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| THIS DAY LIVE | 4 MARCH 2025 | FG grants license for the operation of 11 new private Universities in Nigeria | The Federal Government has granted provisional licenses for 11 new private universities to operate in Nigeria. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who made this public following the Federal Executive Council’s meeting, which was chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, explained that the newly approved universities successfully completed the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) rigorous 13-step assessment process before being granted their licenses. He listed the newly approved universities to include New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja; Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State; Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State and Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Others are Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State; Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State and Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State. The Minister further clarified that a moratorium has now been placed on the approval of additional private universities, meaning no new applications will be considered for the time being. According to him: “These 11 universities have met all the necessary requirements of the NUC and have been awarded provisional licenses to commence operations. “While we have approved these institutions, we have also placed a moratorium on the establishment of new private universities. This means that only those that have reached the final stages of approval, like the ones announced today, will be considered.” Alausa added that the government would continue to review pending applications from institutions that have advanced in the approval process. “For those that have progressed beyond step four and have undergone a second visit, we will assess them, and if they meet all the requirements, they will be approved,” he explained. Despite the moratorium, the Minister noted that additional applications for private university licenses may still be presented to the FEC for approval if they meet the necessary standards. He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and improving educational infrastructure across the country. “President Tinubu remains committed to expanding educational opportunities and improving infrastructure in the sector,” Alausa further said. FEC also on Monday approved four major infrastructure projects across the country, amounting to a total of N733 billion. These projects include section two area of the outstanding Abuja-kaduna-Zaria-Kano roads covering 164kilometres, for the sum of N507 billion and the flyover at Abakpa bordering 82 division area of Enugu State at the cost of N24 billion to address traffic jam around the area. Minister of Works, David Umahi made this known to newsmen while briefing on approvals and considerations made by the Federal Ececutive Council meeting. According to him: “You have another one approval for the completion of outstanding of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano roads this time is section two, that’s 82 kilometer by two, that’s 164 kilometers. “And it’s awarded for N507 billion. And then the last one is the construction of a flyover at Abakpa bordering 82 division Enugu. A flyover is to be constructed to relief traffic jam there. And then the contractor is CCECC and the amount is N24 billion. “The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano section two, the contractor that is doing section one and the three, competitively won the session two. And that is infoWest Nigeria limited. That’s what we have.” Umahi also revealed that FEC considered the award of contract for the dualisation of Odukpani Itu-Ideden Item in Iko Ekpene road Cross River and Akwa Ibom States for approval at the cost of N55billion. “The first one was the approval for the award of contract for the dualization of Odupani-Itu-Idedem Item in Ikot Ekepene road in Cross River and Alwa Ibom states and the total amount is N55 billion in favour of Decon construction Nigeria limited. The Minister further clarified that the administration of Presidenr Tinubu inherited three sections of the project, “one is CCECC, that’s the first one coming from Akwa Ibom the second one is Berger, Berger had about 27 kilometers there, and then, they now went onto Cross River, and then had about 17 kilometers, and then you had the last one, which is samatech. So when we came on board, there was a need to review all the projects. And so whereas the two other contractors, CCECC and someatec” “So when we came on board, there was a need to review all the projects. And so whereas the two other contractors, CCECC and someatec accepted the review, Berger insisted that the project should be reviewed up to 100 and something billion naira, and that warranted at terminating it, that project is being reprocured through selective competitive bidding. And this record won it N55 billion, as against N190 billion”, the Minister added. | FEDERAL GOVT; PRIVATE UNIVERSITY; LICENSE; | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 4 MARCH 2025 | PDP Lagos Governorship Candidate for 2023 election, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor) dumps PDP, cites internal sabotage, anti-party activity. | The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Lagos State in the 2023 election, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, has announced his resignation from the party, citing persistent anti-party activities, internal sabotage, and lack of discipline within the party. He, however, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the party’s leadership, stating that they had failed to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance. Jandor, who spoke, yesterday, during a media briefing in the state, said that some party leaders saw his candidacy as a threat to their interest and worked against him, citing instances of attacks on his campaign and condemnation from party leaders. He accused the State Chairman of the party, Philip Aivoji, of allegedly issuing a false statement on all PDP platforms, claiming that he (Jandor) had withdrawn from the election. Jandor also accused Olabode George, a leader of the party in Lagos State, of openly declaring support for the gubernatorial candidate of another party and advising Lagos residents not to vote for the PDP. He, however, condemned the party’s decision to appoint George as vice chairman of a disciplinary committee despite his anti-party activities. He said that he officially complained to the party’s national leadership, but his concerns were ignored. Jandor, who said he made the “difficult” decision to resign from the PDP after consulting with his family, political associates, and supporters, reiterated his commitment to the people of Lagos State, adding that he remains unwavering and will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that will uplift the state. | PDP; LAGOS; JANDOR, 2023 ELECTION | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 4 MARCH 2025 | Labour Party rules out merger ahead of 2027, warns NLC against interference in its party administration | The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed the possibility of merging with any political party or group, stating that such a move is not under consideration. National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, made this clear in a statement on Monday in Abuja, following calls by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for rebranding efforts, including a possible merger or coalition. He warned the NLC leadership to steer clear of its administration and stop trying to make decisions on behalf of the party. Obiora was reacting to calls for rebranding efforts, including a possible merger or coalition. The NLC, in a communique signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, after its National Executive Council meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, emphasised the need to reclaim the party and restore its ideological foundation. The union directed its organ – the National Administrative Council – to take immediate steps to rebrand the party by merging or forming a coalition with like-minded parties to defend LP’s interests and those of Nigerian workers in the party to reclaim the party. In response, Ifoh reiterated that while the party is not considering a merger, it remains open to collaborations aimed at strengthening its position ahead of future elections. The NLC has yet to recognize Julius Abure’s leadership as the Labour Party’s National Chairman following his re-election at a convention in Anambra last year. The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed the possibility of merging with any political party or group, stating that such a move is not under consideration. National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, made this clear in a statement on Monday in Abuja, following calls by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for rebranding efforts, including a possible merger or coalition. He warned the NLC leadership to steer clear of its administration and stop trying to make decisions on behalf of the party. Obiora was reacting to calls for rebranding efforts, including a possible merger or coalition. The NLC, in a communique signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, after its National Executive Council meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, emphasised the need to reclaim the party and restore its ideological foundation. The union directed its organ – the National Administrative Council – to take immediate steps to rebrand the party by merging or forming a coalition with like-minded parties to defend LP’s interests and those of Nigerian workers in the party to reclaim the party. In response, Ifoh reiterated that while the party is not considering a merger, it remains open to collaborations aimed at strengthening its position ahead of future elections. The NLC has yet to recognize Julius Abure’s leadership as the Labour Party’s National Chairman following his re-election at a convention in Anambra last year. | LP; NLC; PARTY ADMINISTRATION; POLITICAL PARTY STRUCTURE; 2027 ELECTION | GUARDIAN | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 4 MARCH 2025 | House Committee on Consitution Review, extends deadline for submission of memoranda on state creation, LGAs | The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution has announced extension of the deadline for submission of memoranda on the creation of additional states and local government areas in Nigeria. According to a circular signed by the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Monday, the new deadline for submission is now March 26, 2025 and not March 5, 2025 as earlier announced. Kalu said the extension was in response to public requests for additional time, adding the committee remains committed to supporting legitimate efforts that align with the constitutional provisions. The committee also reminded proponents of state and local government creation that all submissions must strictly comply with the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended). It explained that Section 8(1) requires that a request, supported by at least a two-thirds majority of members representing the area demanding the creation of the new state, must be received by the National Assembly in each of the following: the Senate and the House of Representatives, the House of Assembly of the affected area, and the Local Government Councils of the affected area. The committee also reminded advocates for the creation of additional Local Government Areas that Section 8 of the Constitution applies to this process. It noted that specifically, in accordance with Section 8(3), the outcomes of votes by the State Houses of Assembly and the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for further legislative action. The committee stressed that submissions should be made in triplicate to the Secretariat of the Committee, Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. It added that soft copies must also be sent electronically to info@hccr.gov.ng. It also directed further enquiries to the Clerk of the Committee, Wali Shehu, stressing that it will only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines. | HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTION REVIEW; STATE CREATION; LGA | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 4 MARCH 2025 | Eyes on Rivers Assembly as 48 hours ultimatum given to Fubara to present 2025 budget close in | The Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Siminalayi Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers for consideration. They made this known during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday with the motion moved by the deputy speaker Dumle Maol. “That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in Suit no.: SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of Statutory Federal allocations to the Rivers State Government and halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” the lawmakers said in a resolution signed by the Speaker Martin Amaewhule. “That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours”. In his remarks, Amaewhule condemned Fubara’s directive to the heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the councils, saying it is illegal and against the Supreme Court’s decision. | RIVERS ASSEMBLY; 2025 BUDGET; FUBARA; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 5 MARCH 2025 | Tinubu appoints Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation | President Bola Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation after a rigorous selection process. His appointment, approved today, takes effect from 7th March 2025, the same day the incumbent Oluwatoyin Madehin will retire. Mr Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Ms Madehin’s successor last December. A selection committee later chose him through a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based process involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service. The committee conducted the process through three stages: a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews. The selection process underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions. Mr Ogunjimi graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. He also obtained a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. President Tinubu congratulates Mr Ogunjimi on his appointment and urges him to discharge his duties in the service of Nigeria with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to Nigeria’s service. | TINUBU; ACCOUNTANT GENERAL; | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 5 MARCH 2025 | "We came across your 48-hour ultimatum on social media," Fubara responds to pro-Wike lawmakers | Less than 24 hours to the expiration of the 48 hours’ ultimatum issued to Governor Similanayi Fubara by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget, the Rivers State government says it’s yet to receive the letter. Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike had issued the ultimatum on Monday, following a Supreme Court ruling that recognised them as legitimate members of the Assembly. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated 5th March, 2025 and addressed to the state House of Assembly, said the government got to know about the 48 hours ultimatum on social media. Dr Danagogo in the letter said as of close of work on Tuesday, the state government was yet to receive the letter. “I hereby refer to a letter dated 3rd March, 2025 on the above subject, which we came across on social media and notify you that as at the close of work on Tuesday, 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter. “Neither the office of the Governor, nor the Deputy Governor’s office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the State has received the said letter. “Please, recall that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, had in a state broadcast on Sunday, 2nd March, 2025, stated clearly that notwithstanding his personal opinion on the Supreme Court judgments, he will, as a law-abiding Nigerian, obey and implement the decisions in accordance with the rule of law and the best interest of the people of Rivers State. “We have since been in contact with our lawyers who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgments of the Supreme Court, and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as His Excellency receives the judgments, he will strive to implement the same timeously in the best interest of our people,” the letter stated. | RIVERS ASSEMBLY; 2025 BUDGET; FUBARA; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 5 MARCH 2025 | #EDO2024: Edo State Governorship Tribunal adjourns for judgment | The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja has adjourned for judgment in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo. Presiding over the three-member panel on Monday, Justice Wilfred Kpochi stated that the tribunal secretary would communicate the judgment date to all parties. Earlier, PDP’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, along with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC), adopted their final written addresses at the tribunal, urging the tribunal to dismiss the petition. However, PDP’s counsel, Ken Mozia (SAN), insisted that they had successfully demonstrated cases of over-voting. He argued that election success is determined not by percentages but by the overall impact of disputed votes. Mozia cited the 2020 Supreme Court ruling in Uzodinma vs. Ihedioha, where results from 388 polling units influenced the final outcome of over 6,000 polling units, explaining that they’re not interested in the results of all the 4,519 polling units but only on 765 because they want to show how 25 votes metamorphosed to 525 at the collation centres. | EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 6 MARCH 2025 | Rivers Independent Electoral Commission fixes 9 August 2025 for local government elections. Campaigns set to begin 7 July and end 7 August 2025. | The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission says the state’s local council elections will be held on 9 August 2025. The commission’s Chairperson, Adolphus Enebeli, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. Mr Enebeli, a retired judge, unveiled the election guidelines at the meeting. He said the election process had begun because the Supreme Court had invalidated the 5 October 2024 local election in Rivers. He said the political parties that would field candidates in the election must complete and submit an Expression of Interest Form from Monday, 24 April to 12 May 2025 to be eligible to participate. He further said the election campaign would commence on 7 July 2025 and end on 7 August 2025. Mr Enebeli said interested candidates were required to pay the compulsory sum of N5,000 for the councillorship position, while N10,000 would be paid for the chairperson and vice chairperson positions. He said the rulings of the Supreme Court must be obeyed by all Nigerians, including the election commission. “We are unavoidably and painfully plunged into a restart, but as a responsible, law-abiding statutory body, we must demonstrate our fidelity and obedience to the rule of law,” the chairperson said. He assured the people of transparency in the election and requested the cooperation of stakeholders to ensure a successful election. | RIVERS INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION; LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 6 MARCH 2025 | Senate Committee throws out Natasha’s sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, cites rule that precludes members from presenting petitions in their names. | The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has asked the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions to commence investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment levelled against him by the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The development followed the presentation of a petition personally written by Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate at plenary which was monitored by a delegation of a United Kingdom Parliamentarian led by a woman. Kate Ofunne Osamor. Akpoti-Uduaghan who arrived the National Assembly complex in company with her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, entered the chamber after he gave her a kiss at the entrance Attempts by the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, to make Akpabio reverse his ruling failed. Both Bamidele and Monguno had quoted the relevant rules of the Senate to convince Akpabio to rescind his decision on the matter because it was against the practice of the red chamber to allow petitions personally written and signed by a serving senator. Akpabio noted their observations but said the ruling would not be reversed and even refuses allow the Senate dissolved into closed session because of the foreign and local visitors who were observing the proceeding. The UK Parliamentary delegation was led by MP Kate Osamor of Edmonton & Winchmore Hill. Other members on the team comprises member of the Parliament for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale, Rt. Hon. David Mundell and member of the Parliament for Westminster North, Dame Karen Buck. Other members are of the House of Lords, Lord Jonathan Oates, member of the Parliament for Worthing West, Dr. Beccy Cooper and member of the Parliament for Plymouth Moor View, Rt Hon. Fred Thomas, among others. Akpabio described Natasha’s sexual harassment allegation as spurious, saying that he had highest regard for women. He said, “On February 2025, there were some spurious allegations making the rounds in the social media and on television of a purported harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. “While I am aware that the matters are in court, however, I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment. “I have my siblings who were raised very well by my late single mother through very difficult times. She died in the year 2000. I therefore have the highest regards for women. “I also wish to say that I have four beautiful daughters. At no time will I ever harass any woman. “I never do so. In addition, even as a state governor, I was awarded various awards. One of them was “the most gender friendly governor” in Nigeria. “I served between 2007 and 2015. In conclusion, I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and members of the social media, to await the court’s decision. Please do not jump to conclusions on this allegation.” The Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Cyril Fasuyi, vowed to come up with a petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan who allegedly claimed that former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, had sold the Ajaokuta Steel Firm when he was a Minister. Early on Wednesday, an Abuja Federal High Court had restrained the Senate Committee on Code of Conduct and Public Petitions from probing the Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over incident of disorder over reallocation of seats in the chamber. Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who granted the interim injunction among others, ordered the National Assembly, Senate and the Senate Committee on Ethics to suspend the hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The defendants, including the Clerk to the National Assembly, Clerk of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics, are to show cause within 72 hours why an interlocutory injunction to stop the hearing should not be granted. The Court action was sequel to the decision the Senate through its Ethics Committee to probe the allegations of misconduct against Akpoti-Uduaghan, during plenary last week. The Ethics Panel had asked Akpoti-Uduaghan to appear before it to answer questions on the alleged misconduct during plenary. The Committee chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen shunned the Court order and sat on the matter after plenary. The panel listened to presentation by the Senate Spokesperson, Adeyemi Adaramodu, who moved the motion on the floor which led to the Senate resolution to probe Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct through the Ethics Panel. Adaramodu lamented that the actions of Akpoti-Uduaghan through the interviews she had granted to the media had negativity affected the image of the Senate. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Titus Zam, also made a presentation before the panel. He debunked claims that Akpabio was deliberately frustrating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s motions and bills because of her alleged refusal to accept the Senate President’s sexual advances. He explained that all her bills and motions followed due process. Similarly, the Head of the Serjeant-At-Arms in the Chamber, Mr. Muktar Usman Daudawa, also made a presentation before the panel. Daudawa explained that the issue of seat reallocation was a normal routine in the chamber and that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not the only senator affected. The Chairman of the Committee said the Kogi Central Senator did not probably honour the panel’s invitation because she was obviously obeying her lawyers’ legal advice. He said the judiciary, a different arm of government cannot interfere in the affairs of the legislature, hence the court order obtained by Akpoti-Uduaghan was not binding on the committee. He also declared that the Kogi Central Senator’s petition, referred to it by the Senate President was dead on arrival. Imasuen said, “In the plenary on the floor of the Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan presented a petition before the Senate. “There were a lot of objections to that petition because of the manner in which it came. But in the wisdom of the Senate President, it was still referred to us, to this committee. “And for us to save time because we need to report back to the Senate tomorrow (today), I will address that petition. But I will go through our rules and our standing orders as amended. That petition, for what you read on the floor and for what I’ve seen, is making some allegations that are already in court. “The matter is already in court. And it is the procedure of this committee. As a matter of fact, the first thing we ask when the petition comes before us is whether or not that petition is before any law court. “If the answer is yes, we do not touch such petitions. In addition to that, our Rule Book, also, under Order 40, has also laid down the processes that must be followed before a petition is laid. And if you will allow me, Order 40 of our Rule Book, Subsection 4, says that no Senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by him or herself. “In other words, I cannot submit a petition about myself, signed by myself. That petition ought to be presented by another Senator. And I’m sure that there are three Senators from Kogi State, as it is with other states. “The issue before us today is the issue of an alleged misconduct of one of our distinguished senators on the floor of the Senate. “The petition she presented today is actually dead on arrival. I say that because it runs contrary to Order 40, Subsection 4, that no Senator should present to the Senate, a petition signed by him or herself. And that petition, having been signed by her, will not be entertained by this committee. “She (Akpoti-Uduaghan is not here. Now I can understand why she’s not here. She’s probably not here on the order of her lawyers. “That being the case, the committee will sit and we will deliberate on what we’ve gotten from distinguished senators that have presented their cases before us. “We will use our rule books and all other documents that are available to us, to make a decision here and then make a referral to the full Senate” Meanwhile, a group, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders have faulted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action against Akpabio and had tendered unreserved apology. The convener of the group, AbdulRaheem Adeku in the open letter to Akpabio, dissociated the district from Senator Natasha’s actions. Part of the statement read, “We the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders have observed with utmost dismay the ongoing brickbat between the Senate President, distinguished senator Godswill Akpabio and the senator representing Kogi central, Natasha Akpoti. “We wish to firmly dissociate ourselves from the unfolding events that has become a national concern. “As a revered institution of government, there is no gain saying that the National Assembly has standing rules that must be obeyed as an integral part of keeping the order. “We regret to note in absolute terms that a matter that has to do with a simple compliance to rules has degenerated to a vitreous attack on the personality of the distinguished senate president, Godswill Akpabio. “We recall the immense support the senate President extended to Senator Natasha long before she became a member of the National assembly by virtue of his relationship with her then fiancée now husband who has been a family friend for over twenty years. “We shall not forget in a hurry how Kogi Central stood still with when Senator Akpabio led a contingent of very important personalities and politicians to attend the wedding ceremony of now senator Natasha to his friend and ally, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan. “It is a wedding ceremony that remained talk of the town even many months later. This is testament to the respect shared and value of the relationship between Senator Akpabio and his friend, our in-law. “We would like to categorically dissociate and distance ourselves from the uncanny and inappropriate behavior of Senator Natasha. “As a people we are known for showing gratitude, loyalty and fidelity to friendship, we therefore condemn the actions, utterances and smear campaign of our daughter against distinguished senate president, Godswill Akpabio. “This is not in our character, hence, we the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders may be compelled by any further stretch of the ongoing public abuse of privilege of representation at the senate, commence the process of recall.” Meanwhile, protesters who are supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan on their way to the Mopol gate of the National Assembly were chased away from the Arcade, opposite the Eagle Square. The protesters, who were waiting for the arrival of others to enable them to converge on the entrance of the National Assembly, were dispersed with tear gas canisters from security men who were not in uniforms to ascertain whether they were policemen or soldiers. The protesters, led by one of the lawyers to Senator Natasha, Victor Giwa, carried placards, banners and a national flag, started arriving at past 9 am for demonstration ahead of the resumption of Wednesday’s plenary. The crowd moved to the parking place of the three arms buses to re-strategise for the protest. The protesters, made up of members of civil society groups of Nigeria, later reconvened carrying placards with inscriptions, “Akpabio must go,” “We stand with Senator Natasha,” “Akpabio is anti-North.” At the entrance of the National Assembly gate, they were singing and dancing and demanding that Akpabio step down so that a proper investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations could be conducted. They called on the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions to which Senator Natasha alleged misconduct in Chamber has been referred for probe, to recuse itself. According to them, a man cannot be a judge in his case. They called on Akpabio to resign his position to allow for an unbiased probe of the allegations. Speaking during the protest, Giwa claimed that his law firm has obtained a court injunction to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics from proceeding with its assignment. He said that the chairman and members of the committee cannot be expected to dispense Justice without bias seeing that they were appointed by Akpabio. There was heavy security presence at the gate of the National Assembly due to the protest. | SENATE; ETHICS, CODE OF CONDUCT, PUBLIC PETITIONS; NATASHA AKPOTI; | THISDAY | ||||
