In a chilling report released on Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), N2.2 trillion was paid to kidnappers as ransom between May 2023 and April 2024. Titled, ‘The Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024’, the report revealed that as many as 91 per cent of kidnapping incidents in the country were to extract ransom, while 2.4 per cent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives. About 2.1 per cent of the cases were linked to personal or family disputes while custody disputes accounted for 0.5 per cent of cases. Within the same period, no fewer than 2,235,954 Nigerian citizens/residents (which represents about 1 percent of our national population) were kidnapped in communities across the country at different times.

We must commend the NBS for deploying data to lay bare some of our socio-economic challenges. “Our people should never live in fear—whether on their farmlands, highways or cities,” President Bola Tinubu said yesterday while presenting the N47.9trillion 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly. Yet, it cannot be lost on Nigerians that within the last one year, kidnappers raked in almost what the president is now proposing to spend on the country’s health sector in the coming year. It also means that ‘ransom subsector’ of the economy is now the fastest growing. That’s why authorities at all levels must find a solution to this vexatious menace that threatens not only our national security but also the progress of our country.

The history of kidnappings for ransom can easily be traced to the current democratic dispensation in the country. We first witnessed the problem in the Niger Delta about two decades ago with political agitation for ‘resource control’ before it became a very lucrative enterprise for sundry criminal cartels across the country. Indeed, as far back as 2012, the African Insurance Organization (AIO) designated Nigeria the kidnap for ransom capital of the world. “The number of kidnaps for ransom in Africa continued to increase. In the first half of 2011, Africa’s proportion of the global total increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 34 per cent,” according to the AIO at the 18th African reinsurance Forum in Mauritius. “Nigeria is now the kidnap for ransom capital of the world, accounting for a quarter of globally reported cases.” That was twelve years ago. The situation of course is now worse considering the details in the NBS survey.

Meanwhile, this is also an issue on which I have intervened numerous times, including reporting contributions I made to ‘ransom funds’ for the release of victims. I recall sharing the experience of Nuhu Tanko, a gardener at the Shehu Musa Yar’AduaCentre, Abuja who was kidnapped along with two brothers on 31st December 2020 on the way from their village (Dakunu in Chukum local government of Kaduna) to the state capital. By his account, the masked kidnappers, clad in military camouflage, numbered more than 50, all on motor bikes, each carrying at least two guns. It was after the family had sold all their possessions, including a piece of land, and the money was not enough to complete the N10 million ransom demand that they reached out to the Centre for support. “Most people have left our village because of kidnappings. It’s like bandits have taken over our village and the surrounding communities,” Tanko lamented at the time, while sharing his harrowing experience, following his release. “They kidnap people, kill and rape women, even if the women are pregnant.”

Perhaps more heartrending was the account of Mallam Iliya Gwaram in Zamfara State. His daughter was one of the 279 female students abducted from the Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe on 26 February 2021. A few days later, he was also kidnapped. But while in captivity, the Jangebe female students were brought to join them. “l saw the schoolgirls being brought into where we were camped by our abductors. At first, l didn’t know who they were or where they were coming from, until l saw the face of my scared daughter looking at me. I quickly told some of the girls who were brought along with her and sat near me to tell my child not to show any indication that she even knew me,” Gwaram recounted after his release a few days later. “The girls were brave enough and they kept our little secret up to the last of their four days stay with us. l never cried in the whole of my life like l cried the day the girls were taken back because l felt it was the last time l would see my daughter…”

From North to South, East to West, there is hardly anybody who does not know someone who has been kidnapped. Therefore, the real value of the NBS report is to put official imprimatur to a social cum security malaise that has now reached epidemic proportion. Of the reported cases of kidnappings, according to the report, 82.1 percent were released, 12.8 percent were killed while 3.3 percent remain in captivity. If one does the arithmetic, the number of kidnap victims who don’t’ return alive is quite chilling. But beyond the trauma to families, the local economies in most rural areas across the country today are comatose while in some communities, especially in the Northwest, kidnappers have taken complete control. Even within metropolis, we all remember the kidnapping of six young ladies and their father from their Bwari (Abuja) residence in January this year. The father was released and asked to go and find N60 million to ransom his children. Unable to meet the payment deadline, the kidnappers killed one of his daughters, a 400-level student of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and dumped her body on the street. Now that the NBS has beamed its searchlight on this most heinous crime, we hope that the relevant authorities will take the challenge seriously and act.Even more worrisome, going by the report, no fewer than 614,937 Nigerians were killed within the period.

