The House of Representatives is set to reconvene on Tuesday, September 24, after its annual recess, with a legislative agenda that includes critical discussions on the 2025 Appropriation Bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu, constitutional review, and electoral reforms.

Following a break that commenced on July 23, 2024, lawmakers will return to address pressing national challenges, including insecurity, economic stability, and the ongoing petrol crisis.

In a statement released on Monday, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, indicated that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will deliver an agenda-setting speech to outline the priorities for the upcoming session.

The statement read in part, “With the 2024 fiscal year coming to a close, the House eagerly anticipates receiving the 2025 Appropriation bill soon. Timely submission from the executive is crucial, as it facilitates thorough scrutiny and public input through town hall meetings, a practice pioneered by the House during the 2024 budget review.

“The House is firmly committed to maintaining the January-December budget cycle and anticipates cooperation from the executive in this regard.

“Honourable members will actively debate and pursue legislative action on pressing challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those related to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the spate of insecurity in the country, and the economy. These issues, among others of urgent national importance, will be prioritized as we respond to the needs of our constituencies.”

Rotimi, who represents Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, also noted that proposed laws captured in the legislative agenda would be deliberated upon, given their significance to Nigerians’ quest for good governance.

“Bills and motions aligned with our commitments in the legislative agenda will receive prioritisation and fast-tracking, particularly because they will serve as indicators by which Nigerians assess the 10th Assembly at the upcoming mid-term in June 2025,” he added.

The statement further highlighted the importance of amending the 1999 constitution, saying, “The constitutional review process serves as the bedrock of our democracy, embodying our collective aspirations for a just society. The House reaffirms the December 2025 deadline to arrive at definitive outcomes for the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, will intensify efforts to address pressing issues and align our laws with the needs of the public.”

He added that the Committee received “About 305 memoranda from the public and about 150 constitution alteration bills from honourable members, reflecting significant public engagement and concern. These bills will be given accelerated consideration.”

Electoral reform

“Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda outlines that the 10th House will prioritise amending the Electoral Act 2022 to address gaps, including vague and contradictory provisions. In line with our agenda, we are also committed to establishing a mechanism for periodic reviews of electoral laws to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with global best practices,” the statement further read.

Local Government Autonomy

“In light of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 on local government autonomy, we anticipate bills aimed at ensuring the consequential alignment of various extant laws with this new reality. This issue is pivotal to our Legislative Agenda, particularly Article 6.3 on Law Reform (Agenda 3).

“The 10th Assembly proposed several reforms for Nigeria’s local government councils, including constitutional changes to grant them financial and operational independence. This shift is essential for clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of local governments and preventing overlaps and conflicts.

“Further reforms will address electoral processes within local councils and clarify their roles in maintaining security at the grassroots level. These initiatives are crucial for empowering local governments and ensuring they effectively serve their communities,” Rotimi stated.

Whistleblower Protection Bill

The House, according to the lawmaker, is anticipating an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection. “This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, particularly aspects focused on strengthening good governance and improving national security,” he said, stressing that “Efforts in this area promise to significantly boost the fight against corruption and improve Nigeria’s revenue streams.

Other areas of interest listed include oversight and legislative compliance, as well as constituency outreach.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38-year-old alleged drug mule, Okafor Ifeanyi Anthony, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for drug trafficking.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media & Advocacy, stating that the suspect was arrested on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

He affirmed that Okafor was arrested while attempting to board a Qatar Airlines flight to Iran via Doha with 76 pellets of cocaine in his stomach. 

Babafemi added that Okafor excreted 76 pellets of the ingested cocaine weighing 1.267kg, after three days in excretion observation.

The statement reads, “At the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, NDLEA operatives on Sunday 15th September arrested a 38-year-old drug mule, Okafor Ifeanyi Anthony while attempting to board a Qatar Airlines flight to Iran via Doha with 76 wraps of cocaine in his stomach.

"After three days in excretion observation, Okafor excreted the 76 pellets of the ingested cocaine weighing 1.267kg.

"Similarly, NDLEA has intercepted a total of Twenty-Five Million (25,000,000.00) pills of tapentadol, an opioid three times stronger than tramadol and Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand (350,000) bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Tincan port complex in Lagos.

