Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that seven ships would berth with crude oil on Friday at the Lagos Ports.

The NPA, in its “Daily Shipping Position’, said that seven vessels, out of the nine expected, would berth diesel, crude oils bulk urea, petrol, and aviation fuel.

“The remaining two vessels will berth with containers carrying different goods.

The nine expected vessels will berth at Sifax, ENL Consortium Terminals, Apapa Bulk Terminal (ABT), among other terminals in Lagos,” it said.

The NPA said that a total of two vessels were waiting to berth at Apapa and Tincan Island Ports with bulk urea and aviation fuel.

It added that three vessels were currently discharging general cargo, petrol and container at Lekki Deep Sea port in Lagos.

Ten persons were feared dead when a storey building collapsed on Thursday morning in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The General Manager, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

Akinyinka added that seven others sustained injuries in the incident that reportedly occurred at about 2.00 a.m at Jegede Olunloyo area of Ibadan.

He said the agency received a distress call about the collapse of the building at about 2.00 a.m and immediately deployed personnel in the scene.

”The Oyo State Fire Services Agency received a distress call at about 2 am at Jegede Olunloyo area Ibadan of which 10 persons have been recovered from the debris of the collapsed building, while seven persons were rescued alive,” he said.

According to the general manager, rescue operation was ongoing.

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Thursday presented a 2025 budget of N689.4 billion, titled the “Budget of ASSURED Prosperity,” to the State House of Assembly, outlining his administration’s goals for enhanced socio-economic and infrastructure development.

In his address, Diri said, “Building on the gains and lessons from our first term, we are focused on advancing the state’s socio-economic and infrastructural landscape. We’ve introduced a new mantra, the ‘ASSURED Agenda,’ which outlines seven strategic pillars to drive economic growth, social development, infrastructure improvement, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and good governance.”

The budget, he explained, would be funded through various streams, including an opening balance of N14.2 billion, statutory allocations of N17 billion, VAT estimated at N57 billion, and 13% derivation and refunds amounting to N138.8 billion.

Additionally, Bayelsa expects N29.1 billion from excess crude refunds, N103.1 billion from exchange gains, N39 billion from internally generated revenue, N39.4 billion in grants, and N141.4 billion from capital receipts, including electronic money transfers, signature bonuses, cash calls, and loans.

Diri detailed that personnel costs would take N108.34 billion, accounting for 13.3% of total spending, with N91.96 billion for salaries, N19.3 billion for pensions and gratuities, and N3.34 billion for CRFC transfers.

He noted that overheads would consume N79.66 billion, representing 11.55% of the budget, while the total recurrent expenditure stood at N263.38 billion, or 38.2%.

This category covers grants, contributions, subsidies (N9.15 billion), a 10% SUBEB contribution (N2.5 billion), rural development authorities (N4.5 billion), and public debt servicing (N52.95 billion).

Capital expenditure is set at N404.76 billion, with a planning reserve of N21.3 billion, bringing total capital allocation to N426.07 billion or 61.8% of the budget.

Providing a sector-by-sector breakdown, Diri revealed that N178.76 billion is earmarked for Works and Infrastructure, while Education will receive N35.85 billion. Other allocations include Urban and Housing Development (N13.68 billion), Energy and Power (N14.45 billion), Agriculture (N16.65 billion), Security (N19 billion), Healthcare (N19.19 billion), and Community Development (N10.2 billion).

“As a transparent and inclusive government, we have prioritised citizen involvement in our budgeting through stakeholder engagements and interactive public sessions, ensuring that our development goals align with the needs of Bayelsans,” Diri said.

Aloy Ejimakor, lead Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), has said the Appeal Court will deliver judgment in the reversal of the group’s designation as a terrorist organization within the next 90 days.

IPOB was designated a terrorist organization six years ago by the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

On September 20, 2017, Buhari’s administration had proscribed IPOB as a terrorist organization for committing, instigating, and facilitating several acts of terrorism in the Southeast.

But, on Thursday, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, reserved its judgement on an appeal the IPOB filed to challenge its proscription as a terrorist organization by the Federal Government.

A three-man panel of the court led by Justice Hamma Barka, adjourned the matter for judgment, after FG and IPOB, through their respective lawyers, adopted their final briefs of argument.

IPOB had prayed the appellate court to set aside in its entirety, the ruling/final decision of the late former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Abdu-Kafarati, which on September 15, 2017, outlawed its activities in Nigeria.