The implications of this situation for the national economy are grave. In a February 2006 paper, “’Captive Markets’: The Impact of Kidnappings on Corporate Investment in Colombia”, by the United States Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (Central Bank), the trio of Rony Pshisva, ProtegoMexico and Gustavo A. Suarez measured the impact of crime on investments by exploiting variation in kidnappings in Colombia from 1996 to 2002. Instructively, the paper opened with a quote from a report in ‘The Economist’ magazine of 19th June 2004 which summed up their findings: “Who wants to invest money and effort in building a business if their reward is to risk losing their life and/or their money?”

Sadly, as it was in Columbia, so it is in Nigeria today!

Buhari’s Birthday in a New Season

Former President Muhammadu Buhari turned 82 on Tuesday. His long-term political associate and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun led a few supporters to Daura, Katsina State, to felicitate with their man. Foremost businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was also there. But most of the people who for eight years made a fuss over Buhari’s birthday did not remember to place the customary congratulatory adverts in newspapers. Only a few did. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, as well as Governors Inuwa Yahaha and Abdullahi Sule of Gombe and Nasarawa States respectively placed birthday adverts for Buhari. Boss Mustapha, who was Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under Buhari, former Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari and businessman, Nasiru Danu complete the list of those who remembered to place congratulatory adverts in the newspapers. 

Of course, Mallam Garba Shehu wrote a syndicated article on how ‘At 82, Buhari Wraps Up in Silence and Dignity in Daura’ and Mr Femi Adesina reminded us about ‘Buhari, Ore Mekunu (Friend of the Poor), at 82’. “The Big Elephant in the room. Removal of fuel subsidy. Did you think the Government didn’t know that the money-guzzling monster had to be slain?” Adesina asked in a manner that suggests the current administration removed fuel subsidy without a thought for the poor. “It knew. But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as itdid? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people.”

I don’t know what to make of that, but let’s return to the issue. When Buhari marked his last birthday in office in December 2022, all major newspapers were filled with adverts. From then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan to Hon Idris Wase to Senator Barau Jibrin to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the current President Bola Tinubu, there were effusive words of praise. Then Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje wrote: “History will forever remember and celebrate your laudable achievements.” Less than two years after, Ganduje(now the ruling APC National Chairman) can’t even remember the man’s birthday! Same with other governors at the time, including those still in office today. On Tuesday, I decided to spend time at the Daily Trust newspaper library to read the congratulatory advertisements for Buhari two years ago. Some of the words are now cringe-worthy. 

Let me state quite clearly that the issue here is not about Buhari or for that matter, his birthday. It is about the lack of values in our politics with practitioners who believe in nothing. In a recent column, I wrote about how sycophancy has almost become a direct principle of state policy in Nigeria such that the birthday ceremonies of political office holders and that of their spouses as well as the burial ceremonies of their parents, the naming ceremonies of their children (even from ‘side chicks’) have become state functions. But I am also aware, as most people are, that all the exertions are simply to curry favour from power holders. The moment they become ‘yesterday’s men’, they are on their own.

In the absence of any ideology, our politics revolve around individuals rather than political parties which then explains the state of our democracy. President Buhari is experienced enough to know that most of those who gravitated towards him while in power did so for what they could get. But no society can develop when you have a preponderance of such people at the helm – as is the case in Nigeria today.
 

Ambrose Feese @ 80

Despite having held critical positions in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria, Mr Ambrose Feese remains a very private man. But he takes time to share incredible knowledge and experience with younger professionals. And I have benefitted a lot from my interactions with him over the years. A chartered accountant, banker and public administrator, Feese is a former Minister of State, Works and Housing and before then, Secretary to the 1979 presidential commission on revenue allocation in Nigeria headed by the late Dr Pius Okigbo. He was also a member of the Study Group on the Review of Federal Civil Service in 1985. On a personal note, he is the father of Member, the young lady caught in the 26 August 2011 bombing of the United Nations office in Abuja while collecting data for her post-graduate thesis at the Institute of Development Studies of the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Although there will be a ceremony on Saturday in Makurdi, Benue State to mark the 80th birthday of this accomplished man, I cannot attend because by then I should be in Kwara State for what Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has dubbed my ‘annual Christmas pilgrimage.’ I wish Mr Feese a happy birthday, long life and good health.

    First, let's look at the connection of the event with December 25th. Was Jesus really born on December 25th? Virtually, biblical scholars have proposed every month on the Calendar. So why do we celebrate His birth in December? The tradition for December 25th is actually quite ancient. Hippolytus, in the second century A.D. argued that this was Christ's birthday. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Church, January 6th was the date followed. But in the fourth Century, John Chrysostom argued that December 25th was the correct date and from that day till now, the Church in the East, as well as the west has observed the 25th of December as the official date of Christ's birth. In modern times, the traditional date has been challenged. Modern Scholars point out that when Jesus was born, shepherds were watching their sheep in the hills around Bethlehem. Luke tells us that an angel appeared to "Some Shepherds staying out in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night" (Luke 2:8). Some scholars feel that the sheep were usually brought under cover from November to March; as well, they were not normally in the field at night. But there is no hard evidence for this. In fact, early Jewish sources suggest that the sheep around Bethlehem were outside year-round. So you can see, December 25th fits both tradition and the biblical narrative well. There is no sound objection to it.

