News Archives - Page 43 of 77

Rivers Assembly Gives Fubara 48 Hours To Submit 2025 Budget

March 3, 2025 by admin

The Rivers State House of Assembly has given the state governor, Similaya Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers. The lawmakers made the request during their sitting in Port Harcourt on Monday. On January 2nd, Governor Fubara signed the ₦1.1 trillion 2025 Budget into law after presenting it to lawmakers led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. However, months later, the Supreme Court ruled that Martin Amaewhule and his group were legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, ending the leadership crisis that had split the house. In their first sitting after the judgement, the lawmakers asked the governor to present the budget, which he had named the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development.” The Supreme Court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold allocations to Rivers State for disobeying court orders. It further nullified the local government elections conducted in the state last year. In response, Fubara directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct fresh local government elections. “Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,” the governor said in a state broadcast on Sunday. He also instructed the “outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March 2025.” Punch

JUST IN: Ex-Lagos PDP Gov Candidate, Jandor, Dumps Party

March 3, 2025 by admin

A former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2023 general election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has dumped the party. Jandor announced his resignation at a press briefing held at Liberty Place, Ikeja, in Lagos on Monday. According to him, his reasons for leaving the party are not unconnected to indiscipline and anti-party activities, which have become the norm in his erstwhile party. The ex-PDP governorship candidate, who a large group of supporters accompanied, revealed that the decision to part ways with the PDP stemmed from actions taken by some of the party’s leaders, including the former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George. According to Jandor, these leaders actively worked against the PDP in the 2023 elections. “We will consult widely with everybody and then take the decision to collapse our structure to another platform. What is majority on the ground now is that we have left the Peoples Democratic Party,” Jandor stated. Details later…

NANS urges FG to probe non-payment of N77,000 corps members’ allowance.

March 3, 2025 by admin

The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to investigate the National Youth Service Corps over the non-payment of the newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance for corps members. NANS expressed disappointment that months after the Federal Government approved the increase from N33,000 to N77,000—effective July 2024—the NYSC has yet to implement the payment. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, stated that the new allowance was not implemented due to the non-release of funds. NANS in a statement by its National Vice President, Inter-Campus Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, on Sunday, justified the call for the probe of the NYSC for failure to commence payment of the new corps monthly allowance by the end of February as promised by the Director-General of the Corps. She wondered what delayed the payment after the official announcement by Yushua that corps members would start receiving the N77,000 in February 2025. According to her, findings by her office revealed that corps members received only N33,000 for their February allowance last Friday, against N70,000 promised by the NYSC DG. Akinbodunse noted that the FG and many state governments have since begun to pay their workers the new minimum wage of N70,000, adding that the NYSC has no justification to withhold the payment of the approved allowance to corps members. She pointed out that it would amount to gross injustice on the part of corps members to still be receiving old allowance months after approval and implementation by the Federal Government. While calling on the NYSC to give reasons behind the failure to implement the payment of the N77,000 corps monthly allowance, she insisted that the FG should investigate the matter to determine the cause of the delay. She added that the failure to pay the new allowance to corps members could dampen their morale, especially in the face of the economic situation in the country. Akinbodunse, however, submitted that “the leadership of the student body would equally interface with the NYSC to find out why corps members are yet to benefit from the new minimum wage of N77,000, even when staff of the NYSC are receiving the increase in pay from the Federal Government.” Punch

NLC Halts Protest As Subscribers Embrace 35% Tariff Increase

February 28, 2025 by admin

The Nigeria Labour Congress has shelved its planned protest scheduled for March 1, 2025, after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government on a 35 per cent increase in telecom tariffs, The PUNCH reports. NLC’s decision was welcomed by the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers on Thursday, as the group called for better relief measures for telcos. On January 20, 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission announced a 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariffs—the first major adjustment in over a decade. Telecom operators, grappling with rising operational costs due to inflation and currency depreciation, had initially proposed a 100 per cent increase before the government intervened. Multiple insider sources at the NLC informed The PUNCH on Thursday that negotiations between the union and the Federal Government resulted in a compromise, lowering the initially proposed 50 per cent increase to 35 per cent. A 10-member committee was formed to deliberate and finalise the agreement. An impeccable source with the labour union said, “Have you not heard that an agreement has been reached between the NLC and the FG? The 50 per cent hike in telecom tariff has been reduced to 35 per cent as agreed by the 10-man committee.” When asked if this means the protest scheduled for March 1 would be shelved, the source replied, “That should be obvious.” In a previous interview with The PUNCH, the Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the NLC, Funmi Sessi, condemned the Federal Government’s decision to approve a 35 per cent increase, calling it an unfair burden on already struggling Nigerians. “How can the Federal Government be the one determining prices? This is an anomaly,” she argued. Sessi said any tariff adjustment should be gradual and not exceed 15 per cent, given the current economic hardship. Meanwhile, the NLC Public Relations Officer, Upah Benson, told The PUNCH that there would be a National Executive Council meeting of the union today (Friday) to deliberate further on the matter. NATCOMS welcomes reduction The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, has welcomed the reported reduction of the proposed 50 per cent telecom tariff hike to 35 per cent but called for more relief measures to ease the burden on consumers. Speaking in response to reports of the tariff adjustment, Ogunbanjo said NATCOMS was not invited to be part of the committee that reviewed the rates. “I believe it is 35 per cent, but this is based on what I heard from sources,” Ogunbanjo told The PUNCH. “That information has been out there since Monday.” He described the 15 per cent reduction as a result of consumer advocacy but urged telecom operators to consider further reductions to cushion the impact on subscribers. “We fought, and at least a 15 per cent reduction is something,” he said. The Nigerian Communications Commission, which regulates the telecom sector, and industry groups, including the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, did not respond to requests for comment. Punch