| DAAILY TRUST | 6 MARCH 2025 | Benue House of Assembly has warned the Senate against interference in the Chief Judge’s removal, saying only a court can determine the legality of their actions. | The Benue State House of Assembly has cautioned the Nigerian Senate against interfering in the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, urging it to respect constitutional boundaries and uphold federalism. The Senate had, in a letter dated February 27, condemned Ikpambese’s removal, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution. It warned that ignoring due process could set a dangerous precedent for judicial integrity. However, in a response dated March 5, and signed by Speaker Aondona Dajoh, the Assembly dismissed the Senate’s stance as an overreach. Addressing Senator Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, the Assembly argued that judicial appointments and removals fall under state jurisdiction, as long as constitutional provisions are followed. “The constitutional doctrine of federalism and separation of powers clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities of the various arms and tiers of government,” the letter stated. Dajoh maintained that the Assembly followed due process, securing the required two-thirds majority vote for the removal. He added that the House was not responsible for verifying whether the Executive had transmitted the matter to the National Judicial Council (NJC), as stipulated in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the constitution. He further asserted that only a court of competent jurisdiction—not the Senate—could determine the legality of the chief judge’s removal, stressing that the Assembly’s decision remains valid unless overturned by a court ruling. | BENUE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 7 MARCH 2025 | House of Reps seeks to strip INEC of power to register and regulate political parties as bill to establish Office of the Registrar of Political Parties passes second reading. | The House of Representatives has passed through second reading a bill seeking to remove the responsibility of registering and regulating political parties from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and transfer it to an independent body. Sponsored by Reps. Babajimi Benson and Marcus Onobun, the bill proposes the establishment of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, which would oversee the registration, regulation and operation of political parties in Nigeria. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Enact the Political Parties (Registration and Regulation) Bill 2024,” the proposed legislation aims to reform the electoral process by relieving INEC of its oversight functions regarding political parties. Leading the debate, Rep. Onobun noted that calls for greater transparency in Nigeria’s electoral system have continued to dominate public discourse, particularly concerning the registration and regulation of political parties. He stated that many Nigerians believe election integrity is dependent on a free, fair, and impartial process for political party registration and election management. However, he said, there have been persistent concerns—rightly or wrongly—about election irregularities linked to INEC. He argued that with Nigeria’s growing population, INEC is overburdened with multiple responsibilities, including registering and regulating political parties, overseeing party mergers and coalitions, and conducting presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly elections. According to him, these tasks make it difficult for the electoral body to focus effectively on its core mandate. The bill also seeks to establish a dispute resolution mechanism to handle conflicts involving political parties, their members, independent candidates, and coalitions. Additionally, it prescribes penalties for violations and proposes amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 to remove political party registration from INEC’s jurisdiction. Following deliberations, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters and the Committee on Political Parties Matters for further legislative scrutiny. | INEC; POLITICAL PARTIES; REGISTRAR OF POLITICAL PARTIES; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 7 MARCH 2025 | Niger State Independent Electoral Commission fixes LG elections for 1 Nov. 2025, campaign to begin May 27 to October 31. | The Niger State Independent Electoral Commission has scheduled November 1, 2025, for local government elections. Commission Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Jibrin Iman, announced this while unveiling the election timetable in Minna. He said preparations had begun on March 6, with party primaries set between March 15 and 24. The collection and declaration of candidates’ particulars would follow from March 25 to April 2. Iman stated that candidates’ credentials would be declared from April 3 to 10, while personal particulars would be published from April 11 to 18. Collection of nomination forms is scheduled for April 19 to 26, with submissions by political parties running from April 27 to May 3. Campaigns will begin on May 27 and end on October 31. He assured political parties of a level playing field, pledging a free, fair, and credible election in accordance with electoral laws. | SIEC; NIGER; LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 7 MARCH 2025 | EFCC goes after sacked Women Affairs Minister, Uju Ohanenye over alleged N138.4m fraud. Witness claims ex-minister paid him dollar equivalent of N200 million for five-bedroom property in Wuse, Abuja. | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, interrogated the immediate past Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, over allegations of misappropriation, procurement violations and the diversion of N138,413,253.89 public funds while disbursing the 2023 budgeted funds for the ministry. Also, a witness, Mohammed Jidda, presented by EFCC in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on Wednesday, told a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, that the former minister paid him a dollar equivalent of N200 million in cash for the purchase of a five-bedroom property in Wuse, Abuja. The funds, earmarked for the 2023 budget of the ministry, were allegedly diverted for personal use, including money intended for the P-BAT Cares for Women Initiative. According to a reliable source, Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at about 11 a.m., yesterday, and has been undergoing questioning since then. “Operatives are questioning Kennedy-Ohanenye regarding her alleged involvement in the misappropriation and diversion of N138 million from the 2023 ministry budget,” the source disclosed. “Investigations reveal that funds meant for women-focused projects were diverted for personal enrichment, and there were clear breaches of due process in the ministry’s budget disbursement.” The former minister is also being probed for other fraudulent activities, including violations of procurement laws and the unauthorised use of public funds. At the time of filing this report, Kennedy-Ohanenye remains in EFCC custody, and investigations are ongoing. Efforts to get a reaction from the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive at press time. Kennedy-Ohanenye was among five ministers relieved of their duties following the 19th Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House in October 2024. In her place, President Bola Tinubu reappointed the former Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, as the new Minister of Women Affairs. MAMMAN is being prosecuted by the EFCC in relation to the Mambilla Power Project on 12 counts bordering on conspiracy to launder N33.8 billion. A statement signed by EFCC Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on X, noted that Jidda, a businessman and initial owner of the five-bedroom property, located at No. 12a and b Lungi Street, Wuse 2, Abuja while being led in evidence by a prosecution witness, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), disclosed that Mamman came to his office on Gimbya Street, Garki, Abuja and paid him the dollar equivalent of N200 million in cash for the property. “The minister came to my office with Mohammed Hussein and two other persons to pay me the money. We discussed that they would bring naira, but they came with dollars. We counted the money and gave them the property. The document was signed between my company, Mohibat Investment Limited, and Mohammed Hussein as instructed by the minister. First, Bitrus told me that it was the minister that was buying the property. The minister was the one who instructed me to sign with Mohammed Hussein,” he said. Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter till March 18 and 19, 2025 for further hearing. | EFCC; WOMEN AFFAIRS; FEDERAL HIGH COURT; FRAUD; UJU OHANENYE | GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE CABLE | 7 MARCH 2025 | Ex-presidential aide Doyin Okupe dies at 72. Okupe was the SA to former President Obasanjo on media and publicity, the SSA to former President Jonathan on public affairs and the DG of Peter Obi's Presidential campaign in 2023. | According to family sources, Okupe died on Friday morning in Lagos, aged 72, after a prolonged battle with cancer. The late politician served as special assistant on media and publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as senior special assistant on public affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. He was the director-general of the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign in 2023. A medical practitioner, Okupe joined the LP from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2023 general election. He resigned his membership of the LP in January 2024, about 10 months after the election. In November 2024, Okupe said he would no longer support Peter Obi, standard-bearer of the LP in the last election. Okupe was born in Iperu, Ogun state on March 22, 1952. He earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in Oyo state. He co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos, alongside Ladi Okuboyejo and Seyi Roberts. | DOYIN OKUPE; LP; PETER OBI; PDP | CABLE | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 10 MARCH 2025 | Kaduna's immediate past governor, Nasir El-Rufai dumps APC, joins SDP | The immediate-past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufa’i, has resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress and defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a statement he issued on Monday, El-Rufai expressed his disappointment with the APC’s leadership style, accusing the leadership of the party of straying from the progressive ideals of its founding members. He disclosed that he had expressed concerns both privately and publicly over the party’s trajectory in the past two years but found no willingness among the current leadership to address the issues. The former governor said, “Developments in the last two years on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the state. “At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish. “My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years, I find this no longer acceptable.” El-Rufai said he submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna North Local Government Area of the North-West state. He described the SDP as the platform for his future political engagements even as he called on his supporters and other concerned Nigerians to join him in the SDP, emphasising the need for a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in future elections. El-Rufai’s move followed his meetings with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former vice presidential candidate Tunde Bakare, former President Muhammadu Buhari, among others. His defection also came after a number of confrontations with the presidency. The former governor was not at the APC national caucus and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last month. | KADUNA; EL-RUFAI; APC; SDP; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 10 MARCH 2025 | EFCC celebrates 2024 as its best performance year since inception, recovers over N364bn,secures 4,111 convictions | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) achieved its best-ever performance in 2024 since its inception, with significant recoveries in various currencies, including N364.6 billion, $214.5 million, £54,318.64, €31,265, CAD$2,990, and AUD$740, the anti-graft agency has announced. Statistics released by the commission revealed that it made strides in cases involving advance fee fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime across all its zonal directorates nationwide. Other recoveries include CFA7,821,375, UAE DIRHAM 170, RIYALS 5,115, W73,000, 105 Yen, GH¢225 and RAND 50. The commission revealed that its 2024 asset recoveries included the forfeiture of over 750 duplexes and other apartments to the federal government, marking its largest single recovery since inception. A breakdown of recovered assets includes: 173 vehicles, N9,477,977,318.78, $2,605,858.30, and £1,600. Others included Cryptocurrencies: 13.37 BTC ($572,992.86), 5.97886094 Ethereum ($13,353.06), 298.4770071 Green Satoshi tokens ($6), 1,002.547631 USDT ($10,022.22), N2,699,233 in Tether (USDT TRC-20), 378 electronics, one factory, one hotel, two gold chains, 14 parcels of land, petroleum products, and 70 tons of unidentified solid minerals According to the EFCC report, some of the recovered funds have been reinvested into national initiatives benefiting Nigerians. For instance, N50 billion was allocated to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support students in completing their education and contributing to the workforce. Also, the commission secured 4,011 convictions in 2024, with Lagos leading (685), followed by Enugu (516), Ibadan (501), Benin (412), headquarters (290), Kaduna (273), Ilorin (230), Uyo (220), Port Harcourt (185), and Makurdi (161). Other figures include Kano (148), Gombe (147), Abuja (140), Sokoto (108), and Maiduguri (95). Additionally, EFCC received 15,724 petitions, with Lagos recording the highest (3,224), followed by headquarters (1,576), Kaduna (1,456), Enugu (1,362), Kano (1,270), and Port Harcourt (1,185). The agency investigated 12,928 cases, with Lagos again leading (2,454), followed by Headquarters (1,520), Benin (1,347), and Kaduna (940). A total of 5,083 cases were filed in various courts. Ibadan and Lagos led with 786 cases each, followed by Enugu (545), Benin (482), headquarters (386), Kaduna (283), Ilorin (263), Uyo (263), Port Harcourt (257), and Kano (236). The EFCC attributed its success to the dedication of its officers, management support, and ongoing efforts to enhance the knowledge and capacity of its prosecutors and judiciary. | EFCC; FRAUD; CORRUPTION | THISDAY | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 10 MARCH 2025 | "Resign or face impeachment," Rivers APC Chairman confronts Fubara, describes invitation of Pro-Wike lawmakers as greek gift | Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to choose between resignation and impeachment. Speaking at a news briefing in Port Harcourt, on Monday, Okocha described Fubara’s invitation of pro-Wike members of the Rivers House of Assembly to a meeting as a Greek gift. Daily Trust had reported how Fubara, who had been on a warring path with the 27 lawmakers who are loyalists of his estranged benefactor, invited them to a meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday. The invitation was sent after the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum issued to the governor to present the 2025 budget. The assembly had earlier issued another ultimatum for Fubara to sack commissioners and board members not screened by the House. It also summoned the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). A letter dated 9th March, signed by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo and addressed to Speaker Mathew Amaewhule, stated that the governor had received the Supreme Court judgment and was ready to meet with the legislators. The agenda includes discussions on providing a befitting space for assembly sittings, payment of outstanding allowances, budget presentation and other relevant issues. The Supreme Court’s recent judgment, expected to end the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, has instead deepened the turmoil, with both factions interpreting the ruling to their advantage. At the briefing, Okocha accused the governor of abusing the rule of law. “The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek Gift. The Supreme Court Judgement is final. There is nothing anybody can do about it. The only option available to the Governor now is for him to resign or be impeached,” Okocha stated. This is not the first time that Okocha would advocate Fubara’s removal from office. While commenting on the factionalisation of Rivers Assembly last year, Okocha had said the Nigerian constitution recognized the three arms of government such as the Executive, Judiciary and Legislative, saying the governor has no constitutional power to declare duly elected members of the state Assembly non-existent. He said, “We have directed members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence the impeachment process of a comatose government. The Governor’s head has become bigger than his pillow. He does not respect the law. He does anything he cares to do. We will not sit here as Rivers people to see Rivers State become a laughing stock in the comity of states, when we have a Governor who does not know his left from his right. “A state as crucial and all important as Rivers State churned out a dunderhead. We cannot accept that. Our charge to the Assembly is to immediately commence an impeachment. And if they don’t do that there is what they call party discipline. We shall invoke the relevant section of the constitution. “You know the history of politics. You know the constitution of Nigeria. The Governor said the Assembly members do not exist, that whatever thing they are doing is because he allowed them. In other words he has re-written the books. Elementary politics taught us the three organs of government and their roles. And goes further to talk about the separation of powers and checks and balances. Now what the Governor was implying clearly is that he is ruling Rivers State without laws. “That Rivers State runs on executive arm and judiciary. So what that implies is simply