The Senate has invoked the provisions of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended and sacked Yakubu Danladi Umar as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT for what it described as unacceptable acts of misconduct.

According to the Senate, it became imperative to remove him from that sensitive position because his actions were unbecoming of a holder of such an office and his level of gross misconduct no longer acceptable.

The sack of Umar as Chairman of CCT was sequel to two third of Senators as 74 members signed, 10 senators present, totally 84 Senators.

The Senate had at 1.17pm gone into a closed door session on the matter that was listed as the first motion in the order paper and soon after the came out of the closed door session at 2:36pm, the Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, APC, Borno North moved that the action can be carried out in line with Section 157 (1) of the Constitution.

The motion to sack Umar as CCT Chairman was moved in the Order Paper by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central.

It was titled, Invocation of the provision of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended for the removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

According to Bamidele, The Senate: Notes that the Code of Conduct Tribunal is one of the key components of Federal Institutions in the country, saddled with the sacred statutory responsibilities of maintaining high standard of morality in the conduct of government business and to ensure that the actions and behaviours of public officers conform to the highest standards of public morality and accountability;

Also notes that a statutory institution of such magnitude is expected to be an epitome of moral rectitude and should be seen to uphold the virtues of integrity, probity and accountability. However, the conduct of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar, who is the Chairman of the Tribunal has fallen short of the requisite standard of a public officer to conduct the affairs of such Tribunal;

Concerned that the Senate has been inundated with series of petitions and allegations of corruption/misconduct against the Chairman, a situation that necessitated the 9th Senate, through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions to invite him to series of its investigative hearings in order to unravel the circumstances surrounding those allegations.

However, he appeared before the Committee only once and thereafter avoided subsequent invitations;

Also concerned about his alleged absenteeism from office for more than one month, without permission and recuse to his position, coupled with preponderance of corruption allegation, misappropriation, and physical street brawl with a security man in the FCT vis-à-vis his current investigation by the EFCC, ICPC and the DSS. All these are tantamount to acts of negligence and gross misconduct, unbecoming of a Chairman of such a reputable Tribunal;

Aware of the series of overwhelming allegations against the Chairman, Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, forwarded the name of Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello to the Senate for confirmation as the new Chairman of the Tribunal, and at the Plenary Sitting of the Senate on Thursday, 4th July, 2024, his appointment was duly confirmed, hence the need for the erstwhile Chairman to vacate the office for the substantive Chairman to officially resume office.

The federal government has announced the dissolution of the governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

To this end, the government announced the removal of Amb. Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe as Pro Chancellor and Hon. Hafiz Oladejo; Hon. Augustine Onyedebelu; Engr. Amioleran Osahon and Rtd Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin as council members

Similarly, the government announced the removal of the schools vice chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, who it said, was illegally appointed by the dissolved Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

The government said an acting vice-chancellor will be appointed, and a new governing council for the university constituted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law.

The government explained in a statement yesterday that its action followed grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.

The decision comes after it was found that the Chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed a Vice-Chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position. This led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community, causing tension and disharmony, the statement which was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, through its Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said.

According to the statement,The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that urgent measures were needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, as the illegal decisions taken by the Governing Council posed a significant risk of further destabilizing the institution.

The statement read further:The Minister of Education has also announced the removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, the Vice-Chancellor who was illegally appointed by the dissolved Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

In accordance with the universitys founding act, an Acting Vice-Chancellor will be appointed, and a new Governing Council for the university will be constituted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law.

All these changes are with immediate effect. This step aligns with the Federal Governments commitment to good governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the nations educational institutions.

A total of N1.411trillion October 2024 federal allocation has been shared among the three tiers of government- federal, state, and local governments.

This was disclosed in a message issued yesterday following the November 2024 meeting of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) held in Bauchi State and chaired by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein.

The November 2024 FAAC meeting was held after the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) hosted by the Bauchi State government.

The N1.411 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N206.319 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N622.312 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N17.111billion and exchange difference revenue of N566.000 billion.

A communiqué issued by FAAC indicated that total gross revenue of N2.668 trillion was available in October 2024. The total deduction for cost of collection was N97.517 billion while total transfers, interventions and refunds was N1.159 trillion.

According to the communiqué, gross statutory revenue of N1.336 trillion was received for October 2024. This was higher than the N1.043 trillion received in September 2024 by N293.009 billion.

Gross revenue of N668.291 billion was available from the VAT in October 2024. This was higher than the N583.675 billion available in September 2024 by N84.616 billion.

