Senate President Godswill Akpabio says President Bola Almed Tinubu muscled the two chambers of National Assembly with the conferment of GCON on them.

Akpabio, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the Public Lecture and Book Launch organised to mark the birthday of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, mocked Fubara’s handling of the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The Senate President said any President that wants to survive like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must hold the speaker and the Senate President very closely the way Tinubu is holding them.

He said the only place that can hurt a governor is the House of Assembly and no court or democracy can stop that from happening.

He said, “Recently he conferred on us GCON, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, whether he loved it or not he did it. He muscled the two Chambers together.

“For those of you, who may not understand politics, we were taught that the parliament can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman. As a governor my greatest fear was my House of Assembly.

“So because of that I never travelled anywhere without my Speaker. Any time I didn’t see him for a day, I would send somebody to his house to invite him to come and have a launch with me and I used ideas to look at his face to know whether he was happy with me or not.

“The only place that can hurt a governor is the House of Assembly and no court or democracy can stop that from happening. Any President that wants to survive like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must hold the speaker and the Senate President very closely the way he is holding us.”

Akpabio, who also launched a book on Wike, wondered why despite all resources at the disposal of Fubara, he had not been able to poach some of the 27 lawmakers in the camp of Wike.

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State said people must rise to condemn politics of betrayal and treachery, noting that such political orientation was affecting sustainability in governance.

He said despite all the insights contained in the lecture delivered at the occasion by the Guest Lecturer and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, he did not address the critical issue of sustainability.

“He said: “I do not know what is happening in Rivers State but I hope that the successor to Wike realises the fact that no matter how the bird flies, the legs are pointing to the ground.

“Something must be wrong. Today is not for politics. Today is for Nyesom Wike. But sometimes I wonder, I would never be the governor given the resource of Rivers State and then I disagree with my House of Assembly and I am not able to poach at least one member out of the other group. If I do not do that, it means that there is something wrong with my political philosophy.

“I do not care what people say, we must try to stop this politics of betrayal, and politics of treachery because it does not allow for good succession. Prof Julius, in everything you said here, the word that was missing was ‘sustainability’.

“You cannot have sustainability in good policies and governance when the person taking over from you is interested in not destroying you alone but destroying everything that you built. If you are a politician, note, you must have opposition as people oppose you, they are also the step you can use to go higher.”

Akpabio, however, said when politicians served with dedication, passion, confidence and with open heart God would eventually lift them higher.

Turning to Wike, he said he did not become the FCT Minister by chance, but that the position came because of the hard work he put in when he was the governor of Rivers.

[DailyTrust]

Taraba South Senator, David Jimkuta has asked political leaders to always remember their primary support base and constituents in spite of their newfound status in life.

Jimkuta who recalled his days as an Okada rider (commercial motorcyclist) spoke earlier in the week at the Nigeria Law School, Bwari in Abuja where the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike had donated seven vehicles to the school and also flagged off the construction of 10 sets of 4-bedroom bungalows for staff.

The Taraba senator who is the Senate Committee Chairman on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters said the minister as a lawyer has done well to have remembered his alma mater.

“I like what you are doing. Me, before I became a senator, I was once an Okada man and it is in the same spirit that I gave them bikes. As a politician, I give to them because that’s my primary constituency.

So, what you are doing here, you are encouraging your primary constituency and it is commendable. It’s not politics. Whoever says it’s politics, let him go and try his own luck.

“Honourable Minister, we appreciate you and we support what you are doing in the FCT”, he stated.

Against the odds

At the primary election of his All Progressives Congress APC, Jimkuta had won the party’s nomination, polling 170 votes to defeat his rival, Danjuma Shiddi.

As of then, Shiddi was the incumbent member representing Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

However, Jimkuta’s name was not submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. Shiddi’s name was submitted.

Jimkuta promptly challenged the decision at the Federal High Court in Jalingo but he lost Shiddi. Then he went to the appellate court where he won. Shiddi took the case to the Supreme Court where Jimkuta also won and his name was ordered returned on the ballot.

Jimkuta would go on to cause the greatest upset in the actual Senatorial election where he defeated the then incumbent governor of the state, Darius Ishaku who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

In that election, Jimkuta polled 85, 415 votes to defeat then Gov. Ishaku who scored 45,708 votes.

