Latest News
FEATURES
The Opposition Coalition has said no Supreme Court judgement had been delivered against the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and the Speaker, Oko Jumbo as it was being made believe by some disgruntled elements.
Clarifying today’s Court verdict, the opposition lawmakers also said contrary insinuations and rumour churned out in certain quarters, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Oko Jumbo is still in charge and control of the Rivers state House of Assembly.
The Opposition lawmakers, Coalition through its Spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere said, it was rather in favour of Governor Fubara as it was predicated on his withdrawal of the appeal through his lead counsel, Yusuf Ali SAN.
According to him, Fubara did not lose any case at the Supreme Court, he withdrew his appeal over the 2024 budget which was already spent, executed.
Ugochinyere noted that no Court has ruled anything in favour of Pro Wike Sacked lawmakers, stressing that the Governor withdrew his appeal on the 2024 budget due to the fact that the 2024 budget has expired and the Supreme Court struck it out.
The federal lawmaker, assured Nigerians, particularly Rivers State people, that Victor Oko Jumbo is still an authentic speaker and nothing can change that, urging them to disregard the political propaganda peddled by some sour losers who are not still being delusional.
Ugochinyere tasked the media on truthful reportage by verifying facts before reporting legal issues.
He urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain focused on delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State and ignore political shenanigans.
He said; “Today the Supreme Court ruled on the Appeal over the 2024 budget voluntarily withdrawn by Gov Fubara because 2024 budget cycle have ended and no need Wasting time discussing a budget that have been fully spent and implemented.
“The sacked, disgruntled Martin Amaewhule and the Pro-Wike group are jubiliating, out of ignorance of what informed the decision of the apex court. For their information and others who care, the Supreme Court judgement was sequel to the withdrawal of the appeal by Governor Fubara through his lead counsel, Yusuf Ali SAN. Governor Fubara in the notice for withdrawal of the case, informed a 3-man panel of Justices of the Court that events have overtaken his suit.
“For those who don’t know such events as mentioned by His Excellency, Governor Fubara include inter-alia that the 2024 budget for instance, has been fully executed and exhausted with 2025 Appropriation in effect, hence the case is statute-barred.
“Also, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Oko Jumbo is still in charge and control of the legislature in the South-south state as the pro-Wike sacked lawmakers and their gang leader, Amaewhule remained removed from office.”
[Dailypost]
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday, dismissed claims that he failed to support President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, stating that he has moved on from such allegations.
Tinubu, backed by the All Progressives Congress, won the election against the main opposition candidates — Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
El-Rufai, a key APC chieftain, has been at the centre of political discussions, recently asserting that his views on governance would remain unchanged regardless of his role in the Tinubu-led administration.
On Sunday, an X user, Yusuf Tukur, tweeting as #realYusufTukur, claimed that Tinubu and his allies had actively sought El-Rufai’s support before the election but later accused him of not backing the president.
“When they were desperately seeking El-Rufai’s support, #officialABAT and his goons were everywhere singing Malam’s praises. Given their penchant for ingratitude, however, they’ve turned around to claim that Malam didn’t even support PBAT. But these testimonies say otherwise,” the tweet read.
In response, El-Rufai stated via his X handle that he had no personal expectations from his political actions, adding that the unfolding events were simply a reflection of human nature.
“We did what we did for God, country, and party, expecting nothing in return. What is unfolding is merely another life experience and part of human nature. We have moved on, but their conscience won’t let them sleep well. Thanks anyway,” he wrote.
Further clarifying his stance on governance, El-Rufai had said he does not subscribe to political pretence, likening certain politicians to actors.
“Truly, I don’t know how to pretend. Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not for some of us,” he remarked.
[Punch]
Tighter immigration rules appear to be on the horizon as Keir Starmer, UK prime minister, has promised tougher measures to address the growing number of illegal foreign workers in the country.
Since becoming prime minister last July, Starmer has initiated reforms to the UK’s immigration policies.
Analysts say his approach is “firm but fair” compared to Rishi Sunak, his predecessor, and Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party.
However, stricter immigration measures proposed by the Tories, and Reform UK, a political party gaining traction, have forced the prime minister to apply more pressure on his policies to retain his popularity.
“Too many people are able to come to the UK and work illegally. We are putting an end to it,” Starmer tweeted on Monday.
Starmer’s tweet came as the Home Office said it is launching a fresh wave of immigration raids for illegal working.
The UK agency also boasted that it had a record number of deportations, saying both illegal working visits and arrests since Labour came to power had soared by about 38 percent compared with the previous 12 months.
The government is reported to broadcast footage of deportations.
In November 2024, Starmer criticised the previous administration for its migration policies.
“They drove up immigration numbers; we will get them down,” he said.
