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| THISDAY LIVE | 8 JAN 2025 | Ondo Cult Clash: Police arrest 19 suspects, laments proliferation of fire arms | The new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, yesterday, revealed that 19 suspects had been arrested in connection with Sunday’s cult clash in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state. THISDAY reported that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had Monday ordered a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town till further notice, following the cult clash and unrest in the community. However, CP Afolabi while speaking with journalists at the command headquarters in Akure upon his assumption of office as the 45th commissioner of police in the coastal state, said aside the 19 suspects, efforts were ongoing to arrest other miscreants, having connection with the killing. Afolabi, who had earlier went for an on-the-spot assessment of the crime scene of the violent cult attack that left four persons dead said peace has been restored to the affected areas, which included Eyin Ogbe, Iselu, Ijebu Owo, and Palace area, amongst others. Consequently, the police boss assured the people that those arrested would be made to face the full weight of the law, stressing that level of compliance with the curfew imposed on the town by the state government was satisfactory. “So far, 19 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crisis. Investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in the incident. Life is precious and we will make sure that justice is dispensed over the Owo matter. “There is proliferation of firearms in the hands of people, who aren’t supposed to be in possession of them. And that’s why we are experiencing clashes here and there. “But, we will work assiduously to make sure that such people are dispossessed of the firearms so that the state can be made safe and conducive for people to live.” Afolabi, however, issued a stern warning to miscreants and potential criminals to stay away from the state, emphasising the command’s resolve to rid the state of all forms of crimes and criminality. | ONDO; CULT; OWO | THISDAY | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 8 JAN 2025 | Nigeria & Ghana move to strengthen ties as top government officials grace Mahama’s inauguration | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday led former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and as many as 10 State Governors to the inauguration of John Mahama as the new President of Ghana. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, alongside governors of Taraba, Plateau, Zamfara, Delta States, Osun, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed and others were all guests of the newly sworn in President. In his speech, Tinubu declared that the African continent would not allow any outside forces to disrupt the peace achieved by past heroes through their blood, sweat and lives. The president, who spoke as a special guest at the inauguration of President John Mahama of Ghana in Accra, however, called on African leaders to guard against external forces infiltrating their ranks. Mahama returned to the office he held eight years ago following his commanding victory in December elections. Now 66, he trounced the ruling-party’s candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia amid voter anger over economic hardship exacerbated by Ghana’s 2022 sovereign-debt default. | GHANA; NIGERIA; INAUGURATION | THISDAY | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 8 JAN 2025 | ICPC charges El-Rufai’s former finance Commissioner with money laundering | The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed charges against a former commissioner of finance under the administration of Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Bashir Saidu, over alleged financial misappropriation and money laundering. The embattled former commissioner was arrested some weeks ago by the Kaduna State Police command over allegations of diversion of public funds, and was later remanded at the correctional centre in the Kaduna State capital. An Assistant legal officer at ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, filed the case against the former finance commissioner at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday. He was charged alongside a staff of the Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim Muktar. | ICPC; EL RUFAI; KADUNA; MINISTRY OF FINANCE | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 8 JAN 2025 | UNI ABUJA VC FRACAS: 43 professors ask Tinubu to dissolve Governing Council, cite manipulation of selection process | Forty-three professors at the University of Abuja have asked President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita-led governing council of the university, citing alleged manipulation of the selection process for the university’s vice chancellor. This comes as the professors sent a strong delegation to meet with the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, yesterday, to register their grievances. In a petition sighted by The Guardian, dated January 2, 2025 and sent to the visitor of the institution, President Tinubu, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, they urged Tinubu to nullify all decisions taken by the council, warning that failure to act would set a dangerous precedent for other universities. Titled, ‘Complaint regarding the manipulation of Vice-Chancellor appointment processes at the University of Abuja’, they passed a vote of no confidence on the council and called for a reconstitution of a new one. The dons accused the governing council of manipulating the selection process in favour of Prof Aisha Sani Maikudi. Recall that Maikudi was, on December 31, declared the substantive V.C. of the institution by the Kaita-led council. | UNIABUJA; TINUBU; GOVERNING COUNCIL | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 8 JAN 2025 | Opposition mounts as more Northern groups reject tax reform bills, demand inclusive policies | The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) Gombe State Chapter, in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other key stakeholders, yesterday, rejected the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu. The group urged lawmakers, particularly those representing Northern Nigeria, to oppose the reforms, and called for broader consultations to develop inclusive and sustainable economic policies. In a statement issued after a town hall meeting held at Gombe State University, Co Muhammed Usman Deba, Coordinator of CNG Gombe State, Muhammed Usman Deba, representing Voice for Rural Women, and Lawal Idris Lawantee, Acting Chairman of CSOs, enunciated their concerns and recommendations. The meeting, themed “Tax Reform Bills: A Catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on the People?”, brought together policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, youth groups, and concerned citizens to examine the implications of the proposed tax reform bills. While restating its opposition, the group cited the bills’ potential to aggravate prevailing socio-economic challenges, particularly in Northern Nigeria. It noted that proposed pieces of legislation had equally faced significant opposition from various stakeholders, including the National Economic Council, Northern Governors’ Forum, and other prominent groups. A major concern, according to the group, is the proposed amendment to the Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution formula. Under the current system, VAT revenue is allocated based on the location of a company’s headquarters and tax office, rather than where the goods and services are consumed. A statement issued by the gathering reads in part: “The Federal Government should halt the proposed VAT increases, and instead reduce the current VAT rate to per cent. This reduction will provide relief to citizens and businesses while encouraging economic activities. | OPPOSITION; NORTH; TAX REFORM BILL; | GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 8 JAN 2025 | Borno Attack: Many soldiers missing as death toll rises | Four days after Boko Haram terrorists overran a military base in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, many soldiers are still unaccounted for, credible security sources have revealed. Fighters, in their large numbers, carried out the attack around 4pm on Saturday at the Forward Operating Base, Sabon Gari area. The military in Maiduguri and Abuja and the Borno State government have not said anything on the incident yet. But sources within the military told our correspondent yesterday that the casualty figure has continued to rise as more bodies are being recovered by the military search team. “More bodies are being recovered, some died on their way to hospital in Maiduguri, while many soldiers and vigilantes are unaccounted for, missing in action (MIA). “It’s too early to tell how many people we have lost because we are still counting. I cannot tell you the exact number of the soldiers and vigilantes or the identity of the officers killed, but we have recovered over 12 dead bodies,” said the source. Another credible military source said: “The attack was on Forward Operations Base of 25TF Brigade located in Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA. The base is responsible for securing southern Damboa, especially curtailing the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP from Yobe to Chibok and Gwoza axis. | BORNO; MILITARY BASE; BOKO HARAM | GUARDIAN | ||||
| VANGUARD | 9 JAN 2025 | NASS laments poor implementation of 2024 budget, requests more funds for capital projects | THE National Assembly has taken a swipe at the federal government over poor implementation of capital projects in 2024 budget, saying the situation was unpalatable. It also expressed serious concern over the huge discrepancies in the size of recurrent expenditure, relative to capital expenditure and the low level of fund releases for capital projects for ministries, Ddepartments and agencies, MDAs, in the 2024 budget currently ongoing. Consequently, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have asked the economic team to, as a matter of urgency, release more funds for capital projects, so that a great majority of Nigerians could feel the impact of government. The decisions of the National Assembly were sequel to a joint sitting of the chairmen of Senate and House Committees on Appropriations and the Presidential Economic Team on the consideration of 2025 Appropriation Bill, with Senator Olamilekan Adeola, APC, Ogun West, and Abubakar Bichi, chairmen of Senate and House committees, respectively, presiding. The position of the National Assembly was taken after the report of the economic team, led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, showed that overall, so far, only 25% of capital expenditure was implemented, against 43% for recurrent. In his remarks, the chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Adeola, said he was an advocate of drastically reducing the ratio of recurrent expenditure to capital in the budget from the present level of about 80% for recurrent and 20% for capital to at least 60% to 40%. He stressed that capital projects in the budget and their implementation remained a major spur for economic growth and direct impact on the people. Adeola said: “Capital releases to MDAs are the major drivers of economic activities within the nation. Non release of funds for capital projects is a major issue in the performance of 2024 budget so far and it is desirable that funds are released to prevent abandoned projects and ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president.” | NASS; BUDGET; CAPITAL PROJECT; | VANGUARD | ||||
| VANGUARD | 9 JAN 2025 | House of Reps Public Accounts Committee demands 2022 consolidated financial statement, rebukes Accountant General for low performance | The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has charged the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Shakirat Madein to submit the 2022 Consolidated financial statement of the Federal Government to the Auditor General of the Federation in line with the provisions of the 1999 constitution. This is also as the Committee expressed concern at the low implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget, which the Accountant General put at twenty-five per cent, which the committee observed was not helping the attainment of desired economic growth. These were some of the outcomes of an interactive engagement between the office of the Accountant General and the Public Accounts Committee led by Rep Bamidele Salam on Tuesday in Abuja. He said: “It is regrettable that from recent studies conducted in Kenya, Ghana and Rwanda, Nigeria is still lagging in submission and consideration of audit reports largely due to the non-submission of Financial statements by the Accountant Generals office as required by law. While considering the submissions of the Accountant General on the low revenue remittances by many government-owned enterprises, the PAC Chairman said there was a need for stricter measures to block revenue leakages through automation of processes and regular audit exercises. The House Committee also asked the Accountant General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior to immediately resolve all outstanding issues on the non automation of revenue collections from Foreign missions in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the process. The committee Chairman disclosed that the 2021 Auditor Generals report which was recently submitted to the National Assembly will receive accelerated consideration immediately after the passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill currently before the House. Earlier in her speech, the Accountant General of the Federation attributed the delay in the submission of the consolidated financial statement to lack of sufficient data of government revenue from the Central Bank of Nigeria. While assuring that efforts are at advanced stage to get the CBN submit necessary information, the Accountant General gave an undertaking to conclude the exercise within two months. Madein informed the committee of several initiatives of her office to strengthen existing regulations and initiate new ones to promote greater accountability in public expenditure management. | HOUSE OF REPS; BUDGET; ACCOUNTANT GENERAL; PUBLIC ACCOUNTS | VANGUARD | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 9 JAN 2025 | Media awash as Bauchi govt budgets N400 million to procure six computers for SSG’s office | The Bauchi State Government has proposed N400 million in its 2025 budget to purchase six computers for the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The state government also budgeted N1 billion for the “purchase of land for the construction of offices and buildings.” It will also spend N170 million to buy a generator to power the SSG’s office. A public affairs analyst, Ibrahim Musa, faulted the proposed allocations, describing them as misplaced priorities amid the biting hardship facing Nigerians due to the government’s economic policies. He said: “Everyone would believe that prudence will start from different levels of the government, but this appears to be the reverse. We have seen several inflated figures of capital expenditure from this government. “The state government is asking citizens to sacrifice by adjusting their living conditions. On the other hand, you see the same government engaging in wastage. How can you convince a man who has no food on his table that you’re buying six computers at the cost of N400 million? “This amount can be used to build about six primary healthcare facilities where service delivery could be taken closer to Nigerians. This is what the government is buying yearly and has become a recurring expenditure.” Musa encouraged the Bauchi State Government to avoid wastage and prioritise projects that will positively impact the lives of the citizens. His words: “We want to be aggressive in these last two years. We want to do the best we can. The people of Nasarawa State expect a lot, and we are also seeing a lot coming to us, and we want to do the best.” Sule revealed that the incompetency of most of his appointees was responsible for the recent dissolution of his cabinet. He urged the permanent secretaries to always seek clarification whenever they encounter challenges. | BAUCHI GOVT; BUDGET; | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 9 JAN 2025 | EFCC moves to rid the Commission of corruption, dismisses 27 operatives, detains 10 for theft | The officers were arrested last week in connection with the theft of some operational items unaccounted for. The commission on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, stated that the 10 officers detained were from the Lagos Zonal Command of the agency. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that the 10 officers were being detained in respect to the investigation of some missing items involving them. Oyewale said the action was an ongoing effort to sweep EFCC clean of corrupt tendencies. The officers, who were arrested last week on the directives of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede answered questions related to the theft of some operational items that they could not account for. “Investigators are making good progress, and those found culpable will be subjected to internal disciplinary processes,” Oyewale said. The EFCC recently dismissed 27 officers from its workforce. The action was taken to enforce integrity and rid the anti-graft agency of fraudulent elements. The officers were dismissed 2024 for various offences bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct. Oyewale, on Monday, stated that the officers’ dismissal, followed the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, which was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede. Olukoyede reiterated the commitment of the Commission to zero tolerance for corruption. He warned that no officer was immune to disciplinary measures. “Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim of yet-to-be-identified supposed staff members of the EFCC against a Sectional Head,” he said. “The core values of the Commission are sacrosanct and would always be held in optimal regard at all times.” | EFCC; CORRUPTION; | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 9 JAN 2025 | Ondo State to hold LG elections across its 18 LGAs on Jan 18, 2025 | The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State has officially unveiled its candidates for the council elections in the area. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the LGA elections is scheduled for Jan. 18 across the 18 LGA’s in the state. Mr Bode Ikulala, APC Chairman in Okitipupa LGA, on Wednesday in Okitipupa, officially presented Mr Soga Ogunsakin and Mr James Orimisan Ogunyemi as the APC Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship candidates for the election. Ikulala also presented to the party stakeholders and members the 13 councilorship candidates who would be vying for seats in the forthcoming LGA election. The chairman said that he had confidence in the ability of the APC candidates to deliver victory for the party in the forthcoming election. According to him, the party’s candidates have impressive credentials and track record of service to the community, assuring that they would bring value to the people of Okitipupa if elected. Ikulala also commended the party’s leadership for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful and transparent primary election process. He said that the presentation of its candidates officially flagged off the APC’s campaign for the Okitipupa LGA election. “The party is expected to engage in a series of campaign activities, including rallies, town hall meetings, and door-to-door canvassing, to mobilise support for its candidates,” Ikulala said. Meanwhile, Ogunsakin, who spoke on behalf of other candidates thanked the party leadership and stakeholders for the opportunity to serve. He promised to run an all inclusive and transparent administration if elected, pledging to prioritise the welfare and development of the people of Okitipupa LGA. “We express gratitude to the party leadership and promised to work tirelessly to ensure victory for the party in the election,” Ogunsakin said. NAN reports that in attendance at the event were Mr Segun Aiyerin, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Femi Agagu, a former Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology and Mr Igbekeke Akinrinwa, the incumbent Chairman, Okitipupa LGA Transition Committee. | ONDO; LOCAL GOVT ELECTION; APC | GUARDIAN | ||||
