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Afe Babalola, the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says he took legal action against Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, to address the “falsity of his allegations and hold him account for his actions”.
On Tuesday, operatives from the police command in Ekiti arrested Farotimi in Lagos over a petition about alleged defamation and cyberbullying.
Farotimi had, in a statement, alleged that officers attached to the Ekiti police command had perfected plans to abduct him from Lagos.
He accused the command of deploying questionable means to lure him for arrest despite honouring the invitation of the zone 2 police headquarters in Lagos some weeks ago.
The police accused Farotimi of “criminally defaming” Babalola, the legal luminary, in a book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”.
On Wednesday, the Ekiti state magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti remanded Farotimi after he was arraigned on a 16-count. The activist pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Since his arrest, there have been strident calls on social media for his release, including from political bigwigs like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, has asked Nigerians to join a “nationwide/global protest” against the judiciary over the prosecution of the human rights activist.
However, in a statement on Friday issued by Afe Babalola & Co., his law firm, the erudite lawyer said no amount of street yelling and media tactics would stop the prosecution of Farotimi.
“We acknowledge several concerns and suggestions on this subject and the inference that the firm and its members would be better served by ignoring these published falsehoods,” the statement, signed by Adebayo Adenipekun, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reads.
“However, if we do not take any action to correct the false, reckless, and malicious statements by this author, our silence will necessarily be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
“Afe Babalola & Co is a law-abiding organisation that operates strictly within the law. We are aware of the implications of the steps we are taking and the possibility of spin and manipulation by this author, his acolytes, uninformed members of the public, and others who, like him, view us maliciously.
“Still, we are convinced that the legal steps we take now and in the future are the only way to address the falsity of the author’s allegations and hold him to account for his deliberate assault on the integrity and reputation that our founder, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CFR, SAN, LLD, has built and passed on to us over the past seven decades using nothing but hard work, legal knowledge, and trenchant advocacy.
“The constitution recognises fundamental human rights, and our firm has championed these rights in over sixty years of its existence.
“However, these rights are not absolute; the freedom to speak is not freedom from consequences of speech. And the subject of speech also has a fundamental right to hold the speaker accountable using lawful means.
“Since the matter is sub judice, we do not intend to join issues in the media on the merits of our complaints or the strength of evidence against Mr. Farotimi.
“Unlike him, we believe in the justice delivery system every time—not only when it favours us. In six decades of litigating cases across Nigeria, we have encountered several lawyers who prevailed against us in court.”
“Their existence disproves Mr. Farotimi’s wild accusations and indicates that at the end of this process, only the law will matter—not the media tactic or street yelling.”
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has resolved over 1,000 petitions in the last five years, addressing issues such as emergencies, stranded citizens, consular matters, trafficking, and deportation, according to the agency’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the achievements as part of the Commission’s reflection on its milestones since its establishment in May 2019.
She also noted significant progress in increasing Diaspora investments in Nigeria, a key focus of the agency’s mandate.
In a statement issued by Mr. Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocol unit, Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude for the agency’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigerians abroad.
According to the statement, “The Chairman, NiDCOM informed, also that, the anniversary celebration doubled to successfully celebrate the year, which is gradually ending.
“She lauded the NiDCOM team, past and present, for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices.
“The NiDCOM Boss acknowledged the challenges faced but expressed hope for the future, envisioning a brighter path for the Commission and its staff.”
Also Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission underlined the staff’s pivotal role in fostering diaspora engagement, attracting investment, protecting Nigerians abroad, and promoting Nigeria’s positive image, for the Commission.
He noted the hurdles NiDCOM experienced but expressed confidence in the Commission’s ability to deliver effective services.
Habibat Pat-Eluameh Esq, a former staff member, shared her pride in witnessing NiDCOM’s growth and showed optimism for a dedicated Commission building.
Mrs. Halima Ajagbe, Head of Administration, praised Hon. Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership and reaffirmed the Staff’s commitment to work hand in hand with top management to find more ways of value addition.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards and prizes to deserving staff, recognising their outstanding contributions to the Commission’s success story.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has said Nigeria’s justice system needs help to be revived as it is not at its best.
Egbetokun said it was wrong to blame only the Police that is just a part of the whole justice system that requires reviving to perform optimally.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony, organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Egbetokun admitted that the police have challenges.
Represented by the Force Headquarters Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP assured of the Police’s commitment to being the best for the country.