[TheCable]
When Joe Michael needed a loan in 2021, he approached his bank to inquire about the process and requirements.
He was surprised by the extensive documentation needed for a personal loan, which included a completed application form, employee status verification, employment ID, valid means of identification, BVN, credit checks, and more.
Unable to meet these requirements promptly, Michael turned to a loan app, where the process was much simpler and faster.
After downloading the app, he completed his registration the same day and received the approved loan within 48 hours.
This experience is shared by many Nigerians who now prefer fintech companies and loan apps over traditional commercial banks for loans.
Disrupting the banking experience
Fintech companies have emerged as a transformative force in the financial industry, redefining how people access and interact with banking services, including loans.
Their focus on technology and user-centric design has made them a critical part of the modern banking ecosystem.
Fintechs operate as digital-only financial institutions, often without physical offices.
By leveraging technology, they provide streamlined banking services, including payments, savings, and loans, sometimes at lower costs and with greater transparency.
They enable users to manage finances entirely online, eliminating the need for traditional in-person visits. Their digital-first approach significantly reduces operational costs, leading to competitive fees and better rates for customers.
Demand for fintech solutions is growing rapidly as more consumers prioritize digital-first experiences, and businesses seek platforms to simplify payroll, streamline transactions, and gain access to real-time financial data.
With features like multi-currency accounts and seamless international transactions, fintechs appeal to a globally connected audience. In underserved regions, fintechs bridge gaps and foster financial inclusion.
“Loan app is easier. You don’t need to see anybody; it’s strictly online. You just download the app and apply, and they easily give out loans,” Michael, a school teacher, told Nairametrics.
The typical requirements for fintech loans include phone numbers of guarantors or relatives, BVN, and employment details.
More insights
In contrast, accessing a business loan from commercial banks involves rigorous pre-approval requirements, such as registering the business entity, providing full KYC documents, evidence of the company’s interest in the product, BVN and TIN of the promoter, proof of business existence for at least one year, and a minimum three-month relationship with the bank. Additionally, banks often demand collateral, such as property or car documents.
Sunny Udoka, a grocery store operator in Lagos, shared his brother’s experience with a top-tier bank, which required a property worth N25 million as collateral for a N4 million loan, with a repayment of N6 million within six months.
“I don’t like collecting loans because it gives me high blood pressure, but I have a brother who collected a loan of N4 million from a bank. They demanded that he repay with six million, that is N2 million interest on the loan, it was so difficult that they asked for documents of his property that is worth N25 million.
“They first find out if the property belongs to him before they then approached the Lagos State government to know the value of the property before approving the loan, and the condition is that the loan has to be paid within six months. How much are you making that you pay N6 million within six months? You can imagine now this January and February there is no market (sales). If I collected a loan in maybe October last year and I have six months to pay, how will I do it when there are no sales?” he said.
Challenges faced in providing retail loans
Commercial banks face several challenges when providing retail loans, including strict regulations like KYC and AML requirements, thorough credit risk assessments, and maintaining minimum capital adequacy ratios. These factors can increase the cost and complexity of lending.
“As commercial banks, we conduct thorough credit risk assessments, which can be time-consuming and costly. Also, traditional banks require collateral, especially for huge amounts which makes it difficult for individuals who do not have tangible assets to access loans, different levels of authorisations which are required also slow down the process. However, the traditional banks still hold an advantage because we offer long-term, lower interest, and larger loans which the fintechs don’t,” said a senior staff of a top-tier bank.
- Conversely, fintechs and loan apps have more flexible business models, lower operational costs, and greater agility in technology adoption. However, they also face challenges, such as regulatory uncertainty and competition from established players.
Michael noted that some fintech employees might continue deductions from accounts even after loan repayment, highlighting the need for physical offices for complaints.
“There is no challenge in the performance of the loan app, the only challenge is that some dubious workers in these loan apps can continue to deduct from your account even after you have completed repayment because they have your pin, BVN and account number, and unfortunately, there is no physical office to go and complain, you only complain on the app and most times it does not change anything. Also, the interest is too high and the refund period is too short. Some of them are seven days, while some are one month,” Michael said.
Way forward
Esther Ugwumba, a POS agent in Lagos, suggested improvements for fintechs, such as allowing customers to choose repayment schedules, incorporating non-traditional data sources, protecting customer data, offering financial management resources, and keeping customers informed about loan status and promotions.
“They should always protect customer data and ensure secure transactions, offer resources and workshops to help customers manage finances effectively, and keep customers informed about loan status, repayment schedules, and promotional offers.”
Fintechs have disrupted the traditional banking landscape, prompting banks to invest in digital transformation to remain competitive. The success of fintechs has led traditional banks to improve their online and mobile banking services.