The communiqué stated that of the N1.411 trillion total distributable revenue, the federal government received N433.021 billion, and the state governments received N490.696 billion.

The LGAs received a total of N355.621 billion, and N132.404 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared with the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

On the N206.319 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the federal government received N77.562 billion and the state governments received N39.341 billion.

The local government areas received N30.330 billion, and N59.086 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared among the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

From the N622.312 billion distributable VAT revenue, the federal government received N93.347 billion, the State Governments received N311.156 billion and the LGAs received N217.809 billion.

A total sum of N2.567 billion was received by the FG from the N17.111 billion electronic money transfer levy. The state governments received N8.555 billion and the LGAs received N5.989 billion.

From the N566 billion exchange difference revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N259.545 billion and the state governments received N131.644 billion.

The 774 LGAs received N101.493 billion, while the sum of N73.318 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the nod to arraign a former lawmaker for Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Andy Uba, on a two-count charge bordering on alleged N400million fraud.

The court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, fixed February 18, 2025, to take the plea of the defendant following an allegation that he defrauded one Mr. George Uboh, whose petition to the police led to the charge.

Equally cited as 2nd and 3rd defendants in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, which was filed before the court on October 10, are; Crystal Chidinma Uba and Benjamin Etu.

Specifically, the IGP alleged that the defendants, alongside one Hajiya Fatima who was said to be at large, had sometimes in 2022, conspired and defrauded the complainant.

The former lawmaker and his co-defendants were accused of obtaining by false pretence, by making a presentation to Mr. Uboh that they had perfected way to secure the position of the Managing Directorship of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for any person that could afford the sum of N400 million.

The prosecution told the court that the defendants knew that the claim they made in the presentation was not true.

They were said to have committed an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006.

More so, in the count-two of the charge, the IGP alleged that the defendants and Fatima (at large), had in 2022, conspired amongst themselves with intention to defraud, induced Uboh with a presentation that they had perfected a way to give an appointment of the post of MD of the NDDC to who could afford the N400m.

The defendants were said to have obtained the money and converted it into their own personal use, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006.

Processes before the court indicated that Uboh had in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the IGP, detailed how he was allegedly defrauded.

The petition was said to have been supported by both documentary evidence and voice recordings.

According to Uboh, Andy Ubah stated unequivocally to me that he has perfected a way to give NDDC Managing Directorship to any candidate who brings N400,000,000.

That if the appointment does not occur, he will refund the money.

I nominated my sister, Honourable (Engr.) Doris Uboh, who by profession is qualified to be NDDC MD.

Andy Ubah provided two accounts and instructed a transfer of N200,000,000 each into the accounts.

I instructed another sister of mine, Princess Engr. Ify Akanmode, who is a business partner and whose account I had some funds, to do the transfers.

Till date, Andy Ubah has promised to pay and has not, the petitioner alleged.

The prosecution said it has more than six witnesses that are lined up to testify in the matter.

However, police prosecutor, Mr. M. L. Anthony, told the court that he has not been able to effect personal service of the charge on the defendants.

He alleged that the defendants, who are currently on administrative bail, have been evading service of the charge on them.

The prosecuting counsel decried that the defendants could not be charged to court since 2023 owing to a fundamental right enforcement suit they filed to halt their trial.

He said the instant charge was filed after a restraining order that was obtained by the defendants, was vacated.

After he had listened to the prosecution, trial Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to take the

plea of the defendants.

Barely one year into the second tenure of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the World Bank has rewarded Imo State government with a whopping sum of four million United States dollars (N6.8b) for engendering good governance and accountability in the ease of doing business.

The State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba announced the cheering news during a conference in Owerri.

He said Imo is among only four states in Nigeria that qualified for the reimbursement under the World Bank’s State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme for the country.

According to the Commissioner, the States were assessed under the following framework – efficiency of land administration, regulatory framework for private investment in fiber optic infrastructure, services provided by investment promotion agencies and the efficiency and transparency of government-to-business services in participating States.

Emelumba disclosed that Imo State excelled in the four criteria, thus qualifying it to be rewarded with the huge sum for the consolidation of its programmes during the period under review.

He described the award as a testament to the commitment of Uzodimma’s government to progressive governance, economic empowerment and sustainable development.

Emelumba said under the focused administration of Governor Uzodimma, Imo State implemented firm policy initiatives to improve land administration, enabling seamless land registration and boosting land-based investments.