Reacting, Ejimakor posted on X: “Today, the 6-year quest to reverse the designation of #IPOB as a terror group ended at the Court of Appeal where the appeal was FINALLY heard on the merits, despite a veiled maneuver to force another adjournment.

“Judgment is expected within the next 90 days, as mandated by law.”

Former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has criticised wage exploitation in Nigeria, warning that poor compensation negatively affects national security and economic productivity.

According to him, Nigerian workers are poorer now, despite the increase in the new minimum wage recently approved by the Federal Government.

Speaking at the Distinguished Personality Lecture organised by the National Institute for Security Studies, (NISS), in Abuja yesterday, Oshiomhole highlighted how inadequate wages create a cycle of economic hardship, making workers vulnerable to manipulation and radicalization.

The lecture, titled “National Minimum Wage: Reward System and Productivity in Africa,” was part of the Executive Intelligence Management Course,( EIMC 17), aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship among wages, security and productivity

Oshiomhole argued that fair wages were essential to boost workers’ motivation, efficiency, and overall economic growth.

The former Edo governor, now senator, representing Edo North senatorial district in the National Assembly, said: “Workers face fluctuating salaries and job insecurity, as employers can easily hire and fire employees.

“Despite paying union dues, workers often receive minimal support from trade unions, leading to questioning their effectiveness.

“Historically, the right to organise was suppressed, which limited workers’ ability to negotiate collectively. Industrial sabotage emerged as a form of protest against poor conditions.

“Collective bargaining and the right to strike are essential tools for negotiating fair wages and working conditions. Workers often resort to ‘work to rule’ when rights are restricted.

“Significant disparities exist between minimum and maximum wages across sectors, leading to dissatisfaction among workers. The wealthy often benefit from state protection, while the poor struggle.

“The minimum wage is designed to protect vulnerable workers but is often not enforced. Setting minimum wages too high can risk job losses while setting them too low can lead to exploitation.

“Inflation severely impacts purchasing power, making it difficult for workers to maintain a decent standard of living. Historical comparisons show that many workers are poorer now than in the past, despite nominal wage increases.”

The Director-General of the Department of State Services, (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, echoed Oshiomhole’s concerns, noting that better wages reduce workers’ vulnerability to abuse and promote national stability.

In his remarks, Joseph Odama, Commandant of NISS, lauded Oshiomhole’s long-standing commitment to labour advocacy, emphasizing the importance of fair wages in ensuring sustainable development.

He said: “The national minimum wage is a pressing issue in our economic discourse today, affecting millions of Nigerians and influencing both individual lives and national productivity

The Presidency has said contrary to job loss fears and perceived marginalisation of the North, the tax reform bills currently before the national assembly will benefit all states and harmonise the country’s tax laws for greater efficiency.

It said it became necessary to address the misunderstandings and misgivings around the tax reform already embarked upon by the administration following a meeting of the Northern Governors last Monday.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, argued this in an explainer titled, ‘Explainer: Proposed tax reform bills not against the north; they will benefit all states’ on Thursday.

At a meeting on October 28, 2024, Governors of the 19 Northern States, under the platform of the Northern Governors’ Forum, rejected the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax distribution in the new tax reform bills before the National Assembly.

The meeting also had traditional regional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, in attendance.

A communiqué read by the Chairman of the forum, Governor Muhammed Yahaya of Gombe State, said the proposition negates the interest of the North and other sub-nationals.

President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council recently endorsed new policy initiatives to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes.

The Federal Government said the new laws are meant to enhance efficiency and eliminate redundancies across the nation’s tax operations.

The reforms emerged after a review of existing tax laws since August 2023. The National Assembly is considering four executive bills containing these tax reform efforts.

First is the Nigeria Tax Bill, which aims to eliminate unintended multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide.

Second, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions for ease of compliance for taxpayers in all parts of the country.

Third, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill seeks to rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service as the Nigeria Revenue Service to better reflect the mandate of the Service as the revenue agency for the entire federation, not just the Federal Government.

Fourth, the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill proposes the creation of a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering federal and all states’ tax authorities.

The fourth bill also suggests establishing the Office of Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board, serving as a complaint resolution body for taxpayers.

The Presidency says the proposed laws will not increase the number of taxes currently in operation. Instead, they are designed to “optimise and simplify existing tax frameworks.”