To remain competitive, commercial banks now need to rethink their strategies and innovate. They also need to invest in digital transformation, improving their online and mobile banking services.
[Nairametrics]
The presence, operations, and compensation of certain women hired by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso have sparked controversy within the Apex bank.
Senior staff members across the CBN’s 29 departments have expressed concerns over the influence these women—brought in by Governor Cardoso as consultants—wield within the institution. According to insiders, they have amassed significant power, to the extent of issuing directives to departmental directors.
Additionally, widespread frustration has emerged over what some staff members describe as “excessively high and unjustifiable” compensation for the consultants, who reportedly receive hefty monthly salaries.
Cardoso assumed office as CBN governor on September 22, 2023. Some sources claim that the women arrived at the bank with him on the same day, while others say they joined shortly after. Their continuous presence has fueled speculation regarding their roles, contributions, and the justification for their large paychecks.
The individuals at the center of this controversy include Nkiru Balonwu, founder of The Africa Soft Power Group, and Daphne Dafinone, a chartered accountant and chief operating officer of Crowe Dafinone, a Nigerian accounting firm.
A third consultant, Shola Phillips, formerly of Citibank, is also part of the group, but sources indicate that her presence has not been as disruptive or controversial as that of her colleagues. Details regarding her terms of engagement remain unclear.
Within the bank, the consultants are now referred to as the “Cardoso women.” One official, when Premium Times asked about the meaning behind the nickname, implied that it was self-explanatory.
Several directors have alleged that Cardoso hired the consultants arbitrarily, bypassing standard procedures and without setting clear terms of reference, deliverables, or timelines for their consultancy roles.
For instance, questions have been raised about the appointment of Ms. Balonwu as a corporate communication consultant, despite the CBN already having a well-equipped corporate communication department led by a director responsible for overseeing internal and external communication.
Similarly, insiders say that Ms. Dafinone’s consultancy role remains undefined, as she reportedly takes on any responsibility assigned to her by Cardoso. One of her recent assignments was overseeing a controversial early exit program aimed at encouraging at least 1,000 employees to opt for voluntary retirement. The governor allegedly entrusted her with this task while bypassing the bank’s human resources department, which is officially responsible for managing employee policies and processes.
The CBN has four deputy governors: Emem Usoro (Corporate Services Directorate), Muhammad Dattijo (Economic Policy Directorate), Philip Ikeazor (Financial System Stability Directorate), and Bala Bello (Operations Directorate). However, staff members now mockingly refer to Ms. Balonwu and Ms. Dafinone as the fifth and sixth deputy governors, suggesting that their influence rivals that of the officially appointed deputies.
According to some directors, the consultants have begun writing memos on CBN letterheads and issuing directives despite having no official role within the bank’s established structure.
“They claim to be consultants, but they have permanent offices in the bank with no set duration for their consultancy,” one director told Premium Times. “They even have offices on the eleventh floor alongside the governor, while the deputy governors are housed on the tenth floor. They bypass the deputy governors and issue instructions directly to directors.”
Another insider corroborated this, recalling an instance where one of the consultants allegedly boasted that even the governor could not challenge her authority.
Allegations of Exorbitant Salaries
Concerns have also been raised about the consultants’ salaries, which some staff members describe as excessive. Reports indicate that Ms. Balonwu earns N50 million per month—higher than the salaries of the governor and deputy governors combined. Her monthly pay also surpasses the combined earnings of 15 directors, who reportedly earn less than N3 million each.
Similarly, Ms. Dafinone is said to earn N35 million monthly, an amount greater than the combined salaries of 10 directors.
A staff member criticized the governor for awarding such salaries to his associates, stating that even former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele, despite his controversies, did not engage in such practices.
“These women contribute nothing to the bank,” the staff member claimed. “The governor is simply enriching his associates. There are 29 directors, 170 deputy directors, and over 400 PhD holders at the CBN—there is no need for in-house consultants.”
Hiring Procedures Under Scrutiny
Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act 2007 stipulates that government agencies must follow a transparent and competitive process when hiring consultants.
The law mandates that consultancy positions be publicly advertised in at least two national newspapers and the official procurement journal, with clear submission guidelines, defined terms of reference, and structured evaluation criteria.
Proposals must be evaluated based on technical expertise and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that only qualified candidates are selected through a fair and accountable process.
However, the hiring of the so-called consultants at the CBN appears to have circumvented these procedures, raising concerns about transparency and the proper use of public funds.
Legal Troubles Surrounding Dafinone
Meanwhile, Ms. Dafinone is facing legal proceedings related to an alleged N100 million fraud case. She is set to appear before Justice Ibrahim Kala of the Federal High Court in Lagos on March 4.
