Philip Stevens, 66, from Ringwood, Hampshire in the UK, has received a £70,000 ($88,000) settlement after a medication prescribed for restless leg syndrome caused life-altering compulsive behaviours.

Shropshire reports on Friday that the settlement, agreed upon without liability being admitted by his GP, highlights serious concerns about the lack of proper warnings regarding the potential side effects of certain medications.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995, Stevens’ health worsened in 2015, forcing him to retire.

In 2017, he was prescribed Ropinirole—a dopamine agonist—to treat a tremor in his left leg that disrupted his sleep.

However, his GP did not inform him about the drug’s potential side effects, which include impulse control disorders such as compulsive gambling and shopping, according to NHS guidance.

Before and After

According to The Independent also on Friday, before taking Ropinirole, Stevens enjoyed occasional, calculated bets at horse races.

Yet, after starting the medication, his gambling spiraled out of control.

“I started betting on anything I could and even woke up in the middle of the night to place bets,” he recounted.

Over four years, he spent thousands of pounds on gambling websites, often disregarding any chance of winning.

The compulsive behaviours extended beyond gambling.

The sextagenarian began shopping obsessively for clothes, hiding purchases from his wife, and undertaking frequent three-day fishing trips, accumulating vast amounts of fishing equipment.

“Things I once enjoyed became obsessions,” he said.

In October 2021, during a review, a neurologist questioned him about side effects and advised him to stop taking Ropinirole immediately.

However, no guidance was provided on how to taper off the drug safely, leading to withdrawal symptoms including paranoia, hallucinations, and exhaustion.

At one point, he asked his children to take DNA tests, convinced they weren’t his.

The emotional toll led him to the local mental health crisis team in 2022.

Despite overcoming the compulsions, Stevens says the shame and withdrawal symptoms have left him mentally drained.

“I am not the same person as I was pre-Ropinirole,” he shared. “But my marriage has survived, and I am starting to look forward rather than back.”

Legal Action

Angharad Vaughan, the medical negligence solicitor representing Mr. Stevens, criticized the delayed recognition of the drug’s side effects.

“It is shocking that it took so long for a medical professional to flag these issues,” she said.

Leigh Day solicitors, who handled the case, hope this settlement prompts greater transparency from medical professionals about the risks associated with medications like Ropinirole.

The agencies report that NHS warns that dopamine agonists can cause impulse control disorders, advising patients to seek help if they experience compulsive gambling, shopping, or binge eating.

Yet, cases like Stevens’ underscore the importance of proactive patient education to prevent such devastating consequences.

For Stevens, the settlement represents a step towards rebuilding his life. “Maybe one day I will believe that what happened to me wasn’t my fault,” he concluded.

[Punch]

Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and media mogul Mo Abudu have once again been recognized in Forbes’ annual 100 Most Powerful Women in the World list, solidifying their status as global powerhouses.

Okonjo-Iweala ranks 89th on the prestigious list, marking her eighth appearance. She was previously featured in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023.

Abudu, who ranked 97th, celebrated her fourth consecutive year on the list.

The founder of EbonyLife Media expressed her gratitude and pride, saying, “I am deeply humbled to feature once again on the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list. It is an incredible honor to represent the media and entertainment sector, to stand as a proud Black woman, and to fly the flag for Nigeria and Africa on this prestigious global platform.”

She extended congratulations to her fellow honorees, particularly Okonjo-Iweala, stating, “A huge congratulations to all the phenomenal women on this list! A special shoutout to my dearest sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose unwavering brilliance and leadership inspire us all year after year.”

Abudu highlighted the significance of global recognition for women of color and those from developing nations. “Representation matters. When we see women of color, women from developing nations, and women breaking barriers in all industries recognized on a global stage, it reminds us of what’s possible. It’s a call to action for us to continue breaking ceilings, forging paths, and lifting others along the way,” she noted.

She also expressed appreciation to Forbes, saying, “Thank you, Forbes, for celebrating the power, resilience, and impact of women worldwide. Here’s to more women rising and rewriting the narrative.”

Abudu first appeared on the list in 2021 at 99th place. She climbed to 91st in 2022 and was ranked 98th in 2023 before making this year’s list at 97th.

Other Africans on the 2024 list include Judith Suminwa Tuluka from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mpumi Madisa from South Africa, and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list celebrates trailblazing individuals making transformative impacts across business, politics, entertainment, and technology.

