APGA Women Leader’s son: Murder barbaric and condemnable
YPP candidate in November 8 Anambra Guber poll, Mr Paul Chukwuma has condemned the murder of Mr Martins Onyekesi, an Awka-based fish farmer by gunmen. Chukwuma made the condemnation during a condolence visit on Mrs Esther Onyekesi, mother of late Martins, her only son on Friday in Awka. Mrs Esther Onyekesi is the Anambra Woman Leader of APGA. “We must all condemn this sad development; Martins Onyekesi was a young and vibrant fish farmer contributing towards the growth of the state. “Kidnapping him from their family compound at Okpuno area of Awka about ten days ago and murdering him is an evil we must all condemn. “This sad incident, which has sparked outrage nationwide, has brought to the fore the disturbing level of insecurity in Anambra. “Therefore, there is the need for the Anambra government to rejig the current security architecture of the state to tackle insecurity,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo had inaugurated a security outfit, “Operation Udogachi” to complement state-owned security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state. The governorship candidate in the company of his running mate, Mr Uzi Okagbue said that more actions were required to reduce the spat of security challenges in the state. The late fish farmer was abducted on July 27 before the news of his sudden murder.
Suspension of elected officials, a slap on the constitution-Dagogo
Dr Fara Dagogo, has described the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu as a slap on the Constitution. Dr. Dagogo was a member of the House of Representatives member, (Degema, Bonny, Federal Constituency). The former legislator made the remark on Tuesday in a statement issued to newsmen in Port Harcourt while reacting to the emergence rule declared on Rivers. He said that the declaration was questionable under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Dr. Fara added that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) outlined the conditions under which the President might declare a state of emergency. According to Dagogo, specifically, Section 305(1), the President may, by instrument published in the Official Gazette, issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the federation or any part thereof. ‘’Section 305(3) states that the President may only declare a state of emergency in a state if the Governor of the state, with a resolution supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly, requests the President to do so; “If there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety requiring extraordinary measures; “Or If there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the federation or any part thereof; “If there is an occurrence or imminent danger of invasion, war, or insurrection; or if there is a natural disaster or public health emergency; “Or if there is any other danger threatening the existence of the federation,”Dagogo explained. Dagogo said that President Tinubu admitted that the Governor and Deputy Governor did not request the proclamation (as required under Section 305(5). He said that the legal basis for the declaration rested on whether or not the public order and public safety had truly broken down, justifying the invocation of emergency powers. Speaking on legality of the Suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly, Dagogo said that the controversial aspect of the declaration was their suspension under the 1999 Constitution. According to him, the only legal way to remove a Governor or Deputy Governor is through impeachment by the State House of Assembly under Section 188. He stated that the Constitution does not grant the President the power to suspend or remove a Governor or Deputy Governor outside the impeachment process or a valid resignation. Dagogo said that section 11(4) and (5) stated that only the National Assembly could take over legislative functions of a state House of Assembly in cases where it could not function. It does not allow for the suspension of elected lawmakers. Dagogo explained that given the constitutional provisions, President Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials was unconstitutional, as there was no provision in the 1999 constitution granting such powers. “Even during a state of emergency, the Governor and Deputy Governor remain in office, unless removed in accordance with constitutional procedures,” he said. He said that the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to govern Rivers State raised another constitutional issue. “The 1999 Constitution does not recognize the office of an “Administrator” in place of an elected Governor ‘’The constitution only provides for a Governor elected by the people (Section 176(1)), a Deputy Governor elected alongside the Governor (Section 186),” he said. Dagogo mentioned that the only situation where an unelected official could assume control of a state is under military rule, which was not applicable under a democratic system governed by the 1999 constitution. He noted the role of the National Assembly in approving the State of Emergency, saying that under section 305(2) and (6), the President must transmit the emergency proclamation to the National Assembly for approval within two days. “If the National Assembly does not approve it within 10 days, the proclamation ceases to have effect. Dagogo while giving the constitutional breaches in the proclamation of Judicial interpretation and possible legal challenges, said that there were strong grounds for legal challenges in court. “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement in A.G. Federation v. A.G. Lagos State (2013) LPELR-20974(SC) reaffirms the principle that the President must act within constitutional limits, even in extraordinary situations,” he noted. Dagogo stated that ‘’any action outside the scope of the 1999 constitution is illegal’’ and could be overturned by the courts.
Labour Calls for Nationwide Protest Over Telecom and Electricity Tariff Hikes
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the Federal Government of a nationwide protest if it moves forward with the proposed telecommunications and electricity tariff increases that go against previous agreements. The NLC has instructed all its branches to prepare for action if the government proceeds with the telecom tariff hike, which was initially set at 50%. Despite reports suggesting that a compromise was reached, reducing the hike to 35%, telecommunications companies say they have not received any official communication about the reduction. They claimed that without a formal notification from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), they cannot act on the agreement. In addition to the telecom issue, the NLC has voiced strong opposition to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) plans to reclassify electricity consumers. The NLC accused NERC of unfairly shifting consumers from lower to higher tariff bands, which would lead to higher bills. The union has declared that any further increase in electricity tariffs would lead to massive protests. The NLC also criticized the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, for overstepping his role and taking actions that should be handled by NERC. The union has made it clear that they will not stand by while the government continues policies they consider harmful to the Nigerian public. The NLC’s recent decisions were made during a meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, where they also launched a new mass transit bus initiative for the North East Zone.
