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- AG-F to begin direct disbursement
- Committee begins two-day meeting
- Edun to brief President
The Federal Government is taking a step forward today in the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to enforce the verdict would begin a two-day meeting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Members of the panel will be discussing the modalities for the enforcement of the apex court verdict that mandates direct disbursements of funds to the 774 local government areas from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has as members Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F).
Others are: Central Bank of Nigeria (NGF) Governor Yemi Cardoso; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance; Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC); representative of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and representative of the local governments.
The AG-F has concluded plans for the disbursement of funds to democratically elected councils this week, a government source told The Nation.
A member of the committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the panel’s focus is to finalise measures for achieving financial and administrative independence for the 774 councils, despite resistance by governors.
He said the committee is expected to evolve counter-actions against some governors seeking to undermine the autonomy by maintaining direct access to funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The source also disclosed that the panel would proceed with the assignment after receiving “guidelines and guidance” from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.
He acknowledged the need for specific clarifications on how best to handle resistance by some state governments ahead of the commencement of direct payments to local governments this week.
“We are waiting for the pronouncement of the Attorney-General first. We will take a position before Wednesday,” the source said.
The two-day meeting is expected to evaluate the Committee’s progress and finalise operational frameworks for direct payments.
According to the source, the meetings aim to address the moves by some governors to coerce elected local government leaders into truncating the objectives of the autonony.
“The meetings will address the actions of governors attempting to undermine the autonomy of democratically elected LGA chairmen, deputies, and councilors, ensuring they are not coerced into serving state interests,” he added.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, some governors are maneuvering to maintain their hold on council funds by influencing Houses of Assembly to pass laws empowering state governments to have access and retain oversight on the FAAC allocations.
Shedding light on the challenges before the committee, he said: “There are a lot of discussions going on, but for now, honestly, we are waiting to see. While all the states have conducted local government elections, some governors are determined to maintain financial control over local government areas.”
In preparation for the Supreme Court judgment’s implementation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) confirmed its readiness to commence direct FAAC disbursements to councils.
A senior OAGF official disclosed that structures are already in place to ensure a seamless transition.
The official said: “It won’t be a challenge to carry out the approval from the minister to start making the disbursements to the LGAs. The structure has been on the ground.”
He pointed out that a dedicated department within the OAGF would oversees the processes, assuring that the transition will proceed smoothly.
“A whole department is in charge of it. So, it’s not going to be a challenge. I can confirm that,” he stressed.
The source hinted that Finance minister might consult with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon his return to the country this week to finalise strategies for dealing with governors.
“The minister of Finance might have discussions with President Bola Tinubu and others on how to address the issue of governors. But we are paying local government areas directly.
“We don’t want to presume anything. Everyone knows the judgment has been made, and we are waiting for the government to start implementing.”
The enforcement of direct FAAC allocations to local governments marks a significant shift in local government administration. It is aimed at curbing undue interference by governors.
Historically, funds meant for grassroots development were disbursed through joint accounts controlled by governors, often leading to delays and diversions.
[TheNation]
Around 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 2,700 wounded while fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine, a South Korean lawmaker said Monday, citing information from Seoul’s spy agency.
Seoul has previously claimed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent more than 10,000 soldiers as “cannon fodder” to help Moscow fight Kyiv, in return for Russian technical assistance for Pyongyang’s heavily sanctioned weapons and satellite programmes.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv had captured two North Korean soldiers, releasing video of the injured combatants being interrogated and raising the possibility of a prisoner swap for captured Ukrainian troops.
“The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia has reportedly expanded to include the Kursk region, with estimates suggesting that casualties among North Korean forces have surpassed 3,000,” lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told reporters after a briefing from the spy agency.
This includes “approximately 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries,” Lee said, after a briefing from Seoul’s National Intelligence Service.
The soldiers, reportedly from North Korea’s elite Storm Corps, have been ordered to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoner, Lee said.
“Notably, memos found on deceased soldiers indicate that the North Korean authorities pressured them to commit suicide or self-detonate before capture,” he said.
He added that some of the soldiers had been granted “amnesty” or wanted to join North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, hoping to improve their lot by fighting.
One North Korean soldier who was about to be captured shouted “General Kim Jong Un” and attempted to detonate a grenade, Lee said, adding that he was shot and killed.
The NIS analysis also revealed that the North Korean soldiers have “a lack of understanding of modern warfare,” and are being used by Russia in a manner leading to “the high number of casualties,” the lawmaker said.