Onanuga noted, “It is instructive to note that these proposed laws will not increase the number of taxes currently in operation. Instead, they are designed to optimise and simplify existing tax frameworks.

Ahead of the onset of floods in Imo state, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said all critical agencies were ready for any emergency.

NEMA’s Operation head for Imo and Abia states, Nnamdi Igwe, gave the assurance during an inter-agency sensitisation campaign on floods in Owerri, the capital of Imo state.

According to him, NEMA, Federal Fire Service, Inland Waterways, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, Nigerian Red Cross, and other agencies were on red alert to handle any form of flooding within the state, noting that officials were equipped.

He said flood management required a multi-faceted approach, noting that locals were always aware of impending floods.

Igwe said, “People in flood-prone areas always have a hint before floods happen. They always say that animals like snakes, which generally stay in the bushes, begin to move upland while the leaves change colour to a different shade. They understand. They know it is time to harvest their farm produce and move. Unfortunately, many people prefer to stay until the floods happen.

“We are monitoring the river Benue which pours into river Niger, and I can assure you that we’re all ready. However, we have contacted communities along the route for any emergency”, Igwe said.

However, he appealed to local government chairmen in Imo state to support efforts to address any form of flooding within the state.

The NEMA official lamented that the 27 local government chairmen, except Onuimo, had refused to honour planning meetings on fostering evacuation plans for people during sudden flooding in any locality within the state, adding that they ought to be at the forefront.

On his part, the Imo state Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Felix Elozieuwa, said their operatives, which included divers, firefighters and trucks, ambulances, and other utility personnel and equipment, were all ready to confront any flooding incident. He said that with NEMA, they will ensure the safe evacuation of people.

Elozieuwa said, “The fire service you knew of yesteryears is not the same as today. Now, we have an ambulance with paramedics trained and equipped to handle emergencies. We have our divers, swimmers, and other professionals for rescue services, and alongside NEMA, we are ready for any flooding in Imo state.”

Mr Offurum, in charge of disaster management at the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), said the agency had already visited erosion and flood-prone areas in Umuchima in Ideato and Abacheke in Ohaji/Egbema local government areas, adding that the desk officers across the 27 local governments were on the ground for any emergency.

As the remains of Imo-born prominent politician, business mogul, high calibre industrialist, philanthropist and elder statesman, Engr. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR would be lowered to mother earth today, Friday, November 1, 2024 in his Atta-Ikeduru country home, a prominent traditional ruler in Nigeria, His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Dr) Thomas Obiefule (MFR, fcei) has applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma and entire members of the state executive council, as well as the State House of Assembly over what he called well-organised elaborate preparations and burial of the elder statesman.

Dishing out royal blessings to Governor Uzodimma and all those involved in planning the burial of Chief Iwuanyanwu who until his death, was the President-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Eze Obiefule observed that the state government did not leave any stone unturned in the areas of security, logistics for both the national and local burial committees, wide-spread publicity and provision of accomodations for notable personalities visiting the state for the burial ceremony.

Eze Obiefule who is the Orlu Zonal Chairman of Imo State Council of Ndi Eze and also, first deputy chairman of Imo state Council of traditional rulers and community policing and head, Umudioka Ancient Kingdom Royal Dynasty stressed that the way, scope and manner of preparations for the burial of the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo clearly indicated that Hope Uzodimma has a deal of respect and love for people that have in one way or the other, contributed to the development, advancement and protection of Igbo land.

Commending Governor Hope Uzodimma in a special way, Eze Obiefule who is presently, the President, National Association of Royal Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, posited that by making adequate arrangements for a befitting burial for Chief Iwuanyanwu, the government of Imo state under the watch of Senator Uzodimma has attracted to Ndigbo in general, the respect of those who erroneously believed that Igbos have no respect for their elders and love among themselves.

Meanwhile, the Ezekaibeya and Okairuro of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom has described Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a true Nationalist, politician without bitterness and selfless supporter of good governance who deserved every respect accorded him while alive and in death.

Eze Obiefule recalled he was very close and friendly with Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu far back in Enugu where two of them resided then as business men.

By Jude Onyenedogha …

The Sister in-law to late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (sister to his late wife, Mrs Eudora Iwuanyanwu), Princess Faith Gilbert and his personal accountant for over 25 years, Deacon Godson Asinugwo has eulogized the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu for the huge legacies he left behind.