“Police is not the only pillar or stakeholder in the criminal justice system in this country. We have challenges, we accept, but we will try our best to make sure we have a better system.
“All of us must come together to help perfect criminal justice or justice system administration in Nigeria. If this system is working well; it is going to affect you, it is going to us,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, stated that corruption was a persistent challenge affecting all sectors in the country.
Aliyu noted that tackling corruption requires the effort of all stakeholders. He decried that Nigerian institutions are all affected by corruption undermining efficiency in service delivery.
“Corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of the Nigerian society, undermines policy-decision making, resource mobilization and utilization, policy execution and service delivery.
“Our experience at the ICPC in partnership with key stakeholders, has shown that tackling corruption effectively, across sectors and institutions, requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach. This approach should focus not only on enforcement but also on prevention, deterrence, and systems reform,” he stated.
Heavily armed policemen and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) have surrounded the Kano Emir’s Palace at Kofar Kudu, restricting both entry and exit from the premises.
The deployment of security to the palace was a result of moves by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to install his newly appointed Wamban Kano, District Head of Bichi.
DAILY POST gathered that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is scheduled to accompany the newly appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, to his official district posting in Bichi.
Reliable sources have also confirmed that the Bichi Emir’s Palace is under tight security, with armed policemen deployed to the area.
Two weeks ago, the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, while at Bichi, insisted that the Bichi Emirate Council remains valid and that Emir Nasiru Ado Bayero remains the instituted emir.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, while acting on the newly passed Kano Emirate Council Law, invalidated the five emirs, removing them from their chiefdoms.
However, a few days later, the same government appointed three second-class emirs, excluding Bichi, which made a district head’s domain.
The Federal Government has begun payment of pensions and other entitlements to retired military personnel, including three months’ arrears.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.
PUNCH Online reports that retired military personnel halted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Thursday to protest their unpaid entitlements.
The retirees expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s failure to pay the promised 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024.
Their demands included overdue payments for palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and the refund of pension deductions made from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers.
However, Matawalle said that the government has begun payment of military salary increases, and the military personnel have already started receiving alerts for the payment.
“President Bola Tinubu released funds for the payment of pension and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel on Thursday,” the statement said.
He commended the President for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel, emphasising that the payment of pension arrears owed to retirees would continue to receive critical attention.
The minister said that the initiative reflected the President’s dedication to enhancing the living standards of those who have served the nation.
Mayawalle also acknowledged the efforts and support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who was very committed to actualising the payments.
He urged the Nigerian military to remain steadfast in their duties while reassuring them that the President was fully committed to boosting their morale and providing the necessary support to combat insecurity in Nigeria.
“In spite of initial setbacks, be rest assured that Mr President will do everything within his power to uplift our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the President for his decisive action and reiterated the vital role played by both retired and serving military personnel in ensuring the nation’s security and their significant contributions in combating insurgency.
He assured the Nigerian Armed Forces officers and personnel of the President’s unwavering resolve to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria, bolstered by the readiness and resilience of the military.
NAN
The Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) is trying to recover N4 trillion debts from debtors, Managing Director Gbenga Alade said yesterday.
He said the company has successfully recovered N2 trillion from debtors, who put up stiff resistance to offset their debts.
Alade, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, lamented that those who owe are eminent Nigerians, politicians, public officers, captains of industry and other celebrities.
He said that many debtors live in opulence and flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, adding that they also abuse the currency by spraying money at social events.
Alade thanked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for cooperating with the company in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, saying the proposed laws are a wake-up call to northern Nigerian leaders to develop their region.
Gumi said the tax reform bills would create more opportunities in the economy than the existing tax system, which promotes multiple taxation.
The cleric stated this on two different occasions on Tuesday and Wednesday in Kaduna. The videos of the conversation were posted on his Facebook page.
The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024- SB.584; and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024- SB. 585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
Some experts said most critics of the bills had not read their provisions and were only amplifying falsehoods circulated by uninformed interest groups.
Gumi lamented that the debate on the bills is political. He said northern leaders should instead debate their region’s backwardness and why they allow industries and banks to go bankrupt.
However, he identified grey areas in the bills. He said the VAT sharing formula that ignited the debate should be given a second look.
“I heard people debating that Lagos will benefit more from the new sharing formula in the proposed tax reform bills; this should not be the issue to debate on; our leaders should not say so. You said the corporate headquarters were relocated to Lagos, where are your banks’ headquarters in Kaduna or Kano?