Below is the top 10 women who topped the list of the 2024 most powerful women in the world.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission
Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank
Giorgia Meloni, prime minister of Italy
Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors
Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments
Julie Sweet, chairwoman and CEO of Accenture
Melina French Gates, philanthropist
Mackenzie Scott, philanthropist
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup

See list of 11-100 here.

[Vanguard]

The court of appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.

The three-member panel, on Friday, ruled that the subject matter of the state’s appropriation bill is not within the jurisdiction of the federal high court.

The Hamman Barka-led appellate court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and issue an order contained in the judgement.

The court upheld the argument of Chris Uche, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to the Rivers state government, that the federal court has no authority to entertain dispute about states’ revenue.

The appeal court said the listing of federal agencies in the suit does not confer the jurisdiction on the federal high court.

The judge said “the trial court lacked the subject matter jurisdiction to entertain the suit. The suit is struck out and all orders made therein are set aside for want of jurisdiction”.

JUDGMENT OF LOWER COURT

In October, a federal high court in Abuja restrained the CBN from further disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.

Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, held that monies from the federation account should not be released to the state pending the passage of a lawful appropriation act by a validly constituted house of assembly.

Abdulmalik had issued the order while delivering judgment on a suit filed by the Rivers state house of assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

The judge ruled that Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers governor, was wrong to have presented the state’s 2024 appropriation bill to a five-member assembly “that was not properly constituted”.

In December 2023, Fubara presented an N800 billion budget estimate to the Edison Ehie faction of the house of assembly.

The presentation of the budget titled ‘Budget of renewed hope, consolidation, and continuity’ took place at the government house.

Only five lawmakers loyal to Fubara were present during the budget presentation.

The lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction rejected the budget presentation and instituted a suit against Fubara.

The Rivers house of assembly has been polarised following the rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

[TheCable]

...We rejoice with the Gov and entire Ekiti people

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State says it received with great delight the news that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has  approved commencement of flight operation in the state from the 15th of this month. 

The party, through a release by its Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, heaped praises on the State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO and the entire people of the state, saying the good news couldn't have come at any better time. 

The news filtered in Thursday 12 December 2024 that Ekiti Cargo Airport has been granted approval to commence Non-Scheduled Flight operation from December 15 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. 

The NCAA dated the letter December 11, 2024 and addressed it to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, saying the approval of the non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the airport was for a period of six months- December 15, 2024 to June 15, 2025.

With the approval, airplanes will now land and take off from the airport in Ekiti like everywhere else between 6.00am to 6.00pm (or sunrise to sunset). 

"This is a promise made and promise kept, a Christmas gift specially wrapped for all in the state. That is how we see it. We are very happy and we make bold to say that it will serve us well to the delight of all." 

Dipe said that at this point, it's not about what had been said wrongly or rightly about the airport project, but what has been achieved. He urged everyone to give the State Governor a pass mark for walking his talk and ignoring the naysayers till the project made a headway. 

"This is the summary of it all: We dreamt big and we have achieved big. It is today's achievement for tomorrow's greatness. 

"On the surface, it was a tall order for a State like Ekiti to boast an airport, but with the saying that with God, all things are possible, coupled with our having in the saddle a highly determined governor, then we can be greatly joyful that great things are happening to us in Ekiti in diverse ways."

"And we believe the good people of the State will be very delighted that this is happening to us at this crucial time. No one could have wished for more," Dipe said. 

Signed:

SEGUN DIPE

Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

This was after the former governor had pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N80bn but pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

When the case was called for hearing on Friday, Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, notified the court of the intention of the prosecution to withdraw an earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.

He said the application had been overtaken by events. The defendant’s counsel, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and Justice Emeka Nwite accordingly granted the request.

After the defendant had taken his plea, Daudu, SAN, made clarifications on the reasons he had not been in court during the previous hearings.

“I would like to place on record that for any impression that might have been created that the defendant did not wish to appear before your lordship, coincidentally, the ruling on my lord’s sitting this morning dealt with the issue of jurisdiction.

“What the defendant did was to ask his counsel to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, which got to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

“So it was not wishful disrespect, but he was only trying to defend himself. So we all hold your lordship in high esteem. If that impression must have been, he should not have presented himself for arraignment. That episode is gone, and things are clearer now,” the counsel stated.