[Vanguard]

The federation account allocation committee (FAAC) says it shared N1.72 trillion among the three tiers of government in November 2024.

The amount shared represents an increase of N310 billion compared to the N1.41 trillion shared in October.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry of finance said the FAAC announced the disbursements at its December meeting in Abuja, chaired by Wale Edun, minister of finance.

FAAC said the gross total was N3.14 trillion while the distributable amount was N1.72 trillion.

The committee said from the distributable amount inclusive of gross statutory revenue, value-added tax (VAT), electronic money transfer levy (EMTL), and exchange difference (ED), the federal government received N581.85 billion, states received N549.79 billion, and the local governments got N402.55 billion.

FAAC added that the oil-producing states received N193.29 billion as derivation, (13 percent of mineral revenue).

It added that the sum of N103.3 billion was given for the cost of collection, while N1.31 trillion was allocated for transfer intervention and refunds.

For gross revenue, the VAT available for November 2024 was N628.9 billion as against N668.2 billion distributed in the preceding month, resulting in a decrease of N39.3 billion.

“From that amount, the sum of N25.1 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N18.1 billion given for transfers, intervention and refunds,” the committee said.

“The remaining sum of N628.9 billion was distributed  to the three tiers of government, of which the federal government got N87.8 billion, states received N292.8 billion and local governments got N204.9 billion.”

GROSS STATUTORY RECORDS HIGHEST REVENUE 

Also, the gross statutory revenue of N1.82 trillion received for November was higher than the sum of N1.33 trillion received in the previous month by N490.3 billion or 36.7 percent.

From the stated amount, the sum of N77.5 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and a total sum of N1.2 trillion for transfers, intervention and refunds.

The remaining balance of N455.3 billion was distributed as follows: the federal government received N175.6 billion, states received N89.1 billion, and N68.7 billion was allocated to local governments.

FAAC said N121.8 billion was given as 13 percent derivation revenue to mineral-producing states.

In addition, the committee said N15 billion from EMTL was distributed to the federal government (N2.2 billion), states ( N7.5 billion), and local governments (N5.2 billion), “while N0.0627 Billion was allocated for Cost of Collection”.

From the exchange difference of N671.3 billion, the federal government received N316 billion, states got N160 billion, the sum of N123 billion was allocated to local governments, while N71.4 billion was given for derivation (13 percent of mineral revenue).

FAAC also said oil and gas royalty and CET levies recorded significant increases, while excise duty, VAT, import duty, petroleum profit tax (PPT), companies income tax (CIT), and EMTL decreased considerably.

[TheCable]

Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy (NN) since its inception in 1964.

Maigari, who is married with a daughter, hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau but was born in Kaduna.

Her remarkable journey began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant.

Subsequently, she served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.

Maigari was presented with the ‘Pilot Wing’ award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, on Friday.

In an interview with NAN on the sidelines of the event, Maigari said that she achieved the milestone after completing her basic pilot training and fulfilling all requirements.

“I grew up in a military environment as my father was an officer in the Nigerian Air Force.

“From an early age, I aspired to become a military pilot and when the opportunity to join the navy arose, I did not hesitate.’’

She recounted how her dream of becoming a naval officer materialised when she was selected among the first group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA.

Maigari said she graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, earned the Gold Medal Navy award, and in 2019, completed her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best.

“There were moments during my training when it seemed I might not succeed in my studies or flight procedures, but I persevered.

“Becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy feels surreal and a significant milestone, not only for me but for all my female colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement.

“I also hope my success motivates young civilian girls aspiring to join the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy, to persist because perseverance can overcome any challenge in life,” Maigari advised.

She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues and her family for their unwavering support in helping her to achieve the milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.

Presenting the award, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, commended Maigari and other award recipients for their exemplary achievements.

He highlighted that the sunset ceremony was a longstanding naval tradition marking the conclusion of the year’s activities.

“It is a moment to reflect on our 2024 accomplishments, strengthen comradeship and honour personnel who distinguished themselves through hard work.’’

The navy chief spoke on the navy’s significant strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea piracy, among other maritime crimes, in 2024.

“In January, the navy launched Operation Delta Sanity which successfully curtailed oil theft and maritime crimes, increasing Nigeria’s daily crude oil production; several oil companies reported achieving a 100 per cent terminal factor.