Her company, CEDDI Corporation Limited, is also named in the case, with allegations that she conspired to defraud real estate developer Lukman Adeleke in a 2019 property transaction.
Court records show that Mr. Adeleke paid N100 million for a property at 93 Broad Street, Lagos Island, but Ms. Dafinone allegedly sold the property to another buyer.
Attempts to resolve the dispute outside court failed, prompting Mr. Adeleke to seek legal redress.
According to reports, Ms. Dafinone was absent from the most recent court hearing, with her lawyer, Dapo Akinosun, informing the judge that she was receiving medical treatment in London.
Despite her ongoing legal battle, Ms. Dafinone continues to serve in her role at the CBN and was also appointed to the board of the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL)—a CBN-owned financial institution tasked with managing agribusiness-related credit risks in Nigeria.
Silence from CBN and Consultants
Attempts by Premium Times to reach the consultants for comments were unsuccessful.
Ms. Dafinone did not respond to phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or text messages. Similarly, efforts to contact Ms. Balonwu proved futile, as her phone line was unreachable, and she did not respond to a WhatsApp call or an iMessage.
Meanwhile, CBN spokesperson Hakama Ali was also unreachable, and she did not respond to inquiries via phone, text, or email.
[NaijaNews]
Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal55, has said he would negotiate with bandits only if they stop killing people and surrender their arms.
Earlier, the governor had maintained a firm stance against reconciling with bandits.
In July 2024, Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Mobilisation, declared that no internal or external pressure would force the administration to negotiate with bandits.
Noting that the measures taken by the government were yielding positive results, Ahmad reaffirmed that the administration would not reconcile with any bandit leader but would continue to fight them.
“I am confident that, gradually, God Almighty will vindicate the present administration. I want to reaffirm our position: we will not reconcile with any bandit leader. We will continue fighting them. Those willing to surrender should do so, and those who are not will be fought.” he had said.
But speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa service, Governor Lawal said dialogue with bandits was not entirely off the government’s table.
He, however, emphasised that any talks must be anchored on truth and honesty.
He said, “A number of people have been harmed, others have lost their parents and wives. Therefore, it is important to take into account their plight and mull over how to come to their aid, considering the losses they recorded, rather than always solely focusing on the bandits.”
He disclosed that the government is recording success in the fight against the bandits.
“More than 50 terrorists have been killed on Friday in Tungar Fulani, a the my ylong Zurmi/Shinkafi axis.”
Other bandits’ kingpins loyal to Bello Turji have also been eliminated, including Sani Mainasara, Sani Black, Kachallah Auta, Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangero, Dangajere, among the 65others I. They have all been killed.”
He maintained that the momentum would continue to be sustained until banditry is tamed, adding, “they should either lay down their weapons or we continue with our decisive action against them.”
[DailyTrust]
A Dubai court has slammed a Nigerian billionaire, owner of Rahmaniya Filling Station, Ultimate Oil and Gas, Abdulrahman Bashar, with a one-year jail term over financial crime, according to a report.
Premium Times reports that Bashar bagged the jail term due to financial crime involving his dealings with CI Energy Company.
According to documents, the UAE court gave the verdict on 30 January 2025.
The sentence document showed the UAE charged the businessman for issuing seven cheques with a combined value of 126.45 million dirhams, drawn on an Emirates Islamic Bank account with a mismatch in his signature.
The prosecution accused the Nigerian billionaire, Bashar, of issuing the checks by “deliberately signing and drafting them in a way that prevents their cashing,” consequently asking that Mr. Bashar be punished under extant laws.
The court, relying on evidence presented to it, including statements by Jamal Awad Nasser Hussein (the agent of CI Energy), duplicates of the cheques, and statements of account, noted that the cheques were returned unpaid on presentation at Emirates Islamic Bank because of disparity in Mr. Bashar’s signature.
“It is established that the crime of issuing a cheque is realised merely by giving the cheque to the beneficiary knowing that there is no balance available for withdrawal,” the court said during the proceeding led by Judge Hussein Hamdi.
Unfortunately, the Dubai sentence is the second time in five years Bashar has been punished for a crime abroad.
Recall that Justice Butcher of the England and Wales High Court, in a verdict issued in February 2020, sentenced Mr. Bashar to a jail term of ten months for flouting several orders of the court in a case initiated by Sahara Energy Resources.
The basis of the sentence was that Mr. Bashir had committed continuing breaches of the order of Mr. Justice Robin Knowles of 1 August 2019 and of the order of Mr. Justice Bryan of 6 September 2019,” Justice Butcher said.
Consequently, Rahmaniya was fined £500,000, while Adebowale Aderemi, the manager of the company, was asked to pay a penalty of £10,000.
