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Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the 10th house passed 89 bills across priority areas in one year.
Speaking during a workshop organised for the house of representatives press corps in Kaduna on Saturday, Abbas highlighted the performance of the lawmakers in the past 17 months.
“I am pleased to highlight our significant strides in the past seventeen months. Our One-Year performance assessment scorecard reveals remarkable achievements, including passing 89 bills across our priority areas,” he said.
“These include the Electric Power Sector Reform (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Federal Audit Service Bill, 2023; the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, 2023; the Armed Forces Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024; the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the National Anthem Bill, 2024; and the Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023.
“These laws address critical aspects of governance, security, and economic reform.”
The speaker said besides lawmaking, the house of representatives undertook various initiatives to deepen public engagement and enhance the legislative process.
He said the house organised the national dialogue on state policing, a national discourse on Nigeria’s security challenges and a retreat on the effective implementation of the petroleum industry act (PIA), tax reform modernisation dialogues and the citizens’ town hall on the 2024 appropriation bill, among others.
“Beyond legislation, the House has undertaken various initiatives to deepen public engagement and enhance the legislative process,” he added.
“These include the National Dialogue on State Policing, the National Discourse on Nigerian Security Challenges, a retreat on the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, tax reform modernisation dialogues, the Citizens’ Town Hall on the 2024 Appropriation Bill, and the pre-legislative presentation of tax reform bills.
“These engagements underscore our commitment to ensuring that governance is inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.”
Abbas urged journalists to be cautious in their reportage of the activities of lawmakers to avoid misinformation.
At a separate event, the speaker announced the establishment of four new tertiary institutions in Zaria.
The institutions include a federal college of education, college of health sciences, a National Open University campus, and a college of legal studies.
He said the institutions will enhance Zaria’s educational infrastructure and provide critical resources for the region.
[TheCable]
*Focus on something useful, not Badenoch, Atiku’s aide tells Shettima
The leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has again taken a dig at Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, in her recent interview, saying she is a Yoruba and has nothing in common with the northern part of the country.
This is as the spokesman for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, asked those criticising Badenoch, to embark on a moment of introspection.
Vice President Shettima, recently, slammed her for denigrating Nigeria in her recent interviews with British media, especially her views on immigration and corruption by the Nigerian public officials, and urged her to drop her Nigerian name.
While her spokesperson has responded to the criticism from Shettima, Badenoch sparked fresh identity controversy while speaking with British media, The Spectator, recently.
According to her, Northern Nigeria is a haven for Islamism and Boko Haram. She expressed dismay at how she’s being identified as Nigerian, noting that she identifies less with the country.
She said, “I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity (Yoruba).”
“I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is.
“Being Yoruba is my true identity, and I refuse to be lumped with northern people of Nigeria, who ‘were our ethnic enemies,’ all in the name of being called a Nigerian.”
Continuing, Badenoch recalled how her surname was linked to a warrior and protector of the crown, adding that she was ready to die protecting the country (United Kingdom).
“Somebody once told me when I was very young that my surname was a name for people who were warriors. They protected the crown, and that’s what I see myself as doing.
“I am here to protect, and I will die protecting this country because I know what’s out there,” she added.
Meanwhile, Shaibu, the spokesman for the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election, Atiku, asked those criticising Badenoch, to embark on a moment of introspection.
Specifically, Shaibu urged Vice President Shettima to find something useful to do rather than concentrating on Badenoch.
In a post on his X page yesterday, Shaibu asked the vice president to find something useful to do with his time instead of berating Badenoch.
He wrote: “Those criticising @KemiBadenoch should pause for a moment of introspection. The mere fact that her name is Kemi or that she has Yoruba roots does not automatically render her Nigerian.
“After all, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus @gabrieljesus9 is not the son of God. @officialSKSM should find something useful to do with his time.”
[Thisday]
Nigerian model and rising star, Nwajagu Samuel, has etched his name in the history books as the first African and Nigerian to win the Mister International title.
The 16th edition of the global pageant, which showcased 46 contestants from across the world, took place today December 14, 2024, at Island Hall, Fashion Island in Bangkok, Thailand.
Samuel‘s victory, which was celebrated by fans and followers, came after an intense competition.
He was crowned by his predecessor, Kim Thitisan Goodburn of Thailand, in a moment that marked a turning point for the African continent in the world of male pageantry.
Mister International is widely regarded as one of the top two global male pageants, offering a platform for young men to showcase their talents, charisma, and cultural pride.
The 23-year-old software engineer, athlete and model with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering also bagged the Best in Swimwear award. He is 6’3″ tall.
Nguyễn Mạnh Lân from Vietnam and Glenn Victor Sutanto representing Indonesia secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
Anthony Henricus of the Netherlands, Rafael Dominguez from Spain, and Justine Ong of the Philippines joined them in the top six, and Ong earned the fan-favourite vote.