According to him, through transparent governance, Uzodimma has boosted the confidence of investors in the State, especially in the area of digital connectivity.

He said contrary to the submissions of critics of government, Uzodimma had been working very hard, interacting with investors within and outside Nigeria to buy into the investment opportunities available in the State.

The Commissioner noted that Imo State has made giant strides in strengthening its investment promotion agencies to ensure that they attracted the best investors to the State.

He was happy that by prioritising efficiency and transparency in government to business services, the State has engendered a culture of accountability in its relationships with relevant stakeholders.

Emelumba commended Governor Uzodimma for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State, thus attracting the attention of the World Bank.

He said the government’s achievements in the SABER programme of the World Bank are a confirmation of Uzodimma’s leadership initiatives aimed at making Imo the investment hub in Nigeria.

On what the government intends to do with the fund, the Commissioner said it would be utilised to further advance key reforms and reinvest in infrastructure, including offering support to Micro, Small and medium sized enterprises.

By Senator Onyekwere

Imo State House Of Assembly during plenary session yesterday resolved to commend the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma for giving the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Late Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemka Iwuanyanwu a befitting burial and immortalizing his name with the Imo International Conference Center (IICC).

This was contained in a motion chiefly sponsored by the member representing Mbaitoli state constituency, Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezi.

Presenting the motion, Hon lkpamezi recognized the effort of 3.R Administration led by Governor Uzodimma in giving late Iwuanyanwu a befitting burial on the 1st of November 2024.

Ikpamezi appreciated the fact that Governor Uzodimma worked tirelessly ,in planning and ensuring that no stone was left unturned especially in the area of security and provision of accommodation for eminent personalities who visited the state for the burial ceremony of late Iwuanyanwu .

According to the lawmaker, the burial of the President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo attracted to Imo state the respect of those who erroneously and falsely believed that Ndigbo have no sense of respect for their elders and love among themselves.

He thanks the state Governor for given nod to the request of the Imo State House Of Assembly by renaming the IICC to Late Iwuanyanwu International Conference Center.

Following the arrival of Governor Abba Yusuf from Abuja along with 63 of the pardoned minors arrested and detained over the August #EndBadGovernance protests, on Tuesday night in Kano, the state government said they will be rehabilitated over the next five days.

The pardoned protesters, largely minors, were taken straight to the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital in Kano metropolis, where they will undergo rehabilitation.

The brand new hospital, having the largest cancer center in West Africa, is where medical personnel will cater for the freed minors for five days before they would be handed over to their parents.

This was disclosed by Governor Yusuf at a special reception for the minors at the hospital on Tuesday night.

“We have decided that on your return to Kano, we will not just let you go home yet or hand you over to your parents without bringing you to this hospital for rehabilitation.

“We have placed all the necessary facilities required and will keep you in this hospital to be catered for in the next five days.

“It is clear that a lot of you are traumatised and need to be rehabilitated. We are going to treat you for the next five days. Professional health workers will look after you and treat you. We want you to come back to normal by returning to your normal selves,” the governor stated.

Governor Yusuf further explained that he was going to take over the sponsorship of their education through the Ministry of Education where the Commissioner and his team will visit the hospital to document their current education levels.

For those who are not in school, they will be assisted with the required skills and be given start-up kits to engage in any trade of their choice.

He, thefore, advised the boys to never engage in any kind of violence and ensure that they become ambassadors that will direct other young persons to avoid such destructive behaviour.

While congratulating them for their freedom, he called on them to cooperate with the officials that will look after them in the next five days before they will be handed over to their parents, assuring them that he will only hand them over when he was sure they are all fine.

After having a dinner with them, the governor also gave them some dresses, soaps and other needs they will be using for the next five days, promising that tailors will be there the next day to take their measurements and sew new dresses for them.

Governor Mai Mala Buni has said that the Yobe State Government will organize mass weddings and step up youth and women empowerment for poverty alleviation and uplifting the living standard of the people of the state.

The Governor stated this via his Senior Special Assistant for Digital and Strategic Communucations, Yusuf Ali, which indicated that the social sector receives N108.469 billion, prioritizing: education, healthcare, and providing modern equipment for women and youth empowerment.

“Funds would also be made available for the procurement of empowerment materials to support our Women in Agriculture, Women in Development, Mass Wedding and Youth empowerment programmes”, he said.

According to the Governor, the government would make funds available for the construction of Women Development Centers in Nguru, Damagum and Buni Yadi with a view to accelerating integration of all segments of the populace and improving the welfare of women, youth and the underprivileged.