| CHANNELSTV | 10 JAN 2025 | Criticisms pour in as Obio/Akpor LGA Chairman appoints 130 special assistants in 6 months | The Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has appointed 130 special assistants. Ihunwo, who announced the appointments in a post on X on Wednesday, saying the appointment takes immediate effect. Some of the appointees are Helen Nyekwere, Josephine Wogu, Daisy Worgu, Wagwu Hilda, Ogbonna Stella, Goodness Ogbonna, and Grace Amadi. He said the new appointees “must serve diligently”. “I have appointed the following persons as my Special Assistants,” he said. “I congratulate them, and call on them to serve diligently, in the interest of Obio/Akpor local government. Their appointments takes immediate effect.” This is the second time he would appoint over 100 aides. I expressed my gratitude to the esteemed leadership of ward six in Obio/Akpor local government for their unwavering support. Their solidarity visit to me at the Council Secretariat was a testament to their commitment to standing by me. It was a moment of deep appreciation as I… pic.twitter.com/H6Heu4VaSE — Chijioke Ihunwo (@AmbChijioke) January 4, 2025 Advertisement In July 2024, when he was caretaker committee chairman of the LGA, Ihunwo appointed 100 special assistants. Ihunwo, an ally of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, yanked the name of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, off the administrative block of the council secretariat. Wike and Fubara are political foes who have been locked in a supremacy battle in the state. | RIVERS; OBIO/AKPOR; SPECIAL ASSISTANTS; WIKE; FUBARA | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 10 JAN 2025 | Drama unfolds as Senators quiz Wale Edun on debt servicing and amount saved from fuel subsidy removal | Drama unfolded at the National Assembly yesterday as Finance Minister Wale Edun faced intense questioning from senators during a hearing on the performance of the 2024 budget and the 2025 appropriation bill . The session, intended to provide clarity on fiscal planning, quickly escalated into tension, prompting Edun to request an executive session. This move further agitated lawmakers, especially as journalists were asked to leave. The Senate Appropriation Committee, chaired by Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, had invited Edun, who also serves as the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, to address critical concerns regarding budget transparency, capital expenditure performance, and the utilisation of funds saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy. In his remarks, Edun provided vague responses, prompting senators to demand specific figures. Questions focused on how much had been saved from the fuel subsidy removal and the actual performance of the 2024 budget. Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) expressed frustration, asking pointedly, “How much has truly been saved from the removal of the subsidy, and where has the money gone? What is the current budget performance? These details are critical for our deliberations and for informing the public.” Other senators joined in, raising concerns about debt servicing, revenue projections, and the implications of extending the 2024 budget’s implementation on the economy. Ningi emphasised the need for clear and detailed figures, stating, “On the removal of fuel subsidies, we have not been told how much has been saved or how these savings have been utilised. Similarly, debt servicing remains a grey area. How much debt did we service in 2024, and what are the projections for 2025?” Senator Adetokunbo Abiru highlighted issues with Government-Owned Enterprises (GEOs), acknowledging improvements in revenue collection but raising questions about independent revenues and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividend. He also flagged the underperformance of capital expenditure, which he identified as critical for economic growth. Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno criticised the “bottom-up approach” policy, which centralised payment processes under the Office of the Accountant General. He argued that the policy introduced bureaucratic delays and created opportunities for corruption, urging a reevaluation to facilitate more efficient budget implementation. Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro expressed concerns over the simultaneous implementation of the extended 2024 budget and the 2025 budget, describing it as a failure to adhere to the January-December budget cycle. He also addressed challenges such as declining oil revenues, naira depreciation, and the impact of tax increases on citizens. | SENATE; FUEL SUBSIDY; DEBT SERVICING; 2025 BUDGET | GUARDIAN | ||||
| PUNCH | 10 JAN 2025 | LP raises concern over defected lawmakers evading service of court papers seeking to declare their seats vacant | The Labour Party has said it is having difficulty serving court papers on the six members of the House of Representatives who dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress. The leadership of the party lamented that the Reps were evading the service of the court papers in order to frustrate the suit filed by the LP, seeking to declare their seats vacant. The development was revealed to The PUNCH on Thursday by the LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, and the party’s National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, The party’s legal battle aims to recover the seats of the six defected Reps and secure the refund of all salaries and allowances they have received as lawmakers. In December 2024, Ajang Iliya, the member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in Plateau State, announced his defection to the APC. His defection raised the total number of lawmakers lost by the LP to six, joining Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau). Iliya cited the crisis within the Labour Party and the need to align with the policies and developmental initiatives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as reasons for his decision. However, the party’s leadership dismissed these defectors as insignificant, describing them as “paper-weight politicians” who wouldn’t be missed by their supporters. Speaking with our correspondent, Ifoh expressed frustration over the evasive actions of the affected lawmakers, saying that after multiple failed attempts to serve court documents, the party would have no choice but to hand over the matter to the Clerk of the National Assembly and publish the names of the defectors in national newspapers. He said, “But you know LP has taken one of our Ondo lawmakers to court in the past and he lost his seat. At that time, it was easy to get judgment. They are just going to the APC to waste their time as over half of them will not get return tickets. The remaining ones that get will lose the election. Those who may make it back to the National Assembly wouldn’t be more than two per cent.” Obiora further stated, “We are also ready to receive them back should they make an attempt to return. In politics, you don’t close your door but it will be on our terms and conditions.” | LP; DEFECTIONS; APC; PDP; | PUNCH | ||||
| PUNCH | 10 JAN 2025 | INEC says over 6 million voter cards remain uncollected since 2015, urges Nigerians not to play into the hands of politicians seeking to perpetuate stay in power. | FRESH disclosures by the Independent National Electoral Commission that over six million Permanent Voter Cards were not collected by voters ahead of the 2023 elections, including those issued since 2015, are disturbing. In a country where candidates win elections by a little below or above one million votes, six million uncollected PVCs are huge and can make a significant difference. For a robust democracy, Nigerians should fulfil their civic obligations by collecting their PVCs. They should vote in elections. Since the PVC confers legitimacy to qualified citizens to elect their leaders, all registered voters must have access to it. To do otherwise is de-enfranchisement. PVC collection should, therefore, be easy, and voting should be convenient. Frustrated by some citizens’ non-collection of PVCs, INEC has recently proposed the withdrawal of PVCs left uncollected in the past decade, the gradual phase-out of PVCs, and their replacement with computer-generated slips or credentials containing the voter register resident in the BVAS. This initiative is one of the 208 proposals arising from the commission’s review of the 2023 general elections. INEC said, “The utility of the PVC is now limited to voter identification. …With the BVAS, voters can be identified using their registration slips, otherwise known as the Temporary Voter Card and accredited biometrically without the need for a plastic PVC.” INEC has however denied the news making the rounds that burning the uncollected cards is part of its proposals. This is cheering, especially given the humongous sum involved in printing the cards. INEC’s December-February time frame for collection of PVCs was rather short for a challenge that had persisted for 16 years. An open-ended or longer time frame should have been preferred. Besides, the issues responsible for the non-collection of six million PVCs are deeper than INEC would want to admit. At its introduction, the collection of PVCs was a cumbersome and tortuous exercise. The news was replete with the pains Nigerians went through to collect PVCs. PVC collection seems politicised. Of the 93,469,008 that registered during the 2023 elections, 87,209,007 or 93.3 per cent collected PVCs, leaving 6,259,229 or 6.7 per cent uncollected. Of the 93.47 million registered voters, only 24.9 million persons voted in the presidential and National Assembly elections, representing 26.72 per cent voter turnout, the lowest since the return to democracy in 1999. | INEC; PVCs; POLITICS; ELECTION | PUNCH | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 10 JAN 2025 | FG says minimum wage will be reviewed before the end of Tinubu's first term as citizens raise brows in suspicion ahead of 2027 | The Federal Government has restated its commitment to review the N70,000 minimum wage before the end of the present administration. It further reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of workers. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed this during a briefing in Umuahia, Abia, after meeting with labour leaders in the state. She emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is determined to honour his promises to workers and prioritise their well-being. “We are not going to allow minimum wage review to be forever. It used to be about five years, but now, in three year’s time, which is less than two years, we will also review the minimum wage “This promise remains on course and will be fulfilled to further improve workers’ welfare”, Onyejeocha stated. She further noted that the review timeline has been clearly documented, assuring workers of the Federal Government’s sincerity and commitment to transparency. Onyejeocha also used the opportunity to remind labour leaders of their critical role in fostering stability and peace across the nation, particularly in the workplace. She called for a collaborative effort to ensure a productive and strike-free year. “We should have a strike-free year, where we will be able to work with the government in partnership, knowing that if we are at peace, we will be more productive,” she said. Tinubu had approved a minimum wage of N70,000 in July 2024 with a promise to review it every three years. | FG; MINIMUM WAGE; NLC; HUNGER | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 14 JAN 2025 | Lagos House of Assembly elects first female Speaker as several versions of why Obasa was impeached flood the news | Mrs Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, representing Apapa I, has been elected as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This followed the removal of Mudashiru Obasa who has been occupying the seat since 2015. The impeachment took place at the plenary in the Lagos House of Assembly on Monday following the allegation of gross misconduct against Obasa. Meranda was elected as a replacement making her first female speaker in the parliament since 1999. The Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Fatai Mojeed, has also been elected as the Deputy Speaker. Daily Trust reports that Obasa has fallen out of favour following his controversial comments on the Lagos 2027 governorship. In November, last year, when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was presenting 2025 budget, Obasa stoked controversy when he declared that he is not too young or lacks experience to run for Lagos governor, insisting that “those who have been before me are not better of.” Obasa was later accused of spending N17 billion on a gate to the assembly complex. There have also been allegations of mishandling constituency funds and projects. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was first elected as a member of the House in 2015, representing Apapa constituency 1. She was re-elected in 2019 and 2023. Mrs. Meranda, a Lagos blue blood, was the Chief Whip of the ninth house. Before her time in the House, Mrs. Meranda served the Apapa local government in different capacities. She also worked in the private sector. She is one of only four women in the 40-member 10th assembly. | APC; OBASA; LAGOS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; IMPEACHMENT | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 14 JAN 2025 | National Assembly laments the low remittance of revenue to the Federation Account by Ministries, Departments and Agencies. | The National Assembly on Monday expressed concerns over low remittances of revenue generated in 2024 by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and some government-owned enterprises (GOEs) to the federation account. The Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), expressed displeasure over the development during an interactive session on MDAs’ revenue projections for 2025 in Abuja. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) were present. Senator Sani said the Senate was deeply worried about the widening disparity between the substantial revenue accruals to the MDAs and their consistently low remittances to the federation account. | NASS; FEDERATION ACCOUNT; MDAs; FEDERAL GOVT | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 14 JAN 2025 | Edwin Clark calls for the suspension of the NGF as report exposes states’ shortcomings, departure from founding principles | Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has urged the immediate suspension and reform of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), accusing the body of undermining democracy and constitutional governance. In an open letter to Nigerians, Clark criticised the NGF for deviating from its original purpose of fostering inter-state collaboration. He described its evolution into a powerful bloc that prioritises governors’ interests over the welfare of the people as a betrayal of its founding mission. “The NGF began as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among governors, but it has become a cabal capable of challenging constitutional order and stifling local government autonomy,” Clark wrote. Drawing comparisons with the U.S. Governors’ Association, Clark noted the contrast between its governance-focused mission and the NGF’s tendencies towards political manipulation. He accused the Forum of wielding undue influence over state assemblies, describing them as mere extensions of the executive, where governors handpick Speakers and Assembly members to suppress dissent and erode legislative independence. At the federal level, Clark criticised the NGF for facilitating the transition of former governors into Senate positions, turning the legislative chamber into a “retirement haven” that undermines its role as a check on executive power. Clark decried the NGF’s transformation from a noble vision into a power-driven entity, lamenting its departure from its founding principles. While critics have labelled the NGF a “notorious cabal,” he expressed optimism for its reform, advocating for the Forum to become a collaborative body rooted in constitutional values and good governance. “Reform is not an indictment but an opportunity to rebuild and recommit,” Clark stated, urging the NGF to prioritise the people over politics. In a dramatic appeal, Clark proposed suspending the Forum to prevent further crises between state and federal governments. He also emphasised the need for a thorough overhaul to realign the NGF with its founding mission. “The NGF stands at a crossroads. Its survival depends on its willingness to embrace reform and align with the principles of democracy,” Clark concluded. Clark’s criticism came as the NGF’s health sector expenditure and institutional review report revealed that the 36 states rely on external funding for 16 per cent of their health budgets. The report, obtained yesterday, noted, “State governments rely on external sources, including aid, grants, and loans, for 16 per cent of their health budgets. Grant and international aid programmes were the primary sources of non-discretionary capital funding for most states, with less than a quarter opting for loans to finance their capital projects in the sector.” The report attributed the low loan uptake to challenges in securing them or a lack of interest in pursuing such financing options. In 2022, total health expenditure by the 36 states amounted to N505 billion—seven per cent of their total spending—an increase from N484 billion in 2021. In 2023, the states collectively budgeted N923.31 billion for the health sector, representing an 83 per cent increase from the total expenditure in 2022. However, the report noted that budget performance for the sector averages around 63 per cent yearly, suggesting that actual spending in 2023 may fall significantly short of the N923.31 billion target. State governments’ average yearly health expenditure stands at N14 billion, with significant variations among states. According to the report, only 15 states had a medium-term health sector strategy (MTSS) that included at least the 2024 budget year. The report also highlighted the use of alternative planning documents and frameworks by health ministries in some states to guide resource allocation. It noted that these tools often prescribe activities, outputs, and outcomes similar to those outlined in the MTSS, although they are driven at the ministry level. | NGF; TAX REFORM BILLS; EDWIN CLARK | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 14 JAN 2025 | House of Reps Panel commends Army on their use of the budgetary allocation, gives them 99% pass mark | The House of Representatives Committee on the Army has expressed satisfaction over the usage of the 2024 budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Army. The committee, chaired by Mr Aminu Balele, at the 2025 budget defence session at the National Assembly on Monday, promised to assist the Nigerian Army through adequate budgetary provisions to tackle the insecurity challenges affecting the country. Balele said the Army can rest assured that his committee would champion the welfare of troops, ensure adequate power provisions, and promote capacity building at all levels. Speaking on the Army’s 2024 budget performance after a closed-door session with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, he said that the committee was satisfied with their submission regarding implementation. He said: “In terms of implementation, it was excellent. They have achieved over 99 per cent in terms of implementation, and more to it, we have sent our colleagues and we have gone all around the country during the oversight function. “We have largely understood whatever they brought, and it is perfect and okay. It’s just a question of, you know, there is so much pressure from Nigerians. They need quick, you know, security solutions. They need quick, you know, results to address the issue of insecurity that is affecting our nation. Thank you. | HOUSE OF REPS; BUDGETARY ALLOCATION; NIGERIAN ARMY; BUDGETARY ALLOCATION | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 14 JAN 2025 | NASS to probe alleged loss of N4tr to waivers by govt agencies | The National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has established a special panel to probe a shortfall of over N4 trillion in revenue due to indiscriminate waivers by agencies of government. The lawmakers lamented that due to waivers, there is a serious shortfall between what is supposed to be collected as revenue and what is actually collected. The lawmakers came to this decision on Monday at the Joint Committee hearing, co-chaired by Senator Sani Musa and Rep James Faleke, held to probe the revenue profiles of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) ahead of the 2025 budget. The hearing was intended to enable the Senate and House of Representatives Committees to develop accurate and realistic revenue projections for 2025. The panel to probe the shortfall followed a motion moved by Senator Adamu Aliero. Moving the motion, Aliero said, “Due to the issue of waivers, there is a serious shortfall between what is supposed to be collected as revenue and what is actually collected. | NASS; MDAs; FINANCE; GOVT AGENCIES; | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 15 JAN 2025 | Nigeria marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day as stakeholders call for better equipment, compensation and prosecution of terrorists | Today, in the absence of President Bola Tinubu, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to release white pigeons in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day. But beyond the symbolic annual ritual of remembering the sacrifices of serving soldiers and fallen heroes, the armed forces hierarchy has been urged to do all that is possible to de-escalate the insecurity in the country and intensify its counter-terrorism efforts by decisively dismantling operations of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province. The President, in his charge to the armed forces, called on them to embrace innovation and adaptability in addressing the nation’s security challenges. Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2025 Regimental and Award Night for Officers in Abuja, the President said the country needed courage, strength, innovation, and adaptability. He stressed that the country must continue to boost the capabilities of its military, equipping it with the resources and support necessary to address the evolving security challenges that confront it effectively. Tinubu added that the exemplary service and commitment of the honoured officers had not gone unnoticed, as it stood as a shining example of what it meant to serve the country selflessly with distinction. He assured the armed forces that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of personnel, ensuring that they had the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively. This is coming on the heels of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa’s recent revelation that more than 60,000 children were among the over 120,000 Boko Haram members who voluntarily surrendered at his last count. Recounting his experience from the frontlines, a former Nigerian soldier, Ayodele Olawale, yesterday revealed that Boko Haram terrorists often gained the upper hand in battles due to the Nigerian Army’s lack of adequate ammunition. | ARMED FORCES REMEMBERANCE DAY; NIGERIAN ARMY; | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 15 JAN 2025 | "N50b budget can’t end insecurity," Matawale tells lawmakers as House Committee on Defence resolves to increase budgetary allocation | Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has told lawmakers that the proposed N50 billion budget for the ministry in 2025 is grossly inadequate to address the country’s security challenges. He noted that the current security situation in Nigeria required more funding and a more comprehensive approach. This is as the House of Representatives Committee on Defence resolved to increase the budgetary provision of the Ministry of Defence to sustain the success being recorded in the fight against insecurity in the country. The committee decided on the adoption of a motion by a member, Philip Agbese, who commended the military for their efforts. Matawale spoke, yesterday when he appeared before the committee to defend his ministry’s budget for 2025. Matawale told the committee that the sum of N50 billion allocated for the ministry in the 2025 budget was inadequate and appealed for an upward review, assuring them that with adequate funding, the problem of banditry would be addressed in two months. He, however, promised that despite the limited resources, the ministry and the personnel would do their best to ensure the safety of all citizens. Chairman of the Committee, Babajimi Benson, said the importance of the defence sector could not be overstated as it was the backbone of the nation’s security architecture, tasked with addressing diverse threats that challenge our peace and stability. | INSECURITY; DEFENCE; SECURITY | GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE CABLE | 15 JAN 2025 | Tinubu appoints Folashade Adekaiyaoja as first female Deputy Director-General of DSS | President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Folashade Adekaiyaoja as deputy director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS). Adekaiyaoja, who hails from Kogi state, is the first female operative of the DSS to occupy the position. While the presidency has not made an official statement, a source told TheCable that the appointment is part of the president’s efforts to reorganise the secret police for better performance. The source, who asked not to be named because he is not authorised to speak on the appointment, said Tinubu is poised to restore professionalism to the service. He added that the appointment, the first by any president in the history of Nigeria, also aims at enhancing career progression for operatives in the service. TheCable understands that Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), recommended Adekaiyaoja for the appointment through Oluwatosin Ajayi, the DG of the DSS. In December 2024, President Tinubu tasked security agencies to propose ways to improve service delivery, and Adekaiyaoja’s appointment is seen as a key step in this direction. He had also promised to support the DSS and other security agencies with artificial intelligence-powered equipment to combat insecurity." | DSS; DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL; TINUBU; | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 15 JAN 2025 | Court orders release of Bashir Hadejia, Matawalle's ex-aide arrested for 'treason', awards N10m fine against the IGP | A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the release of Bashir Hadejia, a politician and businessman, who was reportedly arrested for alleged terrorism. In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, described the invasion of Hadejia’s home, his arrest without a warrant, and his detention as unlawful and a breach of his fundamental human rights. Nwite, who ordered that the applicant be released unconditionally, also ordered a perpetual injunction restraining the inspector-general of police (IGP), his agents, or servants from any unlawful arrest and detention of Hadejia. The judge awarded a N10 million fine against the IGP. Hadejia was reportedly arrested by the force intelligence department intelligence response team (FID-IRT) over alleged “treason and subversion against the state” in August 2024. He was a former special adviser on special duties to Bello Matawalle, ex-governor of Zamfara. | DEFENCE; TREASON; FINE; IGP; MATAWALLE | CABLE | ||||
| PUNCH | 15 JAN 2025 | Open Competitive Bidding: Fed. High Court to hear Funsho Doherty's suit challenging Lagos-Calabar highway contract on 27 Jan 2025 | The Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed January 27, 2025, to hear a lawsuit challenging the award of the N15tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to HiTech Construction Company. Justice A. O. Owoeye fixed the hearing date on Tuesday after resolving the issue of appearance for the second defendant and granting an extension of time to parties to enable them to regularize their processes. A former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Lagos State, Funsho Doherty, had dragged the Attorney General of the Federation, Bureau of Public Procurement, and HiTech Construction Company before the court over open competitive bidding. Doherty alleged that the Federal Ministry of Works violated the Public Procurement Act 2007 by awarding the first two phases of the highway to HiTech Construction through a single-source procurement process, bypassing the required open competitive bidding. He accused the Federal Ministry of Works of unlawfully awarding the highway’s first two sections to HiTech Construction without adhering to Nigeria’s public procurement laws. In his originating summons, Doherty argued that the ministry’s decision bypassed the open competitive bidding process mandated by the Public Procurement Act 2007. | FED HIGH COURT; LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY; OPEN COMPETITIVE BIDDING | PUNCH | ||||
| THE CABLE | 20 JAN 2025 | Criticisms flood in as Wike makes U-turn on state police creation, says Nigeria lacks institutional capacity for state policing | Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says Nigeria does not have the institutional capacity for state policing. The creation of state police has been on the front burner for years now, with many governors advocating for its implementation to enhance security within their domains. Last year, Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, announced that all 36 state governments had submitted their reports backing the creation of state police. He said state policing would serve as a crucial step towards improving security across the country. Speaking during a media chat on Sunday, Wike said the adoption of state or community policing would birth autocratic governors in several states. “In Nigeria, what system do we run? Is Abuja different from Nigeria when you talk about the police? People have been recommending community policing and state police,” he said. “Knowing where we are, and where we are from, if you allow that, so many people would not come out of their houses. So, I said let’s try it first and see how it works. “But so many people said there’s no need to try, that we have seen that if they allow state policing today, nobody would oppose any state governor. It is either you would die for murder or for armed robbery. Our institutions are not such that are independent.” The former governor said his previous support for state police does not necessarily mean it is still the right decision today. “The mere fact that I supported state police [when I was governor], if I was wrong, I was wrong. If I was right, I was right,” he said. “What we are saying is that our institutions are not strong to be independent of manipulation by the system.” During his first term as governor of Rivers, Wike assented to a bill establishing the neighbourhood safety corps. Some of the functions of the corps included the detection of crime, arrest of offenders with or without a warrant, and bearing arms in the performance of their duties, among others. | WIKE; STATE POLICING; FCT | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 20 JAN 2025 | Eyes on Ministry of Steel Development as National Assembly queries ‘ghost projects’ during budget defence | The joint national assembly committee on steel development has queried what it describes as “ghost projects” in the federal ministry of steel development. The panel alleged that these projects were “designed to divert public funds”. The committee handed down its query at the weekend when Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, appeared before it to defend his ministry’s 2025 budget. Zainab Gimba, chair of the house of representatives committee on steel development, said some infractions such as violations of the fiscal responsibility act in the execution of the ministry’s 2024 budget were noticed. “A first-hand appraisal of the 2024 submissions shows some Budget infractions as funds allocated for unspecified capacity-building programmes and skills training initiatives in the steel sector show no evidence of execution or impact,” the lawmaker said. “The act mandates efficient use of public resources and accountability for project outcomes. Several projects, especially related to Ajaokuta Steel, failed to meet these criteria. “There are ghost projects which are a direct violation of Nigeria’s financial regulations, which require all expenditures to be backed by documentation and outcomes.” Patrick Ndubueze, chairman of the senate committee on steel development, said the nation assembly is concerned about putting Nigeria where it ought to be in steel development. “Nigeria cannot make much progress without a solid steel industry. We have to place emphasis on capital projects, not payment of salaries,” he said. “For us to do well, we cannot be repeating the same mistakes every time. We expected that the ministry would have improved by now.” Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the committee, wondered how the minister arrived at the sum of $2 billion to revamp the Ajaokuta Steel Complex without completing a proper audit. In responding, the minister said he would address the concerns raised by the committee. | MINISTRY OF STEEL; BUDGET DEFENCE | CABLE | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 20 JAN 2025 | Niger Tanker Explosion: Death toll rises, 86 buried, 43 hospitalised, many others remain missing | Eighty six of the victims of the Saturday’s fuel tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been buried, the State Emergency Management Agency disclosed yesterday. The Director-General of the agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said the mass burial, conducted in collaboration with Gurara LGA and local volunteers, took place between 5 p.m. and midnight at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre. He said while most of the bodies were interred in a mass grave, five were taken by relatives for burial in their hometowns, and one person passed away at the healthcare facility. The explosion occurred after a fuel tanker crashed at Dikko Junction, a major route between Niger and Kaduna states. As residents attempted to scoop fuel from the spill, a massive blaze erupted, claiming the lives of many, including those trying to assist the victims. Travellers and passersby were also caught up in the inferno; just as many businesses operating around the area also perished. Narrating the incident to Daily Trust yesterday, a resident, who gave his name as Yerima, said: “Security operatives tried their best to stop people from scooping the fuel but they didn’t listen. One of the boys even brought out a knife to stab a police officer who wanted to stop him from scooping fuel.” The roads around Dikko, particularly the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, are heavily trafficked. The dilapidated condition of the roads has exacerbated the risk of accidents, as many drivers avoid the more insecure Kaduna-Birnin Gwari route. | NIGER TANKER EXPLOSION; NIGER STATE | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 20 JAN 2025 | No end in sight as Obasanjo, Buhari testify over $6bn Mambilla Power contract scandal | rmer presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari are testifying before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, France, in connection with the $2.3 billion arbitration proceedings filed against Nigeria by Sunrise Power over an alleged breach of contract by the federal government. Sources confirmed to Daily Trust yesterday that both leaders are in Paris in respect of the matter. A presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had Saturday night denied a report that the Presidency forced some eminent Nigerians to testify in the arbitration proceeding taking place in Paris. Onanuga, who did not deny the existence of the case, had said: “All the eminent Nigerians involved in Nigeria’s defence are doing so willingly and out of sheer patriotism and conviction. President Tinubu and the entire country are grateful to them.” | MAMBILLA POWER; SCANDAL; CORRUPTION | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 21 JAN 2025 | Okpebholo swears in Edo SUBEB Chairman, six commissioners in Edo State | Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in the new Chairman of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), and six commissioners. Also sworn in were members of Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), and State Secondary Education Board (SSEB). Addressing the newly sworn in executives at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Okpebholo charged them to help him drive development and progress in the state, stressing that his administration was in a hurry to bring development. Harping on the unique qualities and capacity of the newly sworn in executives, Okpebholo noted that they reflected the requisite commitment of his administration to bring good governance, efficient and effective service delivery and fulfill the promises made to the people of Edo State. “To the newly appointed executives, congratulations on your appointment. This appointment is not just an honor but a call to serve with dedication, integrity, and excellence. “You have been chosen because of your skills and the trust we have in your ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of our State. “I encourage you to work with a share sense of purpose, prioritize teamwork, and remain focused on improving the lives of our citizens. Together, we can make Edo State a model of growth and prosperity.” The new Chairman of SUBEB was Onomen Goodness Briggs, while the new Commissioners were Sir Lucky Eseigbe; Hon. Paul Nosayaba Ohonbamu; Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu; Hon. Dr. Washington Osa Osifo; Mr. Andrew Ijegbai; and Barr. Marie Olabisi ldaomi. Portfolios for the new commissioners will be announced later. Other board chairmen were Jonathan Aifuobhokhan as Chairman, EDSIEC; Francis Osaretin Osabuohien, chairman, EDSOGPADEC; and Omozane Ebanehita Sonia as chairman, SSEB. | EDO STATE POLITICS; CABINET MEMBERS; | THISDAY | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 21 JAN 2025 | Humanitarian Affairs Ministry seeks N260 billion budget allocation to create 2 million jobs in 2025 | The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has asked the National Assembly to approve N260 billion for it in the 2025 budget in order to create two million jobs. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, made the demand on Friday when he appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Poverty Reduction and Social Investment for the ministry’s 2025 budget defence. But the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence said the total allocation of N595,024,943,368 billion to the sub-sector in the 2025 appropriation bill was inadequate. The committee chairman, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the budget defence meeting with agencies under the committee’s oversight jurisdiction. Yilwatda was accompanied to the session by the national coordinator of National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Mr. Gbadamosi Lawan. He said, “The National Assembly should note that the ministry has a mandate to create two million jobs in 2025. “This will be achieved through a combination of efforts: the ministry has already procured starter packs that would enable over 110,000 beneficiaries to embark on self-reliant ventures. “These starter packs are vital tools for entrepreneurship and economic growth. “However, to ensure the success of these programmes, we require N55 billion funds to conduct a two-week intensive training for all beneficiaries, payment of resource person and logistics funding to facilitate the effective distribution of the starter packs at N45,000 per beneficiary. “There is need for monitoring and evaluation to ensure the transparency and sustainability of these initiatives at N5,000 per beneficiary. “Additionally, we need to train 50,000 unemployed graduates and non-graduates under our Skill2Wealth Initiative which seeks to create many micro and small-scale businesses. “This will cost N50 billion (at N1,000,000 per beneficiary: covering training in all the 36 states and FCT, Starter pack, linkage to the market and M&E).” Yilwatda added, “There is also the need to create a budget line for Humanitarian Response Fund of N10 billion for communities affected by climate-change related disasters, conflicts and man-made crises, including: flooding, fire outbreaks and insurgency attacks that have displaced thousands. “In the same vein, another budget line of N15 billion is required in 2025 fiscal year for durable solutions for households affected by disaster in 2024, just as additional sum of N130 billion is required by the ministry as intervention fund to resolve these humanitarian and poverty reduction challenges across the country in 2025.” | HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS; JOB CREATION; 2025 BUDGET ALLOCATION | THISDAY | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 21 JAN 2025 | "N46 Billion is not sufficient for job creation," says Minister of Labour & Employment as he seeks more funds in the 2025 budget | The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has urged the National Assembly to appropriate more funds in the Ministry’s 2025 budget to enable it scale up the performance of key areas of employment generation. He said the total budgetary allocation of N46 billion, seventy-nine million, nine hundred and sixty thousand, five hundred and forty-four naira (N46, 079, 960, 544.00) for the ministry and its parastatals this year would not be sufficient to attain set objectives. He said that the fund would be particularly used to renovate, reconstruct, and re-equip the skills development centres under the ministry and its agencies across the country, aimed at generating employment. Dingyadi spoke in Abuja at the 2025 Budget Defence meetings with the House Committee, and the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, respectively. A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations Patience Onuobia quoted the minister as having said that skill development programmes would generate sustainable job opportunities for individuals, which would ultimately promote national economic growth. Dangyadi maintained that creating jobs through skill development is crucial to achieving part of the federal government’s agenda. The Minister said: “One of the key priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is job creation, which falls under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. “For us to achieve this noble objective, we need special funds to renovate, reconstruct, and re-equip the skills development centres under the ministry and its agencies across the country. “We are aware that many of the infrastructural projects in this year’s budget can be used to create jobs for our teeming youths. However, over 60% of such jobs are unskilled jobs that are not sustainable. Once the project is completed, many of them will go back to become unemployed. “The best solution to unemployment is the creation of skilled jobs with starter packs, where trainees will set up their own self-sustaining jobs to contribute to the economic growth of the nation.” | MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT; JOB CREATION; BUDGET ALLOCATION | THISDAY | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 21 JAN 2025 | 2025 Anambra Governorship Polls: Political parties gear up for primaries set to be held from 20th March to 10th April | Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo last Saturday while launching a security operation codenamed; ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi’ at the International Convention Center in Awka told people of the state that he recently marked his two years and 10 months in office. What this means is that the governor still has a year and two months to complete his first term, but already, there is a clamour from political gladiators in the state on how to take his seat. This year, precisely on November 8, eligible voters in the state will go to the polls to either renew Soludo’s tenure as governor, or vote him out. The country’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in October, 2023 issued a guideline for the conduct of the election. It said: “The Commission has approved that the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will hold on Saturday 8th November 2025. In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025. “The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025. Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday, 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 polling units across the State on Saturday, 8th November 2025,” the commission said. Already, politicians have started placing themselves in good standing with both the electorates and political parties, in readiness for the contest. Typical of Anambra state which has always been known for multiplicity of contestants, many are already warming up from various parties, but what must be taken into cognizance is that only few parties are rooted in Anambra State, and any contest outside the key ones may just be a waste of resources. | ANAMBRA STATE; ELECTION 2025; PRIMARIES | THISDAY | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 22 JAN 2025 | Edo Gov. Tribunal: Witnesses reveal how INEC excluded collation of results in 76 PUs, tenders CTCs of result sheets from IReV | A witness, yesterday, at the Edo State Governorship Tribunal, revealed how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allegedly unlawfully excluded a total of 2,840 votes scored by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo in 76 Polling Units in Ward 2, Ikpoba Okha LGA at the September 21st Governorship Election in Edo State. Giving his testimony at the resumed hearing of the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, a PDP witness and LGA Collation Agent for Ikpoba Okha, established in evidence with graphic details that INEC unlawfully excluded 2,840 PDP votes during collation from ward to local government levels. He tendered IREV’s Certified True Copies (CTC) results sheets obtained from INEC and the duplicate copies of polling unit result sheets Form EC8A issued by INEC to polling unit agents as documentary evidence. He revealed that while the correct scores were contained in the IReV duly Certified True Copies (CTCs) declared and uploaded at the various polling units, noting that the incorrect scores were later computed in favour of APC at the Ward to state Level in Forms EC8B-E. The witness further stated that as a Collation Agent, he thoroughly examined agents duplicate copies and INEC verified CTCs of all Result sheets Forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D used for the election and discovered that results from 76 polling units in Ward 2, Ikpoba Okha LGA were declared at the PU levels and uploaded on IREV before transmission to ward level for collation, but the results were not finally collated at the LGA and State level by INEC. Under cross-examination by Counsel to respondents, Kanu Agabi, SAN, the witness reaffirmed that he was a Collation Agent in the election and that he examined the result sheets himself. He went further to tender his agent identification Tags, CTCs of INEC original result sheets, BVAS Accreditation and original result sheets from IREV. The court admitted all the evidence before adjourning to Wednesday for appearance of more witnesses.l Similarly, the witness from Akoko-Edo LGA while givingoral evidence, or Akoko-Edo disclosed that number of votes cast in the area exceeded BVAS accreditation for eight polling units. He also disclosed that INEC incorrectly computed and inflated 5,724 votes for APC in 48 Polling Units in Akoko Edo, adding that they (INEC) failed to record serial number of result sheets in 17 PUs He further alleged that there was was over-voting in 8 Polling Units(PUs) as INEC BVAS report of accreditation showed clearly that the total number of votes cast and declared by INEC in result sheets Forms EC8A were in excess of the total accreditation figures captured by BVAS in 8 Polling Units in the LGA. In addition, he testified that INEC collated incorrect scores in favour of APC in 48 Polling Units across Wards 4 and 9 in Akoko Edo Lga of Edo State. He stated that from a thorough examination of agent copies and INEC CTCs of Results Forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D used to declare the results of the Governorship Election in the LGA, it was manifest that INEC made incorrect computation of the results in the affected polling units (PUs). During Cross examination by Counsel to the 2nd respondent(Okpebholo), Oyechi Ikpeazu SAN, the witness reiterated that he was a Collation Agent in the LGA and that examined all the documents he mentioned in paragraphs 6, 18, 27 and 28 of his written statement on oath. | EDO GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL; INEC; COLLATION; | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 22 JAN 2025 | Senate says census must be conducted before 2027, plans meeting With Tinubu | The Senate has vowed to push for the conduct of a national population census before the current administration ends in 2027. Advertisement This commitment was reiterated during a budget defense session with the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra. The Chairman of the Committee on National Identity Management and Population, Senator Abdul Ningi, said, “We will not rest on our oars until a census is conducted before this administration ends”. He revealed that the Senate was preparing to meet with President Bola Tinubu to stress the urgency of conducting the census in 2025. “We will soon engage the President on this matter and formally write to him through the Senate President, highlighting the need for a census this year,” he said. Also, Senator Olalere Oyewunmi underscored the importance of pressuring the President to prioritise the census. Similarly, Senator Diket Plang lamented the country’s reliance on estimated population figures, which hampers effective planning. “It’s disheartening that we are still working with estimates in this modern age. How can we plan without knowing the exact population? It’s sad that 2024 passed without achieving 90 percent performance. According to him, we need to know our population, urging for a definitive count by 2025,” he said. The population commission boss explained that the census budget is yet to be finalised, as they plan to integrate a biometric component into the process. | CENSUS; SENATE; TINUBU; 2027 ELECTIONS | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 22 JAN 2025 | National Assembly tackles Minister of Regional Development over bias, saying 70% of its 2024 projects were executed in his state. | The National Assembly Joint Committee on Regional Development yesterday accused the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, of allegedly disregarding the principles of federal character by citing more projects of the ministry in Edo State. The members wondered why 70 percent of the Ministry’s projects for 2024 were domiciled in his home state. They argued that it should not be so when the Ministry was to take care of the interest of the entire Niger Delta region. During the session, one of the members, Chinedu Ogar (APC, Ebonyi), pointedly accused the Minister of taking 70 percent of the project to his home state. Ogar said, “I am happy that you are a product of the National Assembly. My constituents are not happy with this your budget because it negates the constitutional principle of federal character. About 70 percent of your projects are located in Edo state. Why?” However, the Minister was not allowed by the Committee to respond to the question on camera as they asked the media to leave the hearing room to allow them go into an executive session. After the executive session, the Minister told journalists that all the issues raised by the federal lawmakers had been resolved. While presenting the 2024 budget performance, the Minister told the members that out of the N20 billion allocated to the Ministry in 2024 for capital budget, N2 billion was provided for zonal intervention in the Ministry’s budget by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere. | NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT; FEDERAL CHARACTER; | THISDAY | ||||
| THE CABLE | 22 JAN 2025 | Court denies El-Rufai’s Ex-Commissioner bail. Recall he is charged for laundering $45 million of state resources and selling it at an undervalued rate of N410 per dollar. | The Kaduna state high court has declined to hear the bail application filed by Mohammed Bashir Sa’idu, a former commissioner in the state, in the alleged money laundering trial. The Kaduna government arraigned Sa’idu on Tuesday on a 10-count charge bordering on money laundering, embezzlement, and stealing. The former commissioner pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The state government accused Sa’idu of “selling $45 million in hard currency belonging to the Kaduna State Government, equivalent to N18,450,000,000, at the significantly undervalued rate of N410 per dollar, instead of the parallel market rate of ₦498 per dollar, with criminal intent, resulting in an N3,960,000,000 loss to the government”. The state government said the alleged offence took place in 2022 when Sa’idu was commissioner for finance under the administration of Nasir el-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna. During the court’s proceedings, M. I. Abubakar, the counsel to the former commissioner, said he has a pending bail application for his client. The counsel asked the court to grant bail to his client since he was arrested on January 2, 2025. He added that the former commissioner should be granted the bail to enable him to prepare for his defence. However, Nasiru Aliyu, the prosecuting counsel, objected to the bail application. Aliyu told the court that the law provides that the prosecution be allowed seven days to file its response to the bail application. In his ruling, Isa Aliyu, the presiding judge, granted the prayers of the prosecution and adjourned the case to January 23 for a hearing of the bail application. Sa’idu served as the commissioner for local government affairs, chief of staff, and commissioner for finance during the administration of el-Rufai. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had also filed a similar charge against the former commissioner at the federal high court in Kaduna. | KADUNA; MONEY LAUNDERING; | CABLE | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 22 JAN 2025 | David Umahi counters investigative report, says Abuja-Kaduna road was awarded to Infiouest, not Infoquest. Recall he was accused of awarding the said contract to a non-existent company with address traced to a residence in Lagos | The Minister of Works, Sen David Umahi has said that the contract for the remaining sector of Section 2 of the Abuja-Kaduna highway was awarded to Infiouest International Limited, not Infoquest Nigeria Limited as stated in the Daily Trust report of Tuesday. Sen. Umahi, at a press conference yesterday, said the two companies bear similar pronunciation, stressing that Infiouest is a French word. “Infiouest is a French name. In French, O is pronounced like Q. So the pronouncement is the same. If you pronounce Infoquest in English, it is Q, but if you pronounce it in French it is O,” Umahi said. Curiously, however, Infoquest Nigeria Limited, the company Daily Trust reported as securing the contract in its report of Tuesday, quickly prompted the opening of an account on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) portal in the early hours of yesterday. Records show the account was created on January 21, 2025, at 05:59:42 WAT and last updated the same day at 07:59:03. However, the FIRS document shows that the company’s business status remains “Not commenced.” In our yesterday’s edition, this newspaper had published the status of Infoquest generated at 22:21 (Monday, January 20, 2025) which shows that the company is inactive. Speaking to our reporter, a source who is familiar with the procedures and operations of the FIRS, as well as extant laws governing awards of contracts, said Infoquest had never paid tax and had hurriedly registered as a tax-paying entity in the early hours of yesterday. “It is a statutory requirement that for you to be given any contract, you must be paying tax and have your tax clearance certificate by the Federal Inland Revenue Service. They uploaded the details at an FIRS office in Lagos, Ajah. “As of yesterday (Monday), there was no record. It was registered today (Tuesday) with all the details,” the source said. | MINISTER OF WORKS; ABUJA-KADUNA ROAD; CONTRACT AWARD | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 22 JAN 2025 | Tinubu meets Fubara, Wike, Ogoni leaders at Aso Rock, sue for peace and development in Ogoni Land | President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, held a closed-door meeting with a delegation of Ogoni leaders led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Also present at the meeting was the Chief of staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and other ministers and aides. The meeting came after a coalition of civil society organisations demanded an allocation of $1 trillion from the Federal Government for the cleanup of the Niger Delta and compensation for lost livelihoods, before the resumption of crude oil production in Ogoniland. The meeting came amid the protracted feud between Fubara and Wike who were once political allies. Wike was the immediate-past governor of the oil-rich South-South state. After the meeting, Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate negotiations with various parties within Ogoniland in the oil-rich Niger Delta area to resume oil production in the area. The President said his administration would prioritise peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area. Tinubu called for unity and reconciliation, urging the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment. “We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. “We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland,” the President said. | TINUBU; OGONI LAND; RIVERS STATE; WIKE; FUBARA | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 22 JAN 2025 | Amidst funding challenges, Nigerian govt establishes new polytechnic in Abuja, names it after Tinubu | Despite persistent funding challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the federal government has approved the establishment of a new federal polytechnic in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced in a letter to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that the new institution would be named after President Bola Tinubu and sited in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Mr Alausa requested that Mr Wike suggest a suitable location for the polytechnic’s temporary and permanent sites to facilitate its commencement. The letter reads in part: “In addition, the technical team from the Federal Ministry of Education and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) would be visiting the sites to review and inspect the recommended locations, and based on the report presented by the team, the approval will be given. “Perhaps I should add that the Ministry, at this point, encourages takeover of existing Tertiary institutions if the Minister wishes.” | POLYTECHNIC; ABUJA; TINUBU; | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 23 JAN 2025 | NASS panel threatens to withhold aviation budget until ex-Nigerian Airways workers are paid. Aviation Minister says Finance Ministry is responsible | The National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation has threatened to withhold approval of the allocation to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development unless provisions are made for the N36 billion owed to former workers of the defunct Nigerian Airways. The lawmakers made the resolution when the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Kenyamo, appeared before them to defend his ministry’s allocation in the budget. Established in August 1958, the Nigerian Airways was the nation’s carrier until it ceased operations in 2003 due to issues like mismanagement and accumulated debts. At its peak, the airline operated over 30 aircraft and employed hundreds of people. In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari, approved N22 billion as part payment of the N45 billion owed to the former employees. Despite this, a balance of N36 billion remains unpaid, leading to financial hardships and in some cases, the former aviation workers died while awaiting their entitlements. During the budget defence session, the lawmakers called on the federal government to consider the payment of entitlements to the ex-workers of the defunct national carrier. Niger South Senator, Jiya Ndalikali, called the attention of the government to the non-payment of entitlements to ex-workers of the airline, many of whom have died or are currently battling financial hardship and ill health. Mr Ndalikali, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasised that justice must be done for those who dedicated their lives to serving the nation’s aviation sector. “There is an issue that is not in your budget, which is very key and critical. The defunct Nigerian airways. There is a liability of N36 billion being owed. “Some have died, many are sick and dying. Yet, the government is refusing to pay them. I think something should be done on that,” the senator said. Mr Ndalikali requested the committee to ensure that provisions for the outstanding salaries are included in the 2025 budget of the aviation ministry before it is approved. “This budget should not pass without those people being provided for,” the senator demanded. Finance ministry responsible In response, Mr Kenyamo acknowledged the outstanding liability and confirmed that the ministry had consistently pursued its settlement. He explained that under the previous administration, discussions were held between aviation sector unions and the government which resulted in an official agreement that N36 billion was due to the workers. He stated that President Bola Tinubu had transferred burden of the payment from the ministry of aviation to the ministry of finance. “Under the last administration, both the unions and the ministry sat down and arrived at that figure, about N36 billion. | NASS; MINISTRY OF AVIATION; MINISTRY OF FINANCE; NIGERIAN AIRWAYS | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 23 JAN 2025 | Governor Okpebholo increases Edo Magistrates' retirement age from 60 to 65, signs Extension Bill into law | Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Wednesday, in Benin, signed into law a bill raising the retirement age of Magistrates in the state from 60 to 65 years. Mr Okpebholo also signed another bill into law increasing the membership of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission. While signing the bills, the governor emphasised his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that promote justice and economic development in the state. He explained that extending the retirement age of magistrates would enhance judicial efficiency by retaining seasoned magistrates with valuable experience for longer periods. | EDO; MAGISTRATES; LEGAL REFORMS; RETIREMENT AGE | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 23 JAN 2025 | More scandal in Nigeria's power sector as BDC operator testifies to receiving more than N22bn from Ex-Power Minister for foreign exchange. Recall that Saleh Mamman is standing trial for alleged N33.8bn fraud | A witness in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has narrated before a Federal High Court how he received N22 billion from the ex-minister. Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change operator, said he received the over N22 billion in different tranches to exchange into US dollars. Mamman is facing a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering about N33.8 billion preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). | POWER SECTOR; FRAUD; EFCC; MISAPPROPRIATION | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 23 JAN 2025 | INEC fixes 21 Feb. 2026 for FCT Council elections | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 21, 2026, for the conduct of election into the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the first regular consultative meeting with leadership of political parties. Yakubu said the Area Council election in the FCT is the only part of the country where INEC conducts local government election, while state election commissions conduct local elections in respective states. The INEC boss noted that Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires the commission to issue the notice for elections not later than 360 days before the date of the election. The last Area Council election in the FCT was held on 12 February 2022. Daily Trust reports that Yakubu had in June 2024 said that the tenure of the elected chairmen and councillors in the six FCT area councils would come to an end in June 2026, which was the time they took the oath of office. “Consequently, the Commission has approved that the 2026 Area Council election in FCT will hold on Saturday 21st February 2026. Voting will take place in all the designated Polling Units (PUs) across the 68 constituencies to elect the six Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councilor,” Yakubu stated. He noted that in compliance with the mandatory legal requirements, the notice for the election would be published on February 26, 2025, adding that party primaries would be held from 9th–30th June 2025. He also said that the commission would come up with plans for other routine activities such as the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter registration (CVR) and the conduct of outstanding bye-elections. | INEC; FCT COUNCIL; ELECTIONS | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| VANGUARD | 23 JAN 2025 | Tinubu appoints Dr Kayode Opeifa as the new MD of Nigeria Railway Corporation. Opeifa was the Commissioner for Transport in Lagos State under Fashola | President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa, as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC. Opeifa was the former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, under the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola, before he was subsequently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to help tackle the perennial, intractable Apapa gridlock. He was also appointed vice- chairman, Presidential Task Team, PTT, to free Apapa of gridlock by the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who chaired the task team then, charged with unbundling the ravaging traffic at the Lagos ports. By his new appointment, Dr. Opeifa succeeded Ben Iloanusi who was acting managing director that replaced former Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, who exited on October 18, 2024 after completion of his second four-year tenure. The appointment of Opeifa has been described as well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to the transportation sector in Lagos and Nigeria as whole. Friends and family have expressed confidence in his ability to revitalize the nation’s railway system, given his extensive expertise and track record of success. Dr. Opeifa gained prominence during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives that modernized the city’s transport sector. His policies and innovations not only improved traffic management but also established Lagos as a benchmark for urban transportation systems in Africa. Based on his laudable achievement in the sector, Opeifa was later appointed as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, by former President Muhammadu Buhari. | NIGERIA RAILWAY CORPORATION; MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT; TINUBU; LAGOS STATE | VANGUARD | ||||
| THE CABLE | 24 JAN 2025 | Tinubu appoints 42 board chairpersons for key agencies. Ganduje gets Chairman of FAAN | President Bola Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the civil defence, immigration, and prisons services. Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday that Tinubu appointed Kayode Opeifa as managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and Raji Kolawole as director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI). Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been appointed as the board chair of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); while Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, would chair the board of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. Bolaji Akinyemi, a former minister of foreign affairs, has been appointed board chairman of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. “President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive,” the statement reads. The statement added that all appointments take immediate effect. See the full list below. 1. NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS, MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Hillard Eta — Chairman (Cross River) 2. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Bolaji Akinyemi — Chairman (Lagos) 3. FEDERAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA, MINISTRY OF AVIATION Abdullahi Ganduje — Chairman (Kano) 4. NATIONAL SUGAR DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Bashiru Ajibola — Chairman (Osun) 5. NIGERIA BULK ELECTRICITY TRADING COMPANY Sulaiman Argungu — Chairman (Kebbi) 6. NATIONAL AGENCY FOR GREAT GREEN WALL Magnus Abe — Chairman (Rivers) | FAAN; CHAIRPERSONS; FEDERAL AGENCIES; GANDUJE; TINUBU; APC | CABLE | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 24 JAN 2025 | Student union leaders reject Tinubu’s rice palliatives, charge him to address fundamental challenges facing Nigerian students | The student union leaders at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State have rejected the rice palliatives distributed by President Bola Tinubu to Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents in tertiary institutions across the country. In separate statements, the union leaders criticised the gesture, stating that the distribution of rice palliatives fails to address the fundamental challenges facing Nigerian students. The SUG President at OAU, Damilola Isaac, said he had not received any rice palliatives and would not accept them even if they were delivered. Mr Isaac emphasised that his administration’s focus remains on advocating for better educational standards and student welfare, rather than accepting “handouts that do not address the systemic challenges facing the Nigerian education sector.” “Whether or not the release was authentic, it has become imperative that I address this issue,” he said. He suggested that the government should prioritise palliatives that reduce tuition burdens and improve university infrastructure. “While the government may have intentions of goodwill, it is imperative that efforts be directed towards improving the quality of education, reducing tuition burdens, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing opportunities for students across the country,” he said. “I urge the general public and the entire Great Ife community to disregard the claims associated with my name in the release. Rest assured, this administration remains committed to championing the interests of Great Ife students and standing for the ideals of accountability and integrity.” Meanwhile, the President of the Students’ Representative Council at ABU, Ibrahim Nazeer, also rejected the palliatives, stating that he would not accept his share “until he is assured that there is enough rice for his fellow students.” | SUJ; TINUBU; PALLATIVES; OAU, OSUN; AHMADU BELLO; POVERTY | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| THE CABLE | 24 JAN 2025 | Jeremiah Useni, former FCT Minister under Abacha, dies at 82 | Jeremiah Useni, a former minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), is dead. Useni, a retired army officer, died on Thursday at the age of 82 after a protracted illness. Gyang Bere, director of press and public affairs to Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau, confirmed his passing in a statement late Thursday. Mutfwang described Useni’s passing as a “tremendous loss” to his family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau state, and the nation. The governor said his exemplary leadership left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape through steadfast commitment. He noted that Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in northern Nigeria and Plateau state, will forever be remembered. “Governor Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as minister of transport, quarter-master general of the Nigerian army, and minister of the FCT,” the statement reads. “After retiring from the military, General Useni transitioned into politics, where he continued his service to the nation. He served as Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).” The Plateau governor also praised the deceased’s lifelong commitment to serving others, highlighting his lasting impact on the military, politics, community, and countless individuals. “On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the president, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the immediate family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished elder statesman,” Mutfwang said. Mutfwang prayed to God to grant the family, Plateau state, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. | FCT MINISTER; NIGERIA ARMY | CABLE | ||||
| THIS DAY | 24 JAN 2025 | Tinubu comes under fire as he inaugurates Army Barracks named after him. | President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the newly constructed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks Asokoro, Abuja. The president also used the occasion to express appreciation to the personnel of the Nigerian military for their gallantry and sacrifices in securing Nigeria against the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements. Tinubu, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration, also expressed joy over the speedy completion of the project which was named after him and recalled how former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, approached him with a request for support for the project. He stressed that the barracks project aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing troops’ welfare, including providing adequate office and residential accommodation, knowing that the Federal Government is always ready to provide “what our troops need to fulfill their mandates, adding that this is essential for winning battles against insecurity. According to him, “You are our heroes and I thank you for what you have been doing for this country. I commend the Chief of Army Staff for his foresight in developing the remarkable barracks for our courageous men and women. “We appreciate the officers and personnel who contributed in various ways to the timely completion of this project. Your welfare cannot and will not be compromised. “We will continue to commit resources to improve your welfare. What you all are doing for us is extremely remarkable, it is appreciated and the only way we can show this is a continued support for our men and women in uniform. “I congratulate all of you on this historic commissioning, making it a reality. What we must do is continuous development with right maintenance and commitment to the welfare of our men and women in uniform.” President Tinubu was accompanied to the event by top government functionaries, including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Director General, Department of the State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, amongst several others. Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, revealed that about 40 per cent of the Nigerian Army personnel are not accommodated. He said: “Your Excellency may recall that on the assumption of the office of Chief of Army Staff, one of the critical issues at the table before you was the fact that about 40 per cent of Nigerian Army personnel are not accommodated. “The project being commissioned today is only phases one and two of the original plan. “In specific terms, the project comprises 16 Major General Quarters, 17 Brigadier General Quarters, three by 20 Family Major to Colonel Quarters, 30 by 20 Family Lieutenant to Captain Quarters, and 60 by 30 Family Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Quarters. Others are six by 30 Family Corporal and Below Quarters, 40 by 21 Corporal and Below Quarters. These translate to accommodation for 614 personnel consisting of 170 officers and 444 soldiers and their families. “Also provided in these barracks are three worship centres, sports facilities, and a powerhouse. “The external infrastructure include the perimeter fence with 15 entrance gates, gatehouses, umbrellas, groundwater supply facilities, access road networks, and hard and soft landscaping, all constructed to the highest standards. “Although this seems huge, with the scale of accommodation deficits the Nigerian Army faces in Abuja, this is only but just a drop in the ocean.” | NIGERIA ARMY BARRACKS; TINUBU; | THISDAY | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 27 JAN 2025 | Impeached Lagos House of Assembly Speaker denies allegations of corruption, moves to resume plenary today | A political crisis is brewing in the Lagos State House of Assembly following the return of the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, just two weeks after his impeachment by 32 of the 39 Assembly members. On his return, Obasa received a “heroic welcome” from supporters at his residence in Ikeja. Addressing them, he denied allegations of corruption, dismissing claims that he spent N16 billion on a gate and inflated the cost of 45 Hilux vehicles to N47 billion. Obasa argued that the allegations were fabricated attempts to tarnish his reputation. “I am not afraid and will debunk all allegations against me,” he declared. “I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and the longest-serving member of the House. My impeachment was irregular and contrary to due process.” However, a statement issued by Ogundipe Olukayode, representing Oshodi State Constituency I, affirmed the Assembly’s majority support for Meranda. He stated that over two-thirds of lawmakers upheld Obasa’s removal and would defend their decision. “It is imperative to clarify that over two-thirds of the Assembly remain united behind the new Speaker, Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda,” the statement read. “The position being canvassed by Obasa is uncalled for and unparliamentary.” Obasa is expected to attend plenary for the first time since his impeachment, raising the stakes for a potential showdown. GAC division The impeachment has reportedly caused a rift within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the ruling All Progressives Congress’s (APC) highest decision-making body in Lagos. Senator Anthony Adefuye, a GAC member, has criticised the impeachment process, calling it flawed. Conversely, another GAC member, speaking anonymously, maintained that the Assembly had the authority to determine its leadership. When contacted, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, GAC Chairman, distanced the body from the controversy, stating that it does not interfere in Assembly matters and that the issue of division does not arise. “GAC is an organisation for the smooth administration of the state. All lawmakers, including Obasa, are like sons to me. This issue is for the Assembly to resolve,” Olusi remarked. | LAGOS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; SPEAKER; OBASA; CORRUPTION | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THE CABLE | 27 JAN 2025 | Nigeria Body of Benchers announces Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Ozekhome become life benchers, among others | Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader of the senate, and Mike Ozekhome, human rights lawyer, have been confirmed as “life benchers” in the Body of Benchers. Isa Chiroma, director-general of the Nigeria Law School, Sidi Bage, Emir of Laifa, Ejembi Eko, a retired justice of the supreme court, and Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, UN special rapporteur on trafficking persons in Africa, were also confirmed as life benchers. Life benchers are members of the Body of Benchers who have been granted life membership. The body, currently chaired by Adegboyega Awomolo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (CJN), is responsible for the formal call to the bar of people seeking to become legal practitioners as well as disciplining erring lawyers. A statement from Bamidele’s office on Sunday said their confirmation was announced at a meeting of the body held in Abuja on January 23. “With the newly confirmed life benchers, the total number of life benchers in the country has now risen to 170, a cap set for the next five years before new life members would be admitted into the body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession,” the statement reads. “The elevation of the new life benchers is obviously in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the development of legal profession in the country and for upholding the integrity and excellence of the legal profession.” In the ninth national assembly, Bamidele chaired the senate senate committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters. He was first appointed into the Body of Benchers as “bencher” in 2019. | BODY OF BENCHERS; SENATE; LIFE BENCHERS | CABLE | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 27 JAN 2025 | Disagreement arises between APC & PDP over the relocation of the Edo Governorship Tribunal to Abuja | The relocation of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal from Benin City to Abuja has sparked sharp disagreements between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Both parties have offered conflicting reasons for the decision, with security concerns at the centre of the debate. The tribunal, initially sitting in Benin to hear the petition filed by the PDP and six other political parties, is challenging the declaration of APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2023, governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The tribunal, however, became a focal point for tension, with a series of incidents that raised questions about the safety of those involved in the proceedings. Although the tribunal did not officially explain its relocation, speculation swirled that security concerns, particularly a shooting incident near the tribunal’s venue at the High Court in Benin, played a significant role. On January 12, a lone gunman opened fire near the court, with a viral video capturing the man, dressed in a white t-shirt inscribed “AI”, shouting, “Return our mandate!” This incident, which both the PDP and APC blamed on each other, was followed by further accusations of intimidation and violence outside the court. Speaking with Daily Trust yesterday, the APC Acting Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, suggested that the move to Abuja was a response to this security breach. Tenebe also highlighted the growing tension, alleging that private security had been brought in to intimidate their supporters during tribunal sessions. On the other hand, the PDP sees the relocation as a reflection of the deteriorating