The contestants from Mexico, Italy, South Korea, Ecuador, and China completed the Top 10 finalists.
SEE PHOTOS:
Ex-militant leader and a prominent voice in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, has revealed how former President Muhammadu Buhari contracted and deployed members of his private security outfit to different security flashpoints across several states in the country.
This revelation was contained in a trending video on multiple social media platforms. The video showed Dokubo surrounded by supporters, giving a performance report of his men across the country, to some people.
The ex-warlord recalled that their first operation was on November 3, 2021, during the Anambra election.
He said: “Because of the performance of our people in Anambra, the government asked us to go to Imo State.
“In Imo, we did what nobody thought was possible; where they said there were tunnels and hoodlums were running through tunnels, our people defied the odds and went there. At the dreaded Valley (Mother Valley) we entered”.
According to Dokubo, his men were daring and courageous and several of them paid the ultimate price with their lives.
He alleged: “Out of jealousy, five of our men were executed pointblank by the Police in Imo. If we had lost our temper at the time, we may not be around here now.
“Over the years, they have been telling government lies but we proved them wrong.”
Dokubo noted that his group passed through all the difficulties but continued to progress and stayed on course for the work. “And from that progress, the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari saw us and gave us opportunity to go to different places in the country, to bring peace to the people.”
He added that before his men were deployed to Wase, Baga and Mangoro, the people there were unable to go to farm but the stories have changed.
“They may accept or deny it but they can’t erase the fact that we cleared the Abuja-Kaduna road for people to travel in peace”, he said.
There are strong indications that some leaders and members of the Labour Party (LP) outside of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Julius Abure, a lawyer, are currently seeking alternative platforms for the general elections holding in 2027.
The development, Sunday Telegraph gathered, is not unconnected with the recent recognition of Abure by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the authentic National Chairman, following a court victory in Abuja.
Prior to the recognition, Abure had been at war with the Leader of the party and its presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi; the Governor of Abia State and only governor of the party, Dr. Alex Otti; the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its Political Commission led by a former President of the NLC Abulwahab Omar.
It was in a bid to resolve the crisis that Obi, Otti, the NLC and leaders of the party converged on Umuahia and set up a Caretaker Committee headed by a former Finance Minister, Ms. Nnenadi Usman, to pilot the affairs of the party and elect a new executive.
Few weeks after that, Abure obtained the court order which unsettled the whole party.
It was gathered that following the differences between Abure and the leaders, many of them are now seeking alternative platforms to prepare for 2027, even as the Abure-led NWC continues to threaten to sue those who were leaving the party. But the defectors cited the division in the party as their reasons for their action.
Only last week, five members of the House of Representatives, namely, Tochukwu Okere, Imo State; Donatus Mathew, Kaduna State; Bassey Akiba, Cross River State and Iyawu Esosa, Edo State, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the LP.
A day after, Dalyop Chollom, from Plateau State, also defected to the APC, causing an uproar in the House. This came weeks after a senator from Imo State, Emma Ibezim, had defected to the APC. It is a situation both the minority caucus in the National Assembly and the LP itself has not taken lightly.
Responding to the defections, the Minority Whip, Ali Isah JC (PDP-Gombe), asked the Speaker to declare the seats of the defected opposition lawmakers vacant in line with Section 68(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).
Similarly, the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda and the leader of the LP caucus in the Green Chamber, George Ozodinobi, both toed the same line, a position that was overruled by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Reacting to the gale of losses, the Labour Party said it had opened a hall of shame for the members, who defected, adding that it would retrieve their mandates through the courts. According to Obiorah Ifoh, the party’s spokesman, “Though the Labour Party leadership is undaunted by the defection, it has however, elected not to allow it slide and has therefore instructed its legal team to commence the legal actions against the defectors and to also commence the process of regaining our mandates in line with the 1999 constitution and 2022 Electoral Act as amended,”
Even though the LP is sounding tough under Abure, Sunday Telegraph gathered that more LP members are gearing to defect from the party in the coming weeks. Sources within the party said that the discussions between Obi and other political parties on presenting a stronger platform for the 2027 election was an indication of a major serious shift in the party. Although Obi himself has not spoken of his direction, it was gathered that his men are in active discussion with the PDP, NNPP, ADC, SDP, among other parties to form a coalition against the APC in 2027.
Further, Otti of Abia State, at the last Local Government Election in the state, did not field candidates on the platform of the LP. Rather, he opted for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), which won a major chunk of the seats in the 17 Local Councils in the state.