Meanwhile, Bashar and his company have remained silent over the latest jail term.
[DailyPost]
A YouGov poll has revealed that a majority of Conservative voters are uncertain about Kemi Badenoch’s suitability as prime minister, casting doubt on her leadership prospects as she approaches 100 days as party leader.
According to the survey, while 48 percent of 2024 Conservative voters view Badenoch as a potential prime minister, only 26 percent believe she would perform well in the role. Among the general electorate, just 14 percent think she has what it takes to lead the country.
Badenoch, known for her tough stance on immigration, faces scepticism from opposition voters.
The poll found that 39 percent of respondents from Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Reform UK supporters view her as untrustworthy while only 19 percent consider her trustworthy.
Additionally, 39 percent described her as unlikeable, compared to 24 percent who view her favourably.
Despite these mixed perceptions, she retains some support among Conservative voters.
The poll indicated that 56 percent of the party’s base approve of her leadership, while 17 percent rate her performance negatively.
The survey results come amid growing challenges for the Conservative Party, with another poll placing it third behind Labour and Reform UK in voter preference.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Badenoch has championed stricter immigration measures, recently proposing that immigrants must reside in the UK for at least 15 years before becoming eligible for a British passport.
“Britain is our home, it’s not a hotel,” Badenoch asserted. “It’s time to tell the truth on immigration and propose real plans. I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something. I’m announcing that the Conservative Party is going to do things differently,” she stated.
[TheNation]
An appeal filed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been dismissed by the Supreme Court in Abuja.
Fubara was also ordered to pay two million naira to the Assembly and Amaewhule by a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji on Monday.
The case was dismissed after Fubara’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, withdrew the suit.
Details later…
[Punch]
Incumbent President, Daniel Noboa, on Monday clutched onto a razor-thin lead in violence-hit Ecuador’s election, after a stronger-than-expected leftist challenger looked set to force a second-round run-off.
With more than 90 percent of the ballots counted, Noboa had 44.3 percent and rival Luisa Gonzalez 43.8 percent, official results showed.
Gonzalez, a 47-year-old lawyer and single mother of two, told elated supporters in Quito that they had achieved a “great victory” by forcing what she called a “statistical tie”.
“We have won,” she said.
The telegenic lawmaker had trailed heavily in pre-election surveys.
Some exit polls had even predicted that Noboa would garner the 50 percent of votes needed to avoid a head-to-head contest in April.
But the election was seen by many as a referendum on the country’s stalled economy and on Noboa’s hardline security response in the face of record rates of murder, kidnapping and extortion.
In just a few years, cartels vying for control of Pacific ports and lucrative cocaine trading routes to Europe and Asia have transformed Ecuador from one of the safest countries in the world to one of the most dangerous.
During his 15 months in office Noboa has declared a state of emergency, deployed the army to the streets and gathered extraordinary executive powers to curb cartel violence.
He deployed heavily armed soldiers to polling stations across the country on election day, and the land borders with Colombia and Peru were closed.
Both Noboa and Gonzalez were shadowed at public events by a phalanx of special forces, hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2023 election, when a leading candidate was assassinated.
“We’re only human. Of course, you feel afraid,” candidate Gonzalez told AFP from her childhood home on the eve of the vote.
But this time round the only election-related incidents were about 20 people cited for breaking a strict three-day alcohol ban.
More than ten million votes have been counted so far, but it could be some hours before the full tally is known.
Still, Noboa’s supporters were in a jubilant mood, lighting fireworks in Quito and Guayaquil, the country’s two largest cities.
“We came to support the president, we want him to support us and change the country,” said 52-year-old secretary Myriam Medrano on the streets of the capital.
Gonzalez’s political mentor — polarizing exiled ex-president Rafael Correa — was also bullish about the prospects of victory.
“We are going to PASS Noboa,” he said in a social media post.
‘A bigger challenge’
At 37, Noboa is one of the world’s youngest leaders.
He has bet his political fortunes on a slick social media campaign that underscores his youth and vigour and a hardline approach to tackling crime.
On the eve of the vote, he posted a video of himself in a crisp white T-shirt and sneakers, strumming an acoustic guitar and crooning along in English — a striking contrast to his “mano dura,” or iron fist, security policies.
Human rights groups believe the aggressive use of the armed forces has led to abuses, including the murder of four boys whose charred bodies were recently found near an army base.
“Ecuador is in a very difficult moment, I think in the worst crisis since we returned to democracy,” said Leonardo Laso, a political analyst, referring to a period of deep crisis almost half a century ago.
‘Dark outlook’
The unrest has scared away tourists and investors alike, hitting an economy that likely entered a recession last year.
