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President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, presided over a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House in Abuja.
Naija News reports Wednesday’s FEC meeting is the second for the week after the one earlier held on Monday.
On Monday, the council approved several memos, including the one for the completion of the Oyo-Ogbomoso road project and the license approval for new private universities in the country.
The agenda of today’s meeting is yet to be revealed, but the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the end of the last meeting, had indicated that another meeting of the council was scheduled for today.
At the commencement of today’s meeting, the council honoured two former members who passed on recently with a minute of silence.
Those honoured were the first female Minister, Adenike Oyagbola, who served under late Shehu Shagari’s administration and late Chief Edwin Clark, who was a Federal Commissioner for Education and later Information.
The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.
In other news, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has denied describing the recent Supreme Court ruling on the political crisis in Rivers State as reckless.
Peter Obi, in a statement on Wednesday, clarified that even if the Supreme Court ruling is not agreeable to him, he couldn’t have described it as reckless.
Naija News reports the former Anambra State Governor made the clarification following some reports claiming he described the verdict of the apex court on Rivers State as reckless.
Obi, however, explained that his submissions were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
[NaijaNews]
Rivers State deputy governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, says she has not resigned.
In a trending video on social media, it was reported that the deputy governor resigned as a result of intense pressure.
In a statement which her press secretary, Owupele Benebo, issued on her behalf, on Wednesday, she said contrary to the viral social media video the deputy governor has remained committed to her responsibility.
“The Office of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State wishes to categorically debunk the false and misleading reports circulating online suggesting that Her Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, DSSRS, has resigned.
“Contrary to these baseless claims, Her Excellency remains committed to her duties as Deputy Governor, a position she was duly elected to serve alongside His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Executive Governor of Rivers State .
“As a seasoned public servant and academic, Prof. Odu is dedicated to supporting the Governor in his efforts to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers State.
” Her exemplary leadership and expertise have been invaluable to the administration, and she remains steadfast in her commitment and support to His Excellency Sir Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS,” Owupele Benebo stated in the press statement.
The statement urged the public to disregard , “the unfounded reports, which are clearly the product of malicious speculation.”
[DailyTrust]
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) has fixed August 9, 2025 to hold fresh local government elections following the Supreme Court’s judgement that sacked the local government chairmen and councilors.
The Chairman of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), released the new date on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt.
Enebeli said the decision was in line with the last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by his commission.
He said: “In exercise of the powers conferred on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission by Section 5 of the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018, and all other enabling provisions, the commission hereby provides guidelines for political parties, stipulating rules and procedures for electioneering campaigns.
“The commission, therefore, announces that local government council elections will hold on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in all 23 local government areas of Rivers state.”
[TheNation]
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Approves Appointment Of Special Adviser, Senior Special Assistant In VPs Office
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Approves Appointment Of Special Adviser, Senior Special Assistant In VPs Office](/media/k2/items/cache/d1c1175a849dcbc0343e513b685f0ccb_M.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson as Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on Job Creation & MSME (Office of the Vice President) and Mrs Uju Anwuka as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health (Office of the Vice President).
The appointments are in continuation of efforts to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, especially in the respective sectors.
Prior to their appointments, Mr Adekunle-Johnson and Mrs Anwuka served in the same portfolios as Senior Special Assistant and Special Assistant to the President respectively, all in the office of the Vice President.
As Senior Special Assistant, Mr Adekunle-Johnson has diligently driven some of the administration's policies and programmes in areas of job creation and development in the micro, small and medium enterprises space in Nigeria.
Key initiatives implemented under his supervision include the Expanded National MSME Clinics, and the Shared Facility Initiative, among others.
Mrs Onwuka, on the other hand, has industriously anchored the administration's vision in combating malnutrition and hunger, especially in vulnerable communities across the country, while serving as Special Assistant. A key programme under her watch is the recently launched Nutrition 774 Initiative.
Their latest appointments as Special Adviser and Senior Special Assistant respectively are with immediate effect.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
![[Full List] FG Appoints Six Police DIGs, CPs, ACPs](/media/k2/items/cache/d509e640417c1552433471bba72ecb33_M.jpg)
The federal government through the Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of six new Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs).
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Tuesday by PSC Spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani.
