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.

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday stripped the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, of power to appoint the CEO of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC through an amendment of the Bank Deposit Regulators Principal Act.

This followed a report submitted to the upper legislative Chamber by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru which was debated on Tuesday.

The Central Bank of Nigeria had the power to appoint the Chairman and Board members of the NDIC in the principal Act. The provision had been a subject of argument, but the amendment which passed a third reading after rigorous debate at a plenary presided by the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, now consolidated the power of the President to appoint the Chairman and members of the board of the NDIC while the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN which hitherto recommend to the appointees, would now concentrate on supervising the corporation.

The passage of the bill was also meant to strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to safeguard depositors, ensure the stability of financial institutions, and promote trust in the banking system.

The legislation, titled, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act No 33 of 2023, was sponsored by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and all the members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions.

In the principal Act, Abiru explained that the NDIC will enjoy its autonomy and independence in line with the current realities across the world.

He said: The NDIC based on the new amendment of its Act, would focus on the examination of the banks and despite the fact that the NDIC 2023, the Act made substantial improvements to the 2006 Act, its implementation had been fraught with continuous debates.

He specifically said stakeholders had consistently been engaging in a series of appeals on the need for an amendment of the Act to address all the issues that have been raised concerning it.

He said, “The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is thus a critical piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the Nigerian financial system.

He said, “Considering the above, therefore, the general consensus among stakeholders was that it is important that the legal framework is reviewed.

“This is to make the Corporation more effective in discharging its functions, safeguard its independence and autonomy and bring it in line with current realities and best practices.

“This is particularly because the Corporation plays a vital role in safeguarding the interests of depositors and promoting confidence in the financial sector.

“The evolving challenges in the global and domestic banking environments necessitate the amendment of the current law to keep pace with these developments and ensure the NDIC remains fit for purpose”

After consideration of the report, the bill was passed into law by the Senate President.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a sweeping crackdown on beggars, scavengers, and street vendors, with 34 individuals detained on Monday across various parts of Abuja.

This action followed a recent ministerial directive ordering such individuals to leave the FCT.

The operation, conducted by a joint task force comprising the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary agencies, targeted four major areas: the City Centre, the Airport Road, the Kubwa-Gwarinpa area, and the Asokoro-Nyanya-Karu corridor.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, described the clampdown as a national assignment, directing officers to enforce the mandate with professionalism and resolve.

“We will come back and assess our achievements, then, we will go back if there is a need for us to continue it”, Disu stated.

According to the Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, the FCTA plans to carry out the operation both day and night over two weeks.

Gwary, represented by Peter Olumuji, said, We have the metro, which is the City Centre. We have the Airport Road that covers the entire airport road from the city gates up to Bill Clinton Road.

“We also have the Kubwa area that covers the Kubwa, Gwarinpa up to Dei Dei. And we have the last group that covers Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi. All these will be carried out simultaneously”

He noted that 15 beggars and 19 scavengers were arrested across other zones, adding that many beggars in the city centre had gone into hiding.

“We realised that most of them heard the voice of the minister. Notwithstanding, we have one or two who are still trying to test the waters and we have been able to apprehend them. We also have 15 beggars and 19 scavengers that we have picked up in various sectors and we are still counting”, he added.

It was also learnt that the arrested individuals would be taken to the FCTA’s rehabilitation centre in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council, where they would be profiled and assessed.

Those willing to acquire vocational skills will receive training aimed at personal empowerment, while those unwilling to participate will be returned to their states of origin, according to the Director of Social Welfare for the FCTA, Dr. Sani Rabe.

The Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Kaka Bello emphasised that the operation is part of a larger initiative to rid the capital of street nuisances, including unauthorised roadside vendors and technicians occupying public spaces.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, said the FCT Administration will float a new security scheme to flush beggars out of Abuja City.

Wike disclosed this at the inauguration of the upgrading of the War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja on Monday.

He said that the move was to rid the city of beggars, who have taken over major streets of the nations capital city.

“Stay in your state and beg. The FCT cannot be the centre of beggars. It is the only city we have, to showcase to the world. We will not allow it”

The minister, who noted that some people chose to beg, added that the FCT Administration would not allow that in the city.

“If you want to beg, go to the villages, but leave the city centre.

“The city must be clean, and we are ready for criminals”, he added.

Wike explained that the measure was a part of the measures to improve security in the FCT, adding that security agencies were doing their best to keep the residents safe.