A source told Sunday Telegraph: “Since Abure insisted on staying there forever, it is obvious the confidence of many in the party is lost. Since he spurned the Caretaker Committee and believes the party belongs to him and his NWC, the consequences are clear enough for all to see. These defections are not mere occurrences. Many more will leave; others are waiting for the direction the coalition talks will go.
A chieftain of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has asserted that there is a vacancy in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said his position is supported by the Nigerian constitution and guided by the will of the people.
The elder statesman made the submission in response to the position of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who held that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock and Northern politicians interested in the presidency should wait till 2031 when President Bola Tinubu is expected to conclude his second term in office.
However, reacting to Akume’s submission, Galadima, during an interview with Vanguard which was published on Sunday, dismissed the position of the SGF, adding that he was only trying to protect his job.
The NNPP chieftain said counting from 1999, by 2027, the South would have ruled Nigeria for 18 and a half years, while the North has ruled for only nine and a half years, eight years of Buhari and one and a half years of Yar’ Adua which means, automatically, the North can lay claim to the presidency again.
“Well, in the first place, I wouldn’t want to discuss Nigerian issues on the basis of North and South. I am a nationalist and will remain so until I die. But, the issue would be about equity and justice and for me, Akume, a sociologist, and brother of a historian should have known better. If he looks at Aso Villa which he said there is no vacancy, he should know that other people were there before, namely: General Buhari, General Babangida, Chief Shonekan, General Abacha, General Abubakar, Chief Obasanjo, Yar’ Adua, Jonathan, and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“So, if all the 10 former presidents and heads of state that stayed there are no more there, he should also know that one day, sooner or later, President Bola Tinubu would also go. Nigerians behave as if they don’t understand history. If you are talking of region, Akume is one of the people I respect very much because as governor of Benue State in 1999, he was one of the foremost northerners that worked for the interest of the North.
“In fact, he was more northern than the Caliphate because Akume spent most of his time defending the New Nigerian Development Corporation, NNDC, and Bank of the North. At a point, only Benue had commanding shares in Bank of the North. For him to make a somersault over what he believed in before, I just laugh and say, well, the man is protecting his ‘garri’ (cassava flour).
“Did he really make a somersault? His words were clear based on opinions on a gentleman’s agreement by political parties since 1999. He was talking about rotation of presidency between the North and South, two tenures of four years each (eight years total).
“I thought you would go back. You started from the end. I don’t want to discuss North and South, but if that is what you want us to educate Nigerians on, by 2027 the South would have ruled this country (since 1999) for 18 and a half years, while the North has ruled for only nine and a half years, eight years of Buhari and one and a half years of Yar’ Adua which means, automatically, that you can revert to the North so they can make up for the deficit, if that is what he is talking about. But I believe in who has delivered on his promises to Nigerians. Has that man occupying that seat ameliorated the condition of the people? We would ask Akume for their scorecard,” Galadima said.
The NNPP chieftain argued further that Nigeria is practising democracy and not a monarchy, so it is left to the citizens, not one person to determine their next leader.
“What have they done for Nigerians? Are we practicing monarchy? I thought it is democracy. That’s why I don’t want to talk about North and South. What I want to talk about is who delivered on the dividends of democracy to Nigerians. If President Tinubu delivers very well and Seyi, his son, would be the best person to succeed him, for me, I have no problem. But, what the people feel now in their bodies will determine what they vote in 2027.
“There is big vacancy in Aso Rock. In fact, there is no body occupying that seat in 2027, according to the Nigerian constitution. So, Akume’s assertion is only laughable. When I heard it and looked at him talking about that, I said, “Ha! My friend is protecting his ‘garri,“” Galadima concluded.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has described President Bola Tinubu as a courageous leader, working to prevent Nigeria’s problems from getting progressively worse.
Dogara said this at the 14th Convocation and 17th Foundation anniversary of the Achievers University, Owo in Ondo State.
According to him, Tinubu is a leader who is prepared to lead with unbridled courage even at a personal cost.
“With what President Bola Tinubu has done, whether it’s the freeing of local government areas from the choke-hold of economic stagnation the states had hitherto subjected them to or the groundbreaking bold tax reforms proposals he had placed before the National Assembly, I see a glimmer of hope that we may be dealing with a leader who is prepared to lead with unbridled courage even at personal cost.
“It gladdens my heart that we are now dealing with a leader who is not avoiding stubborn tasks and is very much unwilling to put off difficult conversations.
“I support the president’s tax reforms not because they are perfect but because it is the right thing to do.
“However, I must concede the fact that those opposed to it have the right to do so but I do not share their jaundiced nay tenuous and puerile position that because they disagree with some aspects of the reforms, then the reforms must be withdrawn or killed.”
According to him, those who oppose the reforms should clearly spell out what they disagree with and make a better proposition than that of the president for Nigerians to compare and contrast in order to make informed choices.
