FEATURES
Daniel Bwala’s announcement as the presidential spokesman barely settled when Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement clarifying his role and the structure of the president’s media team.
Onanuga announced the re-designation of Bwala as Special Adviser on Policy Communication to the President, specifying that Bwala would operate outside the presidential villa rather than as the central figure of the president’s information management team.
The changes were finalized on Monday, November 18, just days after Bwala was named Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication on November 14.
The developments fueled speculations about the leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s media operations, particularly after Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, exited the role in September.
Since Ngelale’s departure, Onanuga had taken on the responsibilities of issuing statements and making pronouncements on behalf of the president, a pattern that continued despite Bwala’s initial announcement.
After a meeting of the president’s media team at the villa on Monday, reports indicated that there was hesitation from Bwala about moving to his redefined role.
An insider told TheCable, “It appeared he wanted to start using the office immediately. Incidentally, Onanuga, who moved into the office only recently, is currently with the president in Brazil for the G20 meeting, so it seemed Bwala wanted to take it over in his absence.”
Another insider added that shortly after, Bwala moved into the press briefing room to address State House correspondents — to everyone’s shock.
Bwala had said, “There is no issue as to the differences in terms of the responsibility; everybody knows his responsibility.
“I only came to introduce myself to you and the role that was given to me by Mr. President. I told you that role was once occupied by Ajuri Ngelale.
“When Ajuri was there, the nomenclature was special adviser on media and publicity, and now that role is called special adviser on media and public communications (State House). Sunday Dare works from the office of the minister of information.”
In faraway Brazil, Tinubu was said to have been furious about learning about Bwala’s manoeuvre and immediately instructed Onanuga to issue a clarification.
In his statement, Onanuga wrote: “President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery.
“The restructuring is as follows: Mr. Sunday Dare – hitherto Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications.
“Mr. Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser Policy Communication.
“These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency. Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.”
Tinubu had assembled a very large media team, clearly the biggest in Nigeria’s history, and this might have led to the game of intrigues from the day he assumed office.
Dele Alake, commissioner of information and strategy in Lagos state from 1999-2007 when Tinubu was governor, had been positioned to be special adviser on media, strategy and special duties to the president.
It all looked like a done deal until Seyi Tinubu, whom insiders say plays a major role in appointments made by his father, decided to torpedo it.
Another insider told TheCable, “Seyi brought Ajuri. After his appointment, he asked Ajuri to assert himself from the get-go and that was what Ajuri did. That gave him unfettered access to the president. Other members of the team did not have that access.
“When Ajuri fell out of favour, Seyi started working on bringing Bwala to replace him. He believes a presidential spokesman should be very vocal and should be on the TV every day attacking the president’s critics, so Bwala fitted the bill for him.
“When Bwala’s appointment was announced, Seyi also told him to adopt the same Ajuri strategy: go on the podium, declare yourself spokesman and take over the office.”
Bwala tried the script. It worked for less than 24 hours.
All indications are now that he would be speaking for the office of special adviser to the president on policy coordination, headed by Hadiza Bala Usman, rather than the president.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has said that the commission’s fight against corruption is not all about arresting people but stimulating the economy.
Ola Olukoyede said if Nigeria’s system is gotten right, other things would be checked. He stressed that his vision is to prevent corruption.
Olukoyede stated this while hosting the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Coordination and Head of Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, on Monday.
“Fighting corruption is not all about arresting people, I told them on the floor of the National Assembly that our work is to fight corruption to stimulate the economy. That was why when I came on board there was a need to review our processes and I went ahead to create a department called the Fraud Risk Assessment Department to see how corruption can be prevented from happening.
“If we can get the system right, it will checkmate other things. So, periodic reviews of our systems are necessary and we pledge our commitment to this cause, because evaluation is very key and I will delegate my people to work with you,” the EFCC Chair said.
Olukoyede explained that within the time he assumed the leadership of the EFCC, several policy reviews had been done.