It would be recalled that Wike had on October 22 declared war against beggars, whom he said were defacing Abuja city and posing security risk.

The minister had warned all beggars to leave the city or be flushed out.

Mujahid Asari Dokubo, former President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, yesterday criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, calling it a total betrayal of the Niger Delta people.

Speaking to ARISE News on Tuesday, Dokubo expressed disappointment, saying the move reflects a longstanding culture of sidelining the Niger Delta region in national development.

This decision is a betrayal of the people of the Niger Delta, Dokubo asserted. There has been this culture in Nigeria of trying to shortchange the people of the Niger Delta, taking, robbing us of our gains.

He emphasized that his criticism stems from his commitment to representing his people rather than his personal relationship with the president, which he said remains separate from his duties as an advocate for the Niger Delta community.

Dokubo, a prominent activist and former militant leader, has been a vocal proponent of Niger Delta rights. He argued that the dissolution of the ministry undermines federal commitments to the region, which has long sought increased attention and resources for development and environmental rehabilitation due to extensive oil exploration.

As a well-known figure in the Niger Deltas political landscape, Dokubo’s comments were likely to resonate across the region, fueling discussions on government accountability and the need for sustainable policies that prioritize local interests.

Alex Ikwechegh, the lawmaker caught on camera assaulting a cab driver, has been referred to the House Ethic Committee for investigation.

The resolution was a sequel to a point of order raised by the Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, yesterday.

In a viral video that trended on social media, the lawmaker was seen assaulting Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt rider.

The lawmaker threatened to make the Bolt driver disappear.

However, strong backlash has been trailing his action, as many have condemned his conduct, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Ikwechegh is now facing scrutiny from his peers in the House.

He may also be suspended, if indicted after the investigation.

President of the United States of America, Mr. Joe Biden, yesterday evening, conveyed his gratitude to Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu for the release of Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed this while briefing State House Correspondents on the 30-minute voice call between both leaders.

I have been directed by Mr President to brief you with regards to his phone call with US President, Joseph Biden at about 4 pm today.

The two leaders exchanged pleasantries and President Biden proceeded to thank President Tinubu for his partnership and for Nigeria’s partnership, and in particular, for the collaboration between the two countries with regards to the release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company that were all aware of, Tuggar said.

Gambaryan left Nigeria on Monday after eight months of lawful detention, his family confirmed.

Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after 8 months of unlawful detention, the statement from the family partly read.

Gambaryan, a senior Binance executive was detained in Nigeria in early 2024 during a crackdown on cryptocurrency activity by the Nigerian government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed money laundering charges against him, which Binance and Gambaryan have denied.

However, his extended detention drew international attention, as his health reportedly deteriorated while held at Kuje Prison.

U.S. diplomats and lawmakers pushed for his release, emphasising both his declining health and the need for transparent proceedings.

Despite repeated bail applications, he remained in custody for nearly eight months, raising diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Nigeria.

An Abuja Federal High Court had discharged Gambaryan from the money laundering charges.

This followed diplomatic and public advocacy, enabling him to return to the U.S. for urgent medical care.

Binance CEO, Richard Teng expressed relief, highlighting Binance’s commitment to regulatory cooperation in Nigeria.

Responding to Biden, President Tinubu thanked him and the US for the partnership and collaboration in numerous sectors, emphasizing greater collaboration with regards to security in West Africa.

Biden also affirmed that this partnership will continue as the future of the world resides in Africa which is why it is important for this partnership to continue.

During the phone conversation, Biden also assured Tinubu that the US is keen on securing permanent status for two African countries, including Nigeria, on the United Nations Security Council.

Tuggar explained, The two leaders also discussed the issue of the permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.

President Biden, once again, assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa having two permanent seats.

He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance.

Tinubu also highlighted that Nigeria is committed to upholding the rule of law and follows established legal processes, which the U.S. recognises and respects.

He pointed out the shared values between the two nations, noting Nigeria’s adoption of a government system inspired by the U.S. model when it returned to constitutional democracy in 1999.

Both leaders agreed on the importance of legal frameworks and pledged ongoing collaboration in this area.

The conversation concluded with both sides expressing a commitment to maintaining communication even as President Biden’s term ends in January 2025.

The 2023 Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, yesterday said its insensitive for anyone to demand a new aircraft for Vice President, Kashim Shettima following the recent incident in the United States, US.