   Admittedly, the sheep around Bethlehem were the exception, not the rule. But these were no ordinary sheep. They were sacrificial lambs. In the early spring they would be slaughtered at the Passover. And God first revealed the Messiah's birth to these shepherds - shepherds who protected harmless lambs, which would soon die on behalf of sinful men. When they saw the baby, could they have known? Might they have whispered in their hearts what John the Baptist later thundered, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" Of course, we can't be absolutely certain of the day of Christ's birth. But an early winter date seems reasonable. And December 25th has been the frontrunner for eighteen centuries. We can blame the ancient Church for a large part of our uncertainty. You see, they did not Celebrate Christ's birth at all. To them it was insignificant. They were far more concerned with His death and resurrection. And some still hold the same view today. But I believe both are important, for without the birth, there wouldn't have been the death. Or what do you think? Enough of this history Please, let's move forward.

    Now, since creation, God has orchestrating world affairs to set the stage for the arrival of his Son. In the meantime, he used prophecy to keep alive people's hope for a fresh beginning and a new relationship with him. So, many Messianic predictions are recorded in the Old Testament that the likelihood of one man fulfilling them all was slim. However, Jesus Christ's birth, life, and death happened exactly as the prophets foretold. Isaiah proclaimed, "Behold, a virgin will be with Child and bear a Son, and she will call His name - God with us" (Isaiah 7:14). Micah told the Jewish people that their leader would come from the tiny town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The timing of Messiah's arrival was revealed to Daniel, who recorded the timeline in his writings. (The word 'week' in Daniel 9:25-26 actually has the meaning of 'Seven years' just as in Genesis 29:27). God Himself gave a direct prophecy in Genesis 3:15, when He told Satan "from now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head." It was an indication that Christ would defeat him. A careful comparison of Jesus' life with the prophecies of scripture leads to only on conclusion: Jesus is the promised Messiah, who brings every willing person into a new covenant relationship with the father.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current President, and Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, helm the leadership of a nation grappling with deep systemic issues. Tinubu, a former Lagos State Governor, ascended to the presidency with promises of renewal and development. Shettima, a former Governor of Borno State known for his tenure during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, now serves as his deputy, tasked with navigating Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.

Their administration inherited a country riddled with corruption, poor governance, ethnic and religious tensions, and economic instability. Despite their pledges to bring about change, controversies have continued to mar their leadership, from issues of transparency and accountability to allegations of nepotism and mismanagement.

In this climate of uncertainty, Kemi Badenoch, a British politician who has served as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party since November 2024, and of Nigerian Yoruba descent, has delivered scathing critiques of Nigeria’s governance. Her remarks, though harsh, shine a spotlight on the systemic failures and contradictions that have hindered Nigeria’s progress. Badenoch’s critiques, which this write-up frames as “Kemi’s Therapy,” seem to offer a painful but necessary diagnosis of the country’s ailments under Tinubu, Shettima, and beyond.

What I Term Kemi Therapy

Shettima, in his state of unhappiness over what he perceives as Kemi Badenoch’s denigration of Nigeria, suggested she drop the name “Kemi.” However, the only meaningful way to drop it is for Nigeria to embrace the thoughts and feelings of change that Kemi Therapy seems to embody—challenging the entrenched corruption mentality of the average Nigerian. This relentless call for reform, accountability, and transformation is what I term Kemi Therapy.

Exposing Institutional Abuse and the Culture of Negativity

Kemi Therapy critiques Nigeria’s institutional abuse and its troubling culture of shielding the powerful while vilifying the vulnerable. The case of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu is a stark example. Accused of organ trafficking in the United Kingdom, the case revealed Nigeria’s systemic failures, including manipulated narratives, flawed immigration processes, and the judiciary’s inability to prioritize justice.

Instead of addressing the real legal and ethical issues, Nigerian institutions attempted to discredit the victim by questioning biodata, age, and identity, creating distractions to shield the powerful. Kemi Therapy highlights a painful truth: had this case unfolded in Nigeria, the victim would likely have become the defendant, while the powerful escaped accountability.

The London court’s decision, which resulted in prison sentences for Ekweremadu, his wife, and the collaborating doctor, serves as a stark reminder of what accountability looks like in functional systems. Kemi Therapy insists that Nigeria confront its institutional failures, prioritize truth and justice, and abandon its culture of impunity.

