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EU Votes Over ₦800m To Assist Displaced Persons In Benue

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EU Votes Over ₦800m To Assist Displaced Persons In Benue

  The European Union has allocated €500,000 (approximately ₦886 million) to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to thousands of internally displaced persons in Benue State. This follows a surge in deadly attacks that have worsened the state’s protracted humanitarian crisis. According to the EU, more than 1.5 million people have been displaced from their homes since 2018. The EU also stated that between 2024 and 2025, no fewer than 6,900 lives had been lost and over 400,000 people displaced. In a statement on Thursday, the EU’s Public Affairs Officer, Politics, Press and Information Section, Ugo Sokari-George, said the funding will be used over a six-month period to support critical interventions in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration. Sokari-George said, “In response to the influx of displaced people following the recent attacks in Benue State, the EU has released €500,000 (approximately NGN 886,315,000) to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs. “This EU funding will support, for a period of six months, and in partnership with the IOM, efforts to implement activities in sectors such as protection, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as multi-purpose financial aid. “Escalating armed violence in Benue State, Nigeria, has displaced thousands of people, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. In June 2025, a wave of attacks forced almost 23,000 people to flee, many of whom had already been displaced in the past, triggering a cycle of heightened vulnerability.” The EU said the aid package will focus on protection, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as multi-purpose cash assistance for affected populations. “Conditions inside the camps are dire. There is a severe lack of shelter for families, and inadequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Access to livelihoods remains precarious, while protection risks have increased considerably, particularly for women, children and people with disabilities, making the humanitarian response even more complex. “This latest wave of violence is part of a protracted humanitarian crisis that has been shaking the state of Benue since 2018. More than 1.5 million people have been displaced from their homes since 2018. The escalation of violence in 2024 and 2025 has already claimed some 6,900 lives and displaced more than 400,000 people, stressing the urgency of the situation”, the statement concluded. Punch  

Suppliers Oppose Dangote’s Proposed Direct Fuel Distribution Scheme

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  Less than a month before the commencement of Dangote refinery’s direct fuel distribution scheme, oil suppliers in Nigeria have asked the company to rescind its decision. From August 15, Dangote would begin supplying fuel directly to filling stations, telecommunication companies, the aviation sector, and other bulk fuel consumers. However, suppliers under the aegis of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria expressed concerns that the move could lead to widespread job losses across the sector. In a statement made available to our correspondent, NOGASA President Benneth Korie said Dangote’s plan to bypass the traditional distribution network would disrupt the oil and gas supply chain and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Korie’s comment confirmed a report by Sunday PUNCH that there was growing tension among fuel suppliers and tanker drivers over Dangote’s new distribution scheme. With 4,000 new Compressed Natural Gas-powered tankers for nationwide distribution of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel directly to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecom firms, aviation companies, and other large consumers, Dangote intends to shun traditional depots and middlemen. But members of NOGASA, who serve as intermediaries between refineries and final consumers, feared that the distribution model would render them ’useless’ in the industry. “This is the new trend in the oil and gas industry, where Dangote is now supplying products directly to end users, especially MTN, companies, hotels, and all the rest of them. Members of NOGASA are suppliers of petroleum products. By doing so, a lot of jobs are at stake, and we are kicking against this new way of supplying products to end users,” Korie stated. He worried that many NOGASA members and their employees could lose their jobs, saying that the redundancy of trucks, drivers, and other logistic staff looms as a direct result of the bypassed supply chain. “It will remove jobs from a lot of them, and some of our staff will be redundant, and some of our trucks will be redundant,” said Korie, who added that NOGASA’s meeting scheduled for July 31 in Abuja would focus on developing a unified strategy to address the issue, including the possibility of downing tools and direct engagement with Dangote to seek a resolution. He said the association is advocating for a distribution structure where Dangote supplies products to NOGASA members, who will then sell to end-users to preserve jobs within the supply chain. “We are holding a general meeting on July 31 to decide whether to down tools and to find a way to ensure that Dangote will supply the product to them rather than supply to the end users. And we will, in turn, supply to the end users. These are chains of distribution,” Korie explained. Punch