Aside from the appreciable convictions and recoveries made, he pointed to institutional building and restructuring that are already yielding results.
“We have our strategic objectives and visions clearly spelt out and we are pursuing them actively”, he added.
Speaking, Hadiza Bala Usman commended Olukoyede on the laudable reforms in the Commission, especially systemic development and frameworks in the area of corruption prevention, stressing that his policy drives are practical and sustainable.
She noted that EFCC was doing so much in the area of prevention of corruption, adding that the focus of the Commission would berth efficiency and effectiveness in the fight against corruption.
On key performance indicators in the EFCC, Usman stressed that “anything that is not measured cannot be done, so we are looking at EFCC’s performance, its strategic objectives to align with the operation of its mandate and core values”.
While emphasizing that EFCC’s performance metrics are beyond arrest, prosecution and convictions, the Presidential aide stated that “building capacities, identifying gaps, opportunities, threats and consultation with its leadership to address Mr. President’s priority areas are crucial“.
The lawmaker representing Ondo South in the National Assembly, Jimoh Ibrahim, has supported President Bola Tinubu‘s administration’s planned borrowings.
Recall that Tinubu has asked the National Assembly to approve a fresh N1.767trn external borrowing plan in support of the 2024 Budget.
The president conveyed his request in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. He said if approved, the loan would partly be used to finance the N9.7trn deficit in the 2024 budget.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ibrahim said the current administration should borrow above $50 billion, not $2 billion.
However, the lawmaker urged Tinubu to ensure that the borrowings are channelled towards infrastructural projects.
He cited Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as an instance, saying the Middle East nation borrowed a $168 billion loan that was channelled into tourism, innovation, and technology.
He said, “To be realistic, you need to borrow good money, not all these $2 billion. Anything above $50 billion.”
“You can raise bonds. If Mr President decides to visit the United States and launch the nation bond at 10 years at 10 per cent, you will get a $100 billion.
“Everybody wants to go to Dubai. Where did Dubai get the money from? Dubai got the money by borrowing $168 billion and using it for infrastructural development in such a way that you can have the number of people going to Dubai today and the number of dollars that they go with is enormous.
“Dubai is paying back by $20 billion every other year. If the lending market disappears, where are you going to get the money from?
“The key issue is that if you borrow and develop your infrastructure, you are better off.”
The Defence Head Quarters (DHQ) on Tuesday confirmed the killing of five soldiers during an ambush attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who confirmed the development, added that ten soldiers were also wounded, and four others are missing following the attack on the troops.
During the attack, the terrorists also destroyed some equipment, including one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator.
Despite the surprise attack, the troops were able to eliminate several of the terrorists and recover weapons with reinforcement deployed along the escape route of the terrorists.
The incident occurred in Gubio local government area of Borno State, Naija News understands.
“The coordinated attack saw five killed in action soldiers, 10 wounded, and four missing in action, while troops eliminated several terrorists as well as recovered weapons,” Buba said on Tuesday.
According to the DHQ, a reinforcement team with air components was dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorists’ withdrawal route.
The statement added that the troops remain committed to their resolve to end all forms of security challenges in the country.
“Subsequently, a reinforcement team with an air component was dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorists’ withdrawal route,” the DHQ said.
“However, it is pertinent to note that such an attack shall not deter the troops and armed forces of Nigeria from seeing the end of terrorism, insurgency, and other insecurity challenges facing the country.”
Earlier, Naija News had reported that the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, condemned in strong terms the atrocious attack and reaffirmed the loyalty, commitment, and support of the people and Government of Borno State to the military in the fight against the criminals.
The Senate is expected to approve President Bola Tinubu’s $2.2 billion (approximately N1.77 trillion) external loan request today (Wednesday).
The loan, part of the external borrowing plan, is aimed at financing the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget, specifically to address the ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit.
President Tinubu’s request was conveyed in separate letters read during Tuesday’s plenary sessions in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The president justified the loan as necessary for partially financing the deficit while implementing key government programs.