"The seizures were made on Tuesday 17th and Friday 20th September 2024 from three containers which had been on the watchlist of the Agency following processed intelligence. As a result, the NDLEA had requested for 100% joint examination of the shipments with men of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.

"The 25 million pills of tapentadol have an estimated street value of Thirteen Billion Seven Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Naira (N13,725,000,000.00) while the codeine consignment has an estimated street value of Two Billion Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N2,450,000,000.00), bringing the total value of the seizures to Fourteen Billion Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N14,950,000,000.00).

"The tapentadol consignment packed in 500 cartons was discovered in one of the containers on Tuesday 17th September while another container examined same day contained 175,000 bottles of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine packed in 875 cartons. The third container containing 175,000 bottles of CSC cough syrup with codeine was examined on Friday 20th September.

"In Kogi state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway on Tuesday 17th September recovered 700,000 pills of exol-5 coming from Lagos for distribution in Kano and Kaduna, while a suspect Udemefuna Chibuike, 23, was arrested by operatives on Friday 20th September along Mokwa-Jebba road, Niger state, in possession of 49,000 tablets of tramadol, 20,000 tablets of diazepam, 100 ampoules of tramadol injection and 50 bottles of cough syrup with codeine.

"A total of 451 blocks of cannabis weighing 213kg were intercepted along Azikiwe road, Port Harcourt, Rivers state on Wednesday 18th September, by NDLEA officers who apprehended a suspect Ogochukwu Paul, 33, conveying the consignment to a notorious drug haven in Borikiri.

"While operatives in Plateau state on Friday 20th September arrested a wanted suspect Jonathan Ali Abuttur, 46, at Agingi- Rukuba road Bassa LGA in possession of 808kg of cannabis sativa concealed in 68 bags of sugar and fertilizer, their counterparts in Kwara also nabbed Shaibu Musa with 28kg of the same psychoactive substance."

Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has offered words of wisdom on cultivating a happy and healthy marriage.

In a recent Instagram post, Rita Edochie encouraged her followers to shift their focus away from suspicion and towards nurturing their partner’s happiness.

She suggested that prioritizing a partner’s happiness can help build a strong and faithful relationship.

In her words :

“Stop checking if your partner is cheating on you; rather, check if your partner is happy. A happy partner cannot cheat unless your partner is naturally a dog.”

In reaction, many appreciated her perspective on fostering a positive relationship, However, some individuals acknowledged that the complexities of infidelity cannot be solely addressed by ensuring happiness.

@chioma_nwobi_ stated: “Mummy we are not in 1980! These days people happily cheat on their partners.”

@effedeborah insisted: “A happy partner can’t cheat ke? As a matter of fact, It is the happiness that will even drive them to go and cheat.”

@joyousbestedibles also added, “On this particular note, I would say women never blame yourself when your partner cheats. It has nothing to do with you making them happy or not. It’s definitely who he is. Whether happy or not. A cheat is a cheat whether happiness is involved or not.”

Comedian cum movie actor Bovi Ugboma has shared his secret to staying married.

In an interview with media personality VJ Adams, Bovi revealed that he is just lucky when it comes to love and marriage, as he avowed that he believes most marriages have to do with luck before any planning comes into play.

Bovi asserted that he doesn’t take himself seriously, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t get pushed or worried, and he has learned to practice doing things one day at a time.

The comedian noted how there is no perfect marriage but perfection comes from loving the imperfection of each other.

Bovi stated that he isn’t the type of person who will stay in a place that isn’t conducive, hence, his reason for saying he is lucky in marriage. In his words:

“One day at a time, and don’t take yourself too seriously. I am lucky when it comes to marriage. I think most marriages have to do with luck before any form of planning comes into play. So, I think I am lucky.

I have learned not to take things too personally, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get pushed or worried. There is no perfect marriage but perfection comes from loving the imperfection.

I am not the type of person who will stay in a place that isn’t conducive, so that’s why I said I am lucky to be where I am, but, for many years, I was doing this one thing at a time, and I am a giver by nature.

I am lucky to have her and her wanting to have me, and wanting to have each other and make it work”.

Bovi got married in 2009 to Kris Asimonye Ugboma.

Last year, the couple stirred reactions with their bizarre wedding renewal. The ace comedian shared a loved-up video of him and his wife on the beach, as he revealed that they had renewed their vows on water, with mariners as officiating ministers. The video had caused a stir online, with many nicknaming the couple ‘Mr and Mrs Mariners’.

