FEATURES
Jarrett Tenebe, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, has defended Monday Okpebholo, governor of the state.
On Tuesday, Okpebholo stuttered before lawmakers while reading figures from his 2025 budget proposal.
The governor said the N605 billion appropriation bill represents a 25 percent increase from the 2024 budget.
“The Edo state Appropriation Bill of six billion… 605 billion… 76 million…” Okpebholo began, his hands unsteady and voice quivering in the rarefied assembly.
“Let me take it again. 506 billion… 605 billion… sorry… 776 billion… sorry, it’s confusing me.”
Okpebholo’s admission elicited laughter and murmurs in equal doses from the lawmakers.
Defending the snafu, Tenebe said Okpebholo struggles with figures because he does not know how to steal public funds.
In a video, the state’s APC chair said unlike a handful of politicians from Edo, Okpebholo is no kleptomaniac.
“The social media has been agog with the governor’s budget presentation about mistake on N605 billion and the rest of it all,” Tenebe said.
“It’s a normal thing. People make such mistakes. I don’t know figures… and that’s how to know original and innocent people.
“Monday Okpebholo is not a thief and he is not familiar with figures. Anybody who wants to talk and continue to talk is nonsense.
“He is the governor of the state, he is performing and he’ll continue to perform and anybody who does not like his face should go to hell and burn to ashes. Period!”
A mild drama has played out on Tuesday after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo couldn’t read out the figures contained in the 2025 budget during his presentation to the Edo House of Assembly.
The incident happened during the budget proposal on Tuesday before the Edo State House of Assembly.
The incident caused uproar from those in attendance.
Media
Malam Aminu Umar Kofar Mazugal, a civil servant, from Dala Local Government Area, returned bundles of U.S. dollars worth over N40 million that were accidentally left behind by a visitor at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano.
The owner of the money, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, accidentally left it in a bag at the hospital’s parking lot near a mosque, where he had briefly sat before rushing off to catch a flight.
After the owner departed, Aminu Umar, a hospital staff member who was working with colleagues to clear the pavements, discovered the bag of money.
Umar told Daily Trust that after about an hour, the owner returned to inquire about the bag, and he promptly returned it to him.
He said the owner offered Umar a reward, but he declined, though he provided his phone number and the owner promised to contact him upon return from abroad.
Dr. Aminu Imam Yola, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, confirmed the incident and stated that the hospital management had submitted Aminu’s name to the Kano State Hospitals Management Board for special recognition.
Justice M. A. Adegbola of an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday granted an interim order restraining, human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, his publishers, and their re-publishers from further publication and sale of the book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
The order specifically named publishers and their re-publishers including Amazon Online Bookstore, Rovingheights Bookstore, Booksellers Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, Glendora Bookshop, Quintessence Lagos Bookstore, and Patabah Books Limited.
Additionally, it stated that the publication, whether hard or soft copy must be stopped from further publication and sale through any mainstream or social media platform or any other means whatsoever, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
It would be recalled that Mr Adebayo Adenipekun, SAN instituted suit Number: I/1442/2024: Adebayo Adenipekun versus Dele Farotimi & Anor at the Oyo State High Court on Monday, 9th December 2024.
The Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction was adjourned by the Court to 7th January 2025.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared the seat of Monday Okpebholo at the upper legislative chamber vacant.
During a valedictory session in his honour on Wednesday, Akpabio declared Okpebholo’s seat vacant, acting on a request by Abba Moro, the minority leader of the senate.
Okpebholo was the senator representing Edo central until he became the governor of Edo. He took his oath of office in November after winning the governorship election in September.
Akpabio asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the seat.
“So in line with your letter and the Constitution, the seat of Edo central central senatorial district is hereby declared vacant,” the number three citizen said.
Earlier, Moro premised his request paragraph D of section 68 of the constitution.
“This vacancy has become necessary following Senator Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration as governor of Edo State, and in accordance with the Constitution, his seat is now deemed vacant, and we invite you to declare,” the senator said.
With the demise of Ifeanyi Uba, senator representing Anambra south, and vacant seat of Okpebholo, the upper legislative chamber has 107 senators out of 109.
An 18-year-old British teenager has been sentenced to one year in a Dubai jail for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.