Noboa has been forced to turn to the International Monetary Fund to build a $4 billion fiscal war chest.
Easing fears that she may scrap that deal if elected, Gonzalez on Saturday told AFP that the IMF was “welcome” to help, so long as it does not insist on policies that hit working families.
Ecuador is also girding for the return of thousands of migrants who are expected to be deported by the administration of US President Donald Trump — meaning a drop in remittances, which total about $6 billion a year.
Gonzalez told AFP she wanted “appropriate” relations with Trump, while claiming Ecuador under Noboa “did not defend its citizens” against US mistreatment.
“I will always demand respect for our citizens. They cannot deport our brothers as if they were criminals, with chains on their legs and arms,” she said.
AFP
More...
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is currently in a closed-door meeting with his former boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Atiku, who arrived Obasanjo’s residence, located on the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) at exactly 12: 37p.m., was accompanied by the former governors of Sokoto and Cross Rivers State, Senator Aminu Tambuwa and Senator Liyel Imoke among other eminent political stalwarts from the northern region.
Upon arrival, Atiku alongside members of his entourage were received at the Obasanjo’s residence by the elder statesman, Oyewole Fasawe, before they all went straight into a private meeting with Obasanjo who had been waiting for his visitors.
Details of the visit could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.
Details later……
[Vanguard]
There are indications that the camp of the embattled ex-speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, is plotting to remove the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, at any moment.
The indications emerged over the weekend when an inside source confided in Vanguard.
According to the source, after a series of failed attempts to remove Meranda since her emergence on January 13, 2025, there have been a series of permutations to relaunch embattled Obasa to power.
The latest plot is to elect a lawmaker from the West, preferably from Ikeja, after the Ifako-Ijaiye candidate declined the offer, along with others who have restated unalloyed loyalty to Meranda.
APC leaders, with a soft spot for Obasa, are currently plotting to see to the emergence of a proxy speaker from the Ikeja constituency and, after a few weeks, relinquish positions to pave the way for Obasa’s emergence. Obasa, in turn, is expected to resign for a popular candidate as speaker.
Meanwhile, members of the state House of Assembly have again, for the umpteenth time, expressed unalloyed support for Meranda, not minding whose ox is gored.
“Why’s no one focusing on the role of Abuja in trying to reinstate him, even with all the infractions and behaving like the elected members must get clearance from Abuja, especially at this stage of our democracy? The matter is being unnecessarily overflogged.
“They even tried to install a proxy to bring him back in a few months.
“Someone making deductions from the allowances of staff, even junior staff, and his colleagues. They behave like they benefit from his negative behavior,” an APC chieftain lamented under anonymity.
Also, a public critic, Benjamin Mokwunye, in his article “Time to move on,” released at the weekend, said, “There are indications that in one form or the other the Governance (or Governor’s) Advisory Council (GAC) was involved in the removal, perhaps even sanctioning it.
“The council may be an extra-constitutional body, but it has remained influential since it was set up under the Bola Tinubu governorship.
“Soon after Obasa was unseated, his successor, Mojisola Meranda, visited the GAC and received their blessing.
“Their assent, as well as the visit, should have been more nuanced, lest many analysts begin to squirm over the role of the council, even believing erroneously that it was behind the putsch.
“But since the mistake was made, the GAC and the Assembly have battled to sustain the action the state’s lawmakers took against Obasa.
“It has turned out that a few members of the GAC, perhaps three or four out of about 24 have balked at the former speaker’s removal, but regardless of the stridency of their voices and protests, they have been unable to give traction to their reservations.
“There are speculations about APC, hierarchs wanting to return Obasa to his seat, but no one is sure the rumours are not just amateur name-dropping or red herring.
“The procedure adopted by the lawmakers to remove Obasa was democratic.
“His removal over alleged financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness cannot be downplayed.
“Indeed, the lawmakers could even remove him if they happened to take a dislike to him at any time and any point.
“It is unclear what role the GAC played in the removal beyond merely asserting it.
“If the party and its hierarchs begin to nitpick over such removals, ignoring the sensibilities of the lawmakers and overplaying their hands, they risk alienating the rank and file.
“But public analysts and critics observed that the removal may upset the political permutations of the party, but they would be courting disfavor, if not disaster, to insist on reinstating him.
“If the removal blindsided them, they must find intelligent and democratic ways of closing ranks and regaining control of the party and the legislature.
“Obasa makes it hard for party leaders and members to defend or back him. Regardless of his misunderstanding with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his response to the governor’s budget presentation on November 21 exhibited poor judgement and a lack of grace and understanding.
“It is uncertain whether party leaders looked deeper than the surface of his leadership; but the near unanimity of opinion against him by most of his colleagues, past and present, speaks to the poor choice they made of him when they first elected him speaker nearly 10 years ago.