– Soldiers captured –
Lee — speaking for South Korea’s intelligence committee in parliament — said in the coming year US president-elect Donald Trump, who has previously tried to woo North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, “may push for dialogue… once again”.
He also said Kim may “weigh the possibility of a visit to Russia in the first half of this year” after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in late 2023.
In a post on social media platform X Sunday, Zelensky said: “Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un’s soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia.”
There would “undoubtedly be more” North Korean soldiers captured by Kyiv, he added.
“For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available,” said Zelensky.
Ukraine, the United States and South Korea have accused nuclear-armed North Korea of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help bolster Russian forces.
Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has acknowledged that North Koreans have been deployed to fight against Ukraine.
The two countries have boosted their military cooperation since Russia launched its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
On a visit to Seoul this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington believed Russia was expanding space cooperation with North Korea in exchange for its troop contribution in fighting Ukraine.
Washington’s top diplomat said the United States also believed Russia “may be close” to formally accepting North Korea’s status as a nuclear power.
The video posted by Zelensky of the interrogation of the two North Korean prisoners of war shows one lying in a bunk bed and the other sitting up with a bandage around his jaw.
One man can be heard speaking to a Ukrainian official through an interpreter, saying that he did not know he was going to fight in a war with Ukraine and that his commanders “told him it was just training”.
In translated comments, one of the men says he wants to return to North Korea.
The other says he will do what he is told but, if given the chance, wants to live in Ukraine.
AFP
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a new trend of kidnapping, dubbed ‘Constructive Kidnapping’, where unsuspecting ladies are lured by kidnappers posing as internet friends and lovers.
This sinister scheme has already ensnared 16 ladies from various parts of the state, who were fortunate to be rescued by the police command, the command revealed.
In another shocking case, a 15-year-old girl was rescued after allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend to demand ransom from her parents, pretending that she had been kidnapped.
For the ‘Constructive kidnapping, the kidnappers’ modus oparandi according to the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Police Command, CP Olawale Ishola, who briefed journalists weekend, on the command’s breakthrough between September 2024 and January 2025, was as cunning as it was ruthless.
The kidnappers as gathered, begin by tagging their potential victims as friends on social media platforms, establishing a false sense of acquaintance. Once the victim’s guard is lowered, the kidnappers invite them to Lagos, often under the guise of a romantic rendezvous.
These kidnappers according to the command would send substantial amounts of money, up to N500,000, to their victims, as well as cover their flight expenses to Lagos.
Upon arrival, the unsuspecting victims are taken to five-star hotels, where their phones are seized, and money transferred out. The kidnappers then contact the victim’s relatives, demanding ransom and threatening to them if their demands are not met.
According to the CP, ” It is Constructive kidnapping because you have a scenario where a lady is lured from her safe space to Lagos by a group of boys or a single individual. They make it enticing by sending a business-class flight ticket, N500,000, and booking a luxurious five-star hotel. The victim feels like they’ve ‘arrived,’ unaware that it’s all a ruse.
” I’ve rescued at least 16 ladies from this trap. As soon as they arrive, the kidnappers mess the ladies up, seize their phones, transfer their money, and contact their relatives to demand more ransom, threatening to kill the victim if their demands aren’t met. It’s termed ‘constructive’ because the victims unwittingly walk into the trap set for them. However, we’re always one step ahead.”
He, therefore, warned members of the public, especially ladies to be cautious when interacting with strangers online, advising members of the public to say something when they see something.
Similarly, the command boss also explained how a 14-year-old girl with an undisclosed identity who was reported to have been kidnapped, was traced to her boyfriend’s abode, with a baby.
According to CP Ishola, ” On January 8, 2025, a complainant reported that her daughter Anuoluwapo Victoria, 15 years left home to an unknown destination, that on January 9, 2025, she received a phone call and an account was sent for her to pay ransom for the released of her daughter.
“They have been sending money to the account until we were able to apprehend her and her boyfriend on Friday night. She was with a baby”.
[Vanguard]
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Jimmy Carter was the only leader outside Africa who visited Sani Abacha, the late military dictator, solely to plead for his release from prison.
Obasanjo stated this in a tribute to Carter, the late American president, who passed on December 29, 2024, aged 100.
The tribute, titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”, was read during a memorial service held on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun state.