The due spoke in separate interviews with newsmen, during the Service of Songs for the late President General of Ohanaez Ndigbo held Tuesday, at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL), Owerri.

In her response, Princess Gilbert made  it clear that Iwuanyanwu left huge legacies that will be very difficult to match.

“I will start with myself and siblings. I was five years old when this man took me and my two siblings and trained us from primary, secondary schools and later trained us in America. He bought me my first car, my first house and infact, my first everything.

“He was a father to me, and he extended the love he had for his wife (my late sister) to my village people, our kindred, my friends and associates. His legacy is one that is worthy to be emulated and he will forever be missed.

Also fielding questions from newsmen, the Chief Accountant of Iwuanyanwu’s construction firm, Hardel and Enic, Deacon Godson Asinugwo who also served as his personal accountant for over 25 years said Iwuanyanwu will be remembered mostly for his philanthropy, neatness, kindness and large heart.

“He was a man who had the interest of people at heart, recognized his calling and pursued it to the last day. He knew he was a distribution channel, the last hope of the hopeless. His benevolence is incomparable, no wonder, millions of Nigerians benefited from his scholarship scheme”.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has said that the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) are against the Value Added Tax (VAT) bill currently being deliberated in the National Assembly.

Speaking in an interview on Channels TVs Politics Today on Tuesday night, Sule noted that the bill will be unfair to the region.

Arising from a meeting on Sunday, the NGF chaired by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, had rejected the derivation-based model for VAT distribution in the new tax bill currently before the National Assembly for deliberation.

Sule explained that the governors were not against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying they brought him into power.

He said: We cant bring in President Tinubu and then oppose him. If you look at the composition of the meeting you will see that there are people from the APC and the PDP. Some dont even have a political party. We sat down and took the decision together.

Some are traditional rulers. If you look at the law, it will be unfair to the north. By the time you say you are going to take something out of the sharing of the FAC and then say you are going to share something similar to something like that because that is the understanding we have based on the proposal. Its going to be another 13% derivation.

So, the states that have almost no VAT at the moment will end up actually with the shorter area of the stick. And you know, the 19 states of the north are generating very little when it comes to VAT at the moment.

Its very clear. I worked for some of these multi-national. I know how VAT is paid. When we were importing raw material at Dangote at Apapa port. We paid VAT first and then the finished product had VAT added to it.

Fubara said his administration would continue payments to contractors and ensure workers’ salaries are disbursed from tomorrow.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday said concerns over the Federal High Court decision that restricted the release of state allocations is “the least” of his problems.

Governor Fubara stated during a special thanksgiving service organised by the state government to celebrate his administration’s resilience amid escalating political crises, which began with the arson attack on the State House of Assembly complex exactly one year ago.

Governor Fubara assured that despite the court order, his administration would continue payments to contractors and ensure workers’ salaries are disbursed from tomorrow.

He also confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would be credited, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures have been completed.

The governor encouraged his supporters to remain resilient, assuring them that all challenges are surmountable.

Reflecting on his administration’s success, Governor Fubara noted that despite predictions that his government would not last even a week, he has successfully led for over a year.

He said his administration has also conducted local government elections against all odds and maintained a full cabinet despite attempts to undermine his leadership through resignations.

Highlighting his administration’s progress, he mentioned ongoing project executions across the state, countering critics who claimed he would be unable to deliver.

He also cited recent reports that position Rivers State as one of the leaders in financial accountability and transparency.

Recalling an incident from October 30 last year, Governor Fubara described a violent confrontation with men in police uniforms as an assassination attempt.

The governor attributed the confrontation to political opponents, whom he accused of ambushing him after he withdrew legal cases against the Martin Amaewhule group, following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

While he expressed no regrets about seeking peace, he acknowledged that his peaceful disposition may have given his opponents an advantage, as they leveraged the withdrawal to secure judgments against him.

Governor Fubara emphasised that his opponents’ refusal to reciprocate his peaceful gestures has influenced his decisions not to yield to other expectations for the resolution of the political crisis.

The praise and worship session, held at the main bowl of the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, was headlined by top gospel singers including Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, Asu Ekiye, Peterson Okopi, and Jackson Jones, among others.

The guest preacher was the esteemed Pastor Uma Ukpai.

The event drew attendees from all walks of life, including top government officials, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emeka Beke, and his counterpart from the Action Peoples Party (APP), Sunny Wokekoro.

