establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Ogoni, in Rivers State. The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Mr Daniel Bwala, who disclosed this in a tweet on his verified X handle, @DanielBwala, described the move as a testament to the administration’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering inclusive national development. According to Bwala, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu prioritizes equity and the establishment of institutions that prevent regional neglect in developmental projects. The new university in Ogoni follows the president’s recent approval of another federal university in Southern Kaduna, underscoring his administration’s push for balanced educational opportunities across different regions. President Tinubu’s approach, Bwala noted, reflected his belief in national unity and inclusivity, emphasizing that “there are no minority ethnicities in Nigeria”. Bwala’s tweet read in part: “I am pleased to inform Nigerians that Mr. President @officialABAT has assented to the bill establishing Federal University of Environmental Technology, Ogoni, in Rivers State. “It’s important to highlight that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu is all about righting the wrongs of the past and putting in place institutions to guard against future segregated developments. “You will all recall that recently, in similar fashion, Mr. President graciously approved the establishment of another federal university to be sited in the Southern Kaduna district of Kaduna State. “To Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, there are no minority ethnicities in Nigeria. He believes in the opening stanza of our national anthem, which says that though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand. “Congratulations to the good people of Ogoni land. “The president is fulfilling the mandate.” The establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Technology is expected to enhance educational access in Ogoni land, a region historically known for its environmental and socio-economic challenges. | FEDERAL UNIVERSITY; OGONI RIVERS STATE; | THISDAY | ||||
| VANGUARD | 4 FEB 2025 | Edo Governorship Tribunal: SDP withdraws case against Gov. Okpebholo’s election. PDP & 4 other parties continue contesting the election. | The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, dismissed the case the Social Democratic Party, SDP, lodged to nullify Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election. The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel tribunal terminated further proceedings on SDP’s petition against Governor Okpebholo after the party withdrew it. At the resumed sitting on the matter, the petitioner informed the tribunal through its counsel, Mr. Jackson Ehiavhie, that it was no longer interested in pursuing the case to its logical conclusion. Mr. Ehiavhie told the tribunal that he had received instructions from the National Secretariat of the SDP to withdraw the matter. Following a no-objection stance by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Governor Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress, APC, the tribunal’s chairman, Justice Kpochi, dismissed the petition in a short ruling. It will be recalled that the SDP was among six political parties that approached the tribunal to invalidate the Certificate of Return issued to Governor Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the governorship election held in the state on September 21, 2024. INEC declared the APC candidate winner of the election with 291,667 votes to defeat 17 other candidates, including his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 247,274 votes. Aside from the PDP and its candidate, Ighodalo, other parties that also filed petitions to challenge the outcome of the poll were the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP; Action Democratic Party, ADP; Accord Party, AP; and the Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM. In the petition it withdrew, the SDP maintained that the election was held in fundamental breach of the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of the Election, which were issued by INEC. Insisting that no valid winner would have emerged from a flawed electoral process, the SDP further alleged that INEC’s failure, through its Presiding Officers, to electronically transmit collated votes at polling units as required by law rendered the votes allocated to the second Respondent, APC, invalid. It prayed the tribunal to hold that INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo of the APC as winner of the gubernatorial contest amounted to a nullity. | EDO 2024; APC; PDP | VANGUARD | ||||
| BUSINESS DAY | 4 FEB 2025 | Misinformation: FG denies 65% price hike, offers clarification on planned rate adjustment | The Federal Government, through Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, has clarified that following the increase of Band A tariffs, current tariffs now cover about 65 per cent of the actual cost of supplying electricity, with the FG continuing to subsidise the difference. She said earlier reports suggesting that the electricity tariff would soon be jerked up by two-thirds to strengthen the power sector is misleading. Verheijen made this known in a statement published on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday. She said: “It has become necessary to clarify media reports suggesting an imminent 65 per cent increase in electricity tariffs. “This is a misrepresentation of what I actually said in a recent press interview. I highlighted the fact that, following the increase in Band A tariffs in 2024, current tariffs now cover approximately 65 per cent of the actual cost of supplying electricity, with the Federal Government continuing to subsidise the difference.” Verheijen said that while the government was committed to ensuring fairer pricing over the long term, the immediate focus is on taking decisive action to deliver more electricity to Nigerians, ensure fewer outages and guarantee the protection of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians. In line with these, she stated that the FG’s power sector priorities include working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most support. “Today, the Federal Government spends over N200 billion per month on electricity subsidies, but much of this support benefits the wealthiest 25 per cent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance. “To address this, the Federal Government is working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most support. This approach will make electricity more affordable and accessible for millions of hardworking families,” she said. On the fear that unmetered customers would be made to pay for services not enjoyed if the tariff is increased now, she stressed that the FG would address this through the Presidential Metering Initiative. “One of the most significant steps in this reform is the Presidential Metering Initiative, which is accelerating the nationwide rollout of 7 million prepaid meters, starting this year. This will finally put an end to the practice of estimated billing, giving consumers confidence in what they are paying for and ensuring transparency in electricity charges. “Metering will also improve revenue collection across the sector and will attract the investments needed to strengthen Nigeria’s power infrastructure,” she said. Verheijen stated that the FG is addressing one of the major roadblocks to improved service: the mounting debts owed to power generation companies. “For years, these debts have prevented investments in new infrastructure and hampered efforts to improve electricity supply. “By clearing these outstanding obligations, the government is ensuring that power companies can reinvest in better service delivery, stronger infrastructure, and a more stable electricity supply for all Nigerians,” she said. | FG; ELECTRICITY HIKE; TARIFF ADJUSTMENT; SUBSIDY | BUSINESSDAY | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 5 FEB 2025 | Acquitted in 2 months: Court acquits Femi Fani-Kayode of medical forgery and money laundering, says EFCC failed to prove case | An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday discharged and acquitted former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, of medical forgery charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Delivering her ruling on the no-case submission filed by Fani-Kayode’s counsel, Mr. Wale Balogun (SAN), Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe stated that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendant. Justice Abike-Fadipe explained that the prosecution did not establish any connection between Fani-Kayode and the alleged offences, failing to present key evidence, such as testimonies from the defendant’s associates or the lawyer who allegedly handled medical reports for the Federal High Court. She noted that extrajudicial statements, which were presented as evidence, could only serve to contradict their makers when they testified in court. “I have carefully examined the prosecution’s evidence and cannot find any indication that the defendant committed the alleged offences,” the judge declared. “The prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case, which would have required the defendant to present a defense.” The judge also mentioned that the defendant was free to seek a private action report for any potential