The newly appointed DIGs include: Sadiq Abubakar, who currently serves as the Commandant of the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano; Benjamin Okolo, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Department of Information Communication Technology at Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Williams Adebowale, the Commandant of the Police Staff College, Jos. Others are Bzigu Bali, AIG at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu; Idegwu Basil Ukuoma, AIG of Zone 14, Katsina; and Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, AIG of Zone 16, Yenagoa.
Ani also announced the promotion of Kanayo Uzuegbu, Commissioner of Police for Enugu State Command, to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police.
“CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, Commissioner of Police Enugu State Command promoted to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police was a former Assistant Commissioner Operations Zone 9, Umuahia; Area Commander, Owerri; Area Commander Karu, Nasarawa state; Commander Switch Operation Switch, Portharcourt; Deputy Commissioner Finance and Admin Edo State Command, DCP, state CID, Osun State and Commissioner of Police Operations, Communication, Force Headquarters, Abuja,” Ani added.
The commission also approved the appointment of new Commissioners of Police (CPs) for Oyo and Enugu State Commands.
He said: “CP Ademola Johnson, Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector General of Police, was appointed CP Oyo State.
“He was also a former Deputy Commissioner of Police Delta State Command. CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa was appointed CP, Enugu State, to take over from newly promoted AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu. CP Giwa was former DCP Operations Kaduna and Imo State Commands; ACP Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters Abuja; and CSP A, Commissioner of Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters, among other postings in the Police Mobile Force.”
Additionally, Ani revealed that the PSC had approved the promotion of eight Chief Superintendents of Police to the rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police.
“They are Abdullahi Kamba Usman, Sani Abdu, Ifeanyi Owo, Vincent Orole, Elisha Atikinkpan, and Margaret Okonkwo. Others are Alhasan Aliyu Guga and Imo Owinizi Ezekiel.
“The newly promoted senior Police Officers were subjected to written examinations and interactive oral interviews,” he said.
PSC Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, encouraged the newly appointed DIGs to work closely with the Inspector General of Police to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s ability to maintain law and order.
“The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu retd, charged the new DIGs to give the Inspector-General of Police the required support and cooperation to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force would be in a good position to secure the Nigerian space and ensure that law and order are maintained,” he said.
[NaijaNews]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation, following a rigorous and merit-based selection process.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, his appointment takes effect on March 7, 2025, the same day the incumbent, Oluwatoyin Madehin, is set to retire.
Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor in December 2024.
His selection was later confirmed through a competitive process, overseen by a dedicated committee.
The evaluation process included a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews, with only the most qualified candidate emerging at the end.
The president’s decision underscores his administration’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service appointments.
Ogunjimi brings a wealth of experience to the role, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.
He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
Congratulating the new Accountant General, President Tinubu urged him to carry out his duties with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to national service.
Ogunjimi’s appointment is expected to further strengthen fiscal accountability and efficiency in government financial management, in line with the administration’s commitment to good governance and economic reforms.
[TheNation]
Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the first female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has tendered her resignation, effective immediately. This dramatic exit comes just 49 days after she made history by becoming the first woman to assume the role.
Meranda's resignation was announced after a meeting with key stakeholders, including embattled former Speaker, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, who has been challenging her legitimacy in court. The meeting, which also included APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi and Attorney-General Lawal Pedro, seemed to have sealed Meranda's fate.
Meranda's brief tenure was marked by controversy, with Obasa questioning the legitimacy of her election. Despite this, she had garnered support from some lawmakers, who passed a vote of confidence in her leadership just yesterday.
Her sudden exit had left many wondering if the assembly would plunge into further turmoil or if a new leader would emerge to steer the ship. Obasa's return has brought a mix of reactions, with some lawmakers expressing relief and others questioning the implications of his re-election.
As the assembly seeks stability, Obasa's re-election raises questions about the future of the institution. Who is the unseen hands behind the sceen? Will he be able to restore order and confidence among lawmakers, or will the controversy surrounding his return create more challenges?
Despite her sudden exit, she has reaffirmed her commitment to serving the people of Apapa 1 constituency. In fact, she was re-elected as Deputy Speaker in a surprise move, sparking speculation about her future plans.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Governor Soludo Congratulates Muslims On Commencement Of Ramadan Fast](/media/k2/items/cache/3c80952e26208c991f80461a9cf297da_S.jpg)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed sincere felicitations and best wishes to esteemed Muslim brothers and sisters in Anambra State and across Nigeria as they commence the holy month of Ramadan fast.
In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo stated that Ramadan, a period of profound spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and heightened devotion, offers a unique opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their connection with the Almighty Allah, foster unity, and extend compassion to those in need.