“Two new naval bases were established in Enugu and Makurdi; the Shagunu outpost was operationalised; we also incorporated a maritime component into Operation Fansar Yamma in the North West.’’

He listed advancements in fleet recapitalisation, including the acquisition of two 32-metre fast patrol boats, an offshore survey vessel, and two helicopters in June.

“In November, three additional helicopters were launched and two 38-metre Sea Eagle fast patrol boats were delivered.

“By January, we expect delivery of three 46-metre fast boats from China, while two 76-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels under construction in Turkey are nearing completion.

“Our indigenous shipbuilding efforts include two 38-metre Seaward Defence Boats, three tugboats and several patrol boats, all scheduled for delivery in 2025,” Ogalla said.

He also noted upgrades to barracks in Lagos, Benue, Enugu and Ogun States, as well as ongoing construction of additional housing for personnel in Navy Towns located in Abuja and Lagos.

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers lauded the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in combating oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

He acknowledged the immense challenges posed by criminals in sabotaging the nation’s economy through attacks on oil and gas facilities.

“Eliminating these illegal activities in our maritime environment is no small task, especially as 90 per cent of our oil and gas infrastructure is located in the Niger Delta swamps.

“The Rivers Government has always supported and collaborated with the Nigerian Navy and will continue to do so to facilitate its operations in the state.

“As we approach 2025, Nigerians have high expectations and it is vital that we work together to confront and overcome the challenges ahead,” Fubara said.

Philip Stevens, 66, from Ringwood, Hampshire in the UK, has received a £70,000 ($88,000) settlement after a medication prescribed for restless leg syndrome caused life-altering compulsive behaviours.

Shropshire reports on Friday that the settlement, agreed upon without liability being admitted by his GP, highlights serious concerns about the lack of proper warnings regarding the potential side effects of certain medications.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995, Stevens’ health worsened in 2015, forcing him to retire.

In 2017, he was prescribed Ropinirole—a dopamine agonist—to treat a tremor in his left leg that disrupted his sleep.

However, his GP did not inform him about the drug’s potential side effects, which include impulse control disorders such as compulsive gambling and shopping, according to NHS guidance.

Before and After

According to The Independent also on Friday, before taking Ropinirole, Stevens enjoyed occasional, calculated bets at horse races.

Yet, after starting the medication, his gambling spiraled out of control.

“I started betting on anything I could and even woke up in the middle of the night to place bets,” he recounted.

Over four years, he spent thousands of pounds on gambling websites, often disregarding any chance of winning.

The compulsive behaviours extended beyond gambling.

The sextagenarian began shopping obsessively for clothes, hiding purchases from his wife, and undertaking frequent three-day fishing trips, accumulating vast amounts of fishing equipment.

“Things I once enjoyed became obsessions,” he said.

In October 2021, during a review, a neurologist questioned him about side effects and advised him to stop taking Ropinirole immediately.

However, no guidance was provided on how to taper off the drug safely, leading to withdrawal symptoms including paranoia, hallucinations, and exhaustion.

At one point, he asked his children to take DNA tests, convinced they weren’t his.

The emotional toll led him to the local mental health crisis team in 2022.

Despite overcoming the compulsions, Stevens says the shame and withdrawal symptoms have left him mentally drained.

“I am not the same person as I was pre-Ropinirole,” he shared. “But my marriage has survived, and I am starting to look forward rather than back.”

Legal Action

Angharad Vaughan, the medical negligence solicitor representing Mr. Stevens, criticized the delayed recognition of the drug’s side effects.

“It is shocking that it took so long for a medical professional to flag these issues,” she said.

Leigh Day solicitors, who handled the case, hope this settlement prompts greater transparency from medical professionals about the risks associated with medications like Ropinirole.

The agencies report that NHS warns that dopamine agonists can cause impulse control disorders, advising patients to seek help if they experience compulsive gambling, shopping, or binge eating.

Yet, cases like Stevens’ underscore the importance of proactive patient education to prevent such devastating consequences.

For Stevens, the settlement represents a step towards rebuilding his life. “Maybe one day I will believe that what happened to me wasn’t my fault,” he concluded.

[Punch]

Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and media mogul Mo Abudu have once again been recognized in Forbes’ annual 100 Most Powerful Women in the World list, solidifying their status as global powerhouses.