Obasanjo was arrested, tried, and sentenced to prison by the Abacha junta in 1995 over alleged involvement in a failed military coup.
Obasanjo narrated how Carter visited Nigeria and got Abacha to release him (Obasanjo) from prison, and he was placed on house arrest.
He said that although many others intervened to seek his release, Carter was the only one who had visited Nigeria solely for that purpose.
“President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison. On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm. But that did not last for too long,” Obasanjo said.
“Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my information, that paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for my release.
“I would remain ever grateful to all who worked for my release from Abacha’s gulag. Abacha ensured that I would not be released. Within a week of his death, though, I was released by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who also facilitated my going around Africa and the rest of the world to thank all those who worked for my release.”
Obasanjo further said he was surprised when Carter told him that Ted Turner, CNN founder, had offered to take care of him and his family upon his release.
“I was touched and moved to tears. I immediately went to Ted, who expressed to me the same sentiment that President Carter expressed,” Obasanjo said.
The elder statesman said he and Carter shared some similarities, including their military backgrounds and being born into farming families that instilled discipline in them.
“He beat me though in one respect; there was a road to his settlement, and there was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, we were carried on bicycles,” he said.
Obasanjo said he would miss Carter, “a great and true friend but I know we shall meet again in paradise”.
Speaking during an interactive session with young African leaders at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library OOPL during the weekend, Obasanjo said his refusal to keep quiet on national and international issues landed him in detention during Abacha’s tenure.
[TheCable]
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has taken to social media to celebrate her mother, Rita Daniels’, birthday.
In a heartfelt post, Regina expressed her gratitude and appreciation for her mother’s presence in her life.
She shared a series of photos and videos of her mother on Instagram, accompanied by a touching message.
She described her mother as her “woman king,” guide, and best friend, highlighting the significant impact she has had on her life.
In her post, Regina acknowledged the challenges they have faced together and expressed her desire to continue being her mother’s daughter.
She also prayed for her mother’s good health, strength, and long life, asking God to protect her from harm.
“MY GOD ON EARTH
Happy birthday, my WOMAN KING
My earthly guardian and protector
My one true best friend, adviser, mother, cry buddy, and ride or die.
I will continue to bless your very existence on earth and worship the very ground you walk on. You are everything and more in a mother and I’m grateful to God for the gift of you. I will choose to be your daughter over and over again so you can keep guiding me right. We’ve been through so much together and we will still go through more. I pray God gives you the strength, good health and long life to overcome every trial that comes our way. May God never let me do anything to hurt or break your heart. I love you my treasure @rita.daniels06″.
Nigerian gospel singer and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, recently went viral after sharing the remarkable story of his invitation to the upcoming US Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast.
During his ministration at Pastor Poju Oyemade’s World Faith Believers Convention (WOFBEC), Bassey spoke candidly about the phone call that led to his invitation.
The renowned gospel singer revealed that the invitation came from Reverend Merrie Turner, who shared how she had been in prayer when God directed her to call on Bassey to release His glory upon the United States.
According to Nathaniel Bassey, Reverend Turner said;
“I was in prayer, and the Lord says to me to send for you to come release the glory of God upon our Nation.”
Nathaniel Bassey will minister at a non-political, non-governmental event ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
The event, set to take place on January 20, 2025, will be hosted by Reverend Turner in Washington, D.C.
The news of Bassey’s invitation to the prestigious event has sparked widespread celebration, particularly within the Christian community in Nigeria.
His testimony, which he shared with a deeply moved audience at WOFBEC, was met with awe and appreciation, as many saw it as a powerful sign of divine favor.
Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has caused a stir on social media after revealing a shocking new look in a viral video.
Over the weekend, Asake posted footage of himself in the studio, teasing his eagerly awaited new project. However, it wasn’t just the music that grabbed attention; it was his drastically different hairstyle.
The Afrobeat star, who had become synonymous with his signature long dreadlocks, now sported a much shorter and unexpected cut.
Asake’s transformation sent fans into a frenzy, as the dreadlocks had become a central part of his identity, perfectly complementing his unique sound and style.
His sudden change in appearance has sparked waves of speculation on what prompted this drastic shift.
Concerned fans are left questioning whether this new look marks a personal evolution, a reinvention of his image, state of his mental health or a bold statement about his artistic direction.
SEE REACTIONS BELOW
Asake and his label boss Olamide have found themselves at the heart of a growing controversy, as rumors of a widening rift between the two dominate both online and offline discussions.