Dogara, who is the Chancellor of the university, said that a call to do nothing about the reforms was either bad politics, sheer buffoonery or a combination of both.
He called the youths to be at the centre of transformation, noting that “through education, innovations, and a shared commitment to excellence, we can build a Nigeria that fulfils the aspirations of its people.”
The chancellor also tasked Nigerian universities to be centres of learning and innovation that would come out with practical solutions to the country’s economic problems.
Former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has urged the North not to abandon President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Sani said they should not leave the government to others who did not vote for it.
This is even as the ex-lawmaker urged the North to support positive reforms by the Tinubu administration.
Sani’s statement, contained in a video sighted by DAILY POST, followed the North’s opposition to Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Bills currently before the National Assembly.
DAILY POST reports that the tax reform bills initiated by Tinubu’s government have attracted criticism in several parts of the country.
Some alleged that the bills are targeted against the northern region while some argue that they will overburden Nigerians.
Sani stated that there’s no part of the country that’s so blessed like the northern part of the country.
He said: “There’s no part of the country that’s so blessed like the northern part of the country. We cover about 65% percent of the total landmass in Nigeria.
“Out of the nation’s 235 rivers, almost 70 percent are located in the northern part of Nigeria. Some nations rely on cotton, we are blessed to grow cotton.
“Some nations rely on sugarcane we are blessed with growing sugarcane. We are sleeping on a gold mine. There’s no natural resources that is found in all part of the world that’s not within the ground level of our soil here in the north.
“So, the question is: do you continue to rely, depend on salvation from others. Your reputation, your dignity, your future, and respect for your yourself is dependent on your ability to provide sustenance for yourself.
“If I’m not mistaken, this is a government the North brought into office. So why should you antagonize a baby that you delivered?
“You should not leave this government to others who did not vote for it. It’s your that used your tongue and brought them to office.
“Your demands should be on issues that on the table. Until now you have the Minister of Education. The Chief of Defence is always from here. The Minister of Commerce of Information is from here, National Security Advisor is from here, Minister of Agriculture is from here, Minister of Defence is from here.
‘All the key positions being given by government are people from this part of country.”
The Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria Lagos, Most Rev Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, has called for the election of a Muslim governor in Lagos State in 2027.
He pointed out that, by then, Christians will have held the governorship for 12 consecutive years.
This statement was made during the Lagos House of Assembly’s 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Service, themed ‘The Voice of Mercy.’
In a statement from Eromosele Ebhomele, the Chief Press Secretary to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the Archbishop emphasized the need for religious tolerance, suggesting that it is time to allow a Muslim to lead Lagos.
He highlighted that Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, both Christians, will have completed this 12-year period, with Sanwo-Olu finishing his maximum eight years and Ambode serving only one term from 2015 to 2019 after a fallout with his political mentor.
The Archbishop stated, “It would be 12 years in 2027 that we have been in the system together, and we have had Christians as governors. Now, it’s time to give our Muslim brothers a chance to govern us in Lagos State.”
DAILY POST recalls that from 1999 to 2015, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, both Muslims, served as governors of Lagos State.
There are new hopes for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IpoB), Nnamdi Kanu, “very soon” after the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said significant progress had been made through high-level negotiations with key authorities to secure his freedom.
“I am fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come out. Very soon, it will happen. Please, keep us in your prayers,” he stated during the gathering, which brought together lawmakers from South-East State Houses of Assembly.
The forum, led by Kingsley Ikoro, is focused on addressing critical issues affecting the region.
The Deputy Speaker urged the legislators to work together for the advancement of the South-East, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration. He lamented that internal divisions had cost the region valuable opportunities, urging the end of activities like sit-at-home protests, which he said were harming the region.
“The power of networking is more than money. Unity is power. We hardly recognise our own and we lose a lot of things because of it. We need to end the sit-at-home; people are destroying themselves. We need to come together. The power of unity, the power of growth is important,” he said.
Kalu also called for support for the proposed South East Development Commission (SEDC), a body aimed at fostering reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration in the region. He dismissed rumors that President Tinubu opposed the initiative, encouraging lawmakers to back the project wholeheartedly.
In addition, the Deputy Speaker highlighted upcoming plans for zonal public hearings on constitutional amendments scheduled for the first and second quarters of the following year. He encouraged the South-East legislators to actively participate in the process, contribute ideas, and develop a cohesive legislative strategy.
“I want to commend you for leaving your various Houses of Assembly to come to the Federal House for exposure. It will help you. The benefits are many. It will make your legislative activities more robust and help you speak from the point of knowledge,” he remarked.