The South East Business and Investment Summit (SEBIS) said it will set up a one billion dollar investment fund to support the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the South-East.

The Executive Secretary of SEBIS, Dr Ifedi Okwenna, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja.

Okwenna spoke when the Lead Private Sector Partner of Enyimba Economic City (EEC), Mr Darl Uzu, visited the management of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

SEBIS, a public private sector initiative, is sponsored by EEC.

The upcoming summit, powered by EEC and scheduled to hold from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13 in Enugu, is designed to match SMEs in Nigeria together with its counterpart in India and other parts of the globe.

The SEBIS is pionnered by Continental Export Development Nigeria (CEDEN) in partnership with the Infrastructure Bank of Nigeria.

It has collaboration with several diaspora groups and clusters of investment communities in Europe and America.

SEBIS also partnered South-East Chambers of Commerce and other bilateral and multilateral chambers of commerce.

“We are getting investors; business people coming together to rebuild South-East; we are setting up a 1 billion dollar investments over the next five years to support SMES growth in the south east region.

“That is why we are partnering with both government and public organisation across the globe to pull this fund to support SMES.”

He said the greatest challenge of SMES was structuring of their businesses; hence, the need for EEC, via the summit, to evolve measures to support the SMEs.

“Some of them cannot build financial plan; some cannot even register their business; they are not bankable; so, we are looking at supporting them,’’ Okwenna said.

Uzu, in his remarks, said EEC was ready for a major economic summit in Enugu.

He said EEC, with the summit, wanted to build a strategic partnership and create a programme that would attract SMES from other parts of the world, South-East and Nigeria in general. “For example, we have more than 100 companies that are coming from India; we will provide support for them to develop their SMES.

“There are things we can do here to develop the SMES; we are going to provide training industry on the skills required; we will be doing this very important summit so as to evolve ways to garvanise the SMES,” he said.

On his part, the Managing Director of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said SMEDAN was also doing similar activities as the EEC in term SMEs growth.

“We have a fashion and textile hub; we have a wood work factory here; we have packaging factory here; we have recycling factory here.

“We agreed that we need to replicate what we have here across the country,’’ he said.

He said one of the problems of small business was lack of electricity and finance and most importantly, skilled personnel to get the work done.

Odii said SMEDAN would have a matching programme in terms of funding, saying that the agency would deploy entrepreneurs from each states in the South-East—no fewer than 25 to the summit–to showcase their products.

The SMEDAN director general will present a paper at the summit on “Organised SMEs as a Bedrock of Increased Investment, Economic Stimulation and Growth.’

The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, has raised concerns over difficulties faced by IPMAN members in accessing fuel at the Dangote Refinery, despite a N40bn payment made through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Maigandi revealed that despite NNPCL’s directive for IPMAN members to pick up fuel at the Lagos-based refinery, some marketers waited with their trucks for four days without being able to load any product.

He expressed surprise at Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote’s statement on Tuesday, claiming the refinery has 500 million litres of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, in stock and is ready to supply the nation.

“If the refinery truly has 500 million litres, then there should be no reason our members couldn’t load after four days.

“We’re willing to buy the product directly if the refinery is ready to sell to us, but for now, our members can’t access it even after paying,” Maigandi said while speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily.

The refinery, touted as Africa’s largest, reportedly has the capacity to produce over 30 million litres of fuel daily at full capacity.

Dangote, during a recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, reassured that the facility is prepared to meet local demand, emphasising that the stock in reserve could sustain the country for over 12 days without imports.

However, Maigandi countered Dangote’s claims, pointing out that IPMAN members are yet to successfully load fuel from the refinery through the NNPCL arrangement, despite their readiness to purchase directly.

He added, “Instead of routing through NNPCL, Dangote should consider registering independent marketers directly. This would simplify the process and prevent such delays in accessing the product.”

The House of Representatives yesterday called on the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to stop the issuance of airstrip licenses to private individuals and organizations while calling for the withdrawal of already approved ones granted to Living Faith Church and private individuals and organizations, to safeguard national security.

This followed the adoption of an urgent motion titled “NEED TO STOP ISSUANCE OF AIRSTRIP LICENSE TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COUNTRY by Rep Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi during plenary in Abuja.

Moving the motion, Gumi noted that the Federal Government through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the approval of an airstrip for Living Faith Church situated on Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.