While moving an application for bail, he assured that the former governor would always be present in court for the trial.

“I am saying this with the highest sense of responsibility that the defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State who travelled only two times out of his eight years in service, will always be present in court at all times.

“There should be no apprehension that he will jump bail. So we urge your lordship to grant us very reasonable conditions of bail such that he will be able to bear,” the defendant’s counsel said.

He commended the prosecution counsel, saying he had conducted himself in the best tradition because the matter was not a do-or-die one.

He said they had agreed that the counsels would not stress his lordship over the issue of bail.

The prosecution counsel concurred.

Pinheiro, SAN, said, “I must express my honour to the very eminent lead senior counsel. He is a man of immense stature, not because of his size.

“I do respect him as former president of NBA. I also confirm that we have been engaging in a series of discussions to ease the burden on your lordship in compliance with Rule 26 of the Rules of Professional Ethics.

“I also note that your lordship had delivered not less than five rulings in this matter and it is our aim to ease the work. We are prosecutors, not persecutors, and EFCC is a professional commission, a prosecutorial, and not prosecutorial commission,” he said.

He added, “We accept the assurances of the very eminent SAN that the defendant will make himself available subject to your lordship’s discretionary terms that may be imposed.

“By so doing, we will ease the burden on the court. Therefore, we will not be opposing the eminent SAN’s submission.”

The prosecution counsel said though they had filed a counter-affidavit, they would not oppose the bail, going by the assurances of the learned SAN.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite said, “I have listened to the submissions of both counsels. It is not in dispute that both counsels have filed applications in respect of this.

“Based on the account exhibited by learned counsel for the defendant, which was exhibited and supported by prosecution counsel, I am minded to change my earlier stand on this matter.”

He granted the defendant N500 million bail with two sureties.

“Sureties must be landed property owners within the jurisdiction of this court. They must swear to affidavits of means. The title deeds of properties to be verified by the court registrar,” he said.

The defendant was also asked to submit his international passport, and he would remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

It will be recalled that the ex-governor was earlier remanded in a fresh N110bn charge by EFCC, pending his bail application.

Meanwhile, the judge has fixed February 24, 2025, for hearing into the matter.

[DailyPost]

he former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello is, in the charge, accused of diverting funds belonging to Kogi State to acquire, through proxies, property both in Nigeria and abroad.

When the charge was read to Bello by an official of the court, he said he understood all the counts and pleaded not guilty to all of them.

His lawyer, Joseph Daudu, (SAN) told the court that his client’s failure to attend court before now, was not out of disrespect, but a desire to fully defended himself.

Daudu said the decision of his client to challenge, up to the Supreme Court, the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case was not out of disrespect.

“It was an episode that could have been avoided but it has come and gone. Things are clearer now,” Daudu said.

[TheNation]

The Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, says the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill has been signed into law to prohibit illegal organ harvesting.

Pedro disclosed this on Thursday at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, while briefing newsmen on the significance of the new law and other four new laws.

According to him, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed the new laws to show commitment to the welfare, security and prosperity of every Lagosian.

The other four new laws include; Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Laws, Victims Assistance, Witness Protection Laws and Fire and Rescue Service Laws.

He said, “These laws are not just milestones in the state’s legislative journey; they demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria.

“As a government, our priorities have always been to address the immediate needs of our citizens, protect their rights, ensure their safety, health and prosperities.

“In this regard, the recently signed laws cover some critical areas of public welfare, human rights, safety, and environmental sustainability.

“These Laws have been thoughtfully designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our state while paving the way for a more just, secure and prosperous future for all residents of Lagos.”

The attorney-general further explained that the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law signified a leap forward in enhancing consumer rights in the state.

According to him, as Lagos continues to be a hub of commerce, business and trade, it is imperative that the interests of  the residents are safeguarded.

He highlighted the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law as a major step forward in protecting residents.

“As Lagos continues to thrive as a hub of commerce and trade, it is crucial that the rights of our citizens are safeguarded.

“This law empowers consumers to hold businesses accountable and ensures strict enforcement of their rights.

“Violation of this law attracts the power to seal premises selling hazardous products and imposes fine of up to N5 million for violations.

“Offenders face penalties, including a custodial sentence of six months or N500,000 fine and subsequent offenders will receive stricter punishments, including fines of up to N750,000 and longer sentences,” he said.