The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkareem Lawan, had claimed that Shettima’s life is at risk due to the faulty presidential aircraft he is using to represent President Bola Tinubu in official engagements across the globe.

Reacting, Obi said the Speaker was unconcerned about the prevailing economic hardship confronting Nigerians.

Posting on X, Obi wrote: I just read a disturbing comment in the media space attributed to one of the supposed political leaders in the country that the life of the Vice President is in danger because of the faults recorded in his official aircraft.

The leader went further to urge the Federal Government to purchase a new aircraft for the Vice President.

In making such a remark now, the speaker is insensitive and obviously unconcerned about the prevailing economic situation in the country.

That Nigerians are facing untold hardship at this moment is no secret.

Such a provoking call is coming from a person who probably is oblivious to the fact that Nigeria, at present, has continued to manifest every trait of a failed state.

We are today among one of the eleven worst-governed African nations in the last 10 years. We are also among the 20 most hungry nations in the world, with our people facing worsening mass poverty, extreme hunger and starvation.

Our nation remains the poverty capital of the world, with our per capita income crashing further from $1700 in 2023 to $1109 this year.

Are these not the issues that should be prioritized by committed leaders?

Our national electricity grid has so far collapsed eight times this year alone and 105 times in the last ten years, plunging our small businesses into great losses and households into darkness.

In the past 15 months, several businesses have closed down or become distressed due to the harsh economic environment in the country.

The Vice President travels mostly in the country’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia.

And since we have recently undeservedly bought one, it should be used on essential, inevitable trips of the President and Vice President.

I appeal to the President, Vice President, and our public office holders that our present precarious situation calls only for minimal and highly contributory inevitable travels.

It is time to sit down and find solutions to our litany of challenges for the wellbeing of the people and the development of our country.

Nigeria will rise again if the leadership can commit to selfless service. Are these not the issues that should preoccupy us as leaders, rather than being consumed by our selfish desires for needless luxury at the expense of the people we are called to serve?

What does Nigeria’s Vice President need a new jet for, and what value are all Presidential and Vice Presidential trips adding to our present situation?

The Nigerian Senate has postponed the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s new ministerial nominees.

This is to enable the nominees to conclude all aspects of documentation and pre-screening exercises.

The screening exercise was initially scheduled to hold yesterday but the red chamber of the National Assembly said the exercise has now been shifted today Wednesday.

It would be recalled that Tinubu last Wednesday sacked five ministers and nominated seven new ones, who are awaiting Senate confirmation.

Tinubu also re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios.

The President nominated Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, while Nentawe Yilwatda was designated as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, officially bringing an end to the tenure of the suspended Betta Edu.

Others nominated by the President were Maigari Dingyadi as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole as the Minister of Industry, Idi Maiha as Minister for the newly created Livestock Development Ministry, Yusuf Ata as the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, and Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State, Education.

A member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, who assaulted an e-hailing (Bolt) driver who went to deliver a package to him has tendered a public apology.

Ikwechegh admitted that his behaviour did not meet the standards expected of a public official.

He issued the public apology on Monday, saying, “As a public servant, I recognise the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behaviour fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry.

He said he regretted the harm and embarrassment his actions had caused Abuwatseya, his constituents, and the public.

He also confirmed his cooperation with the Nigeria Police, pledging to support their investigation and uphold accountability.

“I, Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, Member of the House of Representatives, wish to address a deeply disturbing incident that occurred at my residence recently. A video has surfaced showing me engaging in unacceptable behaviour towards an Uber driver who came to deliver a waybill for me. I am deeply sorry for my actions and acknowledge that they were unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official.

“As a public servant, I recognize the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behaviour fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that my actions have caused harm and embarrassment to the driver, my constituents, and the nation at large”

“I want to assure the public that I am fully cooperating with the Nigerian Police investigation into this matter. I support their efforts to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable”, the statement read

He also applauded the Nigeria Police Force for upholding the law and protecting the rights of the citizens.

He stated, “I also appreciate the swift condemnation of my actions by my party and the Nigerian Police, demonstrating our collective commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens”

Ikwechegh noted that he was taking immediate steps to address the underlying issues that led to this incident.

“I am seeking professional counselling to ensure that such behaviour never happens again. Additionally, I will be engaging in community service initiatives focused on promoting respect, empathy, and understanding”.

He, however, called on all Nigerians to join him in fostering a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding.

”We must work together to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Thank you for your understanding and I hope that you will join me on this journey towards healing and growth”, Ikwechegh added.