He also explained that on Sunday, 6th October 2024, the Founder of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo during the Tehillah Night Special edition at Covenant University Chapel, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State informed his congregation of the approval of an airstrip granted by the Federal Government to his Church.

“Recall that in September 2014, a prominent religious leader was linked with a private jet used to convey $9.3m in cash to South Africa for the purchase of arms. The private jet which was seized by the South African authorities had two Nigerians and an Israeli on board, (Sahara Reporters, 16th September 2014);

“The country currently experiences security challenges through illegal importation/proliferation of firearms and ammunition, importation of illicit/hard drugs, coupled with the inability of our security agencies to pinpoint the source of supply of weapons to insurgents, kidnappers and separatists that have massacred thousands of Nigerians across the Country;

“Granting airstrip to private individuals and organizations will aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country, thus heightening insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country.

The House however urged the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Central Bank of Nigeria from disbursing further monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government, citing alleged constitutional violations by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In her ruling yesterday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik found that Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member House of Assembly breached constitutional protocol.

Justice Abdulmalik highlighted that since January, Rivers State has received and spent allocations based on an “illegitimate” budget, describing this as a “constitutional aberration.” The court order further restricted the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, and the state’s accounts at Zenith Bank and Access Bank from releasing any funds to Fubara. The judge contended that the governor’s actions ignored constitutional requirements for budget approval by a fully constituted House of Assembly.

Delivering judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024, Justice Abdulmalik declared that decisions made by the four-member Fubara-backed assembly were void, referencing prior rulings by the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal that had annulled its authority. Justice Abdulmalik stressed the CBN’s responsibility to ensure that state budgets are approved by a constitutionally recognised House of Assembly before releasing funds. “Any appropriation bill must pass through the constitutionally recognised House of Assembly,” she stated, “without which any budget implementation is unlawful.” The ruling also held that Fubara’s actions violated Sections 91 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution, and warned that any continued bypassing of legislative processes constituted an affront to the rule of law.

The court’s decision followed a suit filed by the Rivers House of Assembly faction led by Martin Amaewhule, challenging the legitimacy of the four-member faction loyal to Fubara. The Amaewhule-led Assembly had earlier declared in July that all state expenditures would be halted until the governor resubmitted his budget to the legitimate legislative body. Justice Abdulmalik denied a request to stay the proceedings, dismissing the application as “frivolous and vexatious.” She also refused to recuse herself from the case, rejecting the defence’s allegations of bias.

A Kano State Sharia Court sitting at Kofar Kudu has remanded Nasiru Mukhtar for allegedly assaulting Imam Malam Murtala Sulaiman during morning prayers.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at a mosque in the Tudunwada area on October 22, 2024.

Mukhtar allegedly invaded the mosque, attacked the imam by holding him by the neck, slapped him, tore his clothes, and took his microphone.

The imam filed a complaint with the state police command, leading to Mukhtar’s arrest.

During the court proceedings, Mukhtar’s defense counsel requested bail, citing the need for further investigation.

However, the presiding judge, Malam Isah Rabi’u Gaya, ordered a psychiatric evaluation to assess the accused’s mental state.

The court has adjourned the case until November 22, 2024, while the accused remains in custody.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said that it is not responsible for the delay in the burial of the late Senator who represented Anambra South district, Chief Ifeanyi Uba, in his home town, Nnewi North council of Anambra State.

It stated that no one should link the delay to the IPOB leader, stressing that IPOB and Kanu should be left out of the delay. IPOB in a statement by its media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, explained that the reason for the delay of the burial is not known to it, adding that the delay is not connected with the kidnapping and rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria. It said; “We have the information of those who bankrolled and sponsored the abduction and renditioning of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria. And we will take an appropriate response at the right time. For now, we are much more concerned with other pressing matters to IPOB. “It is a known fact that late Senator Ifeanyi Uba stepped on the toes of many Igbo people, particularly his Nnewi people. The delay in his burial is not connected with the kidnapping and rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Those who collaborated with the Nigerian government in committing these abominations are still around. “The Nnewi traditional leaders and their custodians are people of rich culture and traditions. They know why the burial of the late Senator is being delayed.

“No one should link what happened to the IPOB leader to the delay in the burial of late Ifeanyi Uba. IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu should be left out of this traditional quagmire. ”IPOB respects the oneness and deep tradition among Nnewi people. They know what to do to ensure that peace reigns in Nnewi. IPOB encourages them to do what is culturally permissible to ensure that the remains of their son are not buried outside their ancestral land. “What is happening to the burial of late Senator Uba should be a wake-up call to the radicals and the untouchable politicians to remember that one day Biafrans may reject your corpse and even that of their children.