US Appeal Court Rules Against Trump Birthright Citizenship Order

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  A US appeals court on Wednesday ruled that President Donald Trump’s order restricting birthright citizenship was unconstitutional and backed the decision of a lower court to block the nationwide order. The order has been mired in legal back-and-forth for months, and is currently halted by a federal court amid multiple legal proceedings. The Supreme Court ruled last month that lone judges had likely exceeded their powers by issuing nationwide injunctions against a string of Trump’s policies, including his move to end birthright citizenship. Several district judges had blocked Trump’s attempt to end the longstanding rule, guaranteed in the US Constitution, that anyone born on US soil is automatically an American citizen. But the Ninth District Court of Appeals ruled that an injunction issued by a district judge based in Seattle was not a case of judicial overreach. “We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in issuing a universal injunction in order to give the States complete relief,” Judge Ronald Gould wrote. According to Gould’s ruling, limiting an injunction to the state level would be as ineffective as not blocking the order at all, because of complications that could arise if people move between states with different citizenship rules. The appeals court also concluded that Trump’s birthright order went against the wording of the US Constitution. “The district court correctly concluded that the Executive Order’s proposed interpretation, denying citizenship to many persons born in the United States, is unconstitutional. We fully agree,” Gould wrote. Trump’s executive order decrees that children born to parents in the United States illegally or on temporary visas would not automatically become citizens — a radical reinterpretation of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. The current Supreme Court, with a 6-3 conservative majority, avoided ruling last month on the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order and only addressed the issue of nationwide injunctions, which was nevertheless claimed by Trump as a “giant win.” The Supreme Court also left open the possibility that executive orders could be blocked via broad class-action lawsuits against the government. A federal judge earlier this month granted class-action status to any child who would potentially be denied citizenship under Trump’s order, and issued a preliminary halt to it as legal proceedings carry on. AFP

2027: Obi Free To Contest With Or Without Me — Datti Baba-Ahmed

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2027: Obi Free To Contest With Or Without Me — Datti Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, is free to seek the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, whether or not he returns as his running mate. Baba-Ahmed stated this on Wednesday while speaking as a guest on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme. “They are two key individuals that I have tremendous respect for; one is Peter Obi. I welcome him openly. “The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the Labour Party ticket and contest in 2027 with or without me. And the ADC is welcome to adopt a southern candidate,” Baba-Ahmed said. The former senator said Nigeria needs leaders with the capacity to govern effectively and not deliver failure. “We want capacity. We want compassion. We want people who will develop Nigeria, leaders that matter, leaders that deliver promises, not those who will promise governance and deliver disaster,” he stated. Responding to concerns that Obi’s recent participation in coalition talks led by the African Democratic Congress amounted to anti-party activity, Baba-Ahmed said it was not the case. “This is not an anti-party activity. It is an unfolding situation. The meaning of a coalition is that political parties, interest groups, and individuals are coming together. It’s an unfolding situation. “I attended coalition meetings. Peter Obi is welcome to continue to attend those coalition meetings,” Baba-Ahmed said. He also shared his position on the contentious issue of zoning ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that the South should produce the next president. In the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi and Baba-Ahmed ran on the platform of the Labour Party. Obi finished third in the final results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, while President Bola Tinubu was declared winner. Punch

Court Strikes Out N12.3bn Fraud Case Against Otudeko After Settlement

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  The Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out the N12.3bn fraud charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko, and three others, after the anti-graft agency formally withdrew the case on Wednesday. The EFCC had arraigned Otudeko, former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited in a 13-count charge (Suit No. FHC/L/20C/2025). The defendants were accused of conspiring to fraudulently obtain N12.3bn from First Bank of Nigeria under the guise of credit facilities for V-TECH Dynamic Links Ltd. and Stallion Nigeria Ltd. At Wednesday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, told Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke that the matter had been amicably resolved between the nominal complainant, First Bank, and the first defendant, Otudeko. Oyedepo said, “The parties have reached a full and final settlement. “First Bank, the nominal complainant, has formally withdrawn its complaint. The funds at the heart of the matter have been fully repaid, and there is no further interest in pursuing the charge. “In the interest of justice and to prevent abuse of the court process, the Attorney General of the Federation, having reviewed the facts and the full recovery of the disputed funds, decided to discontinue the prosecution.” According to Oyedepo, following applications for settlement by the defence, the AGF convened a meeting involving all stakeholders. This led to a formal resolution communicated via a July 16, 2025, letter from First Bank and another from Otudeko’s counsel confirming the settlement. He stated that a follow-up letter on July 21, 2025, reaffirmed the bank’s position and requested that the charge be withdrawn. Otudeko’s counsel, Bode Olanipekun, informed the court that “all issues leading to the institution of this charge have been completely resolved.” Other defence lawyers Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN (for Onasanya), Tunde Afe Babalola (for Akintayo), and Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips (for Anchorage Leisure Ltd.) confirmed the amicable settlement. After hearing the submissions, Justice Aneke ruled, “In view of the application by the prosecution and the confirmation by the defence, this case is hereby struck out.” In a statement following the court’s ruling, signed by its General Counsel, Olasumbo Abolaji, welcomed the development, describing it as a reaffirmation of Dr. Otudeko’s integrity. Abolaji said, “Honeywell Group confirms that the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC against our Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, in connection with matters relating to First Holdco Plc, have been formally withdrawn. “This development marks the closure of a chapter that, while challenging, never diminished our confidence in Dr. Otudeko’s integrity or our belief in the principles that have guided his life and leadership. “At no point was there any finding or admission of wrongdoing, and this conclusion further affirms what we have always maintained that this was a commercial transaction, investigated by the EFCC and resolved eight years ago. “Dr. Otudeko’s service, enterprise, and nation-building record stand firm and unblemished. For over six decades, he has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic and institutional development, including distinguished tenures across banking, industry, and public service. His leadership of First Bank was marked by stability, stewardship, and strategic vision.” The group reaffirmed its commitment to creating value through enterprise in food, energy, infrastructure, and financial services. “As we move forward, we do so strengthened by experience, focused on the future, and anchored in the enduring values that have always shaped our journey,” the statement added. Punch  