The teenager was on holiday with his family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he met the girl — who is now 18 — at the same hotel.
The teenagers who are both from London were said to have made plans to continue their romance when they returned to the UK.
Detained in Dubai, a group of UAE legal experts, said the young man was charged because the girl’s mother found their chats and pictures back in the UK. The woman subsequently contacted police in Dubai and he was arrested.
The head of the campaign group Detained In Dubai, who recently announced the teenager’s sentence, described the judgment an “utter disgrace”.
“The UK was once the most diplomatically influential western country in the Middle East. Now, we are seeing countries like Canada, Malaysia, Ireland and the US leaving the UK way behind,” Radha Stirling, the group’s founder, wrote on X.
“The Labour government should be ashamed they have not secured the freedom of a teenage tourist. It wasn’t a difficult job.”
She said the boy, who has been held in Dubai since September, would appeal against his sentence and was “desperately hoping to come home this week”.
“I urge young people and parents to reconsider holidays in Dubai where so many people find themselves at risk of unfair and lengthy detention in prisons notorious for human rights abuses and torture,” Stirling added.
In Dubai, if an adult has a sexual relationship with a person under 18 they can be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor.
The special adviser to the president on public communication and media, Daniel Bwala, has dismissed the insinuation that Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will suffer the same fate as Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2027 elections.
Speaking with newsmen at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Bwala emphatically stated that what happened in Ghana cannot replicate itself in Nigeria.
In Ghana’s recent general election, incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia lost to opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate and former President John Dramani Mahama.
When asked if the Presidency is concerned by the outcome of Ghana’s election, Bwala argued that the scenario in Nigeria is different from that of Ghana.
He insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been addressing the major challenges facing the country with positive results to show for his efforts.
“If you have been following events in Ghana over the last one year and if you follow the indices, you find out that it is not the same thing that is happening in the two countries. With what Mr. President (Tinubu) is doing in redirecting the economy on the right path, Mr. President is very confident.”
Expressing confidence for APC’s victory in 2027 Bwala said, “The idea of the ruling party losing the election that will not happen, because Nigerian people are seeing what the administration is doing.
“Nigerian people only care about what they are confronted with every day. They don’t actually care whether you are white or black skin or whatever, as long as what matters to them on their dinner table is dealt with, Nigerian people will always stay with you and that is what Mr. President is doing and that is why Mr. President is receiving commendations from every part of the country every day.”
On the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume’s submission that it is not yet the turn of the north to produce Nigeria’s president in 2027, Bwala noted that President Tinubu is currently focused on governance, delivering on the mandate and his electioneering promises to Nigerians people.
He however added that the President is competent and qualified to seek for second term in 2027.
The presidential spokesman said that the President has refused to be distracted by any political talk ahead of 2027.
According to him, “Well for now Mr. President is focused on governance, delivering on the mandate and the promises to Nigerians people and he has refused to be distracted by political talk ahead of 2027.
“He (Tinubu) is very focused on issues that bother the Nigerian people, to make sure that people come out of hunger, to make sure that agriculture brings about the expected revolution, to make sure that our people can deal with their everyday problems.
“So the time for politicking is not yet and when that time comes we are going to be ready for everyone.
“Mr. President’s agenda, which is working well is what will naturally endear Nigerians to vote for him for the second term and Mr. President is more than eminently qualified constitutionally to contest for the second term in office.
“God willing, if God gives Mr. President life and health, we do hope that Mr. President will run his course as provided by the constitution.”
The entertainment industry in 2024 recorded a series of tragic events, and some celebrities narrowly escaped death, which was most recorded in Nollywood.
In this article, Naija News highlights some celebrities who survived ghastly accidents and recounted the experience on their social media pages.
1. Soso Soberekon: On January 4, the music executive survived a ghastly car accident at Okada University, Edo state, which left his car in bad shape inside the bush.
Due to the intensity of the accident, Sosoberekon’s airbags all burst, and some eyewitnesses claim that the car somersaulted before hitting a tree in a nearby bush.
2. BBNaija Chizzy: In a post via Instagram in January, Big Brother Naija star, Chizzy Francis, revealed that he survived a ghastly car accident.
Recounting his experience, the reality TV star stated that the incident was indeed a fatal one and appreciated God for giving him a second chance.