“They may even be treated like outcasts and possibly banished from Biafra Land. Let he who has ears hear what the spirit is saying.”

A Kuje Magistrate Court yesterday granted bail to a House of Representatives member for Aba North and South, Alex Ikwechegh, in the sum of N500,000.

Ikwechegh was arraigned for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, outside his Abuja residence. The Counsel to the bolt driver, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed to newsmen, that Ikwechegh, the defendant in the matter will be arraigned Wednesday by noon time before the court.

The lawmaker went viral in a video on social media for allegedly assaulting the bolt driver. In the video, the lawmaker could be heard threatening the driver and assuring him that he could make him disappear without a trace.

A housewife, Kafilat AbdulLateef, yesterday asked the Area Court, Centre-Igboro, Ilorin, Kwara State, to dissolve her one-year-old marriage to Bukoye Abdullateef.

The wife, of 101, Abisam Area, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara, told the court that she was no longer interested in the marriage, due to lack of love and care.

She, therefore, wanted a divorce, custody of the only child in the marriage, and monthly support fees of N50,000.

The husband, however, said that he was still interested in the marriage and did not want a divorce.

The presiding Judge, Toyin Aluko, noted that: It is always disturbing whenever young couples that are new in marriage apply for divorce.

Aluko urged the two parties to tolerate each other and try to live together in peace.

The court adjourned the case until January 14, for a report of settlement.

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia …

Members of Abia State House of Assembly have condemned the action of the Federal Lawmaker representing Aba North and Aba South in the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, who was recently seen in a widely circulated video on social media, harassing a Uber Driver.

Addressing the press on Monday, after a closed-door meeting with the Governor which had members elected on the platforms of all political parties in the current 8th Assembly at Umuehim Nvosi,, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa said the action was condemnable as he went ahead to apologize on his behalf.

In response about the letter written by the Abia State Chapter of the NLC, alleging that the House is considering a bill that will empower the State Government to take 90 percent of Local Government funds, leaving the LGAs with just 10 percent.

The lawmakers challenged the Abia State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Union (NLC) to provide evidence of a bill in a letter they recently wrote to the House of Assembly, alleging the State Government is planning to seize ninety percent (90%) of the Local Government allocations, leaving the LGAs with ten Percent (10%).

We came to pay courtesy to the Governor and show solidarity of all policies and programmes that he is unleashing. We say unequivocally that we are in support of his efforts. You can see the house is almost complete both the opposition and members of the Labour party to give him that support. We don’t have a divided House”.

We gave him support in the oncoming Local Government elections because, without a good local administration, we will not be complete. The House of Assembly is in Solidarity with him and in support that this Local Government election be done so that the grassroots will benefit in whatever we are doing, the Speaker stated.

Rt. Hon. Emeruwa advised the electorates to go all out on Saturday, November 2nd, and vote for leaders of their choice irrespective of political parties. We will not cage people to vote for one party. They should vote their conscience.

The speaker said although the constitution empowers them to legislate on Local Government affairs, there is no such bill in consideration by the Abia State House of Assembly. He challenged the NLC to provide evidence. In his words I Challenge them to produce evidence of what they wrote because you cannot say what you don’t know.

“There is nothing like that before of me, there is nothing like that. and, if we are making any new law regarding Local Governments, its our legitimate right and mandate because the constitution gives the House of Assembly right to oversight the Local Government.

Also adding his voice, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and spokesperson of the House, RT. Hon. Austin Okezie Mmerigini said that the primary essence of their visit is to reassure the Governor that the whole 8th Assembly is solidly behind him and to assure him that they are confident in what he is doing and that they will continue to support him.

The Lawmaker representing Ukwa East State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Obianyi Lewis elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) used the opportunity to call on his constituents and members of the public to participate in the November 2nd Local Government election.

“In his words, As you can see, the House is peaceful, the House is moving forward and we just came to see the Governor. Of course, as members of the opposition, one thing we are taking home is that the Governor has assured us that he has mandated the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. We, the members of PDP, are already participating in that election.

“So I’m also using this medium to let our people know that they should participate fully in the voting exercise. Hon. Obianyi told the people not to give heed to any rumor of predetermined outcome of the LG ballot.