This sacred month reinforces the timeless values of charity, empathy, and peaceful coexistence, which are fundamental to building a harmonious and progressive society.
The Governor went further to assure that Anambra State deeply values the contributions of the Muslim community to the socio-economic dynamism of the state, encouraging all faithful to use this auspicious period to deepen their faith and pray for the continued peace and prosperity of Anambra State and Nigeria.
Governor Soludo, therefore, wishes all Muslims a blessed and rewarding Ramadan and prays that the Almighty Allah grants them the strength and grace to successfully complete the fast.
Signed:
Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor
![[PHOTO NEWS] Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, Wins The Sun Courage In Leadership Award](/media/k2/items/cache/411c97da88ebc19b17ae20df1344cd8e_S.jpg?t=20250303_054907)
In a star-studded ceremony held at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, on Saturday, 1st March, 2025, The Sun Newspaper honoured High-profile attendees including distinguished Senators, seven Governors, Federal Executive Council members, respected elder statesmen and women, captains of industry, royalty, and academia, all gathered to celebrate 36 remarkable Nigerians who have made significant contributions in various fields. The event, which drew a Who's Who of Nigeria's political, business, and social elite, was a testament to the country's rich talent pool.
The Sun Newspaper on this occasion added another luster to the crown of Akpakpa Vhighi Vhighi of Edoland, Chief (Prof) Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, as he emerged the winner of THE SUN COURAGE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD. This prestigious award recognizes Chief Ozekhome's outstanding leadership, his unrelenting pursuit of excellence, and his unwavering resolve in the face of challenges.
Chief Ozekhome, SAN, is a renowned lawyer, with a career spanning over three decades. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he has made significant contributions to the nation's legal landscape.
The ceremony was a night to remember, with a dazzling display of glamour and sophistication. The event was a celebration of Nigeria's best and brightest. As Chief Ozekhome, SAN, took to the stage to accept his award, the audience erupted in applause, acknowledging his remarkable achievements and the impact he has had on the nation.
SEE PHOTO EXCERPTS:
A political group, Team New Nigeria (TNN), has unveiled its symbols and reaffirmed its commitment to forming a political party aimed at addressing Nigeria’s challenges, including hardship and insecurity.
During the public presentation at Kano Pillars Stadium, TNN President Modibbo Farakwai introduced the group’s motto, “Unite and Rebuild the Nation,” and its slogan, “Greater Nigeria.”
The group’s flag features green and white colors, with an image of hands held together in red at the center, and “TNN” written in white on a black background.
Farakwai explained that the green color represents growth, responsibility, and sacrifice; white stands for peace, redemption, and unity; red signifies solidarity, courage, and love; while black symbolizes emancipation, justice, and honor.
He also inaugurated a state harmonisation, structure, and mobilisation committee for the North-West states of Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara. This committee will oversee political activities and coordinate the formation of 13-man steering committees in each local government area.
Farakwai emphasized that TNN has already registered 43 million members and is prepared to establish a political party that will promote human rights and good governance.
In his remarks, TNN’s National Chairman, Prof. Garba Waziri, urged committee members to strengthen grassroots political structures, ensure public participation in decision-making, and uphold integrity to unite the country.
[DailyPost]
More...
Senate President’s Wife, Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, Files Fundamental Rights And Defamation Suits Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Admin
The wife of the Senate President of Nigeria, Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, has filed multiple lawsuits at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The suits allege a breach of fundamental rights and defamation stemming from statements made by the senator on the Senate floor and during a televised interview on Arise News.
In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), brought under Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Mrs. Akpabio seeks:
- A DECLARATIONthat the allegations made by the Respondent on the floor of the Senate on the 20th of February 2025 and subsequent scandalous and salacious allegations Arise News TV by the Respondent, constitute a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the Applicant guaranteed under Section 34(1) (A) of The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Section 14 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
- AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTIONrestraining the Respondent from making further inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements that have caused the Applicant and her children emotional and psychological abuse and living under constant threat and fear of their lives.
- AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTIONrestraining the Respondent, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, or howsoever from further inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements that have caused the Applicant and her children emotional and psychological abuse and living under constant threat and fear of their lives or in any other manner infringing on their fundamental rights.
- AN ORDERawarding the sum of N250,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira only) as exemplary, punitive, aggravated and general damages against the Respondent for her infringement of the fundamental rights of the Applicant alongside.