Discipline, dedication, benchmarks for implementing 2025 budget -Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu lists discipline, dedication and diligence as attributes most required as benchmarks for implementing the 2025 Budget of Restoration. He said the N54.99 trillion budget, which he signed into law on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was based on projected revenues. Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, Mr Tajudeen Abbass, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Sen. Solomon Adeola, Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, witnessed the budget signing ceremony. “Today, we take another bold step in our nation’s journey of economic recovery, stability, and growth with the signing of the 2025 Budget of Restoration. PLEASE READ: Natasha Akpoti wants senate probe aired live “We reaffirm our commitment to securing our future, rebuilding prosperity, and ensuring that every Nigerian shares in the dividends of governance. “The past year tested our resolve. But through economic discipline and strategic reforms, we achieved what many deemed impossible,” said the President. Tinubu noted that the uncertainty over the economy was gradually clearing as the reforms took shape, delivering a national GDP growth of 3.86 per cent in the last quarter of 2024, the fastest in three years. “Revenue increased to N21.6 trillion from N12.37 trillion, reflecting our drive for fiscal efficiency and the deficit reduced significantly – from 6.2 per cent in 2023 to 4.17 per cent in 2025. “Forex reforms restored investor confidence, stabilising our markets. READ ALSO: Tax reform bills best for Nigeria “The minimum wage was raised to ₦70,000, strengthening the purchasing power of workers, and infrastructure development advanced rapidly, with transformative projects such as the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway,” the President added. He thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their collaboration in giving the appropriation bill speedy attention and passage. The President highlighted some priority areas in the budget, including National Security, Infrastructure and energy, Human Capital Development, healthcare, education, and skills development. He said the increased allocation for agriculture and food security would boost local food production and ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry. Similarly, he said, the enhanced budget for social welfare would support youths, women, and vulnerable citizens. “This budget is bold, ambitious, and necessary. However, let me be clear: We cannot spend what we do not have. “While we have significantly reduced the deficit, we must ensure that we back every naira spent with actual revenue. READ ALSO: FCT-IRS Generates N43.8bn in January, threatens defaulters “We will not burden future generations with reckless borrowing. Instead, we will expand government revenues through efficiency reforms and enhanced earnings; accelerate public-private partnerships and foreign investments to finance key projects,” he said. Tinubu said every government agency would be held accountable for prudent spending and value-for-money initiatives. “To ensure smooth budget implementation, we will work with the National Assembly to redefine corrigenda within the Appropriations Act. “The redefinition will establish clear triggers for amendments, balancing executive needs with legislative oversight. A budget is not just numbers—it is a promise, and we must honour it with discipline,” the President added. Akpabio assured the President of the full support of the National Assembly in implementing the budget. He said the President inherited a “foaming economy” that needed urgent economic measures to recover. He affirmed that President Tinubu’s experience from Lagos and versatility in managing men and resources enabled the economy’s ongoing reforms and turnaround. Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said the passing of the budget had been a collaborative effort based on consultation, negotiation and analysis. “The National Assembly has all along been partners in progress with you, Mr President,” he added.
Afenifere calls for tighter security for NAFDAC DG Adeyeye
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to improve security measures around Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This appeal comes after alleged threats to her life and that of her staff. Afenifere’s Organizing Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, expressed concern over Adeyeye’s safety, stressing that her work in combating counterfeit drugs and harmful consumables exposes her to dangerous criminal networks. The group believes that any attack on her would not only endanger public health but also threaten national security. The organization also called for enhanced protection for other key officials, such as the heads of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). They suggested providing these officials with armored vehicles, well-trained security personnel, and modern surveillance systems to ensure their safety. Afenifere warned that failing to act could embolden criminal groups, making it harder to fight the circulation of dangerous drugs. The group urged the government to recognize Adeyeye’s contributions and ensure she and her team receive adequate protection.