On Kanu’s situation, the Deputy Speaker urged legislators to remain united in their efforts to resolve the region’s challenges and to leverage the opportunity to align with federal policies to benefit their communities.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria. His continued detention on treason charges has drawn international criticism, with many stakeholders advocating for his release amid escalating tensions in the South-East
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Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has accused the Nigeria Police of robbing citizens instead of protecting them, The Niche has reported.
Badenoch, who has been trolling Nigeria prior to becoming leader of the UK opposition Conservative Party, made the comment during an interview with a UK journalist.
The British journalist asked her if she trusted the UK police. In response, she said: “I do. My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.
“The police in Nigeria will rob us (laughter). When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well…I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
Interviewer exclaimed in shock. “They took his shoe and his watch?” Kemi continued: “It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things. So, giving people a gun is just a license to intimidate. But that’s not just the problem. That is not the bar we should use for the British Police. When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person. This was in 2004, that was 20 years ago.”
Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Natacha Anita Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has opened up on the reason she decided to relocate abroad.
Tacha recently left Nigeria for the United Kingdom.
Speaking in a chat with British media personality Madame Joyce, Tacha disclosed that she relocated to the UK because she has “conquered” the Nigerian market.
Tacha said: “I relocated to the UK because I have conquered the whole of the Nigerian market. Relocating to the UK doesn’t mean I’m not going to do Nigerian deals. If the offer is good, why not?
“The influencing scene in Nigeria looks so beautiful, but behind the scenes, it’s not as beautiful as it seems because the money is poor. Someone would pay you N6 million, that’s around $3,000, for you to influence for six months and post two videos a month.
The fee was the same when I left the Big Brother Naija show in 2019, but it made sense then. At least, you could book a plane ticket with it. But right now, $3,000 is nothing. N6 million seems good, but when you have to convert it to dollars, travel abroad, and spend money to look good, there’s nothing left.”
In August 2021, Olufemi Adegoke, father of Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, praised Sunday Igboho, the Yoruba Nation activist, for his “bravery”.
Adegoke, who was the president of Voice of Reason (VOR) — a group of Yoruba professionals passionate about good governance in Nigeria — told BBC Yoruba that Igboho has the right to call for secession of the Yoruba ethnic group from Nigeria.
In the interview published in August 16, 2021, Adegoke said Igboho, however, crossed the line by allegedly advocating for the use of violence.
“One person can’t fight for secession. It is not possible. A true warlord is the one who knows when to retreat from the war front and when to intensify the war,” Adegoke said.
“It is true that Sunday Igboho is a brave man. He shouted and did his things (referring to the fight for Yoruba Nation). He has the right to let the youths know what is happening, the injustice in the country and that if we secede, it will benefit us.
“But this is not the way to fight for secession. It is not by cutlasses and sticks, it is by wisdom.
“Those who are supporting him are turning him to a god. They are the ones who made him pass his boundary. But there is nothing wrong in him running away from the country.”
During the interview, Adegoke advocated for restructuring and a new constitution for Nigeria.
“We are not talking about succession. What we are saying is that — what we have (resources) in this country is enough for everyone,” he said.
“Give regions the opportunity to protect themselves in their domains. It is not that someone will stay many miles away and dictate how we should govern and educate ourselves. Instead of self-determination, self-governance is our target.”
Adegoke died in January 2022.
gboho became prominent after he asked herdsmen from northern extraction to leave the south-west geopolitical zone of the country.
In July 2021, Igboho was arrested alongside his wife, Ropo, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and detained at the request of the Nigerian government.
He fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, after the Department of State Services (DSS) raided his residence in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
The DSS alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons, and subsequently declared him wanted.
Attempts by the Nigerian government to repatriate him to Nigeria after his arrest were unsuccessful.
Igboho was arraigned at the Court D’Apeal in Cotonou and was detained in a prison facility in the country.
In the last quarter of 2023, he was released from the prison custody and he returned to Nigeria in February 2024.
BADENOCH’S COMMENTS
Recently, Badenoch said she identifies more with the Yoruba ethnic group than the Nigerian entity.
The UK parliamentarian said she is proud of her Yoruba ancestry which has given her a “very strong identity”.
The Conservative leader said she “does not have anything in common” with Nigerians from the northern part of the country.
“I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba]. That’s what I really am,” she said in an interview with the Spectator.
“I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where the Islamism is, those were our ethnic enemies and yet you end up being lumped in with those people.”
Badenoch has stirred online conversation about her ties with Nigeria following her criticisms of the country’s governance terrain and society.
In one of her interviews, she described Nigeria as a “socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity”.
Badenoch’s criticism of Nigeria caught the attention of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who berated her depiction of Nigeria.
Shettima also advised Badenoch to change her first name if she no longer wants to identify with her homeland.