Suspend Dstv Price Hike, Govt Orders MultiChoice

February 28, 2025 by admin

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has directed MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to suspend its planned subscription price hike pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the company’s proposed tariff adjustment. The consumer watchdog disclosed the directive in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Thursday, citing the need to protect consumers from potential exploitation during the review process. The commission’s order follows MultiChoice’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the regulator over mounting concerns about the company’s recurrent price increases. Earlier, the FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before it on February 27 for an investigative hearing. However, following the company’s request, the commission rescheduled the hearing to March 6, 2025, mandating the attendance of the CEO and relevant officers and the submission of a comprehensive response. “As part of this directive, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the commission’s review and final determination on the matter,” the statement read. The FCCPC underscored that the price freeze is a precautionary measure to safeguard consumers against arbitrary pricing adjustments while the inquiry is ongoing. MultiChoice had earlier informed customers of the impending price review, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, attributing the adjustment to the rising costs of delivering premium content. According to the notice titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company stated: “Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.” While the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets will remain at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively, the DStv Compact package is among the subscriptions expected to be affected by the price increase. The FCCPC said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses. Punch

Natasha Demands Live Broadcast Of Senate Probe For Transparency

February 27, 2025 by admin

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted that her probe proceedings at the Senate be broadcast live, declaring that Nigerians have a right to witness the process. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Vommittee following her face-off with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement, said she was ready to face the panel but would not allow the matter to be handled behind closed doors. In a statement she posted on her Facebook page on Thursday, the lawmaker said she had so far refrained from speaking publicly on the issue and other developments in the Senate but had now decided to break her silence. She urged Nigerians to follow the proceedings closely, emphasising that she would push for full transparency. She wrote, “Good morning courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State and Nigeria. “Arise News, set a date and I shall be in your studio in person. Spare no questions. “And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe which I shall insist would be covered live. “The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”

Olubadan Hail Igbo’s Contribution To Commerce In Oyo

February 26, 2025 by admin

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has commended the Igbos for their contribution to the Oyo State economy and reiterated his commitment to peaceful co-existence amongst the various ethnic groups in the ancient city. According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, Oba Olakulehin gave the commendation while playing host to the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Tuesday in his palace. Olubadan, who spoke through the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland, Senior Chief Rafiu Onideure, said Ibadan would continue to appreciate the economic contributions of the Igbo not just in Ibadanland but in the state and Nigeria as a whole. “I implore you to continue with your business, social and religious activities peacefully and lawfully at all times as you have done in the past for the progress of Ibadanland. “The contributions of the Igbos to commerce, trade and business in Ibadanland is worthy of commendation and well appreciated by all and sundry as it is a significant contributor to the Oyo State economy and by extension our nation. “I want to enjoin other non-indigenes in Ibadan to emulate the good gesture of members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in extending the hand of friendship and fellowship to Ibadan indigenes.” Earlier, the Coordinator of the group, Tallest Innocent, who doubles as the Special Assistant, Community Relations to Governor Seyi Makinde, expressed his gratitude to the Olubadan and the Oba-In Council for the warm reception accorded them during the visit. “Apart from paying this visit, they were at the palace to introduce the newly elected executives of the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to His Imperial Majesty.” He appreciated the monarch’s support before, during and after the peaceful process plus the inclusive governance approach of the traditional stool

Natasha Sues Akpabio For Defamation, Demands N100.3bn Damages

February 25, 2025 by admin

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for alleged defamation. The PUNCH reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns after her Senate seat was reassigned following a reshuffle triggered by opposition members switching to the majority wing. She resisted the relocation, leading to a confrontation between her and the Senate President. However, in a suit filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on 25 February 2025, the President of the Senate, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Mfon Patrick, were listed as the second and third defendants. In the suit, marked CV/737/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, alleged that defamatory statements were made by the Senate President and published by his aide on Facebook. According to him, the post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” included a statement suggesting that Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was only about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.” Giwa argued that the statement was defamatory, provocative, and disparaging, lowering his client’s dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and the public. He stated, “A DECLARATION that the words, ‘It is bottled anger by the Kogi lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers,’ used and written by the third defendant at the prompting of the first and second defendants, is defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium and disaffection toward the claimant.” She also urged the court to restrain the defendants and their associates from making further defamatory statements against her on any platform. “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the defendants, whether acting by themselves or through their agents, privies, assigns, or associates, from further publishing or causing to be published the said defamatory words or any similar publications about the claimant on social media or in any other manner capable of defaming her,” she stated. Furthermore, Akpoti-Uduaghan asked the court to order the defendants to pay her N100 billion in general damages and N300 million as litigation costs. “An order for the payment of the sum of N100,000,000,000 as general damages. An order for the payment of the sum of N300,000,000 as the cost of action,” she prayed. Punch