costs. Fani-Kayode was charged by the EFCC in November 2021 with a 12-count indictment, including charges of procuring false documents, use of forged documents, and fabricating evidence. The EFCC called seven witnesses, but their testimonies were insufficient to substantiate the charges. Fani-Kayode filed a no-case submission on December 7, 2024, asserting that the prosecution failed to prove its case. Similarly, in a separate case, the Federal High Court in Abuja, on January 15, discharged Fani-Kayode of money laundering charges brought by the EFCC. Justice John Tsoho ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking Fani-Kayode to the alleged offences. Justice Tsoho’s ruling echoed the 2015 decision by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, who had also acquitted Fani-Kayode of money laundering charges. Fani-Kayode’s legal team has consistently argued that the charges were politically motivated. Fani-Kayode’s legal troubles began in 2016 when he was first arraigned by the EFCC on a 6-count charge, which was later amended in 2023. The EFCC alleged that he received and used N26 million in 2014 for a media campaign purportedly on behalf of the Federal Government and the office of the President. | EFCC; MONEY LAUNDERING; FEMI FANI KAYODE | THISDAY | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 5 FEB 2024 | House of Reps Committee summons FCT Director to answer to allegations of land grabbing. Wike challenges anyone alleging same to come forward with evidence | The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has invited Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Director of Lands in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to appear before it on Thursday over a petition bordering on corrupt practices and gross abuse of office. This is coming as some residents are accusing the FCT Minister of allegedly grabbing people’s lands and relocating them to his cronies. This allegation the minister has denied, calling on anyone with proof of land grabbing against him or his administration to come forward. Chooks Oko, the Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker/Head, Media, in a statement, said the invitation was based on a petition by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency to the House, alleging that Nwankwoeze owns and runs several private offices, involved in land racketeering, money laundering and false declaration of assets. Relying on Sections 88 and 89 of the constitution of the country, the committee warned that should the respondent fail to appear in person, the committee will go ahead with the hearing. “Ours is to give every Nigerian right to fair hearing, whether you are the petitioner or the respondent. We strive to give justice to those deserving of it based on facts presented to the committee”, Mike Etaba, chairman of the committee, said. Accusations against the minister Some property owners had accused the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of seizing their property and allocating same to his cronies. Some of the residents accused the FCT Administration of hurriedly publishing their plots in the newspapers and giving them two weeks’ notice or risk revocation. One of them, a rights activist, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, alleged the revocation of the ownership of a property belonging to her late husband, Col. Paul Ogbebor (rtd), in Abuja, pleading with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the minister to order. Lori-Ogbebor said the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had issued a notice to quit on November 22, 2024, and went ahead to reallocate the property on December 9. She added that her findings at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) indicated that the estate was reallocated to a company that has a three-time member of the House of Representatives, as director. Lori-Ogbebor said a Certificate of Ownership was issued three weeks after the notice was issued to the management of the estate. She said it was unjust to revoke the property, which was rightly acquired by her late husband, who she said fought for the unity of the country and whose company, Paulosa, was among the leading firms that constructed prominent infrastructure in the FCT. | LAND GRABBING; CORRUPTION; ABUSE OF OFFICE | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 5 FEB 2025 | Tinubu rejects bill to establish a Federal University in Adamawa over land authority and degree provision issues | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined assent to a bill for the establishment of Federal University of Education, Numan, Adamawa State. He conveyed the decision in a letter addressed to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, read by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary on Tuesday. President Tinubu, while explaining his reasons for declining assent to the bill, stated, among others, that, Section 22 of the bill accords the authority on the disposal of land to the governor and not the President as it ought to be by law in respect of land belonging to a Federal Government entity in the case of universities. Kalu added that President Tinubu also said in the letter that, the proposal on the Award of Degree by the proposed institution was omitted in Section 25(b). The House had passed a Bill for the Establishment of Federal University of Education Numan in Adamawa State last year and forwarded it to the President for Assent. | ADAMAWA FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION; ASSENT; TINUBU | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 5 FEB 2025 | Anambra 2025: Labour Party schedules governorship primary for April 5 | The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Labour Party (LP) has approved April 5 for its governorship primary in Anambra. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. Ifoh said that the National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, had published this in a timetable and schedule of activities for Anambra 2025 gubernatorial primaries. According to him, the timetable indicates that the sale of expression and interest/nomination forms will commence on Feb. 10 while the sale of the delegate’s form will start on March 20. The national publicity secretary urged all interested aspirants to visit the party’s national headquarters for collection of the guidelines for the governorship primary and other necessary information | NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTON; LABOUR PARTY | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 5 FEB 2025 | Anambra 2025: APC considers indirect primary ahead of Anambra governorship election | Ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship poll, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is considering the conduct of the party primary to select the candidate of the party through the indirect mode. APC’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, made this known yesterday when the Iyke Madu-led members of the Booth 2 Booth with Bola Tinubu paid him a courtesy visit at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja. Ganduje, who assured the party’s resolve to conduct a free and fair primary, pledged that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party would deliberate on the matter and come up with a final decision on whether to apply the direct or indirect mode in the end. Underscoring the role played by Anambra State towards the sustenance of democracy in the country, he called on stakeholders of the party to set aside their differences in ensuring the success of the party. Ganduje said: “Anambra State should assist in providing a conducive atmosphere. As a party, if we are to have a good primary in the state, our stakeholders are supposed to be born again. All of them have education, yet several court orders and litigations. We told them that this time around, business should not be as usual. Let us support the system. “We know they are very rich; they have a lot of money, and they will use the money to build the state, not to scatter the state. If they use the money to build APC, it will succeed. I will be highly interested if they can produce a candidate based on consensus; I will give them an award if that happens.” MEANWHILE, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has approved April 5, 2025, for the party’s gubernatorial primary to elect its standard bearer for the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election. The party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said this in a statement in Abuja yesterday. According to him, the timetable and schedule of activities for the Anambra State 2025 gubernatorial primaries also indicate that the sale of expression and Interest/Nomination forms will commence on Monday, February 10, 2025, while the sale of delegates’ forms will begin on March 20, 2025. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, also spoke on the development, enjoining that “all interested aspirants are advised to visit the party’s National Headquarters for the collection of the guidelines for the party’s primary and other necessary information.” The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced, last year, that Saturday, November 8, 2025, would be the date for the Amambra State governorship election. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this announcement while speaking during the fourth regular consultative meeting with party leaders. HOWEVER, the INEC boss has expressed worries over the spate of vote buying and delegate manipulation during party primaries. Yakubu called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to start paying attention to primary elections the same way they focus on secondary elections.Yakubu made the call during the first INEC regular quarterly consultative meeting with CSOs yesterday in Abuja. The meeting, which brought together leaders of CSOs and INEC officials across the country, was to update the groups on the level of INEC’s preparedness for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council election set for February 21, 2026. | NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTON; APC | GUARDIAN | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 5 FEB 2025 | Senator Akpabio reshuffles Senate Committees, removes Natasha from Local Content to Diaspora & NGO Committee. Orji Kalu gets Chairman of South East Dev. Commission | "President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday announced a shakeup in the chairmanship of the Senate Standing Committees and the creation of new ones. Senators Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Abdul Ningi, among others, were affected in the new arrangement. During a brief plenary, Akpabio announced the signing into law of five bills passed by the National Assembly including the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Bill, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the minor reshuffle of committees Akpabio appointed Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC – Delta South) as the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content. He redeployed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central), its former chairman, to head the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. Akpabio also named Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC – Abia North), as chairman, of the newly created Senate Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), with Senator Kenneth Eze as vice chairman. He named Senator Titus Zam as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission (NCDC), with Senator Isah Jibrin as vice chairman. Senator Zam was hitherto the chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business. The Senate President made Senator Hussiani Babangida chairman of the Senate Committee on North West Development Commission, with Senator Muntari Dandutse as vice chairman. Senator Abdul Ningi, who was formerly the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population was redeployed to chair the Senate Committee on FERMA. Similarly, Akpabio redeployed Senator Victor Umeh who was the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to chair the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population. Akpabio also announced the appointment of Senator Musa Garba Maidoki as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, formerly headed by Senator Kawu Suleiman. Kawu who represents Kano South on the platform of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) was earlier reappointed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) by Akpabio late last year. Akpabio also appointed Senator Austin Akobundu as the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Airforce, and directed him to preside over the budget defence session of the Nigerian Air Force in the absence of its substantive Chairman, Senator Godiya Akwashiki. During the plenary, the Senate President announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to some Bills passed by the National Assembly. They included a Bill to establish the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, North Central Development Commission Bill, a Bill to establish the Federal Polytechnic Rano, Kano State, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (amendment) Bill and a Bill to establish the Federal University of Health Sciences Tasfe in Zamfara State.” Akpabio commended Tinubu for assenting to the five bills and commended his colleagues for their hard work. “You have all been working hard to put the 2025 budget together. I attended some sittings, and those I did not attend, I watched on television. We will get the budget to him (Tinubu) as soon as practicable,” Akpabio said. Also yesterday, President Tinubu transmitted the nomination of Captain Chris Najomo for confirmation by the Senate for appointment as the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Akpabio who read Tinubu’s letter of nomination during plenary, referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Aviation for “expeditious consideration” and to report back to Plenary." | SENATE; AKPABIO; RESHUFFLE | THISDAY | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 5 FEB 2025 | Adams Oshiomhole: "No foreigner can steal Nigeria’s solid minerals resources without local connivance." | Former All Progressives Congress (APC) national Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday doubled down on his accusation of the connivance of certain influential elements in Nigeria with foreigners to illegally exploit the country’s solid mineral resources. Speaking on Arise Television last night, the former Governor of Edo state, who clarified that he did not accuse all retired generals of joining hands with foreign forces to steal Nigeria’s resources, argued that some countries rely exclusively on solid minerals to survive. “ It is absolutely impossible for anyone, particularly foreigners, far away outside the African continent, coming to Nigeria, locating a site, not being geologists and they go straight to where they can find particular solid minerals. “And they start mining it and they take it away. So, it may be correct to say the government is not able to harvest what accrues from solid mineral exploration and that the illegality is being done and people know who are behind it,” he pointed out. But he argued that at no time did he say that all retired generals, among whom he has many friends and never had any political exposure, are involved in a particular crime. “It’s not sensible to say so. That would be a reckless, sweeping generalisation. That is not what I said. I said the problem is that some, and I still believe it to be so, I know it to be so. I said some retired generals are involved. And somehow, we are not deploying the same force as a nation that we deploy to protect our oil in the Niger Delta,” he maintained. Repeating the story of a retired general who relayed how Nigeria’s solid minerals are stolen and how he narrated the matter to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Oshiomhole stated that there’s no way he would hear that kind of sordid tale and not tell the president at the time, especially as the chair of the ruling party. “There is no way I can comprehend this story because I have no military training or secret training. And I pleaded with him to do a summary, not more than two, maximum three pages, that I will submit as chairman of the ruling party at that time, that l will submit to the president, who incidentally is a retired general before becoming the president of Nigeria. “So he will understand the issues clearer and I advised him to put his phone number so that the president can call him if he so wished and he can give him this detailed security dimension. Because he warned me that if that thing is not checked, what is happening in the Northeast will be a child’s play. “And so I took this letter, as I promised him, because I saw a patriotic officer, though retired, but not tired of his loyalty to Nigeria. And I gave it to the then president Buhari. “And I said, so, and I said, sir, go through it, it is self-explanatory. My advice, I can only advice the president. My advice is that you can call him and he can give you more graphic details of what he saw and what he know and his fears about what will happen if this is not nipped in the bud,” he noted. According to the former labour leader, there’s no way smuggling of that multitude takes place without anybody seeing it. “So you can’t have that scale of illegal activity without men and women in power and resources,” he reiterated. Stressing that it cannot be a civilian chopper carrying arms, dropping them where there is gold, he argued that some retired generals and powerful other non-generals were fully involved in the illegal trade. Highlighting that government is a continuum, Oshiomhole pointed out that the Bola Tinubu government is currently tackling the problem, especially with the recent setting up of marshals to police Nigeria’s mining sites. “We can’t be here, and people are carting away our natural resources…I would like to see the government deploy the same amount of force in protecting our solid minerals, and dealing with those who are involved in illegal mining, just like illegal bunkering,” he argued. | APC; OSHIOMHOLE; CORRUPTION; SOLID MINERALS | THISDAY | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 5 FEB 2025 | Court jails another Nigerian professor for election fraud. Recall that his colleague was jailed 3 years ago for falsifying senatorial district election results to favour Sen. Godswill Akpabio in 2019. | A State High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, sentenced a Nigerian professor to three years in prison for perjury and publishing false election results. Mr Uduk, a professor of Human Kinetics at the University of Uyo, was prosecuted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on