security situation in the state. PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, welcomed the tribunal’s move, attributing it to the escalating insecurity and the state government’s failure to provide adequate protection. Nehikhare accused the APC of orchestrating the chaos to undermine the PDP’s efforts to reclaim what they consider their rightful mandate and expressed concern that non-state actors (referred to as “riffraff”) posed a serious threat to the peace of the state. The PDP further condemned the intimidation of witnesses and supporters, alleging that such tactics were used to sway the tribunal’s proceedings. Nehikhare assured PDP supporters that, despite the challenges, justice would prevail, whether the tribunal remained in Benin or continued in Abuja. | APC; PDP; EDO GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 27 JAN 2025 | Ganduje flags off Katsina LG election campaign ahead of Febuary polls, welcomes scores of defectors to APC | The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Sunday officially flagged off the party’s local government election campaign in Katsina State with reception of over 40,000 new card-carrying members from various opposition parties. The ceremony which took place in Ingawa Local Government Area witnessed the defection of prominent political figures, including former State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Rabiu Gambo Bakori, former Accord Party’s vice presidential candidate, Isah Hamisu Dandume, and former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Idris Danchafa. In his address, Mr Ganduje emphasised that the APC government’s total commitment to good governance and prosperity motivated the defectors to join the ruling party. He assured them of equal considerations and privileges with other card-carrying members of APC. On his part, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda pledged the administration’s unwavering commitment to conducting free and fair elections that genuinely reflect the people’s will. He enjoined the electorate to support APC candidates in the upcoming February local government elections and the 2027 general elections. He vowed that the APC government would continue to deliver its mandate to build a prosperous future for the people of the state. | LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS; KATSINA; APC; | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| VANGUARD | 28 JAN 2025 | EFCC moves to investigate N11.5b allocation to Ondo Min. of Finance, invite House of Ass. Speaker over N200m budgeted for lawmakers' phone calls | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has started investigating the allocation of N11.5 billion as a security vote for the Ondo State Ministry of Finance in this year’s budget. Vanguard gathered that personnel of the EFCC have arrived in the state to verify the budget details. The leadership of the State Assembly would soon be summoned to provide further insights into the budget’s passage, particularly the N11.5 billion allocation for the Finance Ministry as a security vote. The allocation of N11.5b and others for the finance ministry has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the state’s financial management regime. Also, in the Ministry of Finance 2025 budget, an additional allocation of N250 million was budgeted for honorarium and sitting allowances and N1.5 billion for contingencies. Recall that the state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on December 10, 2024, presented a N655 billion budget to the Ondo State House of Assembly. Aiyedatiwa on December 30, 2024, signed into law the budget passed by the Assembly after it had been increased by N43.4 billion, bringing the total budget to N698 billion. Meanwhile, The Nigerian Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) has condemned the inclusion of the N11.5 billion security vote. In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Mike Aderosoye, the group expressed outrage over what it described as an “affront to the sensibilities of Ondo State citizens.” | EFCC; MINISTRY OF FINANCE; ONDO | VANGUARD | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 28 JAN 2025 | "Nigeria has money to fund Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips," Minister of Foreign Affairs responds to critcisms of Nigerians | Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said Nigeria is rich enough to fund the frequent foreign trips embarked upon by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assumption of office. Tinubu’s trips abroad had come under public scrutiny on the back of the economic hardship in the country with residents raising concerns over his large entourage. There have also been arguments whether such trips had attracted commensurate benefits and investments for the country. He said Tinubu, contrary to the complaints, even needed to embark on more trips because of its strategic importance and inherent benefits to the country. The minister noted that Tinubu could only strengthen ties with fellow global leaders in his quest to set the country on the right path. He said, “It is not a fair assessment. The administration is still new because the President was sworn in in 2023. In global terms, he is still a new president. He needs to interact with his colleagues and fellow heads of state to be able to establish relationships. “You can further see the fruits of these trips and their benefits which attracted $2bn (worth) of investments like he did in Brazil. In fact, I would venture to say we are not travelling enough. We should do more.” Tuggar disagreed Nigeria did not have the money required for such frequent trips. “Nigeria has the money. How much does travelling cost compared to the benefits? Again, how much does it cost really when you compare it to some of the things that the President has already addressed? “How much have we wasted on fuel, electricity and other subsidies? He was subsidising consumption instead of production and subsidising the real sector of the economy,” he added. Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu has reportedly visited about 19 countries on 32 foreign trips. | FOREIGN AFFAIRS; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 28 JAN 2025 | Poverty Alleviation: "Some politicians are trying to influence the cash transfer register" - Minister of Humanitarian Affairs confirms | The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, says some politicians are trying to influence poor Nigerians who make the social register to enjoy the government’s conditional cash transfer. The minister, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday, said some persons want his ministry to bend for political reasons but “unfortunately it’s a partnership between us and the international community – the World Bank is involved, CSOs (civil society organisations) are involved and it’s not just a ministry activity”. He said, “Some people want us to bend and allow the governors or the states to just generate the list and send. It’s a conditional transfer; conditions are attached to qualifying to benefit from the social safety net. “So, we will not bend to allowing any political affiliation or attachment to this conditional cash transfer. Poverty doesn’t know political party, poverty doesn’t know tribe, poverty doesn’t even understand the grammar we are blowing. A poor person is a poor person.” The minister said he suspended cash transfers and that National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) are now compulsory for all digital transfers for audit and transparency purposes. “It is going to be clearly digital. This time around, we are carrying the CSOs along so that all payments, we will ask them to verify, they can do follow-ups and we can have some levels of transparency in what we are doing,” he said. | MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| PUNCH | 28 JAN 2025 | "Mention names of withdraw allegation," retired military officer challenges Oshiomhole over comments that retired military generals are behind illegal mining in Nigeria. | A retired military officer, Major General Bamidele Olawumi (retd.), has faulted Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s allegation that retired military generals are behind illegal mining activities in Nigeria. PUNCH Online reports that Oshiomhole said, “Those involved in illegal mining are people in high places, including retired generals. These are not unknown people. They are well-known people with private armies who protect their illegal mining sites.” The statement has since ignited widespread criticism, particularly from retired officers who feel targeted by the allegation. However, in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, Olawumi described Oshiomhole’s remarks as “reckless, baseless, and offensive,” accusing the senator of tarnishing the reputation of retired generals who have served the nation with honour. Olawumi said, “As a retired general who has faithfully served this country, I find Senator Oshiomhole’s comments not only false but a direct affront to my person and the legacy of my service. His reckless generalisation has exposed retired generals like myself to unwarranted public scorn and suspicion.” He urged Oshiomhole to substantiate his claims with evidence or withdraw the allegations. He added, “If he possesses credible evidence of any retired general involved in illegal mining, the responsible action would be to report such individuals to the Department of State Services or other relevant authorities. Resorting to baseless public accusations without proof is unpatriotic and irresponsible.” Speaking further, the retired general demanded a public apology from Oshiomhole, emphasising that his words have undermined the honour and integrity of retired officers who have devoted their lives to the service of the nation. “I demand an immediate apology to all retired generals who have been unfairly maligned by this reckless statement. If he cannot provide evidence to substantiate his claims, Senator Oshiomhole should refrain from making such damaging comments in the future,” Olawumi stated. Olawumi also warned that such comments from someone of Oshiomhole’s reputation could undermine public trust in retired officers and distract from the nation’s efforts to address the menace of illegal mining. “Oshiomhole must understand that words carry weight, especially when spoken by someone of his standing. Loose accusations without evidence serve no purpose other than to tarnish reputations and create unnecessary tension,” Olawumi said. On measures to combat illegal mining activities, the general called on the Federal Government to strengthen regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. Specifically, he called for “Enforcement of severe penalties on offenders.” Additionally, he urged the government to “Establish a task force comprising security agencies, environmental experts, and local community representatives to monitor and report illegal mining activities.” | ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE; RETIRED MILITARY OFFICER; APC; ILLEGAL MINING | PUNCH | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 28 JAN 2025 | Good riddance? Ganduje’s new appointment as FAAN Chairman sparks speculation on ouster as APC Chair | The appointment of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has sparked speculation about his potential ouster from his position as the party’s leader. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced Ganduje’s appointment on Friday in Abuja through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, and several of the members of the National Working Committee (NWC), were among 42 individuals appointed as board chairpersons for federal agencies, alongside secretaries for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration, and Prisons services. While there have been insinuations that Ganduje and the NWC members’ appointments might be the first time party executives are also given board appointments, findings by Daily Trust revealed that there are precedents. Late Tony Anenih was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 2009, during his tenure as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees. However, the dual role sparked criticisms from some quarters, as it was perceived as a consolidation of power and influence within the political and administrative spheres. Similarly, the appointment of Ganduje as chairman of the board of FAAN has reignited debates in the North Central zone about reclaiming the national chairmanship slot—a position the region has sought since the controversial resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. Stakeholders from the North Central have expressed optimism that Ganduje’s new role might pave the way for the region to regain the position. | GANDUJE; APC; FAAN; NWC; KANO | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 29 JAN 2025 | Atiku: "Tinubu is paying N50m each to certain opposition leaders." APC: "Atiku's desperation to become President is responsible for PDP's disintegration." | All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, alleged that the political desperation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was responsible for the disintegration of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, in a statement, wondered why Atiku continued to point fingers at the ruling party for the festering rot in his party, and the dysfunction of opposition parties generally. Atiku had at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja, warned that the country’s democracy was imperilled by excessive judicial involvement in electoral matters. He also placed the current woes of the opposition parties at the door of the governing APC. But Morka, in the statement, said without a shred of evidence, Atiku alleged that President Bola Tinubu was paying certain opposition leaders a whooping N50 million each. He recalled that it was in the Atiku era as vice president, particularly between 2003 and 2007, that PDP conducted the worst elections in the country’s political history. The APC spokesperson stressed that they could not possibly forget how Atiku’s PDP heavy-handedly captured most South-west states and vowed to remain in power for 60 years. Morka said it was in those same years that former President Olusegun Obasanjo infamously described the election as a “do-or-die affair” in a desperate attempt to annex Lagos State. “If democracy was neither derailed nor endangered in those perilous days, is it now that elections are by far freer, fairer and more credible that Nigeria risks losing democracy?” he asked. Morka added that the judicial arm of government was a constitutional creation, like the executive and legislature, with its constitutionally defined powers to adjudicate disputes among citizens and between citizens and the state. He pointed out that Atiku could not wish away or seek to abolish enshrined powers of the courts to intervene in civil disputes, including electoral disputes, in cases where the authority of the court was validly invoked by a litigant. Morka stated, “It is a thing of irony that Atiku, who is Nigeria’s most prolific electoral litigator, would make such a ludicrous claim that judicial involvement in electoral matters is a threat to democracy. “His criticism of the courts and the electoral process rings hollow given his long history of using the courts to further his political agenda. It’s time for him to take a step back and let the democratic process unfold without his interference. “Nigeria’s democracy is far stronger than Atiku’s political ambitions. We deserve better than petty politicking and alarmist rhetoric from an elder statesman. “As a veteran politician, one would expect Atiku to understand that while democracy may be about winning elections, it is, more importantly, about respecting the will of the electorate and working towards the greater good of all.” The ruling party said Atiku should focus on rebuilding his party and offering constructive solution to Nigeria’s challenges. It stated that Atiku’s allegation that the APC administration was paying out N50 million to some opposition figures was bogus and laughable. | APC; PDP; ATIKU; EL-RUFAI; TINUBU; 2027 ELECTIONS | THISDAY | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 29 JAN 2025 | Edo State Governorship Tribunal resumes sitting in Abuja as PDP continues alleging irregularities | The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal yesterday resumed hearing in the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the return of Senator Monday Okpebholo as winner of last year’s governorship poll. The tribunal was relocated from Benin City to Abuja, few days ago as tension continued to rise between supporters of the governor and the PDP. The relocation, however, affected the day’s proceedings as the petitioners could not call most of their scheduled witnesses due to fatigue. According to the lead counsel of the petitioners, Mr. Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, most of their proposed witnesses, “suffered travel disruptions.” Meanwhile, continuing his evidence, the 12th witness of the petitioners (PW12), Mr. Oseyili Anenih, alleged widespread irregularities in 765 polling units during the September 21, 2024 governorship election poll won by the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Anenih, there were discrepancies in the Certified True Copies (CTC) of results and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) accreditation reports obtained from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) IREV portal. However, under cross-examination, the witness, who told the tribunal that he served as the Director of Research and Strategy for the PDP, admitted that he could not visit all the polling units during the election. Anenih also noted that most of the evidence the petitioners’ relied on were based on reports that were submitted by agents and experts. He further told the tribunal that most copies of the results that agents of the party made available to him at the Situation Room were not signed. The witness, however, maintained that if lawful votes that were cast at the election were sincerely collated, his candidate, Ighodalo, would have emerged victorious. When cross examined by the governor’s lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, the witness admitted that though they did not have any physical access to the BVAS Machines that were used for the election, they however got some screenshots of it, which they tendered in evidence. Anenih explained that they had since subpoenaed INEC, to make the machines available before the tribunal. Under cross examination by counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Emmanuel Ukala, the witness confirmed that he was not trained by INEC to play any role during the election. He further admitted that none of the polling unit results was handed over to him personally by agents of the party. However, while answering another question, he said: “Some of the local government collation agents brought their results straight to me because they were not allowed access to the State Collation Centre. “Some copies of election results in the Form EC8A that were handed to the agents were not legible. “It is,however, not correct that majority of the results that were brought by our agents were not stamped by INEC, though some of them were not,” he said. When he was handed one of the Exhibits to look at, the witness confirmed to the tribunal that out of 16 copies of the results in the bundle, only three of them were stamped. “To us, that three that were stamped was significant enough. It represents almost 20 per cent ,” the witness insisted. At the end of his testimony, the witness was then discharged from the witness box. Petitioners’ lawyer subsequently sought for a short adjournment to enable them call other witnesses. “We urge your Lordships to give us another date. “We undertake that on the next date, we will bring as many witnesses as may be convenient for the tribunal. “We will also work assiduously to prime down our witnesses,” Oyeyipo, SAN, pleaded with the tribunal. Although, chairman of the three-member panel, Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led expressed disappointment that the proceedings is being called off after the taking of just one witness, he, however, granted the request and fixed January 30 for the petitioners to call additional witnesses in support of their case. | EDO; APC; PDP; GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION TRIBUNAL | THISDAY | ||||