A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the judgment delivered on Monday, Inyang Ekwo, presiding judge, held that the suit was premature and the issues raised were within the purview of the internal affairs of the political party.

Ekwo held that the group failed to show credible evidence that it was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and therefore lacked the locus to have instituted the suit.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, queried the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the chair of the party since he is not from any state in the north-central geopolitical zone.

​​They argued that the national executive committee (NEC) of the APC breached the party’s constitution when it appointed Ganduje, from Kano state in the north-west geopolitical zone, to replace Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa state in the north-central geopolitical zone.

It also argued that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi was contrary to Article 31.5(1F) of the APC constitution and ultra vires the powers of the NEC of the party, among other reliefs.

The plaintiff prayed the court to, among others, restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as chair of the APC.

They also sought an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to accord recognition to all actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries and nominations — since Ganduje became APC chair on August 3, 2023.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, Ayuba Abdul, counsel to the plaintiff, said the judgment will be appealed.

Chude Jideonwo, the media personality, has claimed that Nigeria’s biggest filmmakers are predominantly from the Yoruba tribe.

In an Instagram post, Jideonwo mentioned notable names like Toyin Abraham, Funke Akindele, Kemi Adetiba, Kunle Afolayan, and Mo Abudu as examples, while discussing the dominance of Yoruba filmmakers in Nollywood.

He argued that Yoruba-language films have the most presence on global streaming platforms and that Hausa or Igbo-language films are nearly absent.

He added that the Yoruba film culture has successfully blended into other groups, thereby aiding its continued dominance in the Nigerian film industry.

“The biggest filmmakers in Nigeria now are all Yoruba,” he said.

“Think about it: Kemi Adetiba, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Mo Abudu, Kayode Kasum, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe, Oga Bello’s sons—the ones that do every movie, including ‘Beast of Two Worlds’ and ‘Jagun Jagun’—and Bolanle Austin-Peters.

“Think about it: most of the mainstream, big cinema, and streaming movies are all by Yoruba people.

“What has happened is that the Yoruba filming culture has merged itself into the other groups that are leading again. Can you name one Hausa-language movie on Netflix or Amazon? Or can you name one Igbo-language movie on Netflix or Amazon? The closest was… Genevieve’s ‘Lionheart’ many many years ago. Only Yoruba movies are able to exist on Amazon on Netflix and become mainstream cultural hits.”

Jideonwo is the co-founder of Red Africa and Joy, Inc. He is the executive producer and host of #WithChude, a multimedia show.

In August, the TV host released the first part of a docuseries about the organ trafficking scandal involving Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy senate president.

He was recently appointed Creative-in-Residence at the London School of Economics (LSE).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Saturday governorship election in Edo State. According to the Returning Officer who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his arch rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured 247,274 votes.

Daily Trust reports that the APC won in 11 local government areas while the PDP won seven. The APC won the six local governments in Edo North Senatorial District and two out of the five local government in Edo Central Senatorial district. Beyond the loss and victory, this piece focused on some individuals who played key roles in the election and contributed to its outcome.


NYESOM WIKE

At the time APC denied Obaseki returning ticket in the build-up to 2020 Edo election, Nyesom Wike, then governor of Rivers State, and some other PDP gave him a solid backing to secure the party’s ticket. Wike, now Minister of Federal Capital Teritorry (FCT), worked for Obaseki’s victory against APC’s Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 election.

Not long after his re-election, Obaseki and Wike fell apart. In fact, Obaseki supported former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, against Wike, as the Presidential candidate of PDP in the last election. Wike would later tender apology to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Obaseki’s estranged godfather, to forgive him for “helping Obaseki win re-election.”

The FCT Minister in the build-up to the Saturday’s election stated he would not support the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, having fallen out with Obaseki.

But during an interview, Obaseki said Edo voters do not need Wike’s influence to decide who they would vote for.

He said, “He (Wike) came to get Edo people to vote for me, right? Wow! Edo people are not that dumb. They know who to vote for. They don’t require the services of an outsider to make their decisions. Edo people will make decisions this time because they know what they want.”

At a point, the PDP through its Edo State Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, demanded redeployment of the State REC, Anugbum Onuoha as well the Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo, over their alleged ties with Wike.