Okonjo-Iweala ranks 89th on the prestigious list, marking her eighth appearance. She was previously featured in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023.

Abudu, who ranked 97th, celebrated her fourth consecutive year on the list.

The founder of EbonyLife Media expressed her gratitude and pride, saying, “I am deeply humbled to feature once again on the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list. It is an incredible honor to represent the media and entertainment sector, to stand as a proud Black woman, and to fly the flag for Nigeria and Africa on this prestigious global platform.”

She extended congratulations to her fellow honorees, particularly Okonjo-Iweala, stating, “A huge congratulations to all the phenomenal women on this list! A special shoutout to my dearest sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose unwavering brilliance and leadership inspire us all year after year.”

Abudu highlighted the significance of global recognition for women of color and those from developing nations. “Representation matters. When we see women of color, women from developing nations, and women breaking barriers in all industries recognized on a global stage, it reminds us of what’s possible. It’s a call to action for us to continue breaking ceilings, forging paths, and lifting others along the way,” she noted.

She also expressed appreciation to Forbes, saying, “Thank you, Forbes, for celebrating the power, resilience, and impact of women worldwide. Here’s to more women rising and rewriting the narrative.”

Abudu first appeared on the list in 2021 at 99th place. She climbed to 91st in 2022 and was ranked 98th in 2023 before making this year’s list at 97th.

Other Africans on the 2024 list include Judith Suminwa Tuluka from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mpumi Madisa from South Africa, and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list celebrates trailblazing individuals making transformative impacts across business, politics, entertainment, and technology.

Below is the top 10 women who topped the list of the 2024 most powerful women in the world.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission
Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank
Giorgia Meloni, prime minister of Italy
Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors
Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments
Julie Sweet, chairwoman and CEO of Accenture
Melina French Gates, philanthropist
Mackenzie Scott, philanthropist
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup

See list of 11-100 here.

[Vanguard]

The court of appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.

The three-member panel, on Friday, ruled that the subject matter of the state’s appropriation bill is not within the jurisdiction of the federal high court.

The Hamman Barka-led appellate court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and issue an order contained in the judgement.

The court upheld the argument of Chris Uche, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to the Rivers state government, that the federal court has no authority to entertain dispute about states’ revenue.

The appeal court said the listing of federal agencies in the suit does not confer the jurisdiction on the federal high court.

The judge said “the trial court lacked the subject matter jurisdiction to entertain the suit. The suit is struck out and all orders made therein are set aside for want of jurisdiction”.

JUDGMENT OF LOWER COURT

In October, a federal high court in Abuja restrained the CBN from further disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.

Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, held that monies from the federation account should not be released to the state pending the passage of a lawful appropriation act by a validly constituted house of assembly.

Abdulmalik had issued the order while delivering judgment on a suit filed by the Rivers state house of assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

The judge ruled that Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers governor, was wrong to have presented the state’s 2024 appropriation bill to a five-member assembly “that was not properly constituted”.

In December 2023, Fubara presented an N800 billion budget estimate to the Edison Ehie faction of the house of assembly.

The presentation of the budget titled ‘Budget of renewed hope, consolidation, and continuity’ took place at the government house.

Only five lawmakers loyal to Fubara were present during the budget presentation.

The lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction rejected the budget presentation and instituted a suit against Fubara.

The Rivers house of assembly has been polarised following the rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

[TheCable]

...We rejoice with the Gov and entire Ekiti people

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State says it received with great delight the news that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has  approved commencement of flight operation in the state from the 15th of this month. 

The party, through a release by its Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, heaped praises on the State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO and the entire people of the state, saying the good news couldn't have come at any better time. 

The news filtered in Thursday 12 December 2024 that Ekiti Cargo Airport has been granted approval to commence Non-Scheduled Flight operation from December 15 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. 

The NCAA dated the letter December 11, 2024 and addressed it to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, saying the approval of the non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the airport was for a period of six months- December 15, 2024 to June 15, 2025.

With the approval, airplanes will now land and take off from the airport in Ekiti like everywhere else between 6.00am to 6.00pm (or sunrise to sunset). 

"This is a promise made and promise kept, a Christmas gift specially wrapped for all in the state. That is how we see it. We are very happy and we make bold to say that it will serve us well to the delight of all." 