charges of perjury and announcing and publishing false results during the 2019 general elections in Essien Udim State Constituency, where he served as the returning officer. His conviction and sentencing came four years after his colleague, Peter Ogban, a professor of Soil Science at the University of Calabar, was jailed for three years for a similar offence. Mr Ogban, who has served his three-year sentence, was the INEC returning officer for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District election in 2019 in which Godswill Akpabio, who is now the Senate President, was defeated by Christopher Ekpenyong, a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom. Mr Ekpenyong was the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the poll, while Mr Akpabio was the All Progressives Congress candidate. Mr Ogban was convicted and jailed for falsifying the election result to help Mr Akpabio in the election, but the Senate president has repeatedly disowned the professor. Mike Igini, a former INEC resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom, initiated both suits and secured Mr Ogban’s conviction before his (Igini) retirement from INEC in 2022 after serving his last five years as REC in Akwa Ibom. Backstory, judgment Mr Uduk was first arraigned in December 2020 after an arrest warrant was issued on him a previous month over repeated failures to appear in court for the commencement of his trial. The professor had pleaded not guilty to the three charges slammed on him by Nigeria’s election commission. The case witnessed a series of delays because of several factors, including a change of defence counsel and the defendant collapsing in the dock during cross-examination by the prosecution counsel. Also, the defendant, at one point, accused the judge of bias and asked the judge to recuse himself, a relief the judge granted. The judge returned the case file to the state chief judge, who reassigned the matter to the same judge for continuation. The judgment was scheduled for 29 January but was adjourned till today (Wednesday, 5 February) after the defendant and his lawyer failed to appear in court on health grounds. The judge, Bassey Nkanang, revoked the professor’s earlier bail and issued a fresh arrest warrant on him, following the prosecution counsel’s request. Decked in brown cassock, Mr Uduk was brought into the court in a wheelchair shortly before the prosecution and defence counsels announced their appearance. | ELECTION FRAUD; INEC; SENATORIAL DISTRICT ELECTION; SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 6 FEB 2025 | Electoral Fraud: Senate approves Tinubu’s request to sack INEC RECs | Suspended Sokoto Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Nura Ali, received a $150,000 bribe from politicians to manipulate the 2023 general elections in the state, a report from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the State Security Services (SSS) disclosed. Mr Ali is one of three electoral commissioners suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023 over allegations of electoral malpractice. The other affected commissioners are Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa) and Ike Uzochukwu (Abia). On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu requested the National Assembly’s approval to remove them from office. THE REPORT The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, presented security reports that implicated Mr Ali in the bribery scandal as part of his motion to invoke Section 157 of the Nigerian Constitution, empowering President Tinubu to formally remove the suspended electoral officers from office. Mr Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, told the Senate that Mr Ali confessed to receiving the bribe during interrogation by the SSS. “Senate notes from security reports from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (State Security Service) that Dr Nura Ali was indicted for compromising in 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections through acts of incompetence and corruption, whereby he reportedly confessed to having received the sum of $150,000 from politicians upon investigation by the DSS,” he said. Senate votes to remove suspended electoral officers During Wednesday’s plenary, more than ⅔ of the Senate voted to terminate the appointments of the suspended electoral commissioners following President Tinubu’s request. The president’s request, in line with Section 157(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, required a ⅔ majority of the Senate to approve the removal of the electoral officials. At the time of the debate, the Senate chamber was scanty as majority of the senators had left. However, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Tahir Monguno, confirmed that 94 senators, including principal and presiding officers, signed the attendance register when the plenary commenced, surpassing the constitutional requirement for the vote. Motion Mr Bamidele, while presenting his motion, also emphasised that the suspended RECs were accused of compromising elections and abandonment of duty without cogent reasons. He, therefore, urged his colleagues to support the motion in order to sustain the ideals of morality and the tenets of corporate governance in Nigeria. | ELECTORAL FRAUD; TINUBU; INEC; ELECTION; BRIBE | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 6 FEB 2025 | Tinubu increases the 2025 Budget from N49.7trn to N54.2trn | President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, increased the appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion. Tinubu announced the increment in separate letters, which he forwarded to both the Senate and the House of Representatives yesterday. Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, explained that the increment was to allow for the approval of more revenue to strengthen the Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry. Bagudu said the increase was also to support the administration’s diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects. However, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, faulted the procedure for the increment. Chinda said the presentation from the executive should not have come in the form of a letter. Tinubu’s letter was read during plenary in the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and in the House of Representatives by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Tinubu attributed the N4.53 trillion added to the appropriation bill to an increment in revenues recorded by some revenue-generating agencies of the federal government. He said the increase arose from N1.4 trillion additional revenues made by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); N1.2 trillion made by the Nigeria Customs Service; and N1.8 trillion generated by some other Government-owned Agencies (GOEs). The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development was the highest beneficiary of the additional revenues, as it got N1 trillion. The ministry, which has Mr. Dele Alake as minister, initially had N6 billion envelope from the Budget Office for the 2025 fiscal year before the National Assembly joint committee on Solid Minerals increased it to N9 billion. The president of the senate after, reading the letter, consequently, directed the request to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for expeditious consideration. Akpabio also declared that the budget consideration would be concluded and passed before the end of February. Tinubu wrote in the letter, “I am writing to inform you of the availability of additional revenue amounting to N4,530,479,970,637 and to propose its allocation within the 2025 Appropriation Bill to enhance the budget’s responsiveness to the nation’s most pressing priorities and aspirations. “This additional revenue, sourced from key agencies, represents a pivotal opportunity to address Nigeria’s critical challenges and advance its development agenda” He said GOEs generated additional revenues of N1,823,879,970,637 while the FIRS raked in N1,497,600,000,000 Tinubu stated that the federal government’s 52 per cent share of the increase in revenue rose from N22.1 trillion to N25.1 trillion and put that of the NCS at N1,209,000,000,000 The federal government’s 52 percent share of the increase in revenue rose from N6.5 trillion to N9 trillion. | TINUBU; BUDGET; HOUSE OF REPS; SENATE; | THISDAY | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 7 FEB 2025 | House of Reps Committee on the Constitution Review receives legislative proposals to create 31 more states | The House of Representatives Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution has proposed the creation of 31 additional states in the country. Advertisement Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary on Thursday read a letter from the committee containing the proposed states. If approved, this will increase the number of states in Nigeria to 67. READ ALSO: [2025 Budget] NASS To Cut JAMB From FG Grant, Criticizes Spending The letter read: “This is to inform members that the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), has received legislative proposals for the creation of states and local governments in the following order: Advertisement NORTH-CENTRAL 1. BENUE ALA STATE from the present Benue State. 2. OKUN STATE from the present Kogi State 3. OKURA STATE from the present Kogi State 4. CONFLUENCE STATE from the present Kogi State 5. APA-AGBA STATE from Benue South Senatorial District 6. APA STATE from the present Benue State. 