In response to the letter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to review the request and submit its report within 24 hours.
Akpabio stated, “The Presidential request for $2.2bn, equivalent to ₦1.77tn, is already enshrined in the external borrowing plan for the 2024 fiscal year.
“The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans should therefore give the request expeditious consideration and report back within 24 hours.”
Additionally, Tinubu submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025–2027 to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Finance, National Planning, and Economic Affairs to consider the MTEF/FSP documents and report back within one week.
Key parameters in the MTEF/FSP include a $75 oil price benchmark per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to $1, and a targeted GDP growth rate of 6.4 per cent.
These figures form the basis for consideration and approval of the proposed ₦47.9tn 2025 budget.
Musa Odiniya, a former Director of Procurement at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), testified before an Abuja High Court on Tuesday, revealing how former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika awarded a contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport to Al-Duraq Investment Limited, a company registered in 2021.
Odiniya disclosed this while testifying in a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Sirika, his daughter Fatima, Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Nigeria Limited.
The case involves allegations of a N2.7 billion contract fraud.
The defendants are facing trial before Justice Sylvanus Oriji on six charges. Sirika, who served as Aviation Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is accused of abusing his office by awarding contracts to a company connected to his daughter and her husband.
The prosecution alleges that the offenses contravene Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, as well as Section 17(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.
During his testimony, Odiniya, led by EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, explained that firms bidding for government contracts are required to submit an affidavit to ensure compliance with regulations.
“The reason being that no contract should be awarded to a company related to a member of staff at the ministry where the contract is to be executed,” he stated.
“My department cannot give a contract to a company where, for instance, the minister is a signatory to it,” he added.
When asked about the individuals behind Al-Duraq Investment Nigeria Limited, Odiniya said he only learned their identities at the EFCC office, where he was shown bank documents containing the defendants’ names.
“The defendants’ companies were registered in 2021, while the contract was awarded in 2022,” he noted.
“A company registered within a year of the award may not have the capacity to handle a project. The company is not qualified,” he said.
Odiniya further informed the court that the Apron Extension project at Katsina Airport was valued at N800 million.
After Odiniya’s testimony, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, counsel for Sirika, requested an adjournment to cross-examine the witness.
He also sought permission for Sirika to travel abroad to accompany his ailing mother for medical treatment.
While Jacobs did not oppose the adjournment, he requested time to confer with the EFCC regarding the motion.
Justice Oriji adjourned the hearing to November 21 to consider the motion and deliver a ruling.
The trial was further adjourned to January 23, 2025, for the cross-examination of PW5 and the continuation of proceedings.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Tuesday announced that it has begun tracking constituency projects worth N610bn across 22 states.
The anti-graft explained that the initiative aims to ensure that the projects are not abandoned and that the allocated funds are properly utilised.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, revealed that a total of 1,500 projects across the six geopolitical zones will be monitored.
He listed the states where the projects will be tracked as Kwara, Niger, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia, and Enugu.
He said, “The ICPC has kicked off Phase 7 of the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Exercise.
“The tracking of the constituency and executive projects is an initiative of the commission that began in 2019, focusing on how well money allocated to critical sectors of education, health, agriculture, water resources and power, amongst others, by the government is utilised.
“The seventh phase, involving 1,500 projects with a total project value of N610bn, commenced on Monday, November 18th, 2024, in 22 states across the six geopolitical zones. The states are Kwara, Niger, Kogi, FCT, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia and Enugu State.
“The Phase 7 tracking exercise will cut across agencies of government, including intervention agencies such as the North-East Development Commission; the Niger Delta Development Commission; the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, Universal Basic Education Commission, Rural Electrification Agency, National Primary Health Care Development Authority, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and Ecological Fund Office.
“The objective of the exercise is to deepen adherence to due process in the execution of government projects, improve value for money, and entrench the culture of compliance with the scope and specification as contained in the contract documents.”