“The GAC and the party must now move beyond Obasa.
Their speakership choices have not always been flawless, as evidenced by their election and sustenance of the former speaker.
“It is disturbing that the GAC and the party have hemmed and hawed over a fairly straightforward matter. Mr Sanwo-Olu himself has kept discretely silent so as not to be accused of having a hand in the removal of his combative nemesis,” among others.
Lawmakers hail Tinubu
Recall that lawmakers hailed and listed some achievements of the Tinubu-led administration last Friday at a plenary, describing the President as a blessing to Nigeria.
Speaking during plenary, the lawmakers took time to eulogize the President, saying he came into office at a time when Nigerians were at a crossroads over the country’s socio-economic status before the 2023 elections.
Raising the motion, Tobun Abiodun (Epe I) told his colleagues that Tinubu’s policies had begun to yield positive results in less than two years in office.
Tobun noted that Tinubu’s economic expertise had boosted the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
According to him, “This is further reflecting in the current continuous strength of the Naira.
“Currently, the policies are yielding positive results and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased. The value of naira is gradually gaining strength.
“There is no more fuel scarcity anymore in the country. We need to encourage the federal government to continue on the good pedestrian it started two years ago,” Tobun said.
In his contribution, the Majority Leader of the House, Adewale Temitope (Ifako-Ijaiye I), said the President’s actions showed that he was prepared before he took the baton of leadership.
Temitope said the Federal Government under Tinubu continues to meet Nigerians’ yearnings, citing the refineries that are in operation and that have led to drops in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
He re-echoed the efforts and sacrifices made by Tinubu, who he described as a true democrat, for the continued successes and strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) both in the state and the nation.
Temitope said the House remained committed to the ideals of the party, its leadership and the GAC, a team of elders that continue to guide the party in Lagos.
For his part, Gbolahan Yishawu (Etim Osa II) praised the President for fighting insecurity and reducing inflation.
Contributing to the debate, Aro Moshood, representing Ikorodu II, commended the President for the upward review of the country’s minimum wage, his investment drive that has secured over $40 million and his assuaging the effects of the removal of subsidies.
However, the Speaker, Meranda expressed optimism that the President would meet the yearnings of Nigerians.
“I know President Tinubu will take us to the Promised Land. When he started, it was rough but it is becoming obvious the policies are yielding results.
“This is a positive result happening within the short time Tinubu came into power. Tinubu’s investment in the security architecture is also yielding results as we have insecurity reducing,” she said.
Miranda, therefore, directed the acting Clerk of the House, Abubakar Ottun, to send a commendation letter to the President acknowledging the positive impact of his policies and programmes.
The members are expected to resume sitting on Monday, by 11 am as further developments unfold.
….as court adjourns case indefinitely
The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, caused a scene before the Federal High Court in Abuja, as he insisted that he would not be prosecuted before a shrine of injustice.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count treasonable felony charge the Federal Government preferred against him, forced the court to adjourn his trial sine-die (indefinitely).
The detained IPOB leader spoke from the dock, on a day that was fixed for FG to open its case against him.
Trouble started after the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that he had filed and served all the necessary processes on Kanu’s legal team, preparatory to the commencement of full-blown hearing of the matter.
However, Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, drew the attention of the court to his client’s contention that the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, was no longer fit to preside over the case.
Ejimakor noted that Justice Nyako had in a ruling she delivered on November 24, 2024, recused herself from the trial.
Kanu’s lawyer also stressed that his client had also applied for his trial to be moved from Abuja to any Division of the high court in the South East region where offences he was charged with were allegedly committed
Following Ejimakor’s submissions, Justice Nyako explained that though did not want to handle the trial again, she said the case-file was returned back to her by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho.
According to Justice Nyako, the CJ turned down her recusal from the trial and directed the defendant, Kanu, to file a formal request for the matter to be reassigned to another judge
Meantime, while the prosecution counsel and the defence lawyer were still bickering over the request for Justice Nyako to hands off the trial, Kanu, who was watching from the dock, indicated his intention to address the court.
“I want to speak,” Kanu insisted when he was asked if he wanted to take over from his lawyer.
“Yes, I want to take over,” he replied.
Kanu said he only appeared for the proceeding due to the respect he had for the court, even as he stood his ground that Justice Nyako no longer had the requisite jurisdiction to priside over his trial, having previously recused herself.
Attempt by FG’s lawyer to interject, further infuriated the IPOB leader.
“Look at you! A grown-up man like you who should be in the village and who should be making sure that things are done properly, you are here subverting the law,” Kanu fumed.