absurdity. You can now see the tendencies of a dictator. As an opposition party in Rivers State, we will not keep quiet, we will shout. It is regrettable that the Governor has taken up to this point and we will not take it. The Governor was clear whether unambiguous in his deliberate attempt to denigrate the person of Mr President. “What section of the constitution empowers the Governor to declare the Assembly non-existent? The role of the Governor is proclamation of the Assembly which is done once in four years. The constitution doesn’t allow him for quarterly proclamation of the Assembly. He dissolved the House and proclaimed the Assembly at the end of the tenure of the Assembly. Mind you the Assembly we are talking about is a representative of the people, they were duly elected. They are not his appointees. So where did the Governor derive his powers to say that the Assembly is non-existent.” | APC; RIVERS; WIKE; FUBARA | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 10 MARCH 2025 | National Census: Tinubu seeks cost reduction, considers deploying NYSC members to cut down N942bn budget proposed by the National Population Commission | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected the proposed N942bn budget for the upcoming national housing and population census by the National Population Commission (NPC). It would be recalled that the NPC had last Monday visited the president to present its preparedness for the belated census. According to a report by The Punch, President Tinubu stressed the need to cut costs and suggested deploying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to reduce personnel expenses. He announced plans to set up a committee to review the budget and align it with the country’s financial situation. The Punch report said a source revealed that while the president supports the census, he believed the budget is excessive. “He wants the census to happen, but at a lower cost,” the official stated. “Tinubu emphasised the importance of an accurate population count for national planning, including employment, agriculture, and economic policies. He also stressed the need for biometric data capturing and a well-structured financial strategy before seeking external funding.” Nigeria’s last census was conducted in 2006, with multiple attempts at a new one failing due to funding shortages and logistical challenges. The 2023 census, planned under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was postponed due to budget constraints and political transitions. | NYSC; POPULATION CENSUS; BUDGET | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THE CABLE | 10 MARCH 2025 | PDP set to hold south-south, south-west, north-central congresses April 12, 2025 | The national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed April 12 for its south-south, south-west and north-central zonal congresses. In a statement issued on Sunday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said the zonal congresses will be held simultaneously in Port Harcourt, Rivers state (south-south zone); Ibadan, Oyo state (south-west zone); and Jos, Plateau state (north-central zone). Executive officers and national ex-officio members for the respective zonal chapters will be elected during the congresses. In February, the south-south zone of the PDP re-elected Dan Orbih, an ally of Nyesom Wike, as its chairman. Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT); and Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River; attended the congress. However, Ologunagba disowned the congress, saying the NWC was not involved in the exercise. | NWC; PDP; ZONAL CONGRESS | CABLE | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 11 MARCH 2025 | APC clears 7 aspirants to contest governorship primaries on 5 April 2025 | The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee for Anambra State 2025 Gubernatorial Election, has cleared all seven aspirants to contest in the upcoming primary election scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025. The Committee chaired by a former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, cleared Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Hon. Nicholas Ukachukwu, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, Valentine Ozigbo, Johnbosco Onunkwo and Edozie Madu. National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, in a statement, stated that the party has issued Certificates of Clearance to the aspirants at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja. He revealed that one of the cleared aspirants, Ozigbo was granted a waiver by the party to contest the primary election. He said all members of the party, including new and in Anambra State, were required to revalidate their membership as required by the party ahead of scheduled primary election. | APC; GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES; | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 11 MARCH 2025 | Lagos Brouhaha: Obasa files corruption case against Meranda, moves to remove her name as Ex-Speaker | The crisis plaguing the Lagos State House of Assembly assumed another twist yesterday, as returnee Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, again wet to an Ikeja High Court to file a corruption case against his brief successor, Mrs Mojisola Meranda. Among other prayers, Obasa urged the court to remove Meranda’s name as a former Speaker. Obasa was impeached on January 13 over accusations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. He challenged his removal in court. The respondents in the case included members of the Lagos Assembly and Meranda. During the resumed hearing yesterday, Lead Counsel for the Assembly, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Mr. Afolabi Fasanu, SAN, had submitted additional affidavits. The documents contained new allegations of fraud against Meranda. The latest development prompted Meranda’s counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, to seek an adjournment to respond adequately to the new claims. “There are serious fraud allegations in the further affidavits my learned brother (Femi Falana) referred to. We shall be asking for an adjournment to respond to the new application,” Oyetibo said. In a surprising turn of events, Obasa also attempted to unilaterally change the legal representation for the House of Assembly in the case. The move led to a confrontation in court, as Mr. Olusola Idowu, SAN, announced his appearance as an incoming counsel for the Assembly. However, Falana objected, citing a Court of Appeal decision that mandated a trial court to first hear an application for change of counsel before entertaining any other submissions. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled that all applications and processes must be heard together on the next adjourned date. Pinheiro said, “All the applications will be taken at once. All applications, including those seeking injunction and those challenging jurisdiction, will be heard on March 17. “The application regarding the change of counsel will also be heard on Monday, along with the counter-application.” The case was adjourned until March 17 for the hearing of the various applications filed by the parties. | LAGOS; OBASA; MERANDA; | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 11 MARCH 2025 | Rivers State House of Assembly issues arrest warrant For State Electoral Chairman | The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a warrant for the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), to appear before it. The Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly issued the arrest warrant on Monday during plenary, after the expiration of its 72-hour ultimatum for the electoral chief to appear before the House. Enebeli had fixed August 9, 2025, to conduct a fresh Local Government (LG) poll in the state following a Supreme Court verdict that annulled the October 5, 2024 local government poll conducted in the state. The Amaewhule-led Assembly had vowed to probe the conduct of Enebeli regarding the conduct of the annulled LG poll last year. Over the weekend, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, invited members of the Assembly to a dialogue on the implementation the Supreme Court’s verdict. The Supreme Court had also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the government of Rivers State until it purges itself of what the court described as flagrant disobedience to court orders. Advertisement In the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-man panel of the court had unanimously dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Fubara challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Amaewhule as the Speaker. In dismissing Fubara’s appeal, the court ordered Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. | RIVERS STATE ASSEMBLY; STATE ELECTORAL CHAIRMAN; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 11 MARCH 2025 | Tinubu inaugurates National Youth CONFAB planning committee to make contributions for development. | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the National Youth CONFAB planning committee with a charge to come out with suggestions that will contribute to the development of the country. Addressing the committee members at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu also urged the committee to take the opportunity serious and make inputs that can change the future for the youths. He said, “I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country. Every decision that I have taken is about you, is about tomorrow. When we removed oil subsidy, we are protecting a future for generations yet unborn….This is your home to develop, build and be prosperous. The government of the day is all about you. Take it very seriously.” The president, who also promised to do everything to make Nigeria a better place, said “You represent over 60 percent of our population. You are the heartbeat of our nation and I hope you take this opportunity very seriously. Let’s deploy technology, let’s see what you can do to empower the Youths.” Speaking earlier, a member of the committee, Samson Itodo said the CONFAB is a demonstration of the President’s commitment to not just youth development, but citizens engagement and inclusive governance. He said President Tinubu had shown that young people could be more than media aides. | NATIONAL YOUTH CONFAB; DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 11 MARCH 2025 | Court adjourns hearing of Sen. Natasha’s suit against her suspension to 25 March 2025; lawmaker calls for constitution amendment to regulate the process of suspending a member of NASS | Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed March 25 for hearing in a suit filed by Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against the Senate. The embattled senator had approached the court, seeking an order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her. To check the excessive use of power by the Senate President or House of Representatives Speaker, Mansur Soro (representing Darazo/Ganjuwa of Bauchi State in the House), called for amendment of the constitutional to regulate the process of suspending a federal lawmaker. Meanwhile, the Founder of Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside, has condemned the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate, describing it as disrespectful to her constituents. The court granted the order, but the Senate, last Thursday, proceeded to suspend the senator for six months after it considered the report of it committee and despite the pendency of the restraining order. At the hearing of the matter, yesterday, counsel to the first, second and third defendants told the court that they had not been served with the court papers. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), said all parties had been served, adding that affidavits of service were before the court. After going through the affidavits of service before the court, Egwatu confirmed service of all processes on all respondents. At this point, counsel to, the Senate President (3rd respondent), Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), prayed the court for an adjournment for all processes to be harmonised. Other parties’ counsel supported the move on the ground that it would facilitate accelerated hearing at the next adjourned date. The judge adjourned the matter till March 25, 2025, and ordered that all the relevant processes be served on parties before the adjourned date. IN a post on X on Sunday, Peterside, who is also the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, expressed concern over the suspension, tagging it disturbing. “The most disturbing aspect of the Senate hullabaloo around Akpoti-Uduaghan is that the Senate leadership must be aware that her suspension for six months is ultra vires and disrespectful to her constituents in Kogi State, but they don’t care,” Peterside stated, pledging to stand with the female lawmaker in her ordeal. The Kogi Central senator sued the Senate president for sexual harassment and abuse of office after a seat arrangement conflict on February 20, 2025. SORO told newsmen, yesterday, in Bauchi: “Office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, just as that of any other senator and member of the House of Representatives, is a creation of the Constitution. Same as the office of the President, governor and local council chairman. The Constitution provides the process for impeaching a President or governor and presiding officers of the National Assembly, but did not provide for how a duly elected senator or member of the House of Representatives can be suspended. “It only provided for a recall by constituents of the affected lawmaker, which must be run through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).” According to him, though the Constitution gives the National Assembly the right to create its own rules and procedures regarded as ‘Standing Orders’, the confusion remains as whether a rule of the Senate or House can suspend an office created by the Constitution in the light of Section 3 of the Constitution. He explained: “This bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to regulate the process of suspending a member of the National Assembly; to mitigate abuse of regulations and procedures in suspending a duly-elected member of the National Assembly; to ensure that the representation and voice of all senatorial districts and federal constituencies are sustained in both houses of the National Assembly. “From the look of things, over-concentration of powers in the office of the Senate President makes it easier to get any senator suspended at any given time.” He stressed the need to review the process of appointing Chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Code of Conduct of the Senate for the sake of justice and transparency. | FCT HIGH COURT; NATASHA; AKPABIO; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 12 MARCH 2025 | Yesterday, President Tinubu asked the Senate to confirm five RECs for INEC namely: Umar Yusuf Garba – Kano; Saad Umar – Bauchi; Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako – Anambra; Mohammad I. Ngoshe – Borno and Dr. Owede Kosioma Eli – Bayelsa. | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of five nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, President Tinubu stated that the nominations were in line with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the president to appoint electoral commissioners subject to Senate approval. The five nominees are: Umar Yusuf Garba – Kano; Saad Umar – Bauchi; Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako – Anambra; Mohammad I. Ngoshe – Borno and Dr. Owede Kosioma Eli – Bayelsa. “In compliance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following five (5) nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the letter signed by the President read. “While hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner, please accept Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.” In another correspondence, President Tinubu sought confirmation for the nomination of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The nomination aligns with Section 3(1)(b) of the NCoS Act, 2019, which stipulates the appointment process for the agency’s leadership. Tinubu urged the Senate to approve the nomination expeditiously, highlighting the critical role of the Correctional Service in Nigeria’s justice system. The request has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Interior to report back in one week. | TINUBU; INEC; RECS; APPOINTMENT | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 12 MARCH 2025 | Rivers Crisis: Tinubu sues for peace, calls on Fubara, south-south politicians to adhere to rule of law | President Bola Tinubu, addressing political leaders from the South-south on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasised the critical need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State to ensure lasting peace and prosperity. During