Bakare said during the last exercise, the commission tracked a total of 1,900 projects worth N500bn in 24 states.
He said, “The ICPC tracked a total of 1,900 projects valued at N500bn in Phase 6 of the exercise across 24 states of the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
“The projects were tracked within the focal sectors of Education, Water Resources, Agriculture, Power, Health, Energy, and Roads.
“These projects in the 6th phase were awarded to a total of 1,355 contractors in 176 MDAs.”
Four days after the governorship election in Ondo State was concluded, the major opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party, has expressed its readiness to challenge the outcome of the election in court citing irregularities during the poll.
The development comes as the governor-elect of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is set to receive his Certificate of Return today.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had on Sunday declared the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Aiyedatiwa, as the winner of the election held in the state on Saturday.
APC’s Aiyedatiwa defeated Agboola Ajayi of the PDP and 15 other candidates to retain his position as the number one of the Sunshine State.
The APC governorship candidate and incumbent governor of the state trounced his opponents in the 18 local government areas of the state.
In the final declaration of the result, the state Returning Officer, Olayemi Akinwumi, said Aiyedatiwa polled a total of 366,781 votes to defeat Ajayi of PDP, who got 117,845 votes.
The Returning Officer said, “That Ayedatiwa Lucky Orimisan of the APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby returned elected.”
According to the electoral body, 17 political parties participated in the off-cycle election, which was meant to usher in a new administration in the state from February 23, 2025.
However, the PDP, in its Tuesday statement issued by the Special Adviser to its governorship candidate, Ayo Fadaka, vowed that the PDP would take legal action in its quest for justice.
The statement read, “We have uncovered lots of actions undertaken to compromise the electoral desires of the people and sadly conclude that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where unabated criminality is perpetually perpetrated in the prosecution of an election by the agency (INEC) saddled with the onerous and sacred responsibility to protect our franchise and deliver its mandate at the end of every election.
“The November 16 election, like every other election conducted by INEC since APC assumed power in 2015, continues in the tradition of hijacking the process and delivering results that are diametrically in contrast with expressed electoral desires, thus resulting in promoting voters apathy and total disenchantment with the electoral process.
“While not divulging the nature and extent of the results of our investigations for now, our only prayer is that those who possess the privileges to determine the fate of people and nation should begin to live up to expectations and fear God, in the interest of our nation, it’s wellness, peace and tranquility, else they be reduced to same level of criminals and bandits who continuously lay landmines that undermine the progress of our nation.”
The party called on the judiciary to guarantee the “portability of justice to people and institutions that seek it, the nation and people will appreciate that.”
The statement added, “Nigeria is currently described as a failed state, it is our prayers that it is revived, rebirthed and resounding again as a nation that will not only hold promises of a better day for its people, but actually deliver on same. Thus, honesty must propel institutions and government; else revolt will one day dictate unwholesome developments that will portend dire consequences.
“In summary, we reject the results of the November 16 election and will take legal actions to reverse the debauchery, that is the option available to us and we are hopeful that man and God, who is the ultimate, will give us justice. It is time we begin to eschew criminality from our electoral process.”
The Social Democratic Party also rejected the results of Saturday’s poll declaring Aiyedatiwa winner.
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Akure, the state capital, the SDP chairman in Ondo, Gbenga Akinbuli, said there was harassment and intimidation of the party’s agents while the people were also not allowed to vote in many polling units amid alleged massive vote-buying.
Also, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Adeniyi Iwakun, said no election was held on Saturday.
He emphasised that the party had taken a position on the election, that it should be cancelled, claiming that the Certificate of Return that would be presented to Governor Aiyedatiwa today was abnormal.
He said, “By our own assessment, there was no election in the state. When people are being bought — part of the electoral act is that it is criminal for votes to be bought. Votes were openly traded in the presence of security agents who had already been compromised. As a political party, we rejected the result, we rejected the election, and we are calling for cancellation. So, it is a pariah victory — a victory that deserves no celebration.