3. Shallopopi and Israel DMW: In Febuary, Davido’s logistics manager, Israel DMW, and singer, Shallipopi, were involved in a car accident in Abuja.
In an Instagram post, Israel said the crash happened while returning from Shallipopi’s concert in Abuja.
He expressed gratitude to God that neither he nor Shallipopi sustained any injury in the incident.
4. Phyna: Winner of the Big Brother Naija, ‘Level Up’ edition, Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, escaped a kidnapper’s attack in Delta State.
The reality star narrated her experience via social media, revealing how the kidnappers hijacked four cars in front of the vehicle she rode in and abducted the occupants.
5. Zicsaloma: In November, Nigerian skit maker Aloma Isaac Junior, better known as Zicsaloma, expressed gratitude to God in a social media post after he and his team narrowly escaped a disastrous accident at his house.
Zicsaloma shared a video of the aftermath of how a plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling collapsed in his sitting room.
The skit maker stated that no one was injured except for the ceiling fan, which was damaged, adding that one should always get good artisans for building construction.
6. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde: A few weeks ago, veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde expressed appreciation to God after serving a life-threatening health scare.
In a post via her Instagram page, the movie star recounted the experience of undergoing emergency surgery after enduring severe back and chest pain, persistent vomiting, and debilitating stomach discomfort.
While describing her recovery process as a ‘fight for her life’, Omotola reflected on the importance of gratitude and the fragility of life, urging his fans and followers to join her in thanksgiving to God.
[NaijaNews]
The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has directed its members to strictly operate within the business hours of 8 am to 6 pm or face disciplinary actions.
This follows an earlier important directive issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Security Agency (NSA) to licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operators that their operational business hours must be between 8 am and 6 pm.
This disclosure is contained in a memo titled, ‘CBN’s Directive On Opening and Closing Hours of Business’ issued by ABCON to its members on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, and seen by Nairametrics.
The order by the CBN may not be unconnected by its efforts to address some of the malpractices at the retail end of the forex market and create a transparent and well-regulated system.
Non-compliance will lead to penalties
While stating that the directive is with immediate effect, ABCON in its memo, warned its members that any deviation from these stipulated operating hours will result in sanctions.
- It also advised all licensed BDCs operating in airports across the country to abide by the regulations of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on business hours.
The memo from ABCON read, ‘’We wish to bring to your attention on an important directive issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Security Agency (NSA) of the Directive that all licensed Bureaux de Change (BDC) must operate strictly within the operational business hours of 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Nigerian time.
‘’This directive is effective immediately, and any deviation from these stipulated operating hours will result in penalties. It is crucial that all members comply with this new regulation to avoid any punitive measures.
‘’The BDCs operating in all airports are advised to abide by the NCAA regulations on Business hours.
‘’We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and expect full adherence to ensure smooth and compliant operations across all BDCs. Thank you for your cooperation.’’
What you should know
The CBN released revised guidelines for the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), signaling a major shake-up in the country’s FX operations.
- The updates, contained in a circular dated November 29, 2024, consolidate all FX windows, redefine the roles of market participants, and introduce stricter compliance and transparency measures.
- This latest move is part of the apex bank’s efforts to address long-standing inefficiencies in the FX market while creating a transparent, well-regulated system.
- A major focus of the revised guidelines requires that all FX transactions be priced through the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS), a centralized platform that will also publish daily FX rates for public access.
Also, in the revised CBN guidelines, licensed BDC operators are allowed to purchase foreign exchange directly from authorized dealers, subject to a monthly cap set by the apex bank.
And for the BDCs, these changes mean more access to FX and stricter oversight.
[Nairameterics]
The United States Embassy has urged visa applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, to make at least two visits to the Consulate General in Lagos as part of their immigration visa process.
The US Embassy announced this directive in a post on its X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday.
It reads: “For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, you are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.
“This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.”
According to information on the embassy’s website, the first visit will include an “In-Person Document Review” with a consular officer.
“This review ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews. The review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing,” the embassy explained.
“The second interview, on the other hand, is with a Consular Officer. The date for this interview will be scheduled for applicants by the National Visa Center (NVC).
“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment.”
The embassy stated that these changes are intended to improve efficiency and minimize delays caused by incomplete documentation.