Despite economic hardship and suffering, some state governors have yet to reduce the cost of governance, particularly in the number of vehicles in their convoys, findings by PUNCH have shown.
The governors, who are the major beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy removal which resulted in more revenues from federal allocations, have yet to adjust their extravagant lifestyles.
Cutting the cost of governance by political officeholders has been emphasised as a way to mitigate economic hardship.
On October 24, President Bola Tinubu restricted ministers and heads of agencies of the Federal Government to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys.
The president also ordered them to have a maximum of five security personnel as part of measures to reduce the cost of governance.
Investigations by our correspondents showed that many of the ministers have complied with the president’s directive.
However, some state governors have not done much to cut down on the cost of governance.
The luxury lifestyles of governors are noticeable in their convoys, as many retain large numbers of expensive vehicles.
Also, the travel expenses, cabinets, and political appointments of some governors have raised concerns about their readiness to reduce expenditures.
NASARAWA
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has a convoy of 15 vehicles, including the latest models of Chevrolet Jeep, Lexus, Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado.
The price of a brand new 2023 Chevrolet Jeep in Nigeria ranges between $35,000 and $70,000, while a brand new Lexus 2023 model costs between $47,000 and $90,000.
At N1,050/litre, at least N85,000 worth of fuel will be needed to fill the 81-litre tank capacity of the Chevrolet SUV, while filling up the Lexus 2023 model with a tank of 87 litres requires about N91,000. The two vehicles therefore will need N176,000 worth of fuel.
If other vehicles have at least 70-litre tanks, it will take N73,500 to fuel each of them. For the 13 vehicles in the convoy, at least N955,500 of fuel will be needed. The entire convoy will then require at least N1.1m worth of petrol, which could last for a few days or a week.
A resident of Lafia Local Government Area of the state, Agatha Locombu, expressed dismay at the large convoy of the governor amidst prevailing hardship.
Agatha said, “The vehicles being used by politicians are too many. You can imagine a governor having a convoy of over 15 vehicles in this hard time. It is not the right thing to do.
“Here in Nasarawa State, our governor has numerous SUVs in his convoy, and sometimes, I imagine how much the state government spends to maintain the vehicles when the masses can barely afford three square meals a day.”
But the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, said the governor had been prudent with the state’s resources.
“He is one of the governors who have refused to travel on chartered planes, unlike other governors. All these are targeted at cutting the cost of governance,” he added.
ADAMAWA
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, maintains a convoy of 15 vehicles, including six Toyota Prado (2024 model) being sold between $62,830 and $100,665 each.
The fuel tank capacity of each of the Prado is between 87 litres and 150 litres. This means any of the brands will gulp between N91,350 and N157,500 worth of fuel at a time.
With at least 70-litre tanks in each of the other nine vehicles, it will take N73,500 to fuel each SUV and a total of N661,500 worth of fuel for the vehicles.
Some of the governor’s aides, who were contacted by Sunday PUNCH for comment, declined to speak on the grounds that they were not permitted to talk to journalists.
Besides, the governor also has 80 aides, with 24 commissioners and 57 heads of commissions.
Fintiri had earlier appointed 47 media aides, followed by 30 advisers, 45 senior special assistants, 37 principal special assistants and 21 special assistants in 2023.
ZAMFARA
The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, uses a 2025 BMW 760i series being sold at N197,807,247.76 as of September this year.
The V-8 car has a fuel tank of 73.81553 litres (19.5 gallons). At N1,050 fuel pump price (in Abuja), it is estimated that the governor will use N78,000 to fill his car tank, paid for by taxpayers.
In the governor’s convoy are also Lexus and Toyota SUVs numbering about eight, and five Hilux in a video seen on by Sunday PUNCH.
The 13 other vehicles in the governor’s convoy will be fuelled at the cost of N949,000 at a 70-litre capacity per vehicle.
DELTA
Governor Sheriff Oboreveori of Delta State has over 15 vehicles in his convoy as sighted by Sunday PUNCH.
Our correspondent observed that the convoy included a Lexus SUV 2023 model, which the governor bought shortly after he assumed office.
The price of the governor’s official vehicle goes for between $47,000 and $90,000, depending on the trim.
With a litre of petrol being sold for about N1,050 per litre, it will cost about N155,000 to fill the 110-litre tank capacity of the SUV.
Besides, the governor also has a Mercedes 580 being used as a backup. This vehicle has a 76-litre tank and it takes N79,800 to fuel it.
The 12 other vehicles in the governor’s convoy will be fuelled at the cost of N822,000 at a 70-litre capacity per vehicle.
Findings from auto dealers revealed that the price of the car is between $147,441 and $198,300.