The tension reached a fever pitch on Monday, December 23, 2024, during Olamide’s highly anticipated Olamide Live In Concert (OLIC) at the luxurious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, a celebration of Olamide’s legacy, brought together a star-studded lineup of music royalty, including Phyno, Wizkid, Young John, and several YBNL stars, all of whom shared the stage to honor the iconic hitmaker.
Asake, whose meteoric rise to fame has been intricately tied to Olamide’s YBNL label, was conspicuously missing from the event, sparking a firestorm of speculation.
SEE HIS VIDEO POST BELOW
Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze has opened up about his past experiences in the music industry.
In a recent episode of ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’ hosted by Bae U Barbie, Segun Arinze revealed that he didn’t leave music because he failed, but rather to focus on his acting career.
Segun Arinze, who studied theatre arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, explained that he deliberately chose to put his music career on hold to concentrate on acting.
“I didn’t fail as a musical artist. I left music on my own volition. If I wanted to do music, I would have continued.
“I read theatre art at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. I left school, I did well. I went into my music on my own volition. When I decided to concentrate on my acting career, I concentrated on my acting,” he explained.
The actor, who has two music albums under his belt, hinted that he will be making a comeback in the music industry, but this time, it won’t be for commercial purposes, but for passion.
“I can always go back to music. I didn’t fail. I’ve two albums. I suspended it [my music career]. When I feel it’s time, I will go back. I still sing. The voice is still there.
“I will be going back to music but I won’t be coming into it for commercial reasons. I will return to music just because I want to sing, not because I want to make money,” he added.
Segun had earlier opened up on why he stopped acting.
Reflecting on his journey in the entertainment industry, Arinze disclosed that he decided to stop his acting endeavors due to the detrimental impact of being typecast into roles portraying “bad boys.”
He expressed how this repetitive casting began to take a toll on his mental well-being, leading him to prioritize his mental health and step back from the limelight.
Nigerian singer Blackface has addressed the long-standing notion that he frequently accuses his colleagues of stealing his intellectual property without credit.
In a recent interview with TVC, Blackface clarified his stance, emphasizing that none of the artists he has accused have denied the allegations.
Blackface explained that many of his colleagues have been inspired by his work and have incorporated elements of his songs into their own music.
However, he stressed that the issue lies in the lack of credit and proper acknowledgment.
Blackface argued that the fact that none of the accused artists have denied the allegations suggests that there may be some truth to his claims.
He said:
“People jack my vibes. They love them. It’s not their fault. If I was not me, I would be jacking me too.
“All my songs are being jacked because when you release a song it becomes a published work. The songs are all registered. There’s no song that’s released that’s not registered. Once it is in the public domain, it’s a published work. Was it published before your work?
“It’s not about whether I’ve viable proofs or not. The truth is that the action is wrong. So many Nigerian artists have jacked my songs. And these people that I’ve complained about, they have never for once denied it. So you people would have seen that and say there’s an iota of truth in what Blackface is saying.”
Nigerian Afrobeat sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has expressed his gratitude after receiving a $20,000 gift from a producer he worked with on hisTimeless album.
Taking to his Instagram story, the Awuke crooner shared the heartwarming gesture, revealing that the producer, who recently received his publishing check, visited his home to personally hand him the generous amount as a token of appreciation.
The music star, clearly moved by the act of kindness, wrote:
“A certain producer/writer I started working with from Timeless. Finally, he got his publishing check, came to my house, handed me 20 thousand dollars, and said, ‘Baba, I thank you.’ Happy to see there are still good people in this world! Being appreciated sure feels good! Love you, brother!”
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Nigerian rapper Ycee has called for the banning of Point of Sale (POS) machines in the country after recounting a distressing incident where he lost millions of naira in 2024.
The rapper, whose real name is Oludemilade Martin Alejo, shared the details of the incident on his Instagram story.
In the video, he explained that N2.7 million was stolen from his bank account in November 2024. According to Ycee, this was not the first time he had fallen victim to such a theft.
Ycee revealed that the unauthorized withdrawals were made using his ATM card, with a total of N2.7 million being stolen in three transactions.
The first was N1 million, followed by another N1 million, and then N700,000. He further clarified that the money was not taken from an ATM, but rather through a POS machine.
The rapper expressed his frustration, stating that his bank had yet to provide an explanation for the missing funds or offer any solution.