Dipe said that at this point, it's not about what had been said wrongly or rightly about the airport project, but what has been achieved. He urged everyone to give the State Governor a pass mark for walking his talk and ignoring the naysayers till the project made a headway. 

"This is the summary of it all: We dreamt big and we have achieved big. It is today's achievement for tomorrow's greatness. 

"On the surface, it was a tall order for a State like Ekiti to boast an airport, but with the saying that with God, all things are possible, coupled with our having in the saddle a highly determined governor, then we can be greatly joyful that great things are happening to us in Ekiti in diverse ways."

"And we believe the good people of the State will be very delighted that this is happening to us at this crucial time. No one could have wished for more," Dipe said. 

Signed:

SEGUN DIPE

Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

This was after the former governor had pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N80bn but pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

When the case was called for hearing on Friday, Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, notified the court of the intention of the prosecution to withdraw an earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.

He said the application had been overtaken by events. The defendant’s counsel, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and Justice Emeka Nwite accordingly granted the request.

After the defendant had taken his plea, Daudu, SAN, made clarifications on the reasons he had not been in court during the previous hearings.

“I would like to place on record that for any impression that might have been created that the defendant did not wish to appear before your lordship, coincidentally, the ruling on my lord’s sitting this morning dealt with the issue of jurisdiction.

“What the defendant did was to ask his counsel to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, which got to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

“So it was not wishful disrespect, but he was only trying to defend himself. So we all hold your lordship in high esteem. If that impression must have been, he should not have presented himself for arraignment. That episode is gone, and things are clearer now,” the counsel stated.

While moving an application for bail, he assured that the former governor would always be present in court for the trial.

“I am saying this with the highest sense of responsibility that the defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State who travelled only two times out of his eight years in service, will always be present in court at all times.

“There should be no apprehension that he will jump bail. So we urge your lordship to grant us very reasonable conditions of bail such that he will be able to bear,” the defendant’s counsel said.

He commended the prosecution counsel, saying he had conducted himself in the best tradition because the matter was not a do-or-die one.

He said they had agreed that the counsels would not stress his lordship over the issue of bail.

The prosecution counsel concurred.

Pinheiro, SAN, said, “I must express my honour to the very eminent lead senior counsel. He is a man of immense stature, not because of his size.

“I do respect him as former president of NBA. I also confirm that we have been engaging in a series of discussions to ease the burden on your lordship in compliance with Rule 26 of the Rules of Professional Ethics.

“I also note that your lordship had delivered not less than five rulings in this matter and it is our aim to ease the work. We are prosecutors, not persecutors, and EFCC is a professional commission, a prosecutorial, and not prosecutorial commission,” he said.

He added, “We accept the assurances of the very eminent SAN that the defendant will make himself available subject to your lordship’s discretionary terms that may be imposed.

“By so doing, we will ease the burden on the court. Therefore, we will not be opposing the eminent SAN’s submission.”

The prosecution counsel said though they had filed a counter-affidavit, they would not oppose the bail, going by the assurances of the learned SAN.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite said, “I have listened to the submissions of both counsels. It is not in dispute that both counsels have filed applications in respect of this.

“Based on the account exhibited by learned counsel for the defendant, which was exhibited and supported by prosecution counsel, I am minded to change my earlier stand on this matter.”

He granted the defendant N500 million bail with two sureties.

“Sureties must be landed property owners within the jurisdiction of this court. They must swear to affidavits of means. The title deeds of properties to be verified by the court registrar,” he said.

The defendant was also asked to submit his international passport, and he would remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

It will be recalled that the ex-governor was earlier remanded in a fresh N110bn charge by EFCC, pending his bail application.

Meanwhile, the judge has fixed February 24, 2025, for hearing into the matter.

[DailyPost]

he former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello is, in the charge, accused of diverting funds belonging to Kogi State to acquire, through proxies, property both in Nigeria and abroad.

When the charge was read to Bello by an official of the court, he said he understood all the counts and pleaded not guilty to all of them.

His lawyer, Joseph Daudu, (SAN) told the court that his client’s failure to attend court before now, was not out of disrespect, but a desire to fully defended himself.

Daudu said the decision of his client to challenge, up to the Supreme Court, the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case was not out of disrespect.

“It was an episode that could have been avoided but it has come and gone. Things are clearer now,” Daudu said.

[TheNation]