Other vehicles in the governor’s convoy include those for protocol aides, anti-bomb personnel, chief security officer, police, Department of State Services, two buses for media, and one medical bus, among others.
PLATEAU
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has a convoy of 12 vehicles in his convoy.
Mutfwang uses Lexus 600 2023 SUV and Range Rover 2023 models.
Other vehicles in his convoy include Toyota Land Cruisers and Prado, a pilot Hilux, an ambulance, and a bus for the press crew, among others.
The Lexus SUV goes for $90,815.
The prices of the other vehicles go for between $83,000 and $121,500.
With N1,050 per litre, the Lexus with 80-litre tank capacity will be fuelled at N84,000, while the Range Rover will gulp N94,500 worth of fuel.
If the 10 other vehicles have at least 70 litres tank each, it will take N735,000 to fuel them.
KATSINA
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has 11 vehicles in his convoy, while his deputy, Faruk Jobe, has four.
Aside from his Lexus LX 570, the governor also has Prado, Toyota Land Cruisers, and two buses (for press crew and new media).
According to an online price survey, the price of the Lexus LX 570 ranged from $86,930 to $91,930, depending on the year and specs.
With a fuel tank capacity of 93.12113, it takes N98,000 to fill the tank at N1050 per litre.
The average fuel tank of a Prado is between 80 and 110 litres, meaning that between N84,000 and N115,000 will be used to fuel the vehicles.
In Jobe’s convoy are official Lexus CX. R, J560, Land Cruiser, and two Prados.
The prices of the Lexus CX. R, J560 ranged from $37,515 to $141,350, depending on the trim and options.
LAGOS
Findings by our correspondents showed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has 11 vehicles in his convoy, including his Land Cruiser 409 TT.
Among the vehicles in Sanwo-Olu’s convoy sighted at two different times while on official engagements are six SUVs, one ambulance, two Hilux vehicles (for security personnel) and two buses for the press crew.
Also, the governor’s convoy has two BMW motorcycles that usually lead the convoy.
According to a market survey, Sanwo-Olu’s Land Cruiser 409 TT is being sold for between $105,940 and $139,000 as of the time of filing this report.
The governor’s Land Cruiser has a 110-litre tank capacity and fuelling the vehicle at N1,050 per litre will cost N115,500.
OSUN
Findings revealed that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s convoy consists of 11 vehicles, including an ambulance and backup.
Adeleke uses two Lexus LX 600 SUVs, with a 2023 model costing $90,815 and a 2024 model costing $93,915, excluding destination fees.
The wife of the governor, Titilola Adeleke, usually has four vehicles in her convoy.
Also, a review of the budget performance documents in the state revealed that the state spent N527m on refreshments and meals between January and September 2024.
But the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in the state, Kolapo Alimi, said the amount was expended on transportation, accommodation and event organisation.
BORNO
Sunday PUNCH observed that the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, rides a 2021 Lexus LX 570, being sold between N90m and N120m depending on the location and specification.
The LX is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, with a fuel tank capacity of 93 litres that requires N97,650 to fill.
It was observed that the governor moves in not less than 11 vehicle convoy.
Zulum also has 19 commissioners and 168 aides comprising nine Senior Technical Assistants, 81 Senior Special Assistants and 78 Special Assistants.
OGUN
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has 10 vehicles in his convoy.
The governor uses two Lexus SUVs, three Hilux vehicles for security operatives, the press crew bus, one ambulance sometimes and a Sienna space bus for the aides.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the convoy of the deputy governor are not more than five with two SUV Lexus, while one serves as a backup, the press crew bus, and two Hilux vehicles for security and protocol.”
KANO
There are no fewer than 10 vehicles in the convoy of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.
Findings by Sunday PUNCH showed that there were five Toyota SUVs, three Hilux vehicles and two buses in the convoy.
The governor uses Lexus LX 570 being sold for between $86,930 and $91,930, depending on the trim. It has a 93.1 fuel tank capacity that requires N98,000 worth of petrol to fill.
SOKOTO
The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has five SUVs and other vehicles in his convoy.
Two of the SUVs are Lexus 2023 models with each of them costing between $49,950 and $90,000.
The governor also has in his convoy three Toyota Prado with each costing nothing less than N150m.
The Toyota Lexus SUVs consume about 180 litres while the Toyota Prado consumes about 100 litres of fuel.
Also, the Deputy Governor, Muhammad Gobir, has about three SUVs in his convoy.
Each of the 25 commissioners in the state also use Prados.
This is apart from another set of vehicles given to about 40 special advisers.
Meanwhile, the governor recently distributed the Toyota Corolla (2006) to some of his Senior Special Assistants as official vehicles.
ONDO
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has between five and eight vehicles in his convoy.
The vehicles include the governor’s bulletproof SUV, two pilot Hilux, another SUV for security, an ambulance and a bus for the media.