Pedro also explained that the Human Organ Harvesting and Tissue Transplantation Law addressed illicit organ trade and unethical medical practices.

He said it was a groundbreaking framework to regulate organ harvesting and transplant in the state, adding that the law prohibits organ harvesting without proper authorisation and bans advertisements for the sale of human organs.

“This legislation protects individuals from exploitation and ensures medical procedures adhere to the highest ethical standards.

” Violators risk up to 10 years imprisonment or fine of up to N10 million,” Pedro said.

The commissioner for justice also explained the three other new laws and urged all residents to familiarise themselves with the laws and to actively engage in their enforcement.

NAN

A recent survey by SBM Intelligence alleges that the federal government’s proposed tax reforms fail to account for the unique characteristics of certain Nigerian regions.

The report, however, admits that the reforms aim to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the efficiency of tax collection, as outlined by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.

The survey, conducted across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, reveals that failing to address regional issues could exacerbate existing economic disparities in the country, potentially requiring intervention by the Supreme Court or a constitutional amendment.

The report is part of the broader conversation about Nigeria’s current tax system and the proposed tax reform bills, which have sparked intense debate, especially from northern elites, particularly regarding the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) among Nigeria’s 36 states.

Much Ado About Tax 

• The report states that only five of the country’s 36 states—Anambra, Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers—could fulfil their financial obligations if the federally distributed revenue pool did not exist.
• Based on this, the report notes that comparing how much VAT each state generates versus how much VAT revenue they receive at the end of each month has become a common and contentious issue.

“Between January and October 2024, Imo State received 1,715.9% of what it contributed to the VAT pool as its VAT allocation. Abia, Cross River, and Kebbi all received allocations above 700% of what they contributed. 

“Lagos and Rivers received the lowest allocations, receiving 16.76% and 22%, respectively. Lagos contributes around 55% of local VAT. 

“The proposed reforms, while aiming to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the efficiency of tax collection, fail to account for the uniqueness of certain regions. 

“In the northeast, states received 244.46% of their VAT contributions. The highest was Bauchi, which received 384.94% of its VAT contributions, and the lowest was Adamawa, which received 165.69% of its VAT contributions. This could exacerbate existing economic disparities,” it added. 

• The report further states that Nigeria’s VAT system remains a pivotal yet contentious aspect of the country’s fiscal framework and has often attracted litigation over the years.
• The report predicts that the Supreme Court may once again be called upon to intervene, particularly regarding the fiscal powers of the states and regions.

“The historical development of VAT, replacing the Sales Tax Decree of 1986, reflects the ongoing evolution of Nigeria’s tax system, driven by attempts to balance efficiency, equity, and state autonomy. 

“Legal precedents, such as the Supreme Court’s affirmation of VAT’s precedence over state sales and consumption taxes, underscore the complexities of aligning federal and state interests. 

“However, recent litigation from states like Rivers and Lagos highlights growing demands for greater control over the revenue generated within their territories and calls for a more equitable revenue-sharing formula. 

“Proposed tax reforms aim to address some of these issues by revising VAT rates and exemptions, simplifying tax structures, and increasing derivation-based allocations. 

“While these measures hold promise, the ultimate resolution of the VAT issue will likely require either a definitive Supreme Court ruling or a constitutional amendment to clarify the division of fiscal powers,” the report added. 

The report also highlighted that the VAT discourse sheds light on the persistent North-South divide in Nigeria’s fiscal and political landscape, reflecting broader disparities in economic activity and development.

The report advises that resolving these tensions will require careful negotiation and reforms that balance the principles of derivation, equity, and national cohesion, ensuring that the tax system fosters regional development and unity.

What you should know 

The tax reform bills have become controversial since their introduction, with different interests opposing various provisions.

• For instance, the Northern Governors Forum expressed opposition to the bill, urging legislators from the region to resist any legislation that undermines the interests of Northerners nationwide.
• Additionally, the National Economic Council (NEC), which comprises the 36 state governors and is chaired by the Vice President, called for the withdrawal of the bills to allow for proper consultations before proceeding to the National Assembly.
• However, President Tinubu disregarded the recommendations from both the Northern Governors Forum and the NEC, stating that the process is legislative and that inputs can be incorporated during public hearings.
• Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate on December 4 suspended hearings on the bills until the new year, providing time for essential political engagements and negotiations to secure their passage.

[Nairametrics]