In a video that went viral on Monday, the distressed driver, Abuwatseya recorded the incident that took place between him and Ikwechegh at the lawmakers residence in Maitama, Abuja.

The video showed the visibly angry lawmaker repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver, allegedly because the driver had asked him to come out and collect the snail he was delivering.

He also threatened to make the driver disappear without facing any consequences.

The incident has, however, generated public outbursts with many condemning his action.

Following the incident, Ikwechegh was invited by the police for interrogation at its Maitama Divisional Headquarters.

The police also slammed the lawmaker for bringing the name of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun into disrepute by daring the driver to make calls through to him after slapping him.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has postponed its planned strike to December 2, 2024, to allow the Federal Government to address its concerns.

This comes after a resolution meeting between stakeholders convened by the Education Ministry on October 23.

The union’s demands include resolving abuses of laws, improving staff welfare, and addressing infrastructure and promotion issues. If the government fails to act before December 2, the strike will commence.

ASUP’s National President, Comrade Kpanja Shammah, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja

He said: “The Union’s NEC therefore met again on an emergency note on the 24th of October 2024 to review the action plan as proposed in the meeting with the stakeholders and determine the next steps in its struggle for the survival of Polytechnic Education in the country.

“After exhaustive deliberations, the Union resolved to defer its proposed industrial action to the 2nd of December, 2024.

“The decision was taken to gauge the government’s commitment to implementing the action plan as agreed at the meeting of 23rd October, 2024.

“It is therefore the expectation of our Union that government will take advantage of the period to show commitment by diligently executing the action plan on each of the eleven items of dispute or risk a comprehensive withdrawal of service by academic staff in the Nigeria Polytechnic System.”

Government should dialogue with them and avoid strike actions.

This follows the earlier request to the Senate by President Tinubu to confirm the new ministerial nominees.  The Senate is set to begin screening of seven ministerial nominees recently announced by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday (tomorrow).

This follows the earlier request to the Senate by President Tinubu to confirm the new ministerial nominees. The President had hours after their nomination last week, written to the upper chamber, asking the lawmakers to consider and confirm the seven nominees for appointment as ministers. They include Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Dingyadi (Labour & Employment), Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State Foreign Affairs), and Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment). Others are Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Yusuf Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development), and Suwaiba Ahmad (State Education).

The confirmation request to the Senate came after Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet. The president sacked five of his ministers, redeployed 10 of them, and appointed seven others. Those sacked included Uju-Ken Ohanenye as Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John as Minister of Tourism; Tahir Mamman as Minister of Education; Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development; and Jamila Ibrahim as Minister of Youth Development.

Tinubu thereafter appointed seven others. Among those reassigned were Yusuf Sununu who was removed as the Minister of State for Education and named as the Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

Olatunji Alausa was reassigned as the Minister of Education, removing him as the Minister of State, Health. Bello Goronyo was removed as Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation and reassigned as Minister of State Works.

Abubakar Momoh was relieved as Minister of Niger Delta Development and reassigned as Minister of Regional Development.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, today, October 29, to appear before the probe panel of the National Judicial Council, NJC, over judgements being churned out by his court in respect of cases on the Rivers political crisis.

Justice Tsoho expected to defend the court under his watch over some petitions brought before NJC by some lawyers and litigants, mainly on Rivers’ political disputes.

The chief judge is to specifically explain why the Rivers cases are being heard in Abuja instead of the Port Harcourt division of the court.

One of the lawyers in one of the matters, Femi Falana, had last Friday fired a letter to the chief judge, querying why the cases emanating from Port Harcourt are being heard in Abuja instead of in the Port Harcourt division, where he claimed that the Court has five judges on its bench.

He drew the attention of the court to insinuations being peddled in some quarters that judgements are being allegedly procured in Abuja.

Although the issue was tabled before the court and Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of Abuja division hearing one of the cases was asked to recuse herself for Port Harcourt division to take over, Abdulmalik in a ruling refused to grant the request.

The judge rather held that only the Chief Judge had the administrative function of assigning cases to judges.

It will be recalled that the Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo and Rivers State governorship election petition tribunals sat in Abuja to ensure the security of the lives of judges and their supporting staff over the volatility of political situations in some of the states.

It was also learnt that the Chief Judge of Rivers State High Court will also appear before the NJC probe panel next week to explain how some conflicting orders were issued by some of the state high court judges.