Aiyedatiwa usually attends functions with between five and eight vehicles within and outside the state.
EKITI
The convoy of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, is made up of between four and six vehicles.
The vehicles include the governor’s Toyota Landcruiser and other Toyota products being used by security operatives and the media.
BENUE
In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia spends huge amounts of money on frequent foreign trips, just as he keeps a large convoy, including the latest bulletproof 2023 Lexus Jeep which is reportedly worth N500m.
According to a government official, the governor has jetted out of the country three times in the last few weeks.
In the past few weeks, the governor has embarked on foreign trips thrice. First, was a trip to attend the United Nations General Assembly, though as part of the vice president’s entourage. But, he decided to have offside engagements which made him spend more days.
Barely a week after he returned, he jetted out to the United Arab Emirates to attend the 2024 Gitex Global Summit.
As of the time of filing this report, the governor is in China, attending the 136th session of China Import and Export Fair Exhibition.
However, the Technical Adviser to the governor on Publicity and Media Strategy, Solomon Iorpev, said all the trips of the governor in recent times were for the benefit of the state.
“The convoy of the governor is devoid of the usual luxury of a flashy and long convoy. The point is that the so-called long convoy was caused by the appointees of the governor who like to join him in any official engagement within the state,” he added.
BAYELSA
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has 29 commissioners, 109 technical advisers, and about 700 senior special assistants.
Some top government officials said the governor’s last two trips gulped huge sums of money.
Diri has a N1.134bn budget for food, refreshment/nourishment for his office in 2024.
KADUNA
The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has maintained a large team of 80 aides and 14 commissioners, according to Sunday PUNCH’s findings.
Uba, who didn’t change the official vehicles left behind by his predecessor, Nasir el-Rufai, has in his fleet of cars, a Lexus 460 model (2022), and another that he “rarely” uses.
A Lexus 460 model goes for between $45,353 and $59,473 in the car market.
Other vehicles in the governor’s convoy include two BMW X5 motorbike outriders and several Toyota Hilux vans for police escorts and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives.
JIGAWA
The convoy of the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, consists of a minimum of eight vehicles, including for press, security, and other permanent entourage members.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the governor’s official vehicle is a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV 7th anniversary edition.
Market survey shows that the SUV goes for between $57,900 and $63,900.
GOMBE
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe state uses Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, while his commissioners and special advisers use GAC sport utility vehicles.
KWARA
Amid economic hardship, the Kwara State Government has spent a total of N922m on the presidential lodge and guest chalets.
A report on the budget performance of the state between January and September 2024 revealed that it budgeted N1bn for the lodge and guest chalets, while the government did not spend anything on water facility repairs and rehabilitation that has a N700m budget.
However, unlike most of his colleagues, the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, attends official and private assignments in a convoy of few vehicles, sometimes less than five.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that AbdulRazaq rides in a 2024 bulletproof Toyota Hilux, estimated at over N200m, while the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, rides a 2022 Toyota Prado estimated at N120m.
YOBE
In the first nine months of 2024, the Yobe State Government spent N2.6bn on honorarium and refreshments, according to a budget performance report.
The state also spent N1.2bn on the construction of chalets at a presidential lodge in the same period under review.
According to the report posted to the state’s website, a total of N600m was expended on three generators between January and September 2024.
Also, a sum of N1.1bn was used to purchase stoves and cooking gas for distribution to the public to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems, deforestation, and emission of GHGs.
TARABA
A total sum of N2.6bn was spent on office furniture and fittings by the Taraba State Government between January and September 2024, according to the budget performance report of the period.
However, the state spent N1.7bn on the rehabilitation/repairs of public schools, and N617m on the rehabilitation/repairs of agricultural facilities.
But Emmanuel Bello, the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to Governor Agbu Kefas, denied the report, saying it was untrue.
“Which office was furnished with such an amount? How much does the state get each month? How is the governor able to pay for free education? How have we kept our obligations to servicing loans and debts of the past?” he queried.
CROSS RIVER
According to the third-quarter budget performance of Cross River, the state spent N5.5bn on the procurement of vehicles between January and September 2024.
This means that the state spent 46.6 per cent of its N32.4bn Internally Generated Revenue on vehicles.
EBONYI
Even without a public zoo, the Ebonyi State Government claimed to have spent a sum of N1.1bn on wildlife conservation between January and September this year.
A total of N3bn was budgeted for wildlife conservation in the state.
However the state government denied the report, stating that the amount was for contingency, not wildlife conservation.
“First, the amount N1.1bn recorded against wildlife conservation is an amount meant for contingency items which the approved budget has coded under Margin for Increase in Cost and not wildlife conservation,” the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, said.
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