“A new Remand Home and Transit Camp would be constructed in Damaturu while the Gashua Remand Home would be renovated.

“The blind workshops in Damaturu and Potiskum would be rehabilitated and equipped with modern teaching and learning materials, and sporting facilities”, he said.

Three major oil marketers have told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the planned monopoly of the energy sector by Dangote Petroleum Refinery will spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

According to the oil marketers, Dangote’s plan to monopolize the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

The three marketers – AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited – in their replies to a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum in a suit marked FHC/CS/ABJ/1324/2024, told the court that the plaintiff does not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians and that there is nothing before the court to prove the contrary.

Dangote had in September 2024 sued the Nigeria Midstream And Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporaiton Limited (NNPCL), AYM Shafa Limited, A.A.Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

In the suit dated September 6, 2024, Dangote prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA is in violation of sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

Dangote stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

He also asked the court to declare that NMDPRA is in violation of its statutory responsibilities under the PIA for not encouraging local refineries such as Dangote Refinery.

But the marketers in their counter affidavit dated November 5, 2024, and deposed to by one Ali Ibrahim Abiodun, told the court that they are well qualified and entitled to be issued import licence by the 1st defendant to import petroleum products in Nigeria within the meaning of Section 317(9) of the Petroleum Industry Act.

They averred that vesting Dangote with the power of monopoly in Nigeria’s petroleum industry as it seeks vide the instant suit, will kill competitive pricing of petroleum products in the country, further deteriorate Nigeria’s critically ailing economy “and unleash untold hardship on Nigerians, all of which constitute a recipe for disaster in the polity”.

They told the court that if Nigeria puts all her energy eggs in one basket by stopping importation of petroleum products and allow Dangote to be the sole producer and supplier of petroleum products in the country, with liberty to determine the prices at which it supplies the products, the prices of petroleum products will continue to rise and energy security will elude Nigeria.

They said, “If Nigeria puts all her energy eggs in one basket by stopping importation of petroleum products and allowing the Plaintiff to be the sole producer and supplier of petroleum products in Nigeria, with liberty to determine the prices at which it supplies the products, the prices of petroleum products in Nigeria will continue to rise and energy security will elude Nigeria.

“In the event of any breakdown in or obstruction to the production chain of the plaintiff which stops it from producing, Nigeria will be thrown into energy crises as Nigeria does not have the reserves that would last it for the at least 30 days that it would need to order, pay for, freight and import refined products into tanks in Nigeria.

“Amidst the glaring absence of any credible and demonstrable proof that the Plaintiff refines and supplies adequate petroleum products for the daily use/consumption of Nigerians, giving the plaintiff (Dangote) judicial imprimatur to be the sole supplier of refined petroleum products to Nigerians, thereby encouraging monopoly in a major aspect of Nigeria’s oil industry, is a recipe for disaster in Nigeria’s energy sector.”

They further told the court that granting the reliefs sought by Dangote which solely aim at making him a monopolist in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, is a design to leave Nigeria and Nigerians at the mercy of the the company with respect to availability and cost of purchasing petroleum products in the country.

They also argued in their reply that they are fully qualified for the issuance of the import licences issued to them by the 1st defendant, as they duly met all the legal requirements for the issuance of such import licences, before same were issued to them.

“The import licences lawfully and validly issued to the defendants did not in any way whatsoever, cripple the plaintiff’s business or its refinery.

“The import licences issued to the defendants by the 1st defendant are in line with the provisions of Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 and other relevant laws,” the marketers stressed.

President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement yesterday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

The National Boundary Commission has decried incessant loss of lives to the lingering interstate boundary dispute between Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The Director-General of the commission, Adamu Adaji, expressed the concern during stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the dispute in Abuja yesterday.

Mr Adaji regretted that valuable lives had been lost to different perceptions and claims to the interstate boundary between Abia and Akwa Ibom states in the past.

“It is sad to note with regret that valuable lives had been lost due to the differences of perception and claims over the Abia and Akwa Ibom interstate boundary in the past.

“This is something that must be stopped by all of us,” he said.

The DG called for peaceful and amicable resolution to the dispute, adding that the NBC was determined to chart a pathway in the ongoing efforts to clearly define the interstate boundary.

He said that the meeting was organised to find a lasting solution to the Abia and Akwa Ibom interstate boundary dispute.

Mr Adaji expressed confidence that with strengthened collaboration between the states and the NBC, the security and well-being of the people would be assured.