ADC Boils Over Tinubu Endorsement By Adeleke, Oyinlola

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  The political landscape in Osun State became charged on Tuesday as Governor Ademola Adeleke, alongside former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and key leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, openly declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The decision, announced in a communiqué issued after a high-profile stakeholders’ meeting, also confirmed Adeleke’s resolve to remain in the PDP, shelving speculations of his defection to the All Progressives Congress. The development, however, drew sharp criticism from the African Democratic Congress, which accused Adeleke of political indecision and insisted that his backing of Tinubu would not save him from defeat in the next Osun governorship election. On Tuesday, the governor’s decision to back Tinubu while remaining in PDP was revealed in the communique made available to journalists at the end of the meeting of PDP chieftains in the state. The rollcall at the meeting included ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, the lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Lere Oyewumi, Osun PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, ex-PDP National Secretary, Prof Wale Oladipo, among others. The stakeholders resolved, “The PDP in Osun State recognises the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State. “Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby adopts and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.” The meeting also declared support for Adeleke’s sole candidature of the party for the Osun governorship election in 2026. “PDP in Osun State reaffirms its adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 governorship election on the platform of the PDP. “Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP. The leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state,” the communique read. Reacting to the development, the Osun State chairman of the ADC, Charles Omidiji, said Adeleke’s refusal to join the APC may not eventually save him from defeat. Omidiji subsequently declared that ADC, a party that has ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola as its Interim National Secretary, would win the next Osun governorship poll. “If he doesn’t join the APC again, it will only reduce the margin of the loss awaiting him at the poll. “If he had defected, that would have been the end of both the APC and PDP in Osun. But whatever happens, ADC will produce the next Osun governor,” he said. Giving reasons for Adeleke’s decision not to join the APC, despite months of speculations, the communique read, “The majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, which did not originate from the governor in the first instance. “Some APC leaders, based on entrenched interests, have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names. “The majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, but reluctantly agreed to follow Governor Adeleke to whichever party he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.” Punch

FG Set To Clear N81bn N-Power Backlog — Senate

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FG Set To Clear N81bn N-Power Backlog — Senate

  The Senate on Tuesday said the Federal Government was preparing to clear the outstanding N81bn owed as backlog of N-Power allowances in 2022 and 2023. This development followed a meeting convened by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who brokered dialogue between the Federal Government, representatives of the aggrieved N-Power beneficiaries, and their counsel, Abba Hikima. Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Barau disclosed that the discussions were fruitful and had led to an understanding that payment arrangements were already underway. “The beneficiaries came here to the Senate to seek my intervention. I called the minister, and he responded positively. “We held a very fruitful discussion that assured the beneficiaries that the government is actively making preparations to settle the backlog,” he said. “Having seen the clear commitment of the government, they have agreed to suspend legal action. “This is a responsive government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and no one will be denied what is rightfully theirs,” Barau added. Echoing the Senate’s position, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that the debt arose from unpaid allowances captured in the 2022 and 2023 budgets but rolled over without being funded. “We acknowledge that we owe them. These arrears were part of the 2022 and 2023 recurrent budgets, but there was no provision for them in the 2024 and 2025 budgets. “We approached the service-wide vote and got an approval late last year. Now, we’re working to activate the payment in the current fiscal year. As a responsible government, we will resolve this before the year ends,” he assured. Hikima, who represented the N-Power beneficiaries, confirmed that litigation was being suspended due to the assurances given during the Senate-brokered meeting. “The government owes my clients about N81 billion. The minister has assured us that once the 2025 budget implementation kicks off, payments will commence. “We appreciate the Senate Deputy President and other government officials for stepping in,” Hikima said. Chairman of the N-Power beneficiaries, Kehinde James, thanked Barau and the ministers involved for their intervention and commitment to settling the long-standing arrears. The N-Power programme, a flagship social intervention initiative, has faced delays and funding gaps in recent years, sparking protests and legal threats from unpaid participants. Punch