a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), President Tinubu reiterated that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony. The president advised the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, by insisting that the judiciary’s interpretations of the Constitution be respected. | TINUBU; RIVERS CRISIS; RULE OF LAW | PREMIUMTIMES | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 12 MARCH 2025 | House of Reps calls for adherence to rule of law, directs Nigerian Army to release report on Okuama killing | In a bid to ensure adherence to the rule of law, the House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Army to release the investigation report on the unfortunate killing of 17 soldiers on March 14, 2024, in Okuama Community, Ughelli South of Delta state. The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Francis Waive at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday. The House also called on the authorities of the Nigerian Army to either release the detained innocent members of the community or charge them to court. It further stressed the need for the authorities to rebuild the homes destroyed by soldiers in the wake of the unfortunate incident. The House mandated its Committee on Defence to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action. While moving the motion, Waive noted that one year after the tragic incident, the community members in the Army’s custody have not been taken to court or released on bail. He remarked that it was unfortunate that when the affected community requested that a judicial inquiry be made to look into the facts of the events, that option was not considered. The lawmaker stated that since the Nigerian Army decided to conduct its own investigations, it is believed that by now, it should have concluded its investigations. ALSO, the House of Representatives has decried the spate of killings, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes in Esan North-East and Esan South-East Federal Constituency of Edo State. Adopting a motion under matters of urgent national importance sponsored by Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie at the plenary yesterday, the House directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to conduct an intensive investigation to curb the ugly trend. The House also urged the Federal Government, through the defence headquarters, to establish a military base in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Council Area to enhance security presence and response capabilities in the region. It mandated its committees on Defence, Army, National Security and Intelligence, Police and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative actions. | HOUSE OF REPS; NIGERIAN ARMY; OKUAMA KILLINGS | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 12 MARCH 2025 | Senate directs INEC to conduct Anambra-South, Edo-Central by-elections. These seats were previously occupied by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo | The Senate has formally directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats for Anambra-South and Edo-Central Senatorial Districts. The Anambra-South seat became vacant following the death of Ifeanyi Ubah on July 26, 2024. For Edo-Central, the vacancy was created after Monday Okpebholo was elected as the governor of Edo State and inaugurated on November 12, 2024. Both senators were elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had previously declared the two seats vacant. Presiding over yesterday’s plenary, he formally instructed INEC to organise the by-elections to ensure proper representation for the affected districts. ALSO, the Senate, yesterday, urged the INEC to restore Aniocha North II State Constituency, Delta State, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment in Suit No. SC/129/2019. The upper chamber of the National Assembly also called for the constituency’s inclusion in the next Delta State House of Assembly elections and resolved to seek the House of Representatives’ concurrence, as required by Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The resolution followed a motion by Ned Nwoko (Delta North), who noted that the constituency’s legal battle began in 2014. Although the Federal High Court initially dismissed the case, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of its restoration in 2017, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in 2019. Despite INEC’s commitment to implementing the ruling and notifying the National Assembly in 2020, no action has been taken, leaving residents disenfranchised. Senators unanimously supported the motion, and Akpabio put it to a voice vote, approving the resolution. | SENATE; INEC; ANAMBRA-SOUTH; EDO CENTRAL | GUARDIAN | ||||
| BREAKING NEWS | 12 MARCH 2025 | JUST IN: Governor Fubara arrives at the Rivers House of Assembly Complex and finds it locked; lawmakers claim no prior communication from the Governor and refuse to receive him. | UST IN: Governor Fubara arrives at the Rivers House of Assembly Complex and finds it locked; lawmakers claim no prior communication from the Governor and refuse to receive him. | RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; | |||||
| VANGUARD | 13 MARCH 2025 | #EDOPolitics: Governor Okpebholo recalls State Attorney General from suspension as panel finds him not guilty of financial infractions | EXACTLY 37 days after he was suspended, the governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has recalled his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Samson Osagie. A letter to Osagie by the Secretary to State Government (SSG) Umar Ikhilor, Esq. marked SGA. 15/NOL.XV111/215 and dated March 12,2025 released around 8:15 pm, read that “Having considered the report of the Investigative Panel set up by Government to investigate allegations of financial infractions reported against you, which has exonerated you from the said allegations, I write to convey the directive of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo that you resume duties as the State Hon.Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice with effect from 12th March, 2025.” Reacting to the development, Osagie said he commended the governor for his frankness “I appreciate his sincerity of purpose and vision for the state, this is a clear indication that His Excellence, Sen Monday Okoebholo means well for the state and I use this medium to reiterate my commitment and loyalty him and his administration. “I remain committed to joining him to ensure that Edo State recovered all lost ground takes the stage to where it should be.” | EDO; CORRUPTION; ATTORNEY GENERAL | VANGUARD | ||||
| CHANNELSTV | 14 MARCH 2025 | JUST IN: Fubara writes Rivers Assembly again, proposes Wednesday, 19th March for 2025 Budget Presentation | Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has again written to the Rivers State House of Assembly, proposing Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as the new date for the presentation of the 2025 state budget. In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara recalled his earlier attempt to present the budget on March 12, which was unsuccessful due to being denied entry into the Assembly premises. He stated that despite prior delivery of a soft copy notice and efforts to submit a hard copy through the clerk, he and his entourage were locked out. The governor emphasized that his attempt was in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment, which he noted had also mandated the Assembly to carry out its functions within constitutional boundaries. He also reminded the Speaker that the House had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the presentation of the budget, even before he was served with a certified true copy of the judgment and enrolled orders. Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to governance despite the political crisis in the state. He urged all arms of government to exercise their duties within legal and constitutional frameworks for the good of the people. “No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts,” he stated. The letter formally notified the Speaker of his intention to present the budget on March 19 at 11:00 a.m. or at any other time deemed convenient by the House. Governor Fubara concluded by expressing his hope that the Assembly would consider his request favourably. There have been a back and forth between the Fubara and the lawmakers following the Supreme Court judgement ordering the governor to present the 2025 budget to the State Assembly led by Amaewhule. It took a dramatic turn at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters on Wednesday when Governor Siminalayi Fubara arrived at the venue but the entrance gate locked. The security personnel at the quarters locked the gates when the governor’s convoy arrived. The action of the security personnel was hinged on the position that there was no official communication between the governor and the Assembly. However, the governor insisted that he informed the lawmakers that he coming. ‘Consider Rivers People’ Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday appealed to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to consider the interest of the people of the state and embrace peace to resolve the political impasse in South-South state. “It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” Fubara said when he commissioned some projects in the Okrika Local Government Area of the state. The governor said he needed peace to govern the state well and called on all dissatisfied political actors in the state to put all that had happened behind and commit to the full implementation of the February 28, 2025 raft of decisions handed over by the Supreme Court. “The Supreme Court has made its judgment, we don’t have any option but to abide by it, and by the special grace of God, we have started the process. “We are appealing to other parties: consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development. “I am open any day, any time for total peace in our state because if I have to govern well, there is the need for peace,” the governor said. | RIVERS STATE; BUDGET PRESENTATION; HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 14 MARCH 2025 | Tax Reform Bills: The House of Representatives has adopted the report of its finance committee, approved several amendments to accommodate concerns, and retained the 7.5% VAT rate. | After a groundswell of opposition, the House of Representatives yesterday approved significant amendments to the four tax reform bills sent to it for consideration in October last year by President Bola Tinubu as his administration seeks to overhaul the country’s tax system. Despite some considerable watering down to the initial bill, labour groups and their civil society allies have rejected aspects of the bills, saying most of the sections of the bills will further impoverish the Nigerian people. The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has one of the world’s lowest tax-to-GDP ratios, at 10.8 per cent, forcing the government to rely on borrowing to fund the budget. After ending costly energy subsidies and twice devaluing the naira in his first year in office, President Tinubu shifted his focus to reforming the tax system to boost revenue and efficiency. The new tax system seeks to raise value-added tax (VAT) to 12.5 per cent by 2026, streamline tax collection, and overhaul revenue-sharing between federal and state governments. However, the lawmakers retained VAT at 7.5%, rejecting the original proposal, and excluded minimum wage earners from income tax to ease the tax burden on lower-income earners. The amendments approved by the lower chamber at the plenary session on Thursday presided over by Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, addressed contentious issues such as inheritance tax, VAT distribution formula and also the clause on continuous funding of TETFUND, NASENI and NITDA from the development levies fund. This was after a clause-to-clause consideration of the bills as presented by the Chairman of the Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke. Key among the clauses considered and adopted include a VAT distribution formula based on 50 per cent equality; 20 per cent population and 30 per cent consumption as earlier proposed by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). Section 77 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill as amended says: “Notwithstanding any formula that may be prescribed by any other law, the net revenue accruing by the operation of Chapter Six of the Nigeria Tax Act shall be distributed as follows: (a) 10 per cent to the Federal Government; (b) 55 per cent to the State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory and (c) 35 per cent to the local governments. “The amount of the VAT revenue standing to the credit of states and local governments shall be distributed among them on the following basis: Equally – 50 per cent, Population – 20 per cent and Consumption – 30 per cent.” “For this section, consumption is determined by the place of consumption, irrespective of where the return is filed.” The House rejected the proposal for incremental review of VAT rates and approved that the current 7.5 per cent VAT rate be sustained. This was one of the most debated issues during the public hearing where there was a proposed increase in VAT from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030. The House also deleted the use of the controversial word, “ecclesiastical” from one of the clauses and replaced it with “religious”. The lawmakers further imposed stiff penalties, including a N2 million fine and a maximum three-year jail term for individuals or corporate entities found guilty of attempting to bribe or unduly influence tax officials. Another key amendment to the bills sent by the President was the restriction placed on the President’s and Governors’ powers to grant tax waivers. The House approved that any such exemptions must now be approved by the National Assembly or State Houses of Assembly. Similarly, the Accountant-General of the Federation must now seek legislative approval before deducting unremitted revenue from government agencies according to the approved legislation. Recall that concerns had arisen regarding the potential reintroduction of inheritance tax. The lawmakers have however removed provisions that could have been interpreted as introducing an inheritance tax, clarifying that income from inherited assets before distribution will not be taxed. Section 4 of the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 was amended to read: “Income of a family recognised under any law or custom in Nigeria as family income in which the several interests of individual members of the family cannot be separately determined, excluding income on inherited assets before distribution.” The House also approved the exemption of military salaries from income tax, saying this is to acknowledge the sacrifices by the military personnel. The Green Chamber okayed the recommendation that agencies such as TETFUND, NITDA, and NASENI continue to receive funding, extending the benefits of the four per cent development levy fund to additional agencies. For military personnel income, section 164 of the Nigeria Tax Bill read: “Emoluments of any person serving as other rank and other personnel serving in combat zones, hazardous areas or in designated operations, provided that where any other income accrues to the person, not being income by way of personal emoluments, that income shall be liable to tax.” Furthermore, according to the approved bill, Banks are now required to report transactions above N50m for individuals and N250m for companies. On the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill which seeks to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among the approved recommendations is the expansion of the NRS Governing Board with six executive directors representing the geopolitical zones and one representative from each of the 36 states and the FCT to ensure federal character. The House also ruled that the NRS must obtain a court order before seizing taxpayers’ assets. On the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the House approved stricter tax compliance measures, but with provisions that ease the burden on small businesses. The lawmakers approved the extension of the timeframe for issuing Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) from two to five working days. On the contentious issue of technology-driven tax collection, the House the introduction of real-time VAT reporting, which will require businesses to file their tax returns instantly where the necessary technology is available. According to the newly amended Section 22 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, taxable businesses must comply with digital VAT filing regulations: “Where technology is deployed by the Service, a taxable person shall render returns in real-time or at such other time as the Service may prescribe”, it said. Under Section 23 of the same bill, businesses will now be legally required to adopt the EFS for automated tax recording and submission: “Where the Service deploys an Electronic Fiscal System (EFS), any person making a taxable supply shall use the EFS for recording and reporting all supplies.” Furthermore, according to the passed legislation, The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill amended by the House allowed a restructuring of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), which will now receive direct funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Also, if assented to by the President, companies winding down their operations will now have three months to file their final tax returns, down from the previous six-month requirement. On the VAT distribution system, the lawmakers ruled that tax revenues should be allocated based on actual consumption location, rather than company headquarters. The House also introduced a controversial provision requiring taxpayers to provide passwords and access codes for electronically stored financial records, citing the increasing digitization of tax filings and the need for effective auditing. In the approved legislation, the House granted a five-year tax reduction of 25 per cent for companies operating in priority sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. For the oil and gas sector, solid mineral royalties will increase from 3%-5% to 7.5%-10%, while petroleum companies’ tax exemptions are revised. With consideration and adoption, the bills are now set to be passed for third reading at the next legislative day. Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Rep. James Faleke (APC-Lagos) assured that the amended tax laws will be acceptable to all Nigerians. Faleke gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen on Thursday after the House considered and adopted the report on the four tax reform bills in Abuja. “These bills took three full days of the public hearing, we took memoranda from more than 80 critical stakeholders and after the three days, we resorted to a retreat for eight days, debating all the clauses for each of the bills. I am glad that members of the house saw that we had done a thorough job and they have approved all our recommendations. “We want to appreciate our members and all Nigerians who showed interest in these bills and we assure that the laws that will come after these bills are acceptable by all Nigerians,’ he said. Faleke appreciated the leadership of the house for entrusting the committee with the responsibility of processing the tax bills and laying them before the House.He also commended President Bola Tinubu for considering it worthy to amend tax laws saying that some of our tax laws are as old as 1959. According to the lawmakers, we cannot continue to operate with those tax laws that are archaic to meet our demands for survival, business and the revenue target that we seek to achieve. The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Rep. Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger) said that no bill in the 10th Assembly had generated such controversies as the tax reforms bills.He said that the house, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was able to build consensus among all the stakeholders. Abdullahi said that interest groups from each geo-political zone and regional thought leaders were drafted into the committee which allayed the fears of the people.He said that the recommendations of the committee were an offshoot of all the inputs of the various stakeholders. ` There were never seen as a perfect document, there were proposals from the Executive and the public hearing provided Nigerians the platform to make the better and from what we have seen today, the whole country represented by the lawmakers have assented to it,’’ he said. In the meantime, trade unions and civil society organisations have strongly opposed key provisions in the proposed Nigerian Tax Bill 2024, including the scrapping of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and a gradual increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent. At a symposium organized by the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR) in Lagos, labour representatives and activists voiced concerns that these proposals would further weaken Nigeria’s education system and worsen the country’s economic crisis. The event also marked the launch of a CDWR pamphlet titled: “Tinubu’s Tax Reform Will Compound the Economic Crises; CDWR Demands a Progressive Tax System.” The symposium had the trade unions represented; which include the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (ASBIFIE), Cab Operators Union, Lagos State Council of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Lagos State Council of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Precision Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) and Lagos State Welders Association. There were also representatives of the Lagos State Councils of both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). The pro-labour organisations and civil society organisations in attendance are the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM), Centre for Popular Education (CEPED), MEKUNU-KOYA, Joint Action Front (JAF), ACTIVISTA, Movement for African Emancipation (MAE), Socialist Party and Socialist Vanguard Tendency (SVT). Union leaders and activists warned that abolishing TETFUND, as proposed in Section 59 of the Tax Bill, would severely impact tertiary education, which is already underfunded. They called for increased government spending on education, including intervention funds, rather than eliminating vital funding agencies. Similarly, the proposed VAT hike in Section 146 was described as a move that would exacerbate Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis, increase poverty, and disproportionately affect low-income earners. Participants also demanded union representation on the boards of tax-related agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in fund management. A tax expert, Mr Lanre Akinola, highlighted that Section 77 of the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill could worsen economic disparities among states, further weakening financially struggling regions. “The ruling elite is obsessed with imposing taxes and levies on ordinary Nigerians, yet they fail to invest in the people through social programs, infrastructure, and productive economic activities that generate decent jobs,” Akinola stated . Additionally, activists criticised ongoing government policies including increases in electricity tariffs, fuel prices, and currency devaluation, arguing that these measures have led to skyrocketing inflation and worsening poverty. They called for an immediate reversal of these anti-poor policies. CDWR also opposed the proposed reduction in corporate tax rates, as outlined in Section 56 of the bill. The bill seeks to lower corporate tax from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent in 2025 and to 25 per cent by 2026. | HOUSE OF REPS; TAX BILLS; AMENDMENT | GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 14 MARCH 2025 | Bill to amend the Electoral Act to provide for early voting passes second reading in the Senate | A bill to amend the Electoral Act 2022, providing for early voting in elections, has passed its second reading in the Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC-Katsina), the bill seeks to enfranchise Nigerians who are unable to vote on Election Day due to official duties, such as INEC officials, security personnel, journalists, and observers. Leading the debate on Thursday, Yar’adua highlighted that over one million citizens involved in election duties are currently disenfranchised because they are deployed far from their registered polling units. “This bill seeks to correct that by making provisions for early voting for such citizens,” he said, arguing that excluding these individuals undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Yar’adua emphasized that the bill would enhance Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring all eligible citizens can participate in elections, regardless of their professional obligations on Election Day. Deputy Senate President Sen. Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action. The committee is expected to report back within four weeks. | SECOND READING; EARLY VOTING; HOUSE OF REPS | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 17 MARCH 2025 | Rivers Lawmakers: "Fubara is insincere, frustrating budget presentation." | Twenty-seven members of Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, have accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of frustrating implementation of the Supreme Court judgement on the 2025 state budget re-presentation. The lawmakers claimed that the governor was not willing to comply with the apex court order, especially the aspect requiring him to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly. They also denied receiving any correspondence from the governor on the budget re-presentation. The media was awash last week with reports about the governor being locked out of the Assembly complex, where he had gone, allegedly, based on formal correspondence, to do the budget re-presentation, as ordered by the Supreme Court. However, Chairman, House Committee on Information and spokesperson of the Assembly, Enemi George, who spoke to a select group of journalists, yesterday in Port Harcourt, challenged Fubara to produce the acknowledged copy of the letter he claimed to have sent to the legislature on the budget re-presentation. But in a letter dated March 7, 2025, from the office of the Secretary to the State Government, the speaker and all members of the Assembly were invited to a meeting with the governor at his office on March 10 to discuss, among others, the presentation of the budget. The letter, seen by THISDAY, said the meeting would also discuss provision of a befitting space for Assembly sittings and payment of outstanding salaries and allowances of the legislators. As the political crisis in Rivers State festered, Pan-Niger Delta Youths Forum (PANDYEF) called on President Bola Tinubu to leverage his authority and ensure lasting peace and security in the oil-rich state. The appeal came as hundreds of women from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State called on Fubara to keep maintaining his peaceful disposition, despite the challenges he faced from detractors. Similarly, stakeholders from the Ogoni ethnic nationality called for peace among the Ogoni as they continued to dialogue with the federal government ahead of the resumption of oil exploration in the area. Rivers State House of Assembly called on members of the public to compel Fubara to follow the established due process in presenting the appropriation bill instead of playing to the gallery. George said, “Last week, we were told that on his way to Ogoni for a programme, the governor made a stopover at the gate of the House of Assembly Quarters to grant an interview to the press. “In that interview, he claimed that he had sent a letter to the House of Assembly indicating his intention to visit and present the appropriation bill, a claim we found rather astonishing, as no such letter was received by the House of Assembly. “His aides later alleged that they forwarded a letter through WhatsApp to some members of the house, which was also awkward, unprofessional and embarrassing. “As I speak, the social media space is awash with stories about a purported letter from the governor to the House of Assembly expressing his intention to visit the house to present the appropriation bill for the year 2025. “Nothing can be farther from the truth. We want to state categorically that there is no such letter before the House of Assembly or any of its staff. “We challenge the governor and his aides to produce an acknowledgement copy of such a letter or any evidence that such a letter was sent or received by the House of Assembly. “It is absolutely untrue and unfortunate. The general public must, as a matter of importance, ignore such claim. “It is now very obvious that if at all there was such a letter, the intended recipient was not the legislature, but the public, and the clear intention was to play to the gallery, whip up public sentiment, demonise the House of Assembly, and set the public against us. This is demeaning, denigrating and perilously unfortunate.” George said the governor frustrated all the efforts of the Assembly to work with him to resolve the lingering crisis immediately after the Supreme Court judgement, particularly, on presentation of the Appropriation Bill, in the interest of the state. He stated, “Recall, after the recent Supreme Court judgement on the budget of our state, it became absolutely necessary for the governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, to present the appropriation bill to the legislature for consideration and passage. “Also, recall that immediately after the judgement, this house wrote to the governor, calling on him to immediately present the budget for speedy consideration. “It was our hope that by the 15th of March, 2025, we would have concluded the process of passing the appropriation bill into law, so as to give us enough time to approach the federal government to release funds meant for our state, which have been seized by the judgement of the Supreme Court. “This we did in the interest of our dear state and in pursuit of peace, recognising that no government can function optimally without a harmonious co-existence between the executive and the legislature.” According to him, “This letter was rejected and the staff of the House of Assembly, who attempted to deliver the mails, were brutalised at the gate of the Government House and sent back. “Undeterred by this, the house resorted to use a courier service to deliver the mail. The governor did not heed to our call, nor did he demonstrate any intention to. “Recall, again, that the judgement of the Supreme Court invalidated the appointment of most of the commissioners of the state. To bridge this gap and avoid a vacuum, this house immediately wrote to the governor to submit the list of commissioners for immediate screening. “Our letter was again rejected at the Government House and we once again resorted to deliver the mail through a courier service. Rather than heed our call, the governor instructed them to go to court against us, which they have now done. “The governor went further to instruct all ministries, agencies and departments of government not to receive any correspondence from the Rivers State House of Assembly nor communicate with us in any manner.” George said the governor must be reminded that the House of Assembly was not an appendage of the executive and its members were not his slaves, bondservants and serfs. He said, “We are an independent arm of government in line with the principles of horizontal separation of powers as expressed in Section 4, Section 5, and Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. “It is in responding to the attitude that the supreme court said in its judgement: A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of the state under the 1999 Constitution. “In this case, the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State.” George said the Assembly had hoped that such strong words from the Supreme Court would help “purge the governor of such despotic ways”. As an Assembly, he said the lawmakers were severely solicitous of progress of the state, adding that one man should not be allowed to hold everybody in the state to ransom because of his ego. George called on the governor to do the right thing in the right and lawful way to allow the state make progress. He said the Assembly was the worst hit in the ongoing crisis, lamenting that the lawmakers have suffered untold hardship. The legislative spokesman insisted that the governor must be stopped from extending such punishment to Rivers people. He said, “This Assembly has borne the brunt of this crisis. We have endured immense hardship. We have been battered almost beyond our carrying capacity. “We have been punished unduly and unfairly for trying to perform our constitutional duties. Our governor must not extend this punishment to Rivers people. No, please, no. We must not allow it. “We have seen hell: our hallowed chamber was burnt down by the governor. The House of Assembly Complex was brought down by the governor, totally demolished alongside our personal effect and belongings. “Our speaker’s residence was brutally attacked. Our residential quarters was brutally invaded by the governor. Our allowances have been seized for about a year and six months. We still continue to suffer. “Yet we have resolved to put all of these behind us in the interest of our state, so that our state can move forward. We cannot afford to punish our people because of our ego and personal interests. “We have our aged pensioners, who must receive their pensions. We have