This, he said, would create a path that would engender peace and progress for the states and the country.

He added, “As managers of boundaries, we must work tirelessly to foster peace and mutual understanding among affected communities, especially those living across the administrative boundary lines,” he said.

He stressed the need for people to know that boundary lines were established for administrative convenience.

He added that the lines only meant to denote the limits of different administrative jurisdictions and not to separate communities from one another.

He described the interstate boundary as not just a line that separates two states, but a line that has bearing on the lives of the affected border communities with economic, legal and social implications.

Also speaking, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said that the stakeholders’ meeting was critical to resolving the boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states.

Mr Eyakenyi stated, “We assure the entire boundary management team and the stakeholders of our support, cooperation and contribution toward the success of the field exercise and final resolution of the dispute. This is critical to ensuring peaceful co-existence among the neighbouring communities.

On his part, the Deputy Governor of Abia, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, described the lingering dispute as a “cankerworm” that needs to be eradicated.

“Much time and enormous materials and funds have been invested in this project. Unfortunately, the prospects for resolution seem to be vague. On a very sad note, the Abia State government is not happy with the skirmishes inherent among the border communities.

“It is our belief that the resolution of the disputes will bring an end to it and the step taken by the NBC to resolve the dispute was heart-warming and highly desired by the people of Abia,” he said.

The boundary in question was part of the former Cross River/Imo interstate boundary, approximately 275 kilometres in length.

The boundary has tripoints at Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the north and Abia and Akwa Ibom and Rivers in the south.

The Federal Government had promulgated Decree 23 of 1985, to adjust the boundary on the recommendations of the Kaloma Ali Boundary Ascertainment Commission as a starting point of the boundary.

However, the directive for the demarcation with the emplacement of permanent boundary pillars was not implemented.

The NBC DG explained that the challenges have always been the dearth of clear delimitation instruments or the non-clarity of them where they exist.

Other challenges, he said, included the deliberate efforts to misinterpret the documents by stakeholders or their failure to accept them.

National Youth Service Corps members have called on the Federal Government to implement the promised N77,000 allowance to alleviate the economic hardship they were going through.

The corps members took to their social media handles to share their concerns yesterday.

They said despite Federal Government’s approval of new minimum wage in July 2024, corps members were still receiving the old allowance of N33,000.

According to them, the old allowance is no longer sustainable due to high transportation, feeding, and NYSC’s other daily expenses.

In a post on X, @NoorAjuwon wrote, “3 months later, the Federal Government still believes that N33k is enough for NYSC members to survive.”

@Arbdoolbasid_Jr. asked, “How can we even concentrate on our primary assignment with N33k in this current economic situation?”

Another user, @Eze_na_ujari, stated that he spends N5,000 on transportation and N2,000 on Community Development Service (CDS) contributions, leaving him with N26,000 from the N33,000 allowance.

@blazzin_225 described the situation as “suffering and wickedness” due to bad NYSC lodges, dilapidated bathrooms and toilets, and starvation.

Another tweet at @officialABAT was urged, “See us as your children too. We’re dying.”

It was reported the Federal Government approved the new minimum wage after the expiration of the old wage structure in April. The new approval is expected to be extended to corps members.

A Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Musa Muhammad, has issued an interim order restraining the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFC), and others from withholding monthly allocations to the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State.

The order was granted following an ex parte motion filed by the applicants, represented by their counsels, Bashir Yusuf Muhammad Esq. and Usman Bala Salisu Esq. The applicants in the case include Ibrahim Muhd, Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and other local government stakeholders.

The respondents named in the suit include the Accountant General of the Federation (45th defendant), the Central Bank of Nigeria (46th defendant), RAMFC (47th defendant), all 44 Local Government Areas of Kano, and eight commercial banks.

Justice Muhammad also approved the applicants’ request to serve court processes on the defendants via courier.

A copy of the court order states: “An Order of Interim Injunction is hereby granted restraining the 45th to 54th Respondents…from withholding, refusing to disburse, delaying, deferring, or suspending the monthly allocation from the Federation Account to the 44 Local Governments of Kano State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”

The court further granted the applicants permission to issue and serve the originating processes on the AGF, CBN, and RAMFC at their respective offices in Abuja, outside the court’s jurisdiction. Red Star Express Plc has been appointed as a special bailiff for this purpose.

The case has been adjourned to November 21, 2024, for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.