- Such further or other Orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.
Additionally, in a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio seeks:
- A DECLARATION that the Defendant’s act of claiming on national television, that the Claimant’s husband, who is the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made sexual advances at her, without any proof of same, has damaged the reputation of the Claimant and indeed her entire family, bringing them into disrepute and opprobrium.
- AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURTmandating the Defendant to issue a formal written retraction of the defamatory words and tender an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in 2 (two) nationally-read newspapers to wit: The Guardian and This Day Newspapers.
- AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT compelling the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of ₦1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira only) as punitive and exemplary damages for the ruinous effect of the Defendant’s defamatory words on the Claimant’s family’s reputation.
- AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Defendant from further uttering any defamatory words or causing to be uttered or spread, any defamatory words against the reputation of the Claimant’s family.
- ANY FURTHER OR ANCILLARY ORDER or other Orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.
President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the N54.99tn 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Tinubu signed the budget in the presence of principal officers of the National Assembly and other top government officials in a small ceremony in his office at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.
The bill was passed by the two Chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday, February 13, after Tinubu asked for an increase from the proposed N49.7tn.
The National Assembly approved a ₦54.99 trillion ($36.6bn) budget for the fiscal year, surpassing President Bola Tinubu’s initial proposal of ₦54.2tn.
This increase reflects additional anticipated revenues from agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service.
The budget aims to address key areas, including security, infrastructure, education, and health, with an allocation of $200m to mitigate the impact of recent U.S. health aid reductions.
The 2025 budget is based on ambitious economic assumptions, including a crude oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day at a benchmark price of $75 per barrel.
Additionally, the Federal Government projects an exchange rate of ₦1,500 to the U.S. dollar and aims to reduce inflation from 34.8 per cent to 15 per cent within the year.
A significant component of the fiscal strategy involves tax reforms, which Tinubu says, are designed to enhance revenue generation and economic stability.
The proposed tax overhaul includes increasing the value-added tax to 12.5 per cent by 2026 while exempting essential goods such as food and medicine to alleviate the burden on households.
The reform also proposes reallocating VAT revenues to favour states that generate more, a move that has sparked debate regarding regional economic disparities.
The 2025 Appropriation Act represents a 99.96 per cent increase from the 2024 Budget of N27.5tn.
Details later…
The Supreme Court has nullified the local government election held in Rivers state on October 5, 2024.
In a unanimous decision on Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court ruled in favour of an appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
More to follow…
[TheCable]
A total sum of N 1.703 trillion, being January 2025 federation account revenue, has been shared to the federal, State and local governments in the country by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The outcome of the FAAC meeting was announced after a similar meeting for sharing of the statutory revenues was deadlocked last week over alleged discrepancies in the funds that were remitted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The revenue was shared at the February 2025 FAAC meeting held in Abuja.
The N1.703trn total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N749.727bn, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N718.781bn, electronic money transfer levy revenue of N20.548bn and augmentation of N214bn.
A communiqué issued by FAAC on Thursday stated that total gross revenue of N2.641trn was available in January 2025. The total deduction for the cost of collection was N107.786bn while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings was N830.663bn.
According to a statement that was issued by the director of information in the office of the Accountant-general of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, gross statutory revenue of N1.848trn on was received for January 2025. This was higher than the sum of N1.226 trillion received in December 2024 by N622.125bn.
Gross revenue of N771.886bn was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in January 2025. This was higher than the N649.561bn available in December 2024 by N122.325bn.
The communiqué stated that from the N1.703trn total distributable revenue, the federal government received total sum of N552.591bn and the state governments received a total sum of N590.614bn.
The LGAs received total sum of N434.567bn and a total sum of N125.284bn (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
On the N749.727 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N343.612bn and the state governments received N174.285 billion.
The local government areas received N134.366bn and the sum of N97.464bn (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.
From the N718.781 billion distributable VAT revenue, FG got N107.817bn, states: N359.391bn while LGAs received N251.573bn.
A total sum of N3.082bn was received by the federal government from the N20.548bn revenue from electronic transfer levies, with states taking N7.192bn, local government areas: N10.274bn.
From the N214bn augmentation, FG received N98.080bn; 36 states: N49.747 billion. The LGAs got N38.353bn as their share of the money transfer levies, while the total sum of N27.820bn was shared with the specific states as (13% of mineral revenue) derivation revenue.