2027: Adeleke, Osun PDP Endorse Tinubu for President

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2027: Adeleke, Osun PDP Endorse Tinubu for President

  The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and the members of the Peoples Democratic Party in jean Osun have endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their candidate for the 2027 general election. Adeleke made this known in a post shared via his X (Formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, stating that the agreement was made after a caucus meeting held on Monday. He wrote, “Our party in Osun has also endorsed President @officialABAT for re-election in 2027, recognizing him as a proud son of our state.” Addressing speculations about his defection to another party, Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to PDP as the platform gave him the opportunity to serve, and he has also been endorsed for the second term elections coming up in 2026 “Yesterday, I met with the @OfficialPDPNig Leadership Caucus in Osogbo after weeks of consultations with stakeholders across Osun — from traditional rulers and civil servants to market leaders and grassroots party members. “I’m pleased to share the resolutions: I remain in the PDP, the party that gave me the platform to serve the good people of Osun.I have been unanimously endorsed by the Osun PDP for a second term in 2026.” PUNCHONLINE reports that the defection rumour began in June when Adeleke visited President Bola Tinubu in his Bourdillon, Lagos home.  

Akpabio Not Bigger Than Nigeria’s Constitution – Natasha

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Akpabio Not Bigger Than Nigeria’s Constitution – Natasha

  Suspended lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, cautioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio against placing himself above the Nigerian Constitution. The senator also accused the Senate leadership of violating a valid court order by preventing her from resuming duties at the National Assembly. She disclosed this in an interview with journalists at the assembly complex. The senator representing Kogi Central arrived at the National Assembly complex to reclaim her seat following a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, which nullified her suspension. However, she was denied entry by security personnel at the gate. Fuming after the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as a deliberate act of contempt by the Senate, particularly targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. I want Nigerians to know that the Office of the Senate President doesn’t give me legitimacy as a senator. The fact that he has done an appeal does not invalidate the decision of Justice Binta Nyako, and that does not stop me from being a senator. “I got my legitimacy as a senator from the people of Kogi who voted me into office as senator,” she said. The embattled senator said her continued exclusion speaks volumes about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. “That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a statement being made. It’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to be in contempt of a court decision, and it’s quite ironic that they are lawmakers. “That poses the question: how far is our democracy in this day and age?” she stated. Akpoti-Uduaghan also faulted the legality of her initial suspension by the Senate. “Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty,” she stated. She revealed that her legal team would be approaching the appellate court for further interpretation and redress. “Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they can proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation into what just happened. I’m a law-abiding citizen,” she added. As of press time, the Senate leadership had not released any statement on Tuesday’s standoff at the National Assembly. Punch

Aare Segelu Celebrates Oyo PDP Women Leader on Her Birthday

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  A governorship aspirant in the 2027 Oyo State election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Olayinka Segelu, has extended warm birthday wishes to the Oyo State PDP Women Leader, Chief (Mrs.) Wulemot Ajike Ibitoye. In a congratulatory message released on Monday, Aare Segelu praised Chief Ibitoye for her immense contributions to the PDP, describing her as “a great woman of substance” whose dedication has significantly impacted the party’s growth both within the state and at the national level. His message reads: “Today, I take great privilege in wishing our mother Alhaja Chief Mrs. Wulemot Ibitoye, Oyo State PDP Women Leader, a very happy birthday. Your contributions to our party have been immense, and your leadership has been an inspiration to many. “I am particularly grateful for your unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality in our state and beyond. Your tireless efforts have paved the way for many women to take up leadership positions and participate actively in the political arena in Oyo State. “Your leadership has been crucial in advancing critical issues, championing worthy causes, and forging consensus on key policy initiatives in the state. “The people of Oyo State have much to celebrate today, thanks to your vision, hard work, and commitment. “As you celebrate this special day, I pray for good health, happiness, and continued success in all your endeavors. Your leadership remains invaluable to our party and the government of our political leader Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, and I have no doubt that your future contributions will be similarly exceptional. “Happy birthday once again, and thank you for your exemplary service to the Pace Setter State.” Chief Ibitoye, known for her consistent grassroots mobilization and advocacy for women inclusion in politics, continues to be a respected voice in the Oyo PDP structure.

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