“You people were sleeping; you deliberately allowed the population to wallow in poverty. You are shouting over the tax reform bills; where are our industries? Who among you invested in the industries in Kakuri to sustain them? Only the breweries are still functional in the area. We are always applying politics on issues where there is no need for it.
“Nigeria needs the new tax system to move away from the obsolete system that promotes multiple taxation. You cannot throw away the tax reform bills, adopt them, and address their grey areas.
“If we want development, let’s build industries, cultivate more land, and have banks,” Gumi said to the northern leaders.
“Nigeria is blessed with wealth across all regions, so our leaders are treated with dignity globally. France is treating Nigeria with caution; the way they warmly received President Bola Tinubu means a lot.”
Gumi said the debate on the tax reform bills should be conducted by people who are knowledgeable in the field.
“The tax reform bills exempting low-income earners from paying taxes is a welcome development. This should apply to all low-cadre workers, including security agents; doing so will greatly help Nigerians.
“The attempt of the president to reform the collection system is commendable, continuing in the old system will not be good for the country because of the multiple taxation,” the cleric said.
PT
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Celebrates Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, Founder and CEO Of Matrix Energy Group, On His 50th Birthday
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Celebrates Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, Founder and CEO Of Matrix Energy Group, On His 50th Birthday](/media/k2/items/cache/fa216bd21218ead7287c5f2fb66faf8d_S.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, the founder and CEO of Matrix Energy Group, as he marks his 50th birthday on December 5, 2024.
This significant milestone not only commemorates Abdulkabir's personal journey but also highlights his remarkable contributions to the energy sector and his profound impact on fostering economic growth and social development in Nigeria.
President Tinubu commends Abdulkabir for his transformative role in Nigeria’s energy landscape and his unwavering commitment to economic progress.
As an entrepreneur, Abdulkabir has successfully broadened the scope of Matrix Energy Group to encompass logistics, shipping, LPG distribution, and fertiliser blending. His leadership has spurred innovation and excellence across these vital industries.
The President recognizes Abdulkabir’s philanthropic endeavours, which have led to the construction of a state-of-the-art Kidney Complex in Maiduguri and at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), the renovation of healthcare centers, and the provision of essential medical supplies to host communities.
Additionally, he has endowed scholarships for over 4,000 students and empowered women through skills training and financial support.
“Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu exemplifies the spirit of resilience, innovation, and service that elevates communities and strengthens our nation,” President Tinubu stated.
In his capacity as a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PEEC), Mr. Aliu continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda.
The President wishes him continued success, robust health, and personal fulfilment in the coming years.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser
Information & Strategy to the President
[PHOTO] Gov. Sanwo-Olu Disburses N1.5 Billion Compensation to Lagos Residents for Acquired Lands by Lagos State Government
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Gov. Sanwo-olu presents cheques to 150 beneficiaries as compensation for lands acquired by lagos state govt for public use, held at adeyemi bero auditorium, alausa, ikeja, on tuesday, 3rd December 2024
See Photo Below:
l-r: Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowosago; Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, representatives of Ogunsanya and Ogunsanya; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December
l-r: Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Alhaji Muritala Abubakar; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
l-r: Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Estate of Chief Robert Jaiyeola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
l-r: Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowosago; Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Mr. Olawale Jimoh; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
l-r: Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Mr. Samuel Kalu; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
l-r: Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Mr. Adebayo Adekoya; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
[ PRESS RELEASE] Out-Going President Akufo-Addo Promises Peaceful, Credible Elections in Ghana
Admin![[ PRESS RELEASE] Out-Going President Akufo-Addo Promises Peaceful, Credible Elections in Ghana](/media/k2/items/cache/7c151883632d5aee74823458e730717f_S.jpg)
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, who completes his mandatory two terms by 7 January 2025, has promised to leave office through peaceful and credible general elections on 7 December 2024.
“I came (to the office) as a result of a peaceful and credible election, and I want to go out through the same process,” to entrench the democratic tradition in Ghana, the Ghanaian leader told visiting ECOWAS Election Observation Mission led by former Nigerian Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo during an audience at Jubilee House, Accra on Tuesday 3rd December.
President Akufo-Addo said that ECOWAS as a community has been facing “challenges and negative developments”, including violent extremism and military incursions in politics, especially the decision of three member States to quit the regional economic bloc.
“The responsibility is on us to respond to these challenges with the conduct of free, fair and credible elections,” he said, adding that the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana, a founding and active member of ECOWAS, would be of particular resonance.