| THE CABLE | 29 JAN 2025 | Kano State Govt withdraws charges against detained #EndBadGovernance protesters | The Kano government has withdrawn criminal charges filed against #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arrested during demonstrations in 2024. The protesters had been accused of conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, public disturbance, and rioting following nationwide protests in August 2024. The 10-day demonstrations were sparked by economic hardship and rising inflation, but violence erupted in some northern states including Kano, where private and public properties were looted and destroyed. Some demonstrators were seen waving Russian flags in cities such as Abuja, Kano, and Plateau, adding to tensions. According to Amnesty International, at least 24 protesters were killed across the country, and 1,200 were arrested. In November 2024, Citizens’ Gavel, a civic tech organisation advocating for improved justice delivery, petitioned the Kano State Attorney General to discontinue the prosecution of 13 protesters. The organisation highlighted their detention in poor conditions at the Kurmawa and Goron Dutse Correctional Centres in Kano. Providing an update on the case in a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said the Kano AG has ordered the withdrawal of the criminal charges against the protesters. “After over 160 days of unlawful detention and tireless efforts of our legal team, we are happy to share that the Honourable Attorney General of Kano State, through the Director of Public Prosecution, has officially ordered the discontinuance and withdrawal of all criminal charges against all #EndBadGovernance protesters detained in Kano State,” the organisation said. | KANO; #ENDBADGOVERNANCE; PROTESTERS | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 29 JAN 2025 | Nnamdi Kanu files N20bn ‘defamation’ suit against police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi for portraying him as a terrorist leader | Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), has filed a suit against Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), over allegations of defamation. Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lawyer, filed the suit on Tuesday at a federal capital territory (FCT) high court. Kanu is accusing Adejobi of portraying him as a terrorist leader in a press statement issued on January 25. In the said statement, the police spokesperson described IPOB as “a proscribed terrorist organisation”. He had also stated that operatives of the Imo police command neutralised six “notorious kingpins” belonging to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and IPOB. Kanu, in his suit, averred that “the defamatory statements read by his brother and circle of friends in Abuja and Nigeria at large were false and constitute a grave libel on his person, as the words in their natural and ordinary meaning portrayed him as a leader of a violent and terrorist group”. “That the defendant’s libellous publications and utterances were circulated and read by millions of people around the world, particularly in Abuja and Nigeria, where the claimant has many friends, family, colleagues, admirers, mentees, well-wishers, and millions of followers and cases pending in court in which terrorism is at issue,” the suit reads. “That the defendant’s libellous publications and utterances have seriously injured the claimant’s character, credit, reputation, and integrity and resulted in significant prejudice against the claimant regarding his cases pending in court in Abuja and elsewhere in Nigeria.” Kanu sought an order from the court “directing the defendant to retract the said publications through another publication through the same media by way of issuance of another press statement”. “An order of the court directing the defendant to write and deliver to the claimant, an unreserved letter of apology. The letter of apology shall be prominently and boldly published full-page in three (3) national dailies, namely: the SUN, Daily Trust, and Vanguard,” the suit added. “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further and forever uttering the said defamatory and libellous words about or concerning the claimant.” The IPoB leader further prayed the court to issue an order directing the defendant to pay him N20 billion as general and exemplary damages. He also sought an order of the court directing the defendant to pay the cost of the suit. | NIGERIA POLICE FORCE; DEFAMATION; NNAMDI KANU | CABLE | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 29 JAN 2025 | Afenifere Group appoints Dele Farotimi as National Secretary barely 24 hours after Afe Babalola agrees to drop suit against him | Pa Ayo Adebanjo-led faction of the Afenifere, pan Yoruba sociopolitical group, has appointed a lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, as its National Organising Secretary. His appointment was approved at the general meeting of Afenifere held at Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, on Tuesday. This was contained in a communique issued after the meeting and jointly signed by the Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye. SPONSOR AD “The General Meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of the Afenifere,” the statement said. Farotimi’s appointment is coming barely 24 hours a legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, agreed to drop a defamatory suit filed against him. Recall that Aare Babalola had dragged the human rights lawyer to court for allegedly defaming him in his (Farotimi’s) book titled: ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’. Farotimi was granted bail in the sum of N30 million by an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti where he was arraigned. | AFE BABALOLA; DELE FAROTIMI; DEFAMATION | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 29 JAN 2025 | "Don't Bite the Fingers that Fed You" : Fmr House of Reps Speaker, Hon. Dogara, reminds Bala Mohammed of how Wike sponsored his election. | Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has taken a swipe at the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, over his altercations with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. He said Wike influenced Governor Bala Mohammed’s emergence as the governorship candidate in the buildup to the 2019 governorship election and sponsored hos campaign. Dogara, in his letter entitled, “Gov Bala vs Wike: Let the Truth Be Told,” revealed how Wike financed Bala Mohammed governorship election in 2019, and mandated Chief Dan Orbih to deliver PDP ticket to him. Dogara pointed out that Governor Mohammed’s recent outbursts against Wike, was not entirely surprising. He said, “As I witness this gross injustice, the questions I ask myself, are: is my comfort more important than saying the truth and is my fear of conflict worth allowing harm to go unchallenged? I have learned enough over the years to know beyond reasonable doubt that in the face of situations like this, if I choose to prioritize my comfort, I will fail the victim and fail myself. This is because injustice itself is a festering wound, it only grow its worse when brushed aside. “As someone who knows so much because I was the provocateur of the events between the two that I will speak to, I consider my silence not just cowardice but complicity. Therefore, I am not afraid to stand alone or risk conflict. I should not be misunderstood to be defending Wike but simply stating the truth that I know and I really don’t give a damn if the truth makes Wike look good. I have learnt to say the truth as I enjoy my freedom from being a slave to human opinion. “For starters, need I remind Governor Bala Mohammed that in 2018 PDP Gubernatorial primaries when we were not too sure he will win because, his then major opponent, Senator Abdul Ningi was the one who constituted the State party structure and had a bosom friend as Party chairman, it was Wike we turned to for help. I had called Wike to plead with him to help us in Bauchi without necessarily disclosing to him that it was Bala Mohammed that we wanted delivered. “His response to me, was that are you sure, you are in control of the process 100 percent? I said, I wasn’t too sure and he said to me leave it to me, I will help you sort it out. To do it, Wike first of all made his bosom friend and close ally, Chief Dan Orbih the Chairman of the Panel for the Primaries and said I should discuss whatever I wanted with Chief Dan. “We got talking and on the eve of the Primaries, Chief Dan was in Benin city and we needed to get him to Bauchi for the assignment, it was to Wike that I turned to again and his response to me was, my brother, I have told you not to bother. Tell Chief Dan to come to meet me in Port Harcourt. I did just that and amazingly Wike provided the private jet that flew Chief Dan to Bauchi and out of Bauchi for the assignment.” Dogara explained that Wike bore all expenses for the exercise, noting that it was shocking that the so called “transactional character” called Wike did not place any condition whatsoever for his support. | HOUSE OF REPS; DOGARA; BALA MOHAMMED; NYESOM WIKE; BAUCHI; FCT | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 29 JAN 2025 | Senate worries over unaccounted $360 million disbursed to clean up Ogoni land, threatens arrest warrant against HYPREP coordinator | The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has threatened to issue an arrest warrant against the Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Nenibarini Zabbey, to compel him to appear before it. The committee issued the threat following the refusal of Mr Zabbey, a professor, to appear before its members to explain why the Ogoni land in the Niger Delta area has yet to be cleaned up despite the release of $360 million for the project in 2023. Chairman of the Committee, Aliyu Wadada, issued the threat during its meeting at the National Assembly. Mr Wadada, the Nasarawa West senator, said the threat of arrest was because the HYPREP coordinator refused to appear before the committee despite seven separate invitations. Ogoniland, located in Nigeria’s South-south region, has long suffered from severe oil pollution caused by pipeline leaks, wellhead spills, and illegal oil tapping. The environmental devastation has led to contaminated water, soil degradation, health crises, and loss of livelihoods among local communities. Between 2009 and 2011, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) conducted a landmark assessment that revealed alarming levels of hydrocarbon contamination in the region. The report recommended a multi-billion-dollar cleanup effort, leading to the creation of HYPREP as an intervention agency. Despite the $360 million disbursement in 2023, no visible progress has been made in the restoration of the area. During the meeting, Mr Wadada, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said the committee was concerned about the status of the clean-up. Still, the project coordinator persistently failed to appear before the lawmakers. | SENATE; OGONILAND; RIVERS; OIL POLLUTION | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 30 JAN 2025 | NLC plans nationwide protest for February 4, 2025 to demand reversal of the 50% tariff hike | The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its branches and affiliates to mobilize members for a nationwide protest rally on Tuesday February 4 2025 to demand reversal of the 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It said that should the government and NCC fail to heed the cry of the workers, it will escalate actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC), NLC demanded an immediate suspension of the 50 percent tariff hike. It called on the federal government, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians. The communique signed by NLC president Joe Ajaero read: “NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50 percent Telecom Tariff Hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens. It therefore strongly condemns the Nigeria Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs. “This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by Policies of government which was no fault of theirs. “To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. “The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation”. NLC said that all its affiliates and state councils have been directed to begin full mobilization in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. It also urged willing civil society allies to join in mobilizing for the nationwide protest. | NLC; TARIFF HIKE; | THISDAY | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 30 JAN 2025 | PDP Implosion: BoT Chairman insists on NEC meeting as violence over position of National Secretary disrupts gathering | The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has insisted that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for February must hold, despite ongoing leadership crisis. Addressing BoT members at their 79th meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Wabara called for unity and urged members to prioritise the party’s survival over personal interests. “This meeting comes at a time when the unity, focus, and ideals of our great party are being tested. It is disheartening that the leadership wrangling within the National Working Committee (NWC) remains unresolved. The failure to address these conflicts weakens our party’s credibility,” Wabara said. He reiterated the urgency of holding the NEC meeting as planned. “The NEC is the highest decision-making body of our party, and its meeting must be convened without delay to reaffirm our commitment to unity, discipline, and the ideals that bind us together,” he stressed. The NEC meeting, initially slated for last year, has been repeatedly postponed, contributing to tensions within the party. Party stakeholders are hopeful that the upcoming meeting will provide a lasting resolution to the leadership crisis, especially as opposition parties and leaders have begun moves to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election. On the upcoming zonal congresses, Wabara emphasised the need for transparent processes in electing credible leaders. He also took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the PDP remained Nigeria’s best hope. “Our nation has suffered under the APC’s poor governance. Nigerians are looking to us as a beacon of hope, and we must not let them down,” he said. Violence mars BoT meeting The BoT meeting, meant to discuss the leadership crisis, descended into chaos following a confrontation between the factions of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, over the position of National Secretary. The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership dispute over acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum’s continued tenure, with the North Central zone demanding that one of their own completes the term of ousted National Chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu. However, the battle for the National Secretary position, contested by Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, has taken centre stage in recent weeks. Following Anyanwu’s departure to contest the Imo governorship election, the PDP’s South-East Zonal Executive Committee nominated Ude-Okoye as his replacement. However, after Anyanwu lost the election to Governor Hope Uzodinma, he secured multiple court injunctions to block his removal. In December, the Court of Appeal in Enugu ruled in favour of Ude-Okoye, declaring him the rightful National Secretary. Despite this, Anyanwu has remained in office, appealing the ruling and seeking a stay of execution at the Supreme Court. Clash as Ude-Okoye is ejected from BoT meeting Tensions escalated on Wednesday when Ude-Okoye entered the BoT meeting while Wabara was delivering his opening speech. After greeting those on the high table—except for Anyanwu—he took his seat as Damagum delivered his welcome remarks. As journalists were ushered out for a closed-door session, an argument broke out over Ude-Okoye’s presence. “He is not supposed to be here; he is not a member of the BoT,” a voice shouted. “I will not leave! I am the Secretary!” Ude-Okoye retorted. Moments later, Anyanwu’s aides forcibly removed Ude-Okoye, sparking a physical altercation. | PDP; BoT; ADOLPHUS WABARA; NEC; NWC; DAMAGUM | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 30 JAN 2025 | The House of Representatives denies allegations that lawmakers demanded bribes from University VCs to approve their 2025 budget allocations; instead, they blame them. | The House of Representatives has dismissed allegations that lawmakers demanded bribes from Vice-Chancellors of federal universities to approve their 2025 budget allocations. The lawmakers instead turned the spotlight on university administrators for alleged misconduct and financial mismanagement. A report had circulated in some sections of the media alleging that lawmakers at the National Assembly were demanding bribes from heads of tertiary institutions to approve their 2025 budget allocations. The report claimed that the lawmakers, including senators and members of the House of Representatives, were using intimidation and threats to force the heads of universities to pay N8 million each to approve their allocations in the 2025 budgets. However, rather than directly addressing the bribery claims, the lower chamber, in a statement by its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, on Wednesday, alleged failings of some Vice-Chancellors, including their failure to appear for budget defense sessions, unresolved audit queries, and governance lapses. Calling on anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to report to anti-corruption agencies or the House Committee on Ethics, Rotimi said the allegations appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the House and erode public trust in this hallowed institution. He noted that the 10th House of Representatives is firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards in all its legislative activities. Rotimi insisted that the House will not be distracted by baseless allegations. The statement said: “The budget process is a constitutionally guided and transparent exercise. The 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to a Joint Session of the National Assembly, attended by key members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the public. “Following the presentation, various Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been appearing at open and public sessions to defend their budget proposals before the relevant committees. These sessions ensure rigorous scrutiny and accountability in public finance management. “It is concerning, however, that some heads of federal tertiary institutions have failed to appear for these Budget Defense Sessions, despite their constitutional obligation to do so. This disregard for the legislative process not only impedes legislative oversight and undermines the principles of accountability but also demonstrates disregard for the parliament and the Nigerian people. “Furthermore, it is a matter of public record that some of these tertiary institutions have pending audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and have consistently failed to appear before the House Committee on Public Accounts to clarify these issues. This evasion raises questions about their governance practices and financial stewardship. “This is in addition to disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and high-handedness in their dealings with staff and students, for which legislative oversight provides a crucial platform to address in the spirit of transparency. “It is also noteworthy that recent oversight visits by the House Committee on University Education have revealed troubling governance practices in certain institutions. While the final report is being compiled, preliminary findings in certain institutions suggest a pattern of serious malfeasance that demands thorough investigation. “These engagements provide an opportunity for institutions to demonstrate accountability, yet some individuals have chosen to deflect with unfounded accusations and blackmail. “To be clear, the House acknowledges the commitment of the majority of university administrators, who are diligent and patriotic Nigerians working to advance education and national development. However, the actions of a few actors seeking to evade scrutiny cannot be overlooked. The House remains resolute in holding public institutions accountable while respecting due process. “The House encourages anyone with credible evidence of misconduct to present it to the appropriate authorities, including the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges or anti-corruption agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to independently investigate any claim of impropriety.” | BRIBERY; CORRUPTION; HOUSE OF REPS; SENATE; FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 30 JAN 2025 | Osun APC expels Fmr. Governor Aregbesola just 2 weeks after his allies announced their exit from APC | The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expelled former governor of the state and immediate past Minister for Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, over anti party activities. The party expelled Aregbesola in a