Chairman of Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority, Admiral Osama Rabie and his colleague in charge of Unified Medical Support and Technology Office, Babaa El-din Zidane, have met with Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, to seek ways of partnership, on ports development and opportunities in the health sector.

Governor Uzodimma first met with Admiral Rabie and subsequently sought audience with Zidan.

Both meetings achieved the objectives that brought the partners together on Monday in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

Taking to his social media handle, Governor Uzodimma expressed satisfaction over the meetings, and the result they will yield for Imo State in the areas under focus.

He said: “I have engaged in constructive discussions here in Cairo, on strategic partnerships, crucial to our State’s development.

“I met with Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority, to explore technical support avenues for our port development initiatives.

“In another fruitful meeting, I spoke with Babaa El-din Zidan, Head of Egypt’s Unified Medical Support and Technology Office. Our conversation centered on establishing a partnership to strengthen our health sector, with opportunities to expand collaboration across other critical areas.

“The progress from these engagements underscores promising prospects for cooperation that align with our developmental objectives.”

A former Commissioner in Imo State, Dr Fabian Ihekweme has been accused of being sponsored by a businessman and serial governorship candidate in the state to rubbish the image of Governor Hope Uzodimma ahead of the 2027 elections in Imo.

The politician was said to have met with Dr Ihekweme last week in Abuja where the sum of Fifty Million Naira was released to him ” for a satisfactory job so far” while a balance of the same amount is to be paid shortly making it a total of N100m Naira.

Mr Marvis Udechukwu, Executive Director of Imo Democratic Alliance for Transparency,dropped the bombshell in a news conference in Abuja.

He said the investigation carried out by his group revealed that “Ihekweme is nothing but a cheap mercenary whose sponsors have been exposed”

He disclosed that because of the gravity of the allegations Ihekweme had been heaping on Uzodimma, the group was planning a legal action against him.

According to him, “although most of what he has written against His Excellency amount to criminal libel,  we intend to  institute an action in court for him to prove the allegations since it is trite law that he who alleges, proves”

Udechukwu noted that contrary to the image of a civil rights crusader which Ihekweme had been falsely selling to Imo people, he was nothing but a mercenary after his pecuniary gains.

He wondered why Ihekweme as a Commissioner under Uzodimma failed to resign if indeed those allegations against the Governor were true.

” Why did he have to wait until he was sacked that he discovered that there were anomalies and misappropriation of funds in the government? Again,  this is the same man who as late as October last year campaigned for the reelection of Uzodimma as governor.  Was he not aware of the shortcomings in government or his eyes opened when he was not appointed the secretary to the government as he had boasted to his friends?, Udechukwu asked.

He accused Ihekweme of making himself a tool for the destabilisation of Imo State government because of failed ambition.

He announced that the group was also planning for the prosecution of Ihekweme for the crimes for which he was removed as a commissioner, especially the ones concerning the theft and sales of government’s property.

According to him, Ihekweme has made himself the enemy of the state by aligning with those who want to distract the governor from his focus of finishing strong ahead of 2027.

“We know that they want to soil the image of the governor so that he won’t be in a position to support a successor in 2027. For a mess of porridge, Ihekweme is ready to do anything.  Unfortunately for him, we have caught him red handed and he must have his day in court “, Udechukwu insisted.

The Imo state Deputy Governor, Lady (Dr.) Chinyere Ekomaru, was today, in her office at the Government House, invested the Grand Patron of Trefoil Guild of Nigeria, Imo state chapter. The investiture was done by the leadership of the group in Imo state, led by Adaejiejemba Louis Chinyere Ozuzu.

The delighted Deputy Governor thanked the group for the honour done to her and appreciated the selfless community service the group is doing, especially, in assisting the girl child have a voice and actualise her dreams.

“Thank you for supporting one another, striving for excellence and being role models to younger ones in the society. Your potentials are unlimited and I promise to proudly wear your badge”, the Deputy Governor said.

The Deputy Governor also encouraged the group to reach out to the First Lady, Her Excellency Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, whom she described as the mother of all Imolites, while noting her efforts in the promotion of the girl child and emphasized that the Imo First Lady is always disposed for the advancement of the course of the girl child.

The leader of the group, Adaejiejemba Louis Chinyere Ozuzu, in her address while performing the investiture, appreciated the Deputy Governor for granting their request to accord her the honour which comes with great responsibility.

Mrs Ozuzu enjoined the general public to join them to take care of women, assist them in women advocacy and protection of the rights of the girl child.