As party stalwarts pass vote of confidence, Tinubu promises to work harder
Assuring that the Nigerian economy was on the road to recovery, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his resolve to put in more effort for the sake of the nation. The President spoke in Abuja at the All-Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee meeting, during which he received a vote of confidence for his administration’s good performance. He said that the party’s top decision-making body’s praise was an exhortation to strive even harder. He pledged to keep the party loyal. READ ALSO: Five candidates to contest for AfDB presidency “I am happy with your vote of confidence, and I accept it. The vote is a challenge to do more work; we will vigorously pursue our sovereignty in food security, investment and development. “I am happy with food prices coming down, especially as Ramadan approaches. The Sun is high, and the sky is bright outside. While the rest of the world unravels, we see growth in Nigeria. We are seeing a gradual return to stability. We are seeing improvements. I thank you, governors, ” President Tinubu said. President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their continued belief and trust in the All-Progressives Congress (APC). He pledged to continue working assiduously with other arms of government to ensure the greater good for Nigerians and commended APC governors and executives for their continued and unwavering commitment. “I’m grateful to all Nigerians for the electoral successes recorded from one state to the other. Governors, you have embraced these changes, and I thank the leadership of our party. I also thank members of the National Assembly for expeditiously considering the budget. “We can only build the party on a progressive platform to deliver good service to Nigerians. The President also commended the party’s National Working Committee for its performance and called for measures to end some of the crises in the states. “The National Working Committee is doing a very good job; I am pleased with them. However, there are a few conflicts in the various states. Let’s set up committees to look into the lingering problems in the states and appeal to these party leaders in various states to please be calm and be collaborative,” the President said. The party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked members for their steadfastness in the face of challenges and assured them that the party would continue to deliver on its electoral promises. “Though the journey has been very challenging for us as a ruling party, given the big task we have at hand and the expectations from Nigerians, We can sufficiently submit that we have collectively risen to the occasion and challenges,” he said. President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu in lifting the nation from its economic and developmental woes. READ ALSO: CSO’s allege powerful elites depleting Nigeria’s mineral resources “The Senate will expeditiously pass bills that would enhance our national development, improve the economy and redirect our national pathway,” he said. Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas commended the President for his vision and courage in making unpopular but essential decisions. He said the decisions were pivotal for Nigeria’s developmental efforts. The APC National Executive Council meeting took place a day after the party’s caucus meeting on Tuesday night. At the Caucus meeting, party leaders also praised President Tinubu’s administration for turning the economy around, with GDP growing by 3.84 per cent in the last quarter of 2024 and inflation going downhill.
Alleged Boko Haram funding: Senate moves to investigate USAID
The Nigerian Senate is set to investigate claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding Boko Haram. The allegation was made by a U.S. lawmaker, Perry Scott. During a plenary session on February 19, 2025, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that if the accusations are true, USAID would not be allowed to continue operating in Nigeria. He stressed the need for a thorough investigation before taking any action. The Senate has summoned top security officials, including the heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Security Adviser (NSA), to provide clarity on the matter. The investigation was triggered by a motion from Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, who urged the Senate to take the matter seriously due to the impact of terrorism in Nigeria. Senator Abdul Ningi suggested that security officials should first brief the Senate behind closed doors before any public discussions. The Senate agreed and scheduled a private session with the intelligence chiefs to gather more details before making further decisions.
Name a national monument after Edwin Clark: Senate pleads with Tinubu
The Senate has asked the Federal Government to honour the late Chief Edwin Clark by naming a national monument after him. Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a well-known South-South leader, died on February 17, 2025, at 97. During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in his memory and shared tributes to his contributions. They also agreed to send a delegation to his family and attend his burial. The motion, sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and 16 other South-South senators, recalled Clark’s long service to Nigeria. He was a nationalist, lawyer, administrator, and strong advocate for the Niger Delta. His political career started in 1953 as a councillor, and he later became a senator and a key figure in the fight for regional development. As Midwestern Commissioner for Education and Finance, he helped establish the Midwest College of Technology, which became the University of Benin. He also served as Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 and played a role in national unity efforts. Several senators praised his courage and commitment to justice. Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that Clark remained a strong voice for equity even in his old age.
Senate Approves Tinubu’s N54.9 Trillion Budget
The Nigerian Senate has passed the 2025 appropriation bill, thereby approving a budget of N54.9 trillion for the current fiscal year. The approval came on Thursday during a plenary session. The budget includes N3.6 trillion for statutory transfers and N14.3 trillion for debt servicing. Recurrent expenditure is allocated N13.5 trillion, while N23.9 trillion is set aside for capital projects. Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, presented the final document. He noted that the delayed submission of the budget proposal affected its passage. He urged President Bola Tinubu to submit future budget proposals at least three months before the year’s end. This, he explained, would help maintain the January-to-December budget cycle.
Rivers governor drops appeal on 2024 budget case
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has decided to drop his appeal against the court ruling that declared the state’s 2024 budget illegal. The announcement came from Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday. Governor Fubara had initially submitted the budget to the House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie in December 2023. However, on October 10, 2024, the Appeal Court in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling from January 22, 2024, which nullified the budget’s passage. The budget dispute started when lawmakers loyal to Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, challenged the process in court, arguing that it was not properly passed. This legal battle is part of the ongoing political conflict between Wike and his former ally, Fubara, over control of the state’s political structure. In a social media statement on Monday, Olayinka stated that the governor’s decision to withdraw the appeal confirms the court’s position on the matter. Fubara’s team has not yet responded to the development.