“If he (Aiyedatiwa) is going to take a Certificate of Return, it is rather a certificate of shame. Because when the government has performed, you don’t need to induce people for you to be voted into power again. People will contribute to your election; people will contribute for your campaign.
“Sometimes, it can be applicable to the last election. There is no jubilation on the streets of the state. Everybody knows they have entered another ‘one chance.’ The government that has been on ground for over 10 months has not even had any power. We are talking about the current government. So, for us, it is a certificate of shame he is collecting, not a Certificate of Return. Or possibly, we call it a certificate of return to shame because it is a pariah victory, something that was bought. That is the position of our political party.”
Photos have emerged from the National Assembly complex amid a valedictory session held in honour of late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah.
A casket containing the remains of the late lawmaker who represented Anambra South was laid at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday.
Recall that Ubah died at 52 in London, United Kingdom, on July 27, 2004.
Among other dignitaries who have arrived at the NASS complex are Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and others.
The Vice President is expected to speak in honour and memory of the late Senator during the event.
See some photos from the valedictory session below:
In August 2024, a French court authorized the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets following a legal dispute with Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd., a Chinese firm.
The conflict originated from a 2013 contract between Zhongfu, a subsidiary of Zhongshan, and the Ogun State government to develop a free trade zone. By 2016, Zhongfu alleged that Ogun State had reneged on the agreement, leading to arbitration proceedings.
In 2021, an arbitration panel awarded Zhongshan approximately $70 million in damages, which has since accrued interest. Nigeria has not indicated a willingness to pay the damages.
In response to the court’s decision, the Nigerian government accused Zhongshan of attempting to seize government assets overseas, including presidential jets, despite having no contractual obligations with the federal government.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that Zhongshan was using “unorthodox means” to target Nigerian government property.
Following the seizure of the presidential jet, Zhongshan, on the 16th of August, 2024, released one of the aircraft. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the development to Premium Times.
Giving reasons why the new presidential jet was released, the official said, “Zhongshan has consistently sought to act reasonably and fairly in the course of a legal dispute with Nigeria which was not of its making.
“It (Zhongshan) has now been made aware that an Airbus A330, currently detained in France as a result of a French court order obtained by Zhongshan, is needed for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to travel to a scheduled meeting with President Macron of France early next week.
“As a gesture of goodwill, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure of that aircraft immediately. This will allow it to be used for the President’s trip.”
Naija News understands that the president has been in use of the presidential jet since its release.
The company, however, did not say when the two remaining aircraft being detained would be released. The government had also initially said it had commenced diplomatic and legal moves to secure the seized jets.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the presidency has remained silent on the matter since August 2024. This lack of communication has raised concerns among citizens and stakeholders, who are seeking clarity on the status of the seized assets and the government’s plan to resolve the dispute.
Naija News correspondent reached out to presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, but the call was declined, and a text message sent is yet to be replied at the time of filing this report.
The absence of official statements has led to speculation about the government’s strategy and its implications for Nigeria’s international relations and asset security.
Observers urge the presidency to address the issue promptly to maintain public trust and uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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Canada has introduced revised regulations to permit eligible Nigerians and other international students to work off-campus.
The new regulation will allow foreign students work for up to 24 hours per week during academic terms, up from the previous limit of 20 hours.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister, explained that the change will help students gain valuable work experience while focusing on their studies.
“This change will give students more flexibility to manage their time and gain practical experience.”
“By allowing international students to work more while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity”, he said.
A bill has been proposed by the Presidency to provide housing for low-income and unemployed citizens.
The bill has now been sent to the National Assembly.
Fredrick Nwabufo, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Engagement, revealed this on Tuesday, stating that the proposed bill, titled National Social Housing Fund (NSHF), seeks to ensure all Nigerians, regardless of income level, have access to decent housing.
According to Nwabufo, a memo on the bill will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for review. He added that funding for the project will come from budgetary allocations and donations.