Marking the brief ceremony was a cultural dance by young school children who accompanied the group.

The principal officers of the Office of the Deputy Governor who witnessed the investiture were; Principal Secretary, Mr. John Njoku, Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir (Barr) Tobechi Ekomaru, Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. Lynda Ogbu, Director of Accounts, Mrs. Kate Okorie and Director of Procurement, Mrs Eucharia Uzoka.

A yet-to-be identified driver of a commercial bus has allegedly set ablaze himself, his bus and a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, officer.

The driver was allegedly attempting to evade arrest over traffic offence.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who confirmed the incident, said it happened on Tuesday morning.

Bakare-Oki stated: “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.

“This shocking incident happened yesterday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.

“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile-2 area.

“In the course of arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.

“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

“LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.”

He, however, strongly urged all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel.

“LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible,” Bakare-Oki vowed.

The 18 years entry age for university admission has been reversed by the newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa.

The 18 years entry policy initiated by Professor Tahir Mamman, former Minister of Education, had generated controversy.

Addressing journalists upon assumption of office yesterday, Alausa said the policy was detrimental to the Federal Government.

Alausa said the reversal of the policy was aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

He said the policy is also not sustainable for the education sector, explaining that the 16-year-age limit would be maintained and exceptions would be granted for “gifted children”.

The new minister added that going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent classroom/theoretical.

Alausa said practical education will help to curb the unemployment situation in Nigeria as tertiary institutions will not continue churning out graduates on a yearly basis without jobs for Nigerians.

He said the Federal Government will work with private sector operators for the training of students to unleash their potentials.

Alausa was among the 10 ministers who got new portfolios after last month’s cabinet reshuffle which led to the exit of his predecessor.

He was formerly Minister of State for Health.

President Bola Tinubu yesterday decorated the acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, as Lieutenant General.

It was understood that the short ceremony took place in the President’s office complex at the State House, Abuja.

“President Tinubu decorates acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, as Lt. General,” a snippet from the president’s communications team read Tuesday.

Tinubu had appointed Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff last Wednesday, even as his predecessor, Taoreed Lagbaja, remains indisposed for weeks

Nigeria has again been plunged into darkness as the national grid recorded another collapse yesterday.

The incident happened around 2:09 pm, according to the official X handle of the National Nigeria Grid.

It would be recalled that the nation’s power grid witnessed a series of collapses last month.

In 2024 alone, the National grid has collapsed at least eight times.

Recently, nine northern states were plunged into darkness as the National grid collapsed again.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has also informed its customers “of a general system collapse that occurred at 13:52 hours today, 5th November 2024. This has resulted in the loss of supply currently being experienced across the EEDC network.”

Emeka Ezeh, Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, signed the notice Tuesday afternoon.

He said, “Consequently, due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide services to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States.

“We are on standby awaiting detailed information about the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo.”

The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has travelled to Cairo, Egypt, on an official visit.

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba disclosed this in a release.

According to the release, His Excellency is expected back to the state shortly.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has announced the renaming of Imo International Conference Centre to honour the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who was laid to rest on Friday, 1 November 2024, at his ancestral home in Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

The facility, currently under construction in Owerri, will now be known as the Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

In a statement released on Saturday, Governor Uzodimma paid tribute to Iwuanyanwu’s “remarkable life” and enduring legacy. “We celebrated the remarkable life of Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu CFR, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, as he was laid to rest at his hometown, Atta in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State. Chief Iwuanyanwu was more than a leader; he was a beacon of hope, a Pan-Nigerian icon, and a dedicated voice for Ndi’Igbo,” the governor stated.n

“Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy lives on in his many accomplishments—his support for the youth in sports, his relentless drive for industrial growth, and his tireless advocacy for social justice. His generosity and leadership impacted lives and inspired all who crossed his path,” he added.

The governor called on the Federal Government to recognise Iwuanyanwu’s lasting contributions to the nation’s development. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their support, as well as to the governors and governments of Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu States for their commitment to honouring the 11th President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Abuja Estate Developers have faulted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike over how N200 billion worth of houses that were demolished on the purported revocation of their land.

The group accused the Minister of undermining the court and rule of law in the demolition exercise and called on President Bola Tinubu to call him to order.

Addressing a press conference on the issue on Friday in Abuja, Counsel to the demolition victims, Lawyer Kalu Agu lamented that the pulling down of houses in the Sabon-Lugbe area of Abuja has rendered over 100 families homeless

The lawyer insisted that the owners of the demolished houses were legally and lawfully allocated the land by the authorities of the Federal Capital Development Authority, (FCDA) and had their title documents intact.