our teachers in public schools who we depend on for our children to be educated, they must be paid their salaries. “We have government hospitals and health centres, which our people depend on for discounted and affordable medical services.” Niger Delta Youths Urge Tinubu to Drive Peace Pan Niger Delta Youths Forum (PANDYEF) called on President Bola Tinubu to use his position to drive lasting peace in Rivers State. PANDYEF, which made the call in a statement by its spokesman, Mazi Chika Art Adiele, raised the alarm over the unending political crisis in the state. The group commended Tinubu for his “fatherly interventions” in the political crisis, following the face-off between Fubara and his predecessor and estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike. PANDYEF, which described itself as the apex organisation of Niger Delta youth groups, warned that the political crisis, which had “unfortunately brought negative spotlight on River State” should not be allowed to escalate. It stated, “It is our belief that Mr. President has the capacity to ease the escalation of the political tension and ensure lasting peace and security without further delay.” Women Support Fubara’s Peace Moves Hundreds of women from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State gathered in Port Harcourt to lend support to efforts to ensure a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State. The women, under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to maintain his peaceful disposition, despite confrontation from detractors. They called on Wike and members of the state Assembly to sheathe their sword for peace to reign in the state. RWUS made the appeals at the weekend, during a three-day praise and prayer session held in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Speaking with journalists shortly after the prayer session, former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Beatrice Awala, who represented Ahoada East Constituency 1, emphasised that women and children would suffer more should there be a breakdown of law and order in the state. Awala said the governor had exhibited a peaceful disposition since the beginning of the political crisis, and stressed the need for the opposing faction to toe the line of peace. She stated, “I stand as elder stateswoman in this programme today. We are praying for peace, we are praying for unity, we are praying for progress, we are praying for development. We are praying that one governor should rule at a time. “If anything happens, the effect will be more on the women and children. And women of Rivers State, we are crying and we are praying that they should remember the people of Rivers State. “Our governor thinks of Rivers State, he doesn’t think of anything other than the development of Rivers State, apart from the welfare of the people of Rivers State. “If it was during Wike’s time as governor, will he allow the House of Assembly to give him 48 hours to present budget? Will he even allow them to say anything? Why won’t he allow them to honour our governor, to let them (lawmakers) see that we have only one governor.” Ogoni Stakeholders Push for Peaceful Dialogue with FG on Oil Resumption Stakeholders from the Ogoni ethnic nationality called for peace among the Ogoni as they dialogued with the federal government on resumption of oil exploration in the area. After a recent meeting with the presidency in Abuja, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, the stakeholders set up a committee, where they agreed to have a town hall meeting across the four local government areas (Eleme, Gokana, Khana and Tai) with the intent to get reactions and submissions from the grassroots. At the last town hall meeting held in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area, weekend, the member representing Khana-Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dumnamene Dekor, called for unity among the people. Dekor said the town hall meeting presented an opportunity for the Ogoni to talk about their problem. He thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his commitment towards the negotiation process. Dekor stated, “If we continue to unite, we’ll succeed. By the special grace of God, the opportunity has been thrown at us that we have a president who cares about us, who invited us and told us to come and talk about our problem so that we can heal the wounds of yesteryears.” | MARTINS AMAEWHULE; RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; BUDGET PRESENTATION | THISDAY | ||||
| THE CABLE | 17 MARCH 2025 | PDP's Lagos Governorship Candidate for 2023 election, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor) returns to APC two weeks after dumping PDP. Recall that he was a member of APC before joining PDP to run as the governorship candidate. | Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, Jandor said his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a “reflection of his unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos”. Jandor was the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos in the 2023 general election. He held a secret meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa last Tuesday. Jandor was a member of the APC before defecting to the PDP to run for governorship. The 47-year-old politician accused PDP national leadership of letting him down on the eve of the election, maintaining that he would have won but for a false claim of alliance that made PDP supporters in Lagos vote for another candidate. | PDP; APC; JANDOR; GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE | CABLE | ||||
| PUNCH | 17 MARCH 2025 | LG Financial Autonomy: Some governors kick against payment of LG allocation through CBN, says such arrangement makes it subject to federal government control | State governors have launched a fresh push against the planned disbursement of federal allocation to the local government councils in a renewed bid to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict on LGA autonomy. Some of the governors, during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, last Tuesday, kicked against payment of the LG allocation through the Central Bank of Nigeria, citing the need to address the multi-billion dollar debts allegedly incurred by the councils. Presidency officials said the governors used the opportunity of the Iftar dinner to lobby the President and renew negotiations on direct allocation to the councils, which has suffered delays. “When the governors came on Monday for Iftar, they sought to meet the President, which they did on Tuesday afternoon. Some of the governors came to meet the president. They were there with him for long. They left around past six that evening,” one insider told The PUNCH. Speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, another official privy to the details, explained further, “They finally met the President on Tuesday to try to find a solution. They are jostling for a favourable outcome. “What is happening are two things. The Federal Government wants the allocations paid to the CBN, and all local government areas should open an account with the CBN. “But the governors said no. They don’t want it that way. They said if the money goes to the CBN, it is as good as the Federal Government still controlling the whole thing.” A source privy to Tinubu’s discussions with the governors revealed that the state executives wanted the disbursements sent to commercial bank accounts instead. “One of the governors said that with the CBN handling the account, they would need approval from the Accountant-General. That means it is still under FG’s control, and they don’t want it that way. They want it to go to commercial banks. But the FG is saying no,” the source stated. On the outcome of the meeting, the official revealed, “They said the meeting was positive. But I don’t know what they agreed upon. It appears they are working with some officials to find a way out. But the main thing is that the local government allocation was being withheld. It has not been paid. And it is because of this.” Historically, the funding of local governments has long been a contentious issue, primarily due to the power dynamics between the state and local governments. On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment affirming the fiscal autonomy of local governments nationwide. It ruled that federal allocations to the LGAs must be paid directly to their respective accounts, bypassing state governments. This followed a suit filed by the Federal Government, which sought to enforce fiscal autonomy for LGAs as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Supreme Court emphasised that state governments receiving and disbursing LGA funds was unconstitutional and ordered an immediate end to the indirect payment system. The judgment also included a provision that only democratically elected LGA leaderships are eligible to receive federal allocation. The provision was introduced to address the widespread practice of state governors appointing caretaker committees or administrators to manage LGAs. The court ruled that such appointed officials are unconstitutional and that only leaders elected through a democratic process can legitimately access and manage LGA funds. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria had mandated all LGAs to submit a two-year account audit before funds can be disbursed. The CBN had also begun opening accounts for local governments to facilitate direct payments. The apex bank in February announced that it had begun profiling local government chairmen and signatories to the bank accounts of the 774 local government areas as part of the process to implement financial autonomy. The Director of Legal Services at the CBN, Kofo Salam-Alada, stated that this step was necessary to ensure financial accountability. However, the National Union of Local Government Employees cautioned the CBN against aiding governors in obstructing financial autonomy, following reports that the bank had refused to open accounts for some councils due to alleged non-compliance with auditing requirements. On its part, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria said it had received no formal communication from the apex bank regarding the opening of accounts. Nonetheless, direct payments to LGAs have faced resistance and logistical challenges nine months later. On March 2, 2025, this paper reported that the immediate-past Account-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had commenced talks on the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy. In a move to enforce the verdict, the two senior officials were said to be holding consultations on the modalities for submitting LGAs’ bank accounts for direct payment of council allocation but are reportedly facing challenges identifying LGAs with democratically elected officials. This was contained in the Federation Account Allocation Committee Technical Sub-Committee meeting minutes. On January 1, 2025, President Tinubu said that his administration was in no battle with state governors over the controversial local government autonomy. Tinubu, however, called for collaboration from the 36 state executives, highlighting their crucial role in grassroots development. “There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No…Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration,” the President said when he received Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, who paid him a New Year homage at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. “We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level. Just drive development at the local government. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it,” Tinubu added. Meanwhile, indications have emerged that the NGF was pushing for a delay in implementing direct allocation to the LGAs over multi-billion dollar debts reportedly incurred by the governors in the name of the LGAs. Speaking with The PUNCH, ALGON’s Secretary-General, Mohammed Abubakar, said the apex bank was facing bottlenecks in implementing the judgment. He hinted that governors were pressuring the apex bank to delay the process over the multi-billion dollar liabilities incurred in the name of the local government areas of their states. Abubakar said, “The Federal Government is also having its bottlenecks. The last time I engaged the FG team, it said the governors were also coming up with different excuses that they have some liabilities incurred in the name of local government. So all these things need to be properly itemized and there is a need to find a way to balance each other.” He pointed out that the local government may be worse off as the CBN was particularly under pressure from the governors to divert local government funds to settle the debts. Rather than the haphazard implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, he called for the engagement of stakeholders to address the looming mismanagement of local government allocation by the governors. “The proper thing to be done is to engage the stakeholders, put things on the table, involve stakeholders like the ALGON, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, those who have had the opportunity to be in the system and some other professionals with experience on how things can be done to achieve a common goal without getting to further endanger the fund of the local government. “This is because if they just do it the way they want to do it haphazardly, I can assure you that local government funds may begin to go into the hands of some people using the CBN again as a funding path to divert local government money by saying they are paying debts owed by local governments and the local government do not even know when these debts were incurred. So, we need to be careful. All these have to be looked into,” Abubakar insisted. He acknowledged the fear of local governments losing their allocation to creditors who might have obtained judgments and garnishee orders against the CBN. Abubakar also expressed concerns that the CBN may have engaged multiple consultants in a manner that could hinder local governments’ access to funds. He further highlighted the risk of local government funds being mismanaged due to court-ordered financial settlements involving consultants. The ALGON scribe noted, “There is this fear from our end that the CBN is in court with many so-called consultants, who have been working for local governments through ALGON. “And the kind of judgment and garnishee orders they have procured from the courts is a thing that we’re also not too sure how CBN can handle such a situation, because, in previous times, CBN would say it doesn’t have money for local government so taking us to court to liquidate whatever the local government is owing is going to be difficult. “Now, if the money now gets there, what excuse will CBN give again for them not to take their money when they already have their judgment and even the Attorney-General and Ministry of Finance have cleared them to be paid? So, the local government may end up losing money as this debt we’re talking about is in billions of dollars. “And if these people fall on that money in CBN, you should be rest assured that the local government may end up even worse than before.” He added that the LG chairmen should be diplomatic to allay the anxiety of governors that implementing the financial autonomy may hurt their relationship with the councils. “Yes, ALGON is the coordinating body for the 774 local government areas but you have to carry the chairmen along so that they can, in turn, talk to their governors to assure that the judgment will not harm them, hinder their operations or deny them the relationship with governors. “So, things have to come in very plain terms so there won’t be a question of they are leaving the usual way of doing things and going for the worse. “You can rest assured that some of these chairmen wait on their governors to direct them on what to do. And if these governors are not up to date on what to do at the CBN and how it will be coordinated, they will slow down their chairmen from going to engage CBN in that process,” Abubakar added. Furthermore, Abubakar attributed the delay in implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government financial autonomy to the CBN’s failure to provide clear guidelines on account submissions and signatory verification for local government chairmen. He stressed that information about how the LG chairmen are to engage the CBN is unavailable, noting that the council leadership was not well-informed about how to engage the CBN. Expressing concern over the opaque process, Abubakar urged the CBN to clarify which department local government chairmen should approach and to outline the specific procedures required for them to receive funds directly from the Federation Account. “The proper information and the guidelines are not available. Our chairmen have not received any properly documented details of how they should go about this. You just asked the chairmen to approach CBN