He assured that Ghana has institutions with experience in conducting credible elections under its fourth Republic from 1992, noting that the country values the contributions of ECOWAS, chairing its Authority of Heads of State and Government in the past.
In his remarks, Dr Sambo commended Ghana’s democratic tradition, which included the unbroken ninth cycle of regular elections and peaceful transfer of political power.
He urged the president to galvanise the nation to pull together for peaceful, transparent and credible elections and the consolidation of democracy in Ghana and the region.
The ECOWAS delegation included the Deputy Head of Mission, Baboucarr Blaise Jagne, Gambia’s former Foreign Minister, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, who is leading an Electoral Technical Support Team and Ambassador Mohamed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana.
Accompanying President Akufo-Addo at the meeting were Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey, recently appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General, Interior Minister Henry Quartey, Kow Essuma, Secretary to the President and Michael Afori-Attah, Director Regional Integration, Office of the President.
At a separate meeting with Mrs Jean Mensa, Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Dr Sambo called on the electoral umpire and other stakeholders, including the security agencies, to demonstrate high-level professionalism and neutrality in carrying out their duties.
The EC Chairperson briefed the ECOWAS Mission on the activities of the Commission, saying preparations were on course for a peaceful and credible presidential and parliamentary elections on 7 December.
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The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo; Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo; airline operators and other relevant stakeholders over the incessant flight delays and cancellations by airlines.
Adopting a motion to that effect, sponsored by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (APC Oyo North) during plenary, the Red Chamber particularly charged its Committee on Aviation to unravel the circumstances behind the incessant flight delays and cancellations to find lasting solutions to the problem.
The PUNCH exclusively reported on Wednesday that about 2,000 air passengers lost 19,274 pieces of luggage between January and June this year, according to data from the Federal.
The report stated that data obtained from the half-year report of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, an agency of the Federal Government that regulates civil aviation, further indicated that 19,250 passengers were delayed for long hours during the review period.
Senator Buhari, while presenting the motion, said the problem which he noted had been on the increase in recent times, is all over the media.
“This development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable, and quicker means of transportation, often undertaken for business/official purposes and to keep other scheduled appointments, which are usually time-bo,” he said.
Therefore, he cautioned that “unwarranted flight delays and cancellations will be counterproductive to the socio-economic growth and development of this country.”
The lawmaker noted that as part of interventionist measures to check unethical and unwholesome practices of the practitioners in the àviation sector, the NCAA is statutory empowered through the enactment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, to among other things, provide oversight and guidelines aimed at ensuring that airlines operate within the contemplation of international standards in Nigeria and to ensure that airline customers get value for the services paid for.
Buhari pointed out that “the quest for economic diversification and foreign direct investment, which are parts of the current administration’s policy thrust, will remain an illusion if the country’s aviation industry falls short of the acceptable best practices across the globe.”
“Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023, makes provisions for consumer protection in the civil aviation industry in Nigeria.”
He added, “However, enforcement has been an issue as most Nigerians are not even aware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delay, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this aspect of its regulation so that airline operators will sit up and be alive to their responsibilities.”
The Senate, on Tuesday, approved the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) with new borrowings of N9.22 trillion also approved.
The new borrowings consist of domestic and foreign borrowings, were also approved.
The approval was sequel to presentation and adoption of the report of Joint Committee on Finance, National Planning and Economic Affairs at plenary in Abuja.
The report was presented by the Chairman of committee, Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger).
The highlights of the approved recommendations of 2025-2027 MTEF/FSP include: approval of projected oil benchmark prices of $75.3 per barrel for 2025, 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.
The senate also approved the three-year projection for domestic crude oil production, which had a significant increase from 1.78 million barrels per day in the preceding year to 2.6, 2.1 and 2.35 for 2025, 2026 and 2027.
It equally approved the projected exchange rate of N1,400 to one dollar for 2025, 2026 and 2027 fiscal years, subject to review in the early 2025, based on monetary and fiscal policies.
The upper legislative chamber approved the projected inflation rates of 15.75 per cent, 14.21 per cent and 10.04 per cent for 2025, 2026 and 2027.
It further approved the projected Gross Domestic Product (GPD) growth rate of 4.6 per cent, 4.4 per cent and 5.5 per cent for 2025, 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.
Given the criteria on review of framework for revenue and expenses, the approved 2025 budget proposed spending stood at N47.9 trillion, of which N34.82 trillion was retained.