“Progress has been made to establish a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF) in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that all Nigerians including the low and no income, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation.
“A memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and an Executive Bill to the National Assembly is underway for the creation of a National Social Housing Fund. Potential sources of funding include budgetary provision, donations from philanthropic organizations, corporate social responsibility, and voluntary donations from Nigerians.
“President Tinubu is confronting Nigeria’s housing challenge with gravitas and a deliberate plan, understanding the criticality of the situation. He is determined to renew the hope of citizens on affordable and functional housing,” Nwabufo wrote on his X handle.
The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Zacch Adedeji has revealed that only three states benefit from the current tax law.
He stated that the three states receive more than 70 percent of the Value Added Tax, VAT, leaving others with a margin percentage.
Adedeji disclosed this on Monday during the public hearing on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform bills held at the House of Representatives in Abuja.
The revenue boss was speaking on the back of the controversy surrounding the tax reform bills passed to the National Assembly in early October 2024.
Recall that the Northern Governors and National Economic Council had rejected the bill on the grounds of the VAT derivative model, which focused on the place of consumption and supply from the current system based on the state where VAT is remitted.
However, at the interactive session at the National Assembly, Adedeji explained that the current VAT-sharing arrangement primarily benefits Lagos, the FCT, and Rivers—States where most corporate head offices are located.
He further noted that the proposed reforms aim to address this imbalance by introducing a derivation principle model, ensuring a more equitable distribution of VAT revenues to all states, regardless of their economic status.
According to him, the tax reform bills before the lawmakers will benefit all states, irrespective of the kind of economic situation that is happening in Nigeria.
“Today, I just reeled out of the data on this month of October sharing. I just signed it in on Friday. Today, Lagos will take 42 percent of the VAT. Rivers will take 16 percent. Oyo State will take 5.2 percent, and FCT will take 9 percent. If you take those 3 states, they are taking more than 70 percent of the tax.
“Why? Because those are the places where the head offices of those places are. And we know that 70 percent of consumption is not happening in those three states.
“So in whatever way you look at it, there is no way every other state apart from Lagos, Rivers, and FCT benefits from the proposed tax bill.
“If you look at it, MTN contributed the most, but because MTN headquarters are in Lagos, all the allocation from MTN is being accrued to Lagos. So, when this bill is passed, all states will benefit irrespective of the kind of economic situation that is happening in Nigeria,” Adedeji said.
Three suspected members of the Black AXE confraternity, Nnamdi Mbanusi 43yrs, Ehis Albert 38yrs and Obazee Ogbe 39yrs, have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command during a cult-related meeting at an uncompleted building in Benin City.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Umoru Ozigi, disclosed this while parading 23 suspects arrested for kidnapping and cultism across the state.
According to the CP, other members of the cult group escaped while six live cartridges were recovered from the arrested suspects.
“On 10/11/2024 at about 1120hrs, based on credible intelligence, Operatives of Anti-Cultism Unit arrested the trio of Nnamdi Mbanusi 43yrs, Ehis Albert 38yrs and Obazee Ogbe 39yrs, who were holding cult related meeting at an uncompleted building in Ogbe quarters, Benin City,” the CP stated.
“On the spot search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of six (6) live cartridges while other members of the deadly cult group escaped. The suspects confessed to be members of the proscribed Aye confraternity, also known as BLACK AXE. Investigation is ongoing.”
Similarly, on Friday, November 15, 2024, about 0100hrs, based on information reaching the command that a group of cultists were holding meeting along Upper Sakponba Area in Benin-City, operatives of the Command Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad swiftly moved to the area, barricaded the road and began intensive stop and search where an unregistered blue colour Toyota Sienna Space Bus driven by one Dauda Asia was intercepted.
“Upon intensive search, two (2) Pump Action Guns, forty-three (43) Live Cartridges, two (2) expended cartridges, three (3) wraps of substance suspected to be Indian Hemp and some alcoholic drinks were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.”