letter signed by the APC chairman and secretary in Osun, Tajudeen Lawal, Alao Olabisi Kamoru, respectively on Wednesday. “We write to formally bring to your attention the findings and resolution arising from the disciplinary process initiated concerning allegations of anti-party activities levelled against you by the disciplinary committee, where you were given an opportunity to be beard in accordance with the principles of natural justice,” the APC said. “At the end of the investigation, the State Executive Committee (SEC) considered the report of the disciplinary committee. “Having carefully considered the findings and recommendations of the committee, SEC resolved to accept the recommendation of your immediate expulsion from the All Progressives Congress, APC. “The decision was predicated on the clear evidence of your actions, which undermined the unity and integrity of the party in violation of the provisions of Article 21 of the APC Constitution guiding the conduct and discipline of members. “As a result, with the approval of your expulsion, you cease to be a member of APC. Consequently, you are not to hold yourself out as a member or act in any capacity on behalf of the party in any manner whatsoever. “While acknowledging your past contributions to the party, we trust that you will comply with this decision and act according to the directives in this communication.” The APC announced Aregbesola’s expulsion two weeks after the Aregbesola-led Omoluabi Progressives announced their exit from the APC. The spokesman of Omoluabi Progressives, Abosede Oluwaseun, in a statement, disclosed that the group, at its stakeholders meeting in Ilesa through a voice vote decided quit APC. | OSUN; APC; AREGBESOLA | GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE CABLE | 30 JAN 2025 | Yahaya Bello's Trial: Witness explains how EFCC recovered N550m, adjourns case till April 3 | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called its first witness in the trial of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, who is facing a 16-count money laundering charge. The witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, testified before the court in Abuja on Wednesday after Maryann Anenih, the presiding judge, overruled an objection from Bello and his co-defendants seeking to delay proceedings. Nwaora, who owns EFAB Properties, told the court that his company sold a property in Maitama, Abuja, to a man named Shehu Bello for ₦550 million in 2020. He said that in 2023, Shehu returned all the property documents, informing him that the EFCC was investigating the transaction. According to Nwaora, he was later summoned by the EFCC and instructed to refund the money to an account provided by the anti-graft agency. The defendants had opposed the trial’s commencement, arguing that the EFCC had not provided them with all the evidence it intended to use. However, the judge ruled that they had not submitted a formal application to justify an adjournment. The matter has been adjourned to April 3 for further hearing. THE ALLEGATION Bello is accused of a criminal breach of trust involving N110,446,470,089, an offence under the Penal Code. He has been granted bail set at N500 million, with three sureties who must own properties in high-value areas of Abuja, including Asokoro, Wuse 2, and Guzape. | EFCC; YAHAYA BELLO; CORRUPTION; BRIBERY | PUNCH | ||||
| THE CABLE | 30 JAN 2025 | EFCC arrests Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of NHIS, over alleged fraud | Usman Yusuf, a former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged fraud. Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, confirmed the arrest to TheCable. Yusuf was arrested by EFCC operatives at his residence on Wednesday. Oyewale said the former executive secretary will be arraigned today at Court 44, federal capital territory (FCT) high court, Kuje. According to the court document seen by TheCable, the EFCC charged Yusuf with allegedly using his position at the time to confer undue advantage to himself by approving the purchase of a vehicle at the cost of N49,197,750, against the budgeted sum of N30,000,000. The EFCC also accused Yusuf of retaining private interest in the corporate entity known as GK Kanki Foundation, and without due process, awarding a contract in the sum of N10.1m, in favour of the GK Kanki Foundation, for the purported training of 90 persons — when the actual number of trainees was 45. “That you, Prof Usman Yusuf sometime between 2016 and 2017 whilst being the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NIS) in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and being a public officer in the Services of National Health Insurance Scheme knowingly held a private interest in the corporate entity known as: Zaramat Global Services Limited, and without due procurement processes, awarded a contract in the sum of N771,428.58 Naira, in favour of Zaramat Global Services Limited for a training programme on Risk Management and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 54 Public Procurement Act, 2007, and punishable under the Section 45 (2) and (3) of the same Act,” the document reads. “That you, P.of Usman Yusuf sometime between 2016 and 2017 whilst being the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court used your position to confer an undue advantage upon yourself and knowingly acquired a private interest in an entity known as Lubekh Nigeria Limited owned by your nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf, by awarding to him a contract for media and special public relations consultancy in the sum of N17,500.000.00, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2 and punishable under the same Section of the Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act, 2000.” Usman was appointed executive secretary of the NHIS in 2016 by then President Muhammadu Buhari. He was suspended by the health minister in 2017 and the board of the NHIS in 2018 over alleged corruption and other irregularities in the running of the scheme. He was thereafter removed as NHIS executive secretary after embarking on an administrative leave in 2019. | EFCC; NHIS; CORRUPTION; THEFT | CABLE | ||||
| THISDAY LIVE | 31 JAN 2025 | Plateau State Governor sacks 5 Commissioners, approves nomination of replacements | Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, may be set to rejig his cabinet having sacked and immediately approved nomination for replacement of the five sacked commissioners. In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Samuel Jatau, disclosed that the governor has approved the disengagement of the following commissioners, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Chrysanthus Dawam; Science and Technology, Mr. Obed Goselle; Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Jamila Tukur; Youths and Sports Development, Noel Nkup; and Commerce and Industry, Sule Musa Jatau added that the governor has consequently approved the nomination of the following persons for their replacement- Joyce Ramnap, Sunday Alex, Slyvanus Dongtoe, Nicolas Bamnong, and Cornelius Doeyok. The statement further extended the governor’s appreciation and best wishes to the disengaged commissioners in their future endeavours. | PLATEAU; COMMISSIONERS; | THISDAY | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 31 JAN 2025 | "Tenure extension of the IGP did not follow due process," Sowore insists as court requires Level 17 officer as surety for bail | The controversy surrounding the extension of the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is yet to abate following the fresh calls for his resignation or sack by the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Apart from the human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, who consistently criticises Egbetokun’s stay in office as IGP, some senior police officers spoken to also raised eyebrows over the development, saying the extension had “killed” career growth of some officers. But the Force headquarters, in a swift reaction, maintained that Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically in Part III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended). Daily Trust reports that Egbetokun, who was supposed to have exited the police service since September 4, 2024, when he clocked 60 years of age, was handed an extension of four years in office by the president, after the law regarding appointment into the IGP’s office was amended by the National Assembly. The Senate had in July last year hurriedly passed the Police Act Amendment Bill, 2024, to guarantee four-year tenure of office for an IGP. Checks by this newspaper showed that the bill was tabled for the first time on the floor of the Senate on July 23rd, 2024, and it was passed for first, second and third reading barely one week after, July 31st, 2024. The amendment, which has generated reactions, was the inclusion of Section 18(8A) by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Section 18(8) of the Police Act states that: “Every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for a period of 35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier”. Part 111 Section 7 (6) of the Act, which repealed the Police Act Cap. P19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, prescribed a four-year single tenure for a person appointed to the office of the IGP subject to the provisions of clause 18 (8). But Section 18(8A) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 was amended as follows: “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.” Egbetokun’s stay illegal, Sowore insists But Sowore, who was the presidential candidate on the platform of African Action Congress (AAC) in the last election, insisted that he would continue to address Egbetokun an “illegal IGP” because according to him, the extension in the office did not follow due process. Our correspondent reports that fresh trouble began on Monday when the police invited Sowore and later detained him over the offence of calling Egbetokun an “illegal IGP” after he rejected bail conditions given to him. Giving an update after he was grilled by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dasuki Galadanchi, the activist condemned the police’s demands, requesting him to provide a Level 17 officer as a surety, saying it was an abuse of power in their bail process. The activist, who also declined to write a statement while he was asked to, described the demand as an insult to him, and as such he would continue to refer to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” without apology. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, following a court adjournment of his bail hearing, Sowore stated that the request to provide such a high-ranking civil servant as surety was absurd and unjust, adding that the Nigerian police have misused their prosecutorial powers and were targeting him out of what he believes to be personal animosity. “I have no apology for calling him ‘illegal IGP’, and I will not stop addressing him in that way,” Sowore said. Sacking police top cop will save Nigeria embarrassment – Lawyer Counsel to Sowore, Marshall Abubakar, when he appeared on Arise Morning Show, said the charge filed by the IGP against the activist is embarrassing the country, adding that the police chief should be relieved of his appointment. He argued that Egbetokun flouted a law that cautioned him from using his powers for personal vendetta. “That charge shouldn’t have come to the court abinitio. The police have messed up their prosecutorial power by bringing that charge because it violates Section 357. I regard that charge as laughable,” he said. IGP’s continuous stay in office legal, lawful – AGF Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has weighed in on the fresh controversy, saying his advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public, while arguing that Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is legal and lawful. He said, “The continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful. “The appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on the 4th day of September, 2024. “However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years. “This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him. “For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023”. Police Council duly confirmed him, says FHQ Similarly, defending the IGP, the force headquarters said the appointment is legal and duly confirmed by the Police Council. The FHQ, in a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, explained that the claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police. He said, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr. Omoyele Sowore, alleging that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is illegal. “Such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police. “IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended). “This provision explicitly states that “The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.” “Moreover, his appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, in line with the provisions of Section 8A of the executive bill passed which amended the Police Act, clearly stating that “Any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of section 7(6) of this Act. ‘The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination. This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the police force in maintaining law and order in the country”. | SOWORE; IGP; NASS; DUE PROCESS; POLICE | DAILTRUST | ||||
| THE CABLE | 31 JAN 2025 | National Human Rights Commission records over 2million human rights petitions in 2024 | The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it received over two million human rights violation complaints in 2024. Anthony Ojukwu, the executive secretary (ES) of the NHRC, spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the presentation of the December dashboard report on human rights violations in the country. The dashboard is a monthly analysis and graphical presentation of the human rights situation in Nigeria. The commission launched the dashboard observatory on February 14, 2024. Ojukwu said the dashboard is not meant for the collection of data only but as “a stern call to action and a powerful tool for advocacy”. “Each number represents the voice of a citizen; each statistic points to a broader story of rights, violations, and the urgent need for accountability,” NAN quoted him as saying. “Through this monthly process, the commission has consistently provided a comprehensive overview of human rights concerns. “It details complaints received from across the country, as well as tracked incidents of human rights violations. “By doing so, we aim to offer a vital resource to all those working to advance human rights in Nigeria. “These findings have not only captured the attention of stakeholders but also triggered meaningful discussions and actions on pressing human rights issues. “The commission remained resolute in our mission to chart the way forward for Nigeria’s human rights landscape.” He said the assessment is a major flagship through which the commission fulfills its “sacred mandate”. “In December 2024 alone, the NHRC received a staggering 355,726 complaints of human rights violations,” he said. “This marks an overwhelming increase from the 1,147 complaints reported in January of the same year. “We received over two million complaints of human rights violations in 2024.” | NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION; VIOLATION; 2024 | CABLE | ||||
| VANGUARD | 31 JAN 2025 | NLC mobilizes for protest, proposes 5% as opposed to 50% telecom tariff hike | The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has proposed a five per cent increase in telecom tariff hike. This is against the backdrop of the 50 per cent approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has proposed a five per cent increase in telecom tariff hike. This is against the backdrop of the 50 per cent approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. The Union’s spokesman Benson Upah, said this on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday. According to him, “They keep on emasculating us through stupid taxes. It will come to a point when people can pay but they won’t pay. “This really is to halt this mindless tariff increase. And if by any chance there has to be an increase at all, 5%, given the fact of our situation, that there have been increases across the board. “But now to say 50%; it is not going to work. Where will the ordinary Nigerians be at the end of the day when we have energy tariff increases?” State councils Also, NLC wrote to its affiliate unions and state councils to ensure total and full mobilisation of workers and allies ahead of the February 4 protest against the planned 50 percent telecommunications tariffs hike. In letter, dated January 30, to the affiliate unions and state councils, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, urged them to also mobilise other Nigerians to send a serious message to the government. The letter to state councils reads: “In response to the resolution of the meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) to resist the proposed 50% hike in the tariff of telecommunication services and all other forms of policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses; all state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are directed to begin immediate mobilization of members of their councils in their respective states for a one-day peaceful protest rally. “The Rally shall take place in various state capitals and FCT on Tuesday the 4th of February 2025 by 7 a.m. | NLC; TELECOM TARIFF HIKE; PROTEST | VANGUARD | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 31 JAN 2025 | Appeal Court in Abuja affirms IPOB’s proscription as terrorist group | The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, affirmed the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its designation as a terrorist organisation. IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria. The Nigerian government, under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017, proscribed the separatist group. A Federal High Court in Abuja formalised the proscription and tagged the group a terrorist organisation. IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, have been challenging the proscription of the group in several Nigerian courts. In October 2023, a State High Court in Enugu nullified the proscription and the designation as a terrorist group. Proscription affirmed But the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel headed by Justice Hamma Barka, affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which outlawed IPOB, Vanguard Newspaper reported. The court held that it found no reason to set aside the order the federal government secured against the separatist group. Justice Barka ruled that the federal government acted lawfully by proscribing IPOP whose activities threaten the nation’s security and continued existence. He resolved all the issues against IPOB and dismissed its appeal for want of merit. Background In September 2017, the then-president, Mr Buhari, signed a presidential proclamation proscribing IPOB. Also in September 2017, a Federal High Court in Abuja formalised IPOB’s proscription and tagged the group a terrorist organisation. The then Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abdul Kafarati, granted the order proscribing the group. The order followed an application filed and moved by the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The South-east Governors Forum later announced that they had proscribed the group in the region. IPOB, through its legal team, challenged the proscription in courts for several years without success. But on 23 October 2023, a State High Court in Enugu, nullified the proscription of IPOB, consequently destroying the basis upon which the separatist group was declared a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government. The IPOB leader, Mr Kanu, filed the suit in January 2023 against the Nigerian government and the South-East Governors’ Forum. The judge, A.O. Onovo, in his judgment, declared that the reliance on the country’s Terrorism Prevention Act and the administrative action of the South-east Governors’ Forum and the federal government to proscribe IPOB contravened Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution which prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnicity. Justice Onovo held that the proscription of IPOB was also a violation of Mr Kanu’s fundamental rights as enshrined under Articles 2,3,19 and 20 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Enforcement and Ratification) Act. Thursday’s appeal court ruling means IPOB remains proscribed. However, the group and its leader may appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court. | IPOB; APPEAL COURT; TERRORSIM | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||