7. A 37th state, namely FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA NORTH-EAST 8. AMANA STATE from the present Adamawa State. 9. KATAGUM STATE from the present Bauchi State. 10. SAVANNAH STATE from the present Borno State. 11.MURI STATE from the present Taraba State. NORTH-WEST Advertisement 12.NEW KADUNA STATE and GURARA STATE from the present Kaduna State. 13. TIGA STATE from the present Kano State. 14. KAINJI STATE from the present Kebbi State. 15. GHARI STATE from the present Kano State SOUTH-EAST 16. ETITI STATE as the sixth (6th) state in the South East geopolitical zone. 17. ADADA STATE from the present Enugu State of Nigeria. 18. URASHI STATE as the sixth (6th) state in the South East geopolitical zone. 19. ORLU STATE from the South Eastern Region of Nigeria. 20. ABA STATE from the South Eastern Region of Nigeria. SOUTH-SOUTH 21. OGOJA STATE from the present Cross River State. 22. WARRI STATE from the present Delta State. 23. BORI STATE from the present Rivers State 24. OBOLO STATE from the present Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. Advertisement SOUTH-WEST 25. TORU-EBE STATE from the present Delta, Edo, and Ondo States. 26. IBADAN STATE from the present Oyo State. 27. LAGOON STATE from the present Lagos State. 28. IJEBU STATE from the present Ogun State. 29. LAGOON STATE from the present Lagos State and Ogun State 30. IFE-IJESHA STATE from the present Oyo State. 31. OKE-OGUN from the present-day Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states. The request for states’ creation can only materialise if at least “the third majority of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives (National Assembly) and the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area is received by the National Assembly”. | HOUSE OF REPS; CONSTITUTION REVIEW | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 7 FEB 2025 | #Edo2024: INEC closes case without calling witness in defence; Okpbebholo set to open defence on Monday, 10 Feb 2025 | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday closed its case defending the September 21 governorship election in Edo State without calling a single witness. The electoral umpire had on Wednesday tendered documents relating to the election with a promise to call five of its witnesses in defence of its declaration of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as winner of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. However, when the matter was called on Thursday, INEC through its lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that it has reviewed the case and think it would be sensible to close its defence. “After we left you yesterday, we gave more thoughts to the matter and came to the conclusion that the sensible thing to do is to close the case of the first respondent, which we hereby do,” the senior lawyer said. Agabi claimed that the first respondent did justice to the case during the cross-examination of witnesses of the petitioners. Responding, Mr Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), who represented the petitioners — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo — said he was not surprised by the action of the electoral umpire and as such would not be objecting to the closure of the case without calling witnesses as earlier promised. | INEC; EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION; | THISDAY | ||||
| VANGUARD | 7 FEB 2025 | Tinubu sacks UniAbuja VC, dissolves Governing Council and appoints new Acting VC | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced major leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University. These changes are effective immediately. At the newly-renamed Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. To replace her, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as the Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. Disclosing this in a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy said Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position when it becomes available. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, was also appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now appointed Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education. UNN, Lokoja, Awka Further leadership changes took place at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where President Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor ahead of his tenure’s expiration on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been named the new Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, with the same restriction of ineligibility for the permanent position. The restructuring at UNN also saw a change in the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo was appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN, having previously held similar positions at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti. Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, the current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, will now succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja. Senator Sani Stores has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, taking over from Senator Joy Emordi. Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State. All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately, with President Tinubu emphasizing that these changes are part of his administration’s broader effort to revitalize Nigeria’s higher education system. The restructuring is aimed at strengthening governance, ensuring academic excellence, and promoting accountability across the nation’s tertiary education sector. | UNIABUJA; YAKUBU GOWON UNIVERSITY; | VANGUARD | ||||
| VANGUARD | 10 FEB 2025 | Protracted Rivers crisis: Supreme Court dismisses appeal as Fubara withdraws suit challenging Amaewhule-led Assembly, orders N4m cost against Fubara | The Supreme Court, on Monday, dismissed an appeal that Governor Siminalaye Fubara filed to challenge the Court of Appeal judgement that affirmed Hon. Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly. A five-member panel of the apex court, headed by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, dismissed the appeal marked SC/CV/1071/2024 after it was withdrawn. Though the matter was originally fixed for hearing, however, when it was called up, Governor Fubara, through his team of lawyers led by Mr. Yusuf Ali, SAN, announced his decision to withdraw the appeal. Ali, SAN, told the court that his client’s decision was based on the fact that the matter had been overtaken by events. Whereas Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who appeared for the Amaewhule-led Rivers State lawmakers, did not oppose the withdrawal, he, however, demanded the cost. Likewise, Mr. J. B. Daudu, who appeared for the 3rd to 12th defendants, also asked for costs, even though he did not object to the notice of withdrawal. The defendants further persuaded the apex court to dismiss the matter instead of striking it out, stressing that they had already exchanged processes with the appellant. Consequently, in its ruling, the Justice Abba-Aji-led panel dismissed the appeal, even as it awarded N4 million costs against Governor Fubara. It will be recalled that the Appeal Court in Abuja had, in a unanimous verdict it delivered on October 10, 2024, validated the Amaewhule-led members of the Assembly as bona fide lawmakers for the state. A three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Joseph Oyewole, while dismissing an appeal that was lodged by Governor Fubara, upheld a judgement the Federal High Court delivered on January 22, 2024, which nullified the 2024 budget of Rivers State on the premise that it was not presented before members of the state assembly that were known to the law. According to the appellate court, Fubara shot himself on the foot when he voluntarily withdrew a counter-affidavit he filed to challenge a legal action the Amaewhule-led lawmakers instituted to be recognised as valid members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court held that Governor Fubara’s decision to present the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to only four out of 31 members of the Assembly amounted to a gross violation of section 91 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and an act of “executive recklessness.” The appellate court held that the absence of any document from Fubara to contradict all the claims the Amaewhule-led lawmakers made in their suit meant that he admitted all the facts they stated in the matter. It accused Fubara of surreptitiously attempting to set aside orders of the trial court through the appeal, saying the mistake he made by withdrawing his counter-affidavit to the originating suit could not be redeemed by brilliant advocacy. Maintaining that Fubara’s loss was “self-inflicted,” the appellate court held that since the counter-affidavit was withdrawn, “the Appellant is deemed to have admitted the rather weighty facts that were presented by the Respondents.” It will be recalled that the Rivers State Assembly was fractionalised owing to the frosty relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike. In the heat of the fracas, Governor Fubara sidelined the Amaewhule-led 26 members of the House that were loyal to Wike and presented the state’s N800 billion 2024 budget before the four lawmakers led by Hon. Edison Ehie, who