and we expect that there should be a proper detailing process that clarifies this whole thing. “The information about how they want to run it is scanty. If it’s CBN, put it in the public domain. What department in CBN is handling it? Everything must be out there. “The last information we received is that the committee set up by the Federal Government is working on it. There’s a committee that has an ongoing discussion on how to go about it. Yes, there’s a subcommittee of that committee and the subcommittee has to submit their recommendations to the main committee,” Abubakar said. He emphasized that the AGF should play a coordinating role in ensuring a smooth implementation of the process. He urged the committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, along with other relevant offices, to engage in broader consultations with ALGON, NULGE, and other key stakeholders in local government administration. “My advice is that the office of the Attorney-General, which is coordinating this committee, should engage in more consultations. They should reach out to the stakeholders and those components that have common interests in the administration of local government in this autonomy regime can be successful. ‘’But if you’re handling these things just within the confines of your committee, without reaching out to other stakeholders who provide solutions and advice on how things can work out, you begin to dish out instructions that people will hardly obey because there’s no proper information. You should be able to speak out. Let people understand what it is. “We have made our position known to the office of Attorney-General via our lawyer, Mike Ozekhome,(SAN), that information and what is being profiled from the committee should be in the public domain. Let everybody know; Call a stakeholders’ meeting, and get their opinion so that we can move on. “If stakeholders are carried along, the people who know what is at stake, are all on the table to discuss this matter, autonomy will commence as soon as possible,” he declared. | CBN; FEDERAL GOVT; LG ALLOCATION; FINANCIAL AUTONOMY | PUNCH | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 18 MARCH 2025 | Kaduna Politics: El-Rufai Accuses Uba Sani of siphoning LG funds to foreign banks, claims his administration was transparent. | "Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has accused his successor, Senator Uba Sani, of diverting local government (LG) funds to purchase properties in Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. El-Rufai, who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made the allegations in an interview with Freedom Radio Kaduna, yesterday. He claimed that Sani converted local government allocations into dollars to acquire the foreign properties. He said that this was a departure from what transpired during his tenure when he did not interfere with local government funds. “When I was governor, I never took a kobo from local government funds. We gave them their allocations to operate. Once we set aside funds for SUBEB, primary healthcare, and other necessary deductions, we handed over the remaining money. Both the PDP and APC chairmen are alive to testify,” he said." | EL-RUFAI; UBA SANI; KADUNA; APC | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THE CABLE | 18 MARCH 2025 | Rivers State Government: "Assembly’s notice of misconduct addressed to Fubara | The Rivers State government has downplayed the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, insisting that there is no formal communication from the state House of Assembly regarding allegations of gross misconduct. The assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule and dominated by 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, issued a notice dated March 14, outlining allegations against Fubara and Odu. The letter, signed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of reckless expenditure, obstructing the assembly, and making appointments without legislative approval, among other claims. On Monday, Speaker Amaewhule announced the formal transmission of the notice to the governor and his deputy, citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that impeachment allegations be signed by at least one-third of house members. He also directed Fubara and Odu to respond to the allegations within the stipulated period of 14 days. However, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Barrister Joseph Johnson, dismissed the move, stating that the letter was not addressed to the governor. Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, he criticised the assembly for obstructing Fubara’s efforts to implement the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on the state’s prolonged political crisis. Johnson added that the assembly’s actions were worsening the hardship faced by civil servants and pensioners due to the seized state allocation. He noted that Fubara had demonstrated his commitment to obeying the court’s decision by directing local government chairmen to hand over to their administrative heads. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had also scheduled fresh elections for August 9, 2025, in compliance with the ruling. Daily Trust reports that this is the second impeachment attempt against the governor. The first attempt to impeach Governor Fubara occurred on October 30, 2023. During this period, 24 members of the assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor, leading to significant unrest, including the burning of sections of the assembly complex and the eventual demolition of the complex. Governor Fubara claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt involving police gunfire during these events. Meanwhile, in a related development, the assembly has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo, over allegations of extra-budgetary spending. The lawmakers also called on the EFCC to probe financial misconduct allegedly linked to Danagogo. Their move follows allegations by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who accused the SSG of engineering the state’s political turmoil, including securing a court order barring Fubara from recognising the 27 lawmakers. Senior lawyers warn of constitutional crisis Reacting to the impeachment move, Abeni Mohammed (SAN) stated that removing a governor and deputy is a constitutional process that must be strictly followed. “They must go through the state’s Chief Judge, who will set up a panel to determine whether the allegations constitute an impeachable offense. The findings will then be returned to the Assembly before proceedings can commence,” he explained. Mohammed added that Governor Fubara is unlikely to remain passive, given that the lawmakers have also breached the constitution by refusing to sit and adjourning indefinitely. “The governor can challenge them in court to restrain any impeachment proceedings. Impeachment is a legal matter, and lawmakers must ensure they have not committed constitutional violations themselves. Let them serve the notice, and I am sure the governor’s lawyers know how to respond,” he said. He also criticised the Supreme Court for interfering in an issue before the High Court, particularly regarding the status of the 27 defected lawmakers. “The apex court had no reason to make pronouncements on whether the lawmakers had vacated their seats, as the matter was not before them. Their ruling emboldened the lawmakers, who themselves violated the constitution by defecting. Where and when did they sit to issue directives after indefinitely adjourning? They are playing politics at the expense of Rivers people,” he said. Similarly, Taiye Oniyide (SAN) called for restraint, emphasising that both sides must prioritise the state’s interests over personal conflicts. “This crisis has become unnecessarily personal. The power to impeach lies with the house, but this feud did not begin today. The entire nation is watching, and reasonable voices are urging caution,” he noted. Oniyide further alleged that former Governor Nyesom Wike had tacitly approved the impeachment attempt through his recent comments. “This is pure political vendetta. Unfortunately, the people of Rivers suffer the most, as critical development is stalled. Governance should not be driven by bitterness,” he said. | RIVERS STATE; MISCONDUCT; | |||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 18 MARCH 2025 | The Federal High Court declares that the AGF lacks powers to prosecute electoral offences, cites sections 145(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 | A Federal High Court in Abuja, has declared that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice does not have the powers to initiate, maintain and prosecute offences under the Electoral Act, 2022. Justice Inyang Ekwo made the declaration on Monday, while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship election in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, and nine others. Meanwhile, the AGF is the sole defendant in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1038/23. The plaintiffs had, in their originating summons prayed the court to stop the office of the AGF from prosecuting them over allegations of vote-buying levelled against Adebutu by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Besides, they asked the court to hold that the AGF cannot initiate, commence and continue the prosecution of electoral offences under the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 in view of Sections 153, 158, 160 and Paragraph 15, Part 1, 3rd Schedule of the Constitution. Among the issues raised for determination are whether the prosecution of electoral offences under the Electoral Act, 2022 is not the exclusive reserve of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with Section 145(2) of the Electoral Act and Sections 153, 158, 160 and Paragraph 15, Part 1, 3rd Schedule of the Constitution. Justice Ekwo, in his judgment, agreed with the plaintiffs that, it is only INEC that can initiate and maintain criminal proceedings for offences under the Electoral Act, 2022. The judge further held that the initiation, commencement and prosecution of electoral offences under the Electoral Act, 2022 by the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice is a violation of Sections 153, 158, 160 and Paragraph 15, Part 1, 3rd Schedule of the Constitution and Sections 144 and 145(2) of the Electoral Act and the independence of INEC. He in addition held that the defendant by exercising the power to prosecute the plaintiffs in a manner not in accordance with the law is ultra vires, adding that: “The power of the AGF to take over any proceedings can be challenged if the exercise of the power is not in accordance with the law.” The court however did not grant some of the prayers of the plaintiffs on the grounds that doing so will amount to tempering with the decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction. Ekwo subsequently held that the plaintiff has established his case according to the law and is entitled to justice. | FEDERAL HIGH COURT; ELECTORAL OFFENCES; ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION | THISDAY | ||||
| THE CABLE | 18 MARCH 2025 | Akpabio to NBA: "The Electoral Act will be amended for statutory delegates to participate in political party primaries." | Senate President Godswill Akpabio has hinted that the Electoral Act 2022 will be amended to include statutory delegates in political parties’ primaries slated for next year ahead of the 2027 elections. Akpabio spoke in Abuja on Monday during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The senate president said the omission of statutory delegates from primaries of political parties in the Electoral Act was a mistake that must be corrected before the next general election. “There were defects in the last Electoral Act that was amended,” Akpabio said. “So, we want to cure some of the defects that we found in our electoral system. I can tell you one. “Without any particular intention of the parliament, in the 2023 elections and the 2022 primaries, we inadvertently, created what I may call super-delegates. “Because all the statutory delegates, starting from the president, the vice-president, the governors, deputy governors, the senate president, deputy senate president, speaker, deputy speaker, members of parliament, national, sub-national, chairman of councils, and all, were omitted as delegates. “These are areas that we think we can look at in order to make our democracy more participatory. Because democracy is all about numbers.” Akpabio noted that with the current Electoral Act, a delegate is not welcome to the primaries, “unless you contested to be an ad hoc delegate to select flag bearers of the legislative houses, governorship, and then, of course, flag bearer of the presidential conventions in all the political parties across the country”. He said the senate will also look at the powers given to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), “as the last arbiter as to who decides who is a candidate and not the political parties”. The senate president said political parties should have the power to select candidates that will best serve their manifestos, “and have the integrity to represent their people and have a track record of performance to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people”. Speaking earlier, Afam Osigwe, the NBA president, told Akpabio that the national assembly should ensure judicial reforms in the ongoing constitutional amendment. | AKPABIO; ELECTORAL ACT; NBA; POLITICAL PARTIES; | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 18 MARCH 2025 | Rivers State: Fed High Court fixes April 16 to rule on application seeking to dismiss suit on defection of the 27 lawmakers. | The federal high court in Port Harcourt, Rivers state has fixed April 16 to rule on an application seeking the dismissal of a suit challenging the alleged defection of 27 members of the house of assembly. The Labour Party (LP) had filed a suit praying the court to declare the seats of the lawmakers vacant for allegedly defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). On March 11, K. Njemanze, the counsel representing the 27 lawmakers, told the court that he had filed a motion on March 10 seeking to strike out the case. Njemanze argued that the supreme court’s ruling on February 28, had already resolved all issues raised in the suit. Citing section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawyer submitted that the federal high court was bound to comply with the judgment of the apex court. However, Clifford Chukwu, the counsel for the LP, opposed the motion, arguing that the supreme court’s ruling did not directly address the central issue in the suit, which challenges the legality of the lawmakers’ defection. Chukwu further stated that under section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the federal high court has exclusive jurisdiction over matters of defection involving members of the house of assembly. At the resumed court session on Monday, the defendants through their counsel moved their motion seeking to strike out the case. Presenting the certified true copy of the verdict, the lawyer said the supreme court had restored the Amaewhule-led leadership of the assembly. He said Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers governor, who initially raised allegations of defection, had withdrawn the claims at the federal high court in Abuja. But Chukwu insisted that the defection was a “collateral matter” before the apex court, and urged the court not to answer the prayer to strike out the matter going by evidence already before it. The judge, E.A. Obile, adjourned the matter to April 16 to hear and rule on the dismissal application. BACKGROUND The Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers house of assembly is loyal to Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) and immediate former governor of the state. In a judgment on February 28, the supreme court has affirmed the judgment of a federal high court that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general of the federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers state. The apex court also ordered the Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers state house of assembly and other elected members of the house to resume sitting. In the judgment, a five-member panel of the apex court faulted the Abuja court of appeal for voiding the judgment of the federal high court. The federal high court had stopped the release of funds to Rivers after Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, failed to re-present the 2024 Appropriation Bill before the Amaewhule-led assembly. Emmanuel Agim, who read the supreme court’s lead judgment, held that the 27 lawmakers alleged to have defected from the PDP to the APC are still valid members of the Rivers assembly, pending the final determination of a suit challenging their status. | Rivers State; Federal High Court; Defection; Labour Party | CABLE | ||||