Turning to the judge, he said: “I don’t recognise the authority of this court to preside over my case. Everything you said here is meaningless to me.
“Why is it that when it comes to my case, everything is turned upside-down?,” he queried, insisting that the memo the CJ sent, which returned the case-file, could not override the enrolled order of the court that recused Justice Nyako from the trial.
When he was told by the judge that he was at liberty to appeal the directive of the CJ, Kanu said: “If the Chief Judge disagrees, he should be the one to appeal the decision.
“You cannot preside over this case, not now, not today, not ever. You stand recused and you must leave my case. I dont need you in my case. You are biased. Tell the Chief Judge that Nnamdi Kanu said so.
“This is not a court of law, this is a shrine of injustice and i will not subject myself to it,” Kanu added.
Not ready to be cowed by Kanu’s outburst, the prosecution counsel, Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to fix a date for his trial.
“My lord, in view of the fact that the defendant has indicated that he will not make a formal application, I apply for your lordship to give us a definite date for trial,” Awomolo, SAN, submitted.
Facing him again, Kanu, said: “Because of money they are paying you from the AGF’s office, a grown-up man like you is here supporting evil. The rule of law says you should go on appeal.
“The same Chief Judge writing this stupid memo, I have recused him before. He sat on appeal, I took him to NJC and recused him. Why is he insisting on this one? He wants to embarrass your lordship by asking her to sit on this case.”
In a short ruling, Justice Nyako, held that she had no option than to adjourn the case indefinitely.
“You have no jurisdiction to adjourn anything. None whatsoever! You cannot make an order without jurisdiction. The memo from the Chief Judge cannot confer jurisdiction upon you,” Kanu insisted.
It will be recalled that Kanu was first arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, upon his return to the country from the United Kingdom, UK.
Justice Nyako had on April 25, 2017, granted him bail on health ground, after he had spent about 18 months in detention.
Upon the perfection of the bail conditions, he was on April 28, 2017, released from the Kuje prison.
However, midway into the trial, the IPOB leader escaped from the country after soldiers invaded his country home at Afara Ukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, Abia State, an operation that led to the death of some of his followers.
Kanu was later re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021 and extraordinarily renditioned back to the country by security agents on June 27, 2021.
Following the development, the trial court, on June 29, 2021, remanded him in custody of DSS, where he remained till date.
On April 8, 2022, the court struck out eight out of the 15-count charge that FG preferred against him on the premise that they lacked substance.
Likewise, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, on October 13, 2022, ordered Kanu’s immediate release from detention even as it quashed the charge against him.
Dissatisfied with the decision, FG took the matter before the Supreme Court, even as it persuaded the appellate court to suspend the execution of the judgement, pending the determination of its appeal.
While deciding the appeal, the Supreme Court, on December 15, 2023, vacated the judgement of the appellate court and gave FG the nod to try the IPOB leader on the subsisting seven-count charge.
The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof Ishaq Oloyede has disclosed that “exceptional” students below the age of 16 can register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination as the board had opened the Exceptionally Brilliant Window for such candidates.
He noted that while the examination body had enforced the minimum age requirement for any students into tertiary institutions at 16, the need for below-16s to sit for the UTME was necessitated by the number of rare, exceptional students.
Oloyede, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, stated this as a guest on the Sunday edition of a socio-political programme, Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, on Channels Television.
“In Nigeria, there are many brilliant students, we have so many excellent people. We are enforcing the 16-year minimum entry into tertiary institutions but some people are saying there are exceptional students. Yes, there are exceptional students but they are just one in a million.
“We are saying 16 years is the minimum but if you know you are exceptional, register for exceptional candidacy–that is you are less than 16 years old and exceptional,” he said.
The JAMB registrar equally condemned how some parents now raise the ages of their children.
He cited a case in which students between the ages of 10 to 12 had been registered for the UTME.
“I’m surprised, just from Monday to now, over 2,000 have registered in the whole country. Some of them are 10, 11, and 12-year-olds whose parents have found crooked ways of jumping classes.
“Normal children cannot grow at a rate higher than their biological age. What parents are now doing is increasing the age of their children, they are doing everything, affidavit of age and everything.
“The parents want to use the children to decorate their CVs. They want to say I am the mother of a lawyer, my child graduated at age 13,” Oloyede lamented.
In November 2024, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa announced the reversal of the 18-year admission benchmark for tertiary institutions to 16 years.
“We will not be going forward with the 18-year admission benchmark. We will go with 16 years and we are going to meet with the Joint Admission Matriculation Board and others on that.
“There will also be exceptions for gifted students. So, 18 years is not part of our policy again,” he said.
The former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, in July 2024, announced a ban on admissions for candidates under the age of 18 into tertiary institutions in the country.