New borrowings, which stood at N9.22 trillion, consisting of domestic and foreign borrowings, were also approved.
While debt service was valued at N15.38trillion, pensions, gratuities and retirees’ benefits stood at N1.443trillion, and fiscal deficit at N13.08 trillion.
The senate approved the projected capital expenditure of N16.48 trillion, exclusive of statutory transfers which stood at N4.26trillion, while sinking fund was projected at N430.27 billion.
Another approval was the projected total recurrent non-debt of N14.21trillion and special intervention for recurrent and capital of N200 billion and N7 billion.
It further approved issuance of promissory note programme and bond issuance to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of the Federal Government to state governments.
The senate also approved a quarterly investigative hearing with revenue generating agencies to track their compliance with Fiscal Responsibility Act and reprimand clear contravention of the act.
The upper legislative chamber equally approved that Committee on Finance and Customs initiate an investigative inquiry into operations of import duty exemption certificate programme, with focus on import waivers, its impact on revenue losses by the Federal Ministry of Finance and Nigerian Customs Service.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks after the passage of the expenditure framework, commended members of the joint committee and other lawmakers for their legislative inputs, leading to the approval of the 2025, 2026 and 2027 MTEF and FSP.
(NAN)
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday rejected calls to resign to break a political impasse in the country, saying such a scenario amounted to “political fiction”.
“It doesn’t make sense… it’s frankly not up to scratch to say these things,” Macron, whose government faces a no confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, told reporters on the sidelines of a visit to Saudi Arabia.
“It so happens that if I am before you, it is because I was elected twice by the French people. I am extremely proud of this and I will honour this trust with all the energy that is mine until the last second to be useful to the country,” added Macron, who is due to serve until 2027.
Several prominent opposition figures and even some voices closer to the presidential faction have suggestion resignation could be Macron’s only viable option.
Macron also accused the far-right National Rally (RN) of Marine Le Pen of “unbearable cynicism” in backing the motion which threatens to topple the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
“We must not scare people with these things, we have a strong economy,” he added.
While most commentators predict that the left and fa-right will team up to bring down the government, Macron appeared to hold out some hope saying he could “not believe” that the no confidence motion would we passed against the government.
Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party was declared winner Tuesday of last week’s disputed elections, ushering in the southern African country’s first woman president after a disputed vote that the main opposition has already said it does not recognise.
Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took just over 57 percent of ballots followed by the candidate for the main opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) with 25.5 percent, the election authority announced.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, becomes the first woman to rule the mineral-rich southern African country that has been governed by the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) since independence in 1990.
The November 27 election was extended twice as logistical and technical problems, including a shortage of ballot papers, led to long queues.
Some voters gave up on the first day of voting after waiting for up to 12 hours.
The IPC has already said this was a deliberate attempt to frustrate voters and it would not accept the results of the elections.
Its presidential candidate Panduleni Itula, 67, said last week there were a “multitude of irregularities”.
No matter the result, “the IPC shall not recognise the outcome of that election”, he said on Saturday, the last day of the extended vote.
Opposition rejects poll
Itula said the IPC would “fight… to nullify the elections through the processes that are established within our electoral process”.
An organisation of southern African human rights lawyers serving as election monitors said the delays at the ballot box were intentional and widespread.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) admitted to failures in the organisation of the vote, including a shortage of ballot papers and the overheating of electronic tablets used to register voters.
Of the nearly 1.5 million registered voters in the sparsely populated country, nearly 77 percent had cast ballots in the presidential vote, it said Tuesday.
The election was seen as a key test for SWAPO after other liberation-era movements in the region have lost favour with young voters.
In the past six months, South Africa’s African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority and the Botswana Democratic Party was ousted after almost six decades in power.
Namibia is a major uranium and diamond exporter but analysts say not many of its nearly three million people have benefited from that wealth in terms of improved infrastructure and job opportunities.
Unemployment among 15- to 34-year-olds is estimated at 46 percent, according to the latest official figures from 2018, which is almost triple the national average.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, a SWAPO stalwart known by her initials NNN, will be among the few women leaders on the continent.
The conservative daughter of an Anglican pastor, she became vice president in February this year.
Recognisable by her gold-framed glasses, she has tried to vaunt the wisdom of her years during the campaign where she was often wearing blue, red and green, the colours of her party and of the national flag.
Among her election promises, NNN said she intends to “create jobs by attracting investments using economic diplomacy.”