had emerged as a factional Speaker of the Assembly. The Ehie-led faction, which had also declared seats of the Amaewhule-led pro-Wike lawmakers vacant for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party, promptly passed the budget, which was quickly assented to by Governor Fubara. Meanwhile, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, both Fubara and Wike signed a peace pact that included the restoration of Amaewhule as the bona fide Speaker of the State Assembly. The factional Speaker, Ehie, who had approached the court and was joined as an interested party in the suit, subsequently withdrew all the processes he filed before the court and equally rescinded both his seat and his membership in the Assembly. While Governor Fubara, in line with the terms of the peace deal, also withdrew all the processes he filed to challenge the suit, the pro-Wike lawmakers only withdrew an impeachment notice they served on him while they declined to terminate their legal action. While deciding the suit, Justice James Omotosho of the high court held that the budget was invalid as it was not properly presented before the Rivers State House of Assembly as required by the law. He held that Governor Fubara acted like a tyrant when he demolished the Rivers State Assembly complex and withheld funds standing to the credit of the legislative house. The court also described as unconstitutional the redeployment of the clerk and deputy clerk of the Rivers State Assembly by Governor Fubara. Justice Omotosho stressed that the governor lacked the statutory rights to interfere with the operations of the Assembly, adding that he acted in contempt of a subsisting order that barred the parties from taking any steps to overreach the matter that was pending before the court. Besides, the court held that National Assembly could not take over the legislative affairs of the state in the absence of the preconditions that were listed under section 11 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Therefore, the court, among other things, nullified all actions the Rivers Assembly took without the participation of the Amaewhule-led members of the House, among which included the presentation of the state’s appropriation bill. It issued an order of injunction, restraining Governor Fubara from impeding or frustrating the operations of the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership as its speaker. It ordered the governor to release all funds standing to the credit of the Rivers State House of Assembly. While upholding the verdict of the lower court, the appellate court held that Fubara conceded to the Amaewhule-led lawmakers when he withdrew all the processes he filed against their suit. It held that the orders of the trial court were appropriate in view of the circumstance of the case, saying the appeal Fubara filed before it amounted to an academic exercise. Accordingly, it ordered Fubara to pay a cost of N500,000 to each of the Respondents in the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024. | RIVERS CRISIS; FUBABRA; AMAEWHULE; SUPREME COURT | VANGUARD | ||||
| THE CABLE | 10 FEB 2025 | Federal High Court adjourns Nnamdi Kanu's case indefinitely, directs parties to give report on status of the case | A federal high court in Abuja has adjourned the matter of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), indefinitely. The matter was adjourned for parties in the suit to give a report on the status of the case. Kanu has been in detention since he was brought back from Kenya on June 19, 2021. The IPOB leader was subsequently re-arraigned on an amended 15-count charge. On April 8, the trial court struck out eight of the 15 counts. The court of appeal later quashed the remaining seven counts on October 13. Delivering judgment in the appeal, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Hanatu Sankey held that the federal government flouted the terrorism act in violation of international conventions and treaties, hence, breaching the rights of the respondent. The court further held that having illegally and forcefully renditioned the appellant, the trial court is stripped of jurisdiction to continue to try Kanu. However, the federal government is yet to release the IPOB leader. Instead, it filed an appeal before the supreme court to challenge the appeal court judgment. It also filed an application seeking to stay the execution of the judgment of the appellate court. Ruling on the application, the court of appeal granted the government’s request. At the court session on Monday, Mike Ozekhome, counsel to Kanu, told the court that there are appeals pending before the supreme court. “The position, therefore, is that the appeal on this matter has been entered at the supreme court,” he said. “I humbly urge this court to adjourn this matter sine die to await the judgment of the supreme court.” Mohammed Abubakar, prosecution counsel, agreed with Ozekhome’s position. Ruling on the application, Binta Nyako, presiding judge, said, “I’m also in agreement that the case should be adjourned sine die pending the outcome of the appeal.” Meanwhile, the federal government has also filed fresh charges against the IPOB leader. When the matter was mentioned in court, Ozekhome said he had not been served with the fresh charge. “We have not even been served this charge. We only read it on social media. It was when we came to court that we saw that it was listed,” he said The senior advocate added that the fresh charge “constitutes an abuse of court process”, considering the appeal court decision delivered on October 13. The judge also held that the suit should also be adjourned indefinitely until the determination of the appeals before the supreme court. | IPOB; NNAMDI KANU; FEDERAL HIGH COURT | CABLE | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 10 FEB 2025 | Speculations over closed-door meeting as Atiku, Tambuwal, Imoke meet with Obasanjo | Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday led a delegation to meet with his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo at the hilltop residence of the former Nigerian leader in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The former vice president was accompanied by former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; Senator Abdul Ningi; and Senator Aminu Tambuwal who is a former governor of Sokoto State. The agenda of the meeting was not known as of press time but it comes amid plans by opposition politicians to map out strategies to trounce the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and win the 2027 presidential election. tiku deputised Obasanjo from May 1999 to May 2007. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, came second after President Bola Tinubu of the APC who won the poll. Atiku, 78, has been in the race to become Nigeria’s president for at least three decades. | ATIKU; OBASANJO; IMOKE; TAMBUWAL; APC; 2027 | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 10 FEB 2025 | #Edo2024: Okpbebholo opens defence today, 10 Feb 2025 | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday closed its case defending the September 21 governorship election in Edo State without calling a single witness. The electoral umpire had on Wednesday tendered documents relating to the election with a promise to call five of its witnesses in defence of its declaration of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as winner of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. However, when the matter was called on Thursday, INEC through its lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that it has reviewed the case and think it would be sensible to close its defence. “After we left you yesterday, we gave more thoughts to the matter and came to the conclusion that the sensible thing to do is to close the case of the first respondent, which we hereby do,” the senior lawyer said. Agabi claimed that the first respondent did justice to the case during the cross-examination of witnesses of the petitioners. Responding, Mr Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), who represented the petitioners — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo — said he was not surprised by the action of the electoral umpire and as such would not be objecting to the closure of the case without calling witnesses as earlier promised. | EDO 2024; APC; PDP | VANGUARD | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 11 FEB 2025 | #Edo2024: Okpebholo closes defence, APC to open defence tomorrow, 12 Feb 2025 | Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, closed his defence of his victory at the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, after calling just one witness. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo, had since challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of Okpebholo as governor. According to INEC, Okpebholo secured a total of 291, 667 votes to emerged winner, while Ighodalo came second with a total of 247, 655 votes. But, the petitioners disagreed with INEC alleging over-voting and wrong computation of results at the collation centers. In prove of their allegations, the petitioners tendered several documents and called in 19 witnesses, beside the 153 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) machines tendered by INEC on the orders of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. Also, the tribunal had last week adjourned to February 10, for the governor to come up and defend allegations against his victory, after the electoral umpire opened and closed its defence last week without calling a single witness. However, when it was the turn of the governor yesterday, his lawyer, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, after the end of cross-examination of their first witness announced that the governor, who was the 2nd respondent in the case would be closing his defence. The witness, Usman Majek, who claimed to be a Polling Unit (PU) agent of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was led by Ikpeazu to adopt his written statement as his testimony before the tribunal. However, under cross-examination by Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, representing the petitioners, the witness agreed that there was over-voting in his polling unit. He also affirmed that in his unit, accreditation and voting took place simultaneously. Majek told the tribunal that he complained to the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the result he entered on the result sheet after he signed it. When Oyeyipo confronted the witness with exhibit PBA40; a copy of his PU results, the witness acknowledged it and admitted signing it. At the end of cross-examination, Ikpeazu informed the court that the 2nd respondent would like to close his defence. The petitioners, however, did not object to the request, which was accordingly granted by the chairman of the three-member panel, Justice Wilfred Kpochi. However, before adjourning the matter, the tribunal had ordered the 3rd respondent, APC, to open its defence on February 12. Meanwhile, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, has dismissed PDP’s petition over alleged over-voting in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State. Speaking after the tribunal session, in Benin City, Idahosa, who is from Ovia South West LGA, criticised the PDP for filing petitions without verifying facts. He stated that results from areas affected by over-voting were already cancelled, making the opposition’s claims baseless. “In Unit 4, Ward 7, Usen, the results were cancelled due to over-voting, as required by law. Yet, PDP petitioned against these results without knowing they were never included in the final tally,” he explained. The Edo Deputy governor, pointed out that the APC witness confirmed in court that cancelled results were not computed, so, “Why would PDP challenge results that do not exist? It shows they do not understand the process,” Idahosa said. According to him, the Electoral Act 2020 (as amended) clearly stated that over-voting leads to automatic result cancellation, eliminating the need for further disputes. “The onus is on PDP to prove their case, but their witnesses have contradicted themselves in court. Our legal team may not even need to call any witness,” he added. Idahosa accused PDP of treating the tribunal like a media campaign, rather than focusing on legal facts. He maintained that the party’s case lacked merit and expressed confidence in the judiciary to uphold the election of Okpebholo as duly elected in the September 21, 2024 governorship election. | EDO 2024; APC; PDP; EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION; INEC | THISDAY | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 11 FEB 2025 | Ondo PDP calls for the sack of State Finance Commissioner, questions outrageous N11.5bn security vote, N250m sitting allowance in 2025 budget | The Ondo chapter of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) has called for the immediate sack of the state Commissioner for Finance Omowuunmi Isaac for allegedly padding the state’s 2025 budget. This demand was made in a statement issued by the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state Kennedy Peretti. “The N11.5bn security vote in the Ministry of Finance captured in the 2025 approved budget has not been explained to the people of the state, in spite of the public outcry,” the statement read. “The provision of N250m as honorarium and sitting allowance in the Ministry of Finance is another padded item in the budget for the enjoyment and pleasure of the commissioner. He added: “Perhaps, the most insensitive of the items is the procurement of 1 No Toyota Prado SUV Jeep for the Honorable Commissioner for Finance at a princely sum of N230m. “In view of the above approved Budgetary allocations, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ondo State Chapter believes that Mrs Isaac Omowunmi, the Ondo State Commissioner for Finance must be sacked immediately, for criminally abusing her office. “Her claim of being a UK-trained Accountant falls flat on its back if all she can do is to fleece the people’s treasury. The supposed gatekeeper of our treasury.” “If Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa fails to relieve the commissioner of her duties, having failed the people of the Sunshine State, steps will be taken to prove that, what is at stake is the people’s funds.” The PDP equally expressed dismay at what it called the huge infrastructural deficit, a collapsed healthcare delivery system, and unacceptable falling educational standards in the state. | ONDO; PDP; STATE FINANCE COMMISSIONER; SECURITY VOTE; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 11 FEB 2025 | Police retirement crisis festers as court fixes 18 March 2025 to hear case against Police Service Commission | The simmering crisis in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is beginning to fester as senior officers who have clocked 60 years of age and those who have served 35 years in the force have refused to exit more than one week after they were ordered to retire. Findings by our correspondent at the weekend showed that the affected officers were still banking on the case instituted against the Police Service Commission (PSC) at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria where they are currently challenging the commission’s directive. Some of the affected officers, who spoke to this newspaper on Sunday, submitted that they would not have considered a legal option against the PSC’s directive had it been the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was not extended. “It is not today people started retiring from the police force, ours would not be the last, but what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Some people may want to argue that the position of IG is political, the truth is that all of us are in the service. “It is not that Mr Egbetokun had exited the force before he was appointed. Look at the position of PSC chairman, that one is purely political but the position of IG should also follow civil service rules in order to allow other officers to grow,” one of the affected officers said. When asked to clarify whether they were challenging the IGP’s tenure extension in court, the affected officer said they weren’t challenging the top cop’s extension for now but the PSC’s directive that ordered them to retire. It would be recalled that the PSC at a meeting in Abuja earlier this month ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60. The spokesman of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, recalled that the Commission at its 24th Plenary Meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017, approved that the Force Entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment. “The Commission has passionately revisited their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of a merger of service in the public service, and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii) which provides for retirement on the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age. “Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” Ani had said. But the force headquarters in a wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary and dated February 5, 2025, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Trust, directed the affected officers to stay action pending further directive. The signal partly read, “INGENPOL strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further directive. This directive should be strictly complied with.” FHQ compiles officers’ names above 60; IGP sets up disciplinary c’ttee However, a new twist came into the matter at the weekend as the police high command began compilation of names of the affected officers with a view to submitting the same to the police service commission for further action. It was learnt that the names were being compiled by a disciplinary committee set up by IGP Egbetokun. Sources familiar with the developments confided in our correspondent that the committee, which was expected to commence sitting yesterday, at the Louis Edet House, which houses the Force Headquarters, Abuja, has already summoned some top officers. A highly-placed official, who doesn’t want his name in print, listed those summoned as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, two Commissioners of Police and a senior police lawyer. “The committee formally sent letters to the invited officers. They are expected to appear before the committee in their neatly dressed kits,” the source told Daily Trust. The committee is expected to end its sitting on Thursday, according to officials of the force. Court fixes March 18 for case against PSC In the meantime, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has adjourned the case of some police officers, who are contesting their retirement to March 18. The claimants in the suit include; Egong Egwu