Aziegbemi said, “We are worried that the election may have been compromised even before it start. This is because we are certain that the officials responsible for conducting a free, fair, and credible election are close associates of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.”

Wike dismissed allegations of him influencing the appointment of his cousin, Onuoha, as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, warning propagandists that ‘nobody born of a woman’ can intimidate his cousin.


PHILIP SHAIBU

During the rift between Obaseki and Oshiomhole in 2020, Shaibu stood behind Obaseki against Oshiomhole, noting that the former governor was playing godfather when they both never allowed such to happen in Edo. Like Wike, Shaibu was another key factor in securing Obaseki’s reelection. He particularly took the political battle to Oshiomhole’s doorstep, attacking with foul languages at different fora.

However, the table turned as Shaibu, fell out with Obaseki over his governorship ambition. Obaseki didn’t only deny him PDP ticket, he masterminded his impeachment. There was a twist in July as Shaibu was reinstated as the deputy governor by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Following his reinstatement, Shaibu, defected to APC alongside several key PDP legacy coalition members.

Shaibu’s defection to a large extent depleted PDP’s strength going into the Saturday’s election. He described Obaseki’s candidate as an outsider, saying he would rather back APC candidate.

“I will support a homeboy. I came into the contest to be governor of Edo State because I needed governance to return to a homeboy, somebody who understands our plight and somebody who understands what the people are feeling.

“We don’t want an outsider. We have experimented with an outsider and it is not working, so this time, we want a homeboy. We have only two home boys in the major political parties; one is in the Labour Party and one is in the All Progressives Congress,” Shaibu said.


DAN ORBIH

Dan Orbih, former National Vice Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and immediate past Edo Chairman of the party, is another political leader, who worked against Ighodalo’s victory.

Orbih, one of the allies of Wike, did not hide his hatred for Obaseki and his anointed candidate. He is the leader of the Legacy Group, comprising leaders of PDP worked for Obaseki’s victory in 2020. The group members were at loggerhead with governor for not fulfilling promises he made to them during the Edo 2020 election.

When Ighodalo emerged party’s candidate, Orbih declared he would not support him. Infact, he rejected PDP’s governorship campaign council’s membership.

The leader of anti-Obaseki’s Legacy Coalition, who hails from Etsako Central Local Government Area in Edo North, said: “Nobody told me of any governorship campaign council membership in Edo PDP. I am not aware of it.

“Some persons, who saw my name on the list, called me. I have not seen the list, and I am not aware of it. I am not party to the composition of the campaign council.”

In June, pro-Obaseki PDP leaders expelled Orbih, from the party, for alleged anti – party.

The party said it has also expelled Shaibu, and Hon. Omorgie Ogbeide Ihama, an immediate past House of Reps member, representing Oredo Federal Constituency.


ANSLEM OJEZUA

Ojezua is another Obaseki’s ally turned political enemy. He was State chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC and led members of executives from state to ward to pitch tenth with the PDP when Obaseki was denied returning ticket in 2020. In leading the party leaders, he cited loss of confidence in the national leadership of the APC and alleged disobedience to the party’s constitution.

The resolution which was signed by 22 members of the Executives of the party led Ojezua and Chairmen of the party across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, said over 150, 000 supporters of their supporters have concluded plans to defect with them.

However, Ojezua like Shaibu fell out with Obaseki over his governorship ambition on the platform of PDP.

After Obaseki’s man emerged PDP candidate, Ojezua faulted the primary and dragged Ighodalo to court.

Ojezua said he sought redress in court because Obaseki, “played a huge role in ensuring that the primary was not transparent”.

“I am not satisfied with the outcome. From the onset, I have expressed my impression that the process was neither transparent nor was it in obedience to the rules,” Ojezua said.

Early this month, a Court of Appeal, Abuja division, dismissed Ojezua’s suit seeking disqualification of Ighodalo’s candidacy.


KABIRU ADJOTO

He is a former Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly who defected from PDP after falling out with Obaseki. There are allegations that he fell out with Obaseki over his failure to name his deputy after the controversial impeachment of Shaibu.

Obaseki named Marvellous Omobayo as his deputy, a development which reportedly set him up against Adjoto.

At a meeting of the Legacy Group held at Orbih’s country home in Ogbona, Adjoto tackled Obaseki over his failure to manage 2020 electoral victory.