Agu explained that upon becoming aware of the move by the FCT Minister, the affected house owners filed a case against it at the High Court of the FCT and that all necessary court papers were duly served the Minister.

He said it was disheartened that Wike being a lawyer, could proceed to execute the demolition in spite of the pendency of the suit of the house owners.

The lawyer said “We have been briefed and we have the instruction of Home Builder Association of Nigeria to bring to the notice of Nigerians that the Minister, Nyesom Wike has been involved in illegal demolition of properties in Sabon Lugbe.

“Our clients have all the necessary title documents to Sabon Lugbe Abuja. Before they started the projects, they got building permits from the Development Control Unit of the FCT administration.

“It is on record that before development control will issue any permit, it will liaise with the Urban and Regional Planning who will verify wether the applicant is actually the real owner of the property he wants to develop and payment were made to the said development control.

‘However, to the surprise of everybody, the Minister without notice to anybody and our clients and by executive fiat, directed the said Development Control to go to Sabon Lugbe to destroy properties worth over N200billion.

“As we speak today, the said demolition has rendered many Nigerians homeless because people were resident in the said place and today, they are homeless.

“What bothers our clients is that for the Minister to enter such a place an order for the demolition, there must be a court order.

“The Minister cannot be a judge in his own case. He cannot say the people are land grabbers and at the same time issue orders for demolition.

“There is no such order from any competent court from the FCT. As of today, even when the Minister was aware that the said area has become a subject of litigation, he has been served the said processes, but in his characteristic manner of being a tyrant and someone who doesn’t care about institutions, gone ahead to demolish the estate.

“And of note, what Nigerians should know is that the reason behind the said demolition is because the Honorable Minister is interested in allocating that same place to other developers.

“As we speak today, the internet is awash with the news of the same place being allocated to another developer. And the said offer was made to the new developers on the 31st of October 2024, just yesterday.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Friday, said Nigerian youths have a role to play in the attainment of Agenda 2063.

Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s blueprint for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse, grounded in inclusive development, peace, and prosperity.

Kalu stated this when he virtually-delivered a keynote address at the Arise Nigeria Youth Summit 2024, which was held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The summit was held to celebrate African Youth Day with the theme: “The Future of Nigeria: Youth, Leadership, and National Development.”

The Deputy Speaker described youths as the heartbeat of Africa’s future— the innovators, leaders, and change-makers who will lead the drive towards the vision of Agenda 2063: a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa.

He said, “Despite the challenges of unemployment, insecurity, and inequality, you continue to inspire hope with your entrepreneurial spirit, digital innovation, and passion for social justice.

“As we stand at the crossroads of Africa’s future, the successful implementation of Agenda 2063 will depend on how well we invest in our youth.

“African countries, including Nigeria, must prioritise education, entrepreneurship, and good governance to empower their young populations.

“The road to 2063 is long and fraught with challenges, but with determination, innovation, and collaboration, Africa’s youth will be the driving force that shapes a brighter, more prosperous continent. The future is yours to build.”

Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, Martins Esin, said there was a need to amplify the voices of African young people.

He advocated for channelling the energy of the youths towards shaping a brighter future for the continent.

Represented by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Jeremiah Umaru, Esin said youths are the driving force capable of leading Africa to new heights.

He urged young Africans to work towards building a community that would uplift the African continent.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stated that the government led by President Bola Tinubu was committed to empowering young people to realise their dreams and reposition the African continent.

The Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Youth and Women Affairs, Joy Akut, said the event was not just a celebration but also a rallying call to recognise the incredible energy, creativity, and determination that young Africans, especially Nigerian youth, bring to the table.

She said Nigerian youth represent a gold mine of untapped potential, brimming with talent, intelligence, and ambition.

The event also featured the unveiling of a book titled “Listening to Your Inner Mentor,” written by Hon. Karu Simon.

The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said on Thursday that 25 million Nigerians have so far received the ₦25,000 conditional cash transfer.

Edun disclosed this to State House Correspondents shortly after the National Economic Council meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.

He listed the steps taken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide relief for Nigerians following the hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidies and other policy initiatives of the government.

According to him, five million households have benefited from the direct cash transfer.

The minister said at least 11,000 people have received ₦3.5 billion from the consumer credit scheme.

He also revealed that ₦90 billion has so far been disbursed to 500,000 Nigerian students under the student loan scheme.