Inauguration: Aiyedatiwa Frees Eight Inmates, Reduces Sentences For 35 Others

February 24, 2025 by admin

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, marked his swearing-in with a bold act of clemency, granting freedom and reduced sentences to 43 prisoners. Acting on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Aiyedatiwa ordered the immediate release of eight convicts, while 15 death row inmates had their sentences commuted to prison terms. Another 20 serving life sentences were granted reduced jail terms. This is according to a Monday statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan. It was titled, “Inauguration: Gov Aiyedatiwa Extends Mercy to 43 Prisoners.” This is in a move that underscores his commitment to justice reform, the statement noted. “This decision is a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s belief in second chances and the potential for rehabilitation,” said the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN “It is His Excellency’s responsibility to ensure that our justice system reflects mercy and humanity.” The move aligns with Aiyedatiwa’s broader judicial reforms. In October 2024, he swore in six new judges to strengthen the state’s legal system, declaring, “This is particularly fulfilling for me, as it marks the second time in our administration’s history that appointments to the Bench of the state judiciary have been made—and in such a large number.” His inauguration also carries deep personal significance. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “It has been his [late Governor Akeredolu’s] wish that I succeed him. He said it on our first day of inauguration.” With his second term officially underway, Aiyedatiwa has set a clear tone: a government focused on justice, fairness, and second chances, the statement concluded. Punch

Debo Akande, Oluyole LG Boss Olatunji Engage Stakeholders On 8.8km RAAMP Road Project’s Economic Benefits

February 21, 2025 by admin

The Director-General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande has emphasized the importance of the 8.8km Adebayo/Alata/Aba Oje RAAMP Road Project in Oluyole local government part of the state. Speaking while addressing the stakeholders during the inauguration of the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) that are saddled with the management of potential disputes arising from upcoming rural road construction projects, Dr Debo Akande who also doubles as the Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Corporation urged the stakeholders in the local government to collaborate with the newly inaugurated committee’s terms of reference to ensure smooth project implementation of the State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). Dr Debo Akande in his words noted that the meeting was geared towards engaging stakeholders on disclosure of sites, with a view to getting citizens buy-in for maintenance of rural roads. Dr. Akande added that the GRC will enhance co-existence between the contractors and the beneficiary communities, as part of prerequisite of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project RAAMP. Akande maintained that the road when completed will surely contribute greatly to the agro-economic development of Oluyole local government and the state at large. Akande however urged the stakeholders to ensure an hitch-free exercise during and after the construction. He however commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his readiness to transform the rural landscape of the state into a thriving agro-driven economy. Inaugurating the Grievance Redress Committee, Oyo State Project Coordinator, RAAMP, Engr. Adeola Ekundayo said the Committee’s primary responsibility is to address grievances from affected communities, particularly farmers whose lands might be impacted by construction amongst other to enhance hitch-free civil works. Ekundayo called for fair handling of all complaints, urging contractors to engage indigent workers within the communities, to boost economy. The GRC, consisting youths representative, women, community leaders in all the phase 1 roads of about 68km across the state, will educate communities on construction processes, and rights-of-way to prevent misunderstandings. In his welcome Address, the Chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji assured maximum security during and after the exercise, adding that his administration would continue to strive for the development of the council. He thanked the present administration in the state under the leadership of Engr seyi Makinde for prioritising food security by supporting RAAMP to strive for the level of construction in the state, which Oluyole Local Government is one of the beneficiaries.

Rivers Assembly Gives Fubara 48 Hours To Submit 2025 Budget

JUST IN: Ex-Lagos PDP Gov Candidate, Jandor, Dumps Party

NANS urges FG to probe non-payment of N77,000 corps members’ allowance.

NLC Halts Protest As Subscribers Embrace 35% Tariff Increase

Suspend Dstv Price Hike, Govt Orders MultiChoice

Natasha Demands Live Broadcast Of Senate Probe For Transparency

Olubadan Hail Igbo’s Contribution To Commerce In Oyo

Natasha Sues Akpabio For Defamation, Demands N100.3bn Damages

Inauguration: Aiyedatiwa Frees Eight Inmates, Reduces Sentences For 35 Others

Debo Akande, Oluyole LG Boss Olatunji Engage Stakeholders On 8.8km RAAMP Road Project’s Economic Benefits

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