He said that instead of consolidating on the victory recorded in 2020 election by rewarding those who worked for his re-election, Obaseki opted for others in the party who did not work for the party.

“Dan Orbih, we have seen what you saw and we are here to queue behind you anywhere you go, we go. We are waiting for you instruction,” Adjoto said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, declared the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the Edo State gubernatorial election held on Saturday.

Naija News reported that the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faruq Adamu Kuta, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, announced at the INEC collation centre in Benin City.

Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, winning 11 out of the 18 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

Here are ten key points about Senator Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected governor of Edo State:
Born in 1970 in Uromi, Edo State, Okpebholo was raised in a modest family that instilled values of integrity and diligence, which have greatly influenced his life and career.

Okpebholo’s education journey began in local schools in Uromi before he advanced to the University of Benin, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning.

Beyond politics, Okpebholo is an entrepreneur with investments in hospitality, construction, oil and gas, and agriculture.

Through the Monday Okpebholo Foundation, he has dedicated resources to charitable work, including scholarships, healthcare services, and vocational training for underprivileged communities.

Okpebholo is deeply connected to his family, maintaining strong ties to his roots in Edo State. He is married with four children.

Okpebholo’s political journey started in 2003 when he was elected to the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Throughout his political tenure, Okpebholo has been a vocal advocate for issues such as agriculture, rural development, and legislative reforms, working tirelessly to represent the needs of his constituents.

Okpebholo is a devout Christian and an active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Okpebholo’s dedication to excellence in business and politics, along with his efforts to promote inclusive growth and support marginalised communities, have earned him widespread respect and recognition.

As governor, Okpebholo envisions a prosperous, inclusive, and thriving Edo State. His campaign focused on driving development, economic empowerment, and sustainable growth to benefit all residents and future generations.

The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Jeret Tenebe, has said the prayer of the party is for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to conduct elections the way it was done in Edo governorship election held on Saturday.

Jeret Tenebe said Saturday’s Edo governorship election was the fairest election he has seen. He dismissed allegations that the APC rigged the election in favour of its candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

The Edo APC chairman said this while speaking to newsmen on Sunday evening. He noted that if INEC continues conducting the elections the way it did in Edo, Nigeria would be seeing a good electoral process.

“Our party cannot rig election, because we are not INEC. And the elections that we saw yesterday is the fairest election ever conducted in this state. And we pray that INEC continue like this. And if they continue like this, it then means the country is going to be advancing to be seeing a proper and good electoral process,” Tenebe said.

He further explained that Governo-elect Monday Okpebholo would bring development to the state. He said women and youths would be empowered.

According to him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, lost because of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“This victory is victory for Edo state. It is victory for all Edo people. This victory means so much for us.

“Okpebholo will bring development. He is going to empower the youths. He is going to empower the women. Okpebholo will unite the state. No respect for traditional rulers that will stop. This result reflects what happened yesterday (Saturday).

“Nobody would see anything that has to do with Obaseki and touch it. Nobody wants to touch Obaseki,” Tenebe added.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would win the Ondo governorship election as it did in Edo governorship election on Saturday.

Naija News reported that the Ondo governorship election would be held in November.

Akpabio said the victory of Monday Okpebholo in Edo has marked a turning point in the state’s politics.

The former governor of Akwa-Ibom State stated this on Sunday evening, in Benin, while speaking with newsmen, after Okpebholo was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I believe that this a turning point in the politics of Edo State. I regard this day as a day of liberation. The will of God has been done today in Edo state. God’s will has been done today in Edo.

“I also want you to know that the will of God for people is nothing but progress, happiness, joy and prosperity for people,” he said.

The Senate President added that the people of Edo by voting for the APC candidate showed they have confidence in President Bola Tinubu. He enjoined Nigerians to exercise patience with the President.

He noted that the President met mess on the ground and had been working to turn the fortunes of the country.

“I believe the election of Edo, though very tense at the beginning, the outcome is a reflection of confidence that Nigerians have continued to express in President Bola Tinubu, that his administration met a mess on the ground but they are doing their best to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria.

“I want to tell you to remain patient and continue to support the president. What has happened in Edo is a clear reflection of what will happen in Ondo by special grace of God,” Senator Akpabio added.