[Vanguard]
More...
There was pandemonium in the early hours of Wednesday when fire engulfed the ever-busy Alaba Rago (Ram) Market in the Ojo area of Lagos State.
It was gathered that the fire, which started at about 12 midnight, destroyed items worth millions of naira.
At the time of filing this report, the immediate or remote cause of the fire could not be ascertained.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), and other responders were on the ground battling to put out the raging fire.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Femi Oke-Osayintolu, and the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, stated that the situation had been brought under control to prevent it from spreading to other properties.
Details later…
I’m Proud Of My Igbo Origin, Culture – First Igbo Chief Imam Of National Mosque, Tochukwu Usman
AFOLABI
The first Igbo Muslim to be appointed as Chief Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja, Professor Iliyasu Tochukwu Usman, has said he is unapologetic, being an Igbo and the culture of the Igbo nation.
The Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque and the first Igbo Professor of Arabic Studies said like all cultures there are good and negative ones.
He stated that while his religion is against some of Igbo culture, some are in line with what the religion teaches.
Usman from Enugu stated this at the unveiling of the Imams of the National Mosque, Abuja, by the Secretary-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
“I want to say this, unapologetically. Actually, every tribe has a culture and every individual has a culture, whether you are Muslim or Christian. In every culture, there are positives and negatives.
“For instance, in Igbo land, there was a time when twins were killed because they are seen as abominations in the society and we know that even a practicing Christian would not accept this kind of culture.
“For instance, as a Muslim, my religion prohibits me from indulging in alcoholism and I know that part of my culture is that whenever we have festivals, alcohol is consumed. As a Muslim, this kind of culture is an abomination because my religion prohibits it.
“So in every tribe, there are good and bad cultures. I accept good Igbo culture. In the South East, we have good communal relationships where we are our brothers’ keeper. I accept that.
“When a brother, whether Muslim or non-Muslim has a problem, I assist. This is a good culture. But any culture that has to do with idol worshipping, for instance, even our Christian counterparts don’t accept that. I am a Muslim and Igbo man who will always try to foster the good Igbo culture that is in line with the teachings of my religion,” he said.
Earlier, Oloyede said the NSCIA, since the establishment of the National Mosque in 1984, has been appointing, in succession, qualified Muslims who are worthy in character and scholarship to oversee the spiritual activities of the faithful.
Oloyede stated that the clerics were unveiled after their consideration by the General Purpose Committee and endorsement by the National Fatwa Committee.
“So you can see that we are not just appointing an Imam from the South East, South-South Zone, we are indeed appointing two imams from that zone. That shows clearly that in Islam, it is about qualification,” Arise TV quoted him.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has described as fake a circular that it authorised the sales of foreign exchange to Bureau De Change operators in the country.
The circular dated Tuesday, 10 December, had claimed that the apex bank sold $20,000 to each legible BDC operator at N1,300 per dollar rate.
“Following the ongoing reforms in the foreign exchange market, aimed at achieving an appropriate market-determined exchange rate for the Naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has observed the continued price distortions at the retail end of the market, which is feeding into the parallel market and further widening the exchange rate premium,” the fake circular reads.
However, CBN, in its official X account on Wednesday, described the circular as fake.
This comes as the Naira has firmed up in the past seven days against the dollar at the FX market after CBN introduced the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) for transparent FX transactions.
Although in the past two days, the Naira had weakened at the black market to N1660 per dollar, the country’s currency gained against the dollar on Tuesday at the official market to close at N1,525.
DAILY POST reports that the last time CBN intervened in the black market was in September 2024 when it sold FX at N1590 per dollar to BDC operators.
Former lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye has expressed excitement over the decision of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello’s money laundering case.
Recalls that the FCT High Court, on Tuesday, remanded Bello in Kuje Correctional Centre pending his bail application.
Justice Maryann Anenih also adjourned hearing in the N110bn money laundering case brought against the former governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to January 29 and 30 and February 25 and 27 for hearing.
Reacting, Dino in a post on his official X handle, said he predicted Bello’s imprisonment about six years ago.
According to the former lawmaker, “6 years ago, SDM predicted Yahaya Bello would end up in prison.
“Today, he will be spending Christmas in Kuje prison. All powers belong to God”.