Egong, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP); Edwin Okoro also a CSP and three others. They claimed that the PSC relied on a controversial circular to calculate their years of service from their initial date of entry into the police force, rather than from when they entered the Police Academy. Their counsel, Adeleke Agbola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urged the court to ensure that the status quo remains, pending the determination of committal proceedings to ascertain whether the judgment had been violated. “The judgment of the court is that the date is when the policemen got into the Academy. There is no appeal against the judgment,” he said. He pleaded with the court to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the committal proceedings to determine if there has been a breach on the basis that the judgment of the court must be obeyed. Exit NPF honourably, Retired AIG counsels In a telephone interview with Daily Trust, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, advised the affected officers to exit the force peacefully. Inalegwu explained that the PSC has powers constitutionally to “hire and fire” as well as promote police officers from a lower rank to that of Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The retired senior cop stressed that it was the prerogative of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force to appoint the IGP, and as such it should not be equated with other ranks. “The president has the powers to appoint the IGP, not the other officers. Those agitating to stay in the force after 60 years should just go home honourably,” Inalegwu said. CISLAC urges police force, PSC to comply with public service rules Also commenting on the issue, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) said the impasse threatens the rule of law, undermines accountability, and erodes public trust in Nigeria’s governance and security institutions. In a statement, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC, reaffirmed the statutory authority of the PSC under Sections 6 and 7 of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001. He noted that the PSC is mandated to appoint, promote, dismiss, and exercise disciplinary control over Nigeria Police Force personnel (excluding the Inspector General of Police). This mandate is further reinforced by Paragraph 30 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, granting the PSC oversight authority on police appointments and discipline. “Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii) mandates the compulsory retirement of public officers, including senior police officers, who have served for 35 years or reached the age of 60. This regulation is designed to uphold the integrity and efficiency of security institutions by enabling leadership renewal and preventing tenure manipulation,” Rafsanjani said. CISLAC condemned the alleged directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), instructing senior officers who have attained the mandatory retirement threshold to remain in service pending further directives. According to Rafsanjani, “this action constitutes a clear violation of the PSC’s statutory authority, undermines the principle of separation of powers, and fosters unnecessary institutional conflicts.” He further criticized the amendment to the 2020 Police Act, which grants the IGP a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age or service years. “This amendment contradicts existing public service regulations,” he stated. We’ are not aware of any failure to comply with directive – PSC When contacted to find out the next line of action regarding those officers who have refused to exit, the spokesman of the PSC, Ani, said they were not aware that the affected officers were yet to leave. Ani said the IGP was yet to formally notify the commission about the development as it ought to be, arguing that action could not be taken against the officers based on what was reported in the national dailies. | NPF; PSC; RETIREMENT; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 11 FEB 2025 | In view of retirement, FG begins appointment process for new Auditor-General, 2 Permanent Secretaries | The federal government has commenced the process of appointing a new Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) as well as two federal permanent secretaries as approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) said this on Monday night in Abuja in a statement. She said that to ensure the appointment of only qualified, credible, and competent individuals, the appointment process will follow a structured and multi-tiered evaluation, as approved by the President as a measure of reaffirming its commitment to a transparent, merit-driven, and rigorous selection process. According to her, the two vacant positions of permanent secretary arise from the recent retirement of the permanent secretary from Oyo State and an impending vacancy in the North-West Geopolitical Zone. “Additionally, the position of Accountant-General of the Federation will become vacant upon the retirement of the incumbent in March 2025,” Walson-Jack said in the statement signed by Mrs Eno Olotu, Director, Information and Public Relations in her office. Daily Trust had reported that President Tinubu in December last year, in what appears as a policy reversal, directed the outgoing Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein to continue in office till 7 March 2025. This followed the controversy that trailed the announcement of Mr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new AGF by President Bola Tinubu. Our correspondent had also reported that there was tension in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation(OAGF) Abuja, following the appointment of Mr Ogunjimi as the new acting AGF by the President. Ogunjimi’s appointment was announced by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga in a statement on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, as a result of the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr. Madein which commenced on December 7th. However, in a letter from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Mrs Madein was asked to reverse her pre-retirement leave notice and continue in office till March 2025. The appointment process is open to all serving Grade Level 17 officers in the mainstream Federal Civil Service who have held their current position for at least two years and have expressed interest in participating. Candidates must meet several eligibility criteria, including screening and confirmation by their respective permanent secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation to ensure they are not under any disciplinary procedures. The circular said that the list of eligible candidates will undergo verification screening by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, under observation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), to ensure eligibility. The candidates will also undertake an asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). To further ensure the selection of individuals with impeccable ethical standing, candidates will undergo anti-corruption clearance by the DSS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the ICPC. “The process will include a written examination conducted at a top Federal Government security agency. “The setting of the examination questions and marking will be overseen by a body of serving and retired permanent secretaries, with observers from credible civil society organizations, the organized private sector, professional associations, DSS, and ICPC. “In the subsequent phase of the selection process, candidates will be tested for ICT proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. ICPC and DSS will also observe this stage. “The final appointment will rest with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who will consider the best-performing candidates based on their performance throughout the selection process,” the circular reads in parts. | FG; AUDITOR GENERAL; PERMANENT SECRETARIES; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 11 FEB 2025 | Ekiti 2026: Brothers fall out as Fayose drums support for Oyebanji while junior brother, Otunba Fayose, expresses confidence over victory | A governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, has declared that his ambition to unseat Governor Biodun Oyebanji in next year’s election is a divine mandate. He insisted he would win the election with or without the support of his elder brother, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, who has openly endorsed Oyebanji, the incumbent governor from the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Otunba Fayose urged the PDP leadership to rally behind him in rescuing Ekiti State from what he described as bad governance under the APC-led administration. He criticised his brother, Ayodele Fayose, for backing an opposition candidate, accusing him of working against the PDP. “I am still at a loss as to why a PDP chieftain would endorse a governor elected on another platform. “This is nothing but bad faith and a betrayal of trust, considering all that the PDP has done for him. Instead of building the party, he is destroying it,” he said. Despite the internal party crisis, Otunba Fayose expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious in the 2026 governorship election, citing the alleged failures of the APC government in the state. | ||||||