Ycee also raised concerns about the lack of security around POS transactions, arguing that if the theft had occurred at an ATM, the incident would have been captured on CCTV.
In light of his experience, Ycee advocated for a nationwide ban on POS machines, suggesting that many others may have been victimized by similar crimes.
Nollywood actress and entrepreneur, Tonto Dikeh, has set tongues wagging with a recent social media post, fueling speculation about her love life.
On Sunday, January 12, 2025, the actress shared family pictures on her Instagram page, introducing what she referred to as her “family” to her fans.
The collage of images featured Tonto alongside her son and an unidentified man. All three were dressed in matching pink T-shirts with a lion design, paired with jean trousers.
The post caught the attention of her followers, many of whom were quick to comment, referring to the man as her “king.”
Some fans also inquired about the identity of the mystery man, leading to a flurry of curiosity in the comment section.
In addition to the photos, Tonto shared a glimpse of the meal they enjoyed during their outing, which included spaghetti, meat, eggs, chips, and assorted delicacies.
Tonto, known for her outspoken nature, also shared heartfelt thoughts about her family.
She wrote;
“My Family over everything….
You see this my little tiny family,
I will di@ protecting them,
If they have to prepare for WAR, I am ready too..
But I’m not stupidly ignorant to ignore their foolishness.”
The images and her message have sparked widespread discussion, with fans eagerly speculating about her relationship status
A midnight explosion rocked Umuneke community, Mbieri, in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, leaving a newly completed family house in ruins.
Reports indicate the explosion occurred late Saturday night, reducing the building to rubble. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
Describing the incident, a local source, Iyke Njoku, told The PUNCH, “The sound was massive as well as the bang. We waited a while and when we didn’t see any movement or hear screams, we decided to check, only to see the house in rubble.
“When our neighbours from neighbouring villages called to ask us the cause of the sound, that was when we went to check how safe we were.
“The house was a bungalow and the couple just completed it even as they were planning to move in by February.
“It is so painful that all their efforts have become a waste because they can’t move in as planned again.”
Another resident, Mr. Emma Emeka, recounted the terrifying experience.
He said: “We were in our house when we heard a massive sound, just like an explosion. When we rushed out, a newly constructed bungalow was destroyed. It happened so quickly, as nobody saw what triggered it or who was behind it.
“All we heard was the loud explosion; now, we are gazing at the new building of our kinsman reduced to rubble.
“The couple had worked hard to complete the building and were planning to move in this year but they cannot do so again.
“The funny part is people in neighbouring villages heard the sound and wondered where the blast came from. We all slept with one eye open for fear of attack.”
'If Tinubu Could Criticise The System, Why Is His Administration Trying To Muzzle Voices' – Bala Mohammed Attacks Presidency
AFOLABI
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, accusing him of unprofessional conduct and promoting divisive rhetoric.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed criticized Dare for turning his role into a platform for political attacks rather than fostering unity and constructive dialogue.
The statement, titled “Enough is Enough”, lambasted the Presidency for what it described as a growing intolerance for criticism.
“Instead of addressing Governor Bala Mohammed’s genuine concerns about the tax reform bills, Sunday Dare chose personal attacks and diversionary tactics. Is this how a democracy is supposed to work?” the statement queried.
Governor Mohammed’s camp also called out the timing of Dare’s remarks, which were made during Juma’at prayers and Armed Forces Remembrance Day events.
“Instead of focusing on honouring Nigeria’s fallen heroes, Dare chose to prioritise political mudslinging. Is this what the Tinubu administration represents?” the statement questioned, describing the move as disrespectful and inappropriate.
The governor’s team accused the Tinubu administration of fostering a toxic culture that stifles constructive feedback.
“This administration has shown increasing intolerance towards constructive feedback,”the statement alleged. “Governor Bala Mohammed’s concerns about national issues, including tax reforms, were met with insults rather than engagement.”
The statement also drew a parallel between Tinubu’s history as a pro-democracy activist and his administration’s approach to dissent.
“If Tinubu could criticise the system and rise to power, why is his administration trying to muzzle voices like Bala Mohammed who are only doing the same?” the statement argued.
A Warning To Dare
In a subtle yet firm tone, the statement ended with a warning directed at Sunday Dare.
“We respect the Office of the President, but respect does not mean silence. Governor Bala Mohammed will continue to speak up for Nigerians, whether they like it or not. Enough is enough,” it declared.