Ethnic and Religious Favoritism in Leadership

Kemi Therapy critiques Nigeria’s persistent tribalism and religious favoritism, which foster exclusionary governance. Under Muhammadu Buhari, appointments were overwhelmingly skewed toward individuals of specific tribes and religions, alienating significant portions of the population.

Despite promises of change, the Tinubu administration has struggled to break these patterns. Kemi Therapy warns that Shettima’s unique history as a Sharia governor could perpetuate such practices should he ascend to higher office. For Nigeria to progress, governance must be grounded in competence, inclusivity, and meritocracy.

Sharia Contradictions and Human Dignity

Kemi Therapy appears to challenge the compatibility of constitutional democracy with harsh Sharia punishments such as amputations and stoning, which negatively impact Nigeria’s moral reputation on the world stage. These inconsistencies reveal deep-rooted issues in governance that need to be addressed in order to uphold the values of justice, equality, and humanity.

Endless Pretrial Detentions and Medical Negligence

Kemi Therapy exposes Nigeria’s broken justice and healthcare systems, where thousands languish in pretrial detention, and hospitals delay emergency care due to bureaucratic demands for police reports. These failures prioritize inefficiency over humanity, leading to preventable deaths and injustices.

Kemi Therapy for Better Policing

Kemi therapy focuses on the police’s efforts to promote positive news globally, rather than highlighting instances of officers accepting bribes from drivers, stealing from the public, assisting in ballot box theft, and turning complainants into defendants. It also addresses the issue of officers soliciting complainants for writing materials, fuel for police vehicles, and money for food.

Hoarding COVID-19 Palliatives: A Betrayal of Trust

The mishandling of COVID-19 palliatives symbolizes Nigeria’s governance crisis. Reports of hoarded relief materials intended for vulnerable citizens sparked outrage, revealing systemic neglect and mismanagement. Kemi Therapy demands that leadership rebuild trust through transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.

Addressing Domestic/Sexual Violence, Marginalization, and Exploitation

Kemi Therapy sheds light on the systemic mistreatment faced by girls and women, including unequal treatment in various environments, such as educators demanding sexual favors in exchange for grades and politicians exploiting women seeking opportunities. This urgent call for change underscores the necessity for policies that safeguard women, hold perpetrators accountable, and foster safe spaces for women to flourish. Kemi Therapy stands against the marginalization of women, as highlighted by troubling comments made in the Senate, where leadership suggests that it is only “women’s day” when women address issues relevant to them, similar to how male senators do, while men rarely encounter the same derogatory treatment. Women are commonly highlighted in a Senate that is predominantly male.

Rejecting Military Overreach in Civilian Matters

Kemi Therapy condemns the misuse of military power in civilian matters. Soldiers detaining and brutalizing civilians undermines democracy and accountability. Nigeria must enforce a strict separation between military and civilian roles to uphold the rule of law.

Kemi Therapy for a Better Nigeria

Kemi Badenoch’s therapy advocates for a Nigeria rooted in justice, accountability, and unity. It calls for:

Electoral reforms to secure free and fair elections.

Judicial integrity that prioritizes justice for all, not just the privileged.

Leadership accountability to combat corruption and protect the vulnerable.

Healthcare and justice reform to value human dignity and fairness.

Kemi Therapy insists that Nigeria can only progress by confronting its systemic contradictions, abandoning impunity, and embracing ethical governance that serves its people.

Conclusion: Kemi’s Therapy for a Better Nigeria

Kemi Badenoch’s unapologetic critiques are not an attack on Nigeria but a demand for a better, more just, and accountable nation. Her words serve as a mirror reflecting Nigeria’s failures, compelling its leaders and citizens to confront the painful truths that have crippled progress for decades.

This is not about humiliation or denigration—it is a wake-up call for a country grappling with corruption, tribalism, impunity, and systemic dysfunction. Kemi Therapy challenges Nigeria to rise above its defensive posture, discard the false pride that shields dysfunction, and embrace the reforms necessary for a brighter future. The therapy is bitter, but so is the disease it seeks to cure.

Kemi’s message is for every Nigerian—politicians, civil servants, military personnel, law enforcement officials, corporate elites, students, religious figures, and everyday citizens alike. Kemi Therapy does not target the innocent or the powerless; rather, it demands accountability from those in leadership and those complicit in enabling a broken system. A Nigeria that silences truth-tellers will never heal, and a system that protects the powerful while crushing the vulnerable will never know peace.

However, there is no need to continue for now. The Kemi Therapy sessions come to an end—not because the work is done, but because the truth has been spoken. There are far too many deep, chronic, and recurring crises in Nigeria—ones that Kemi Therapy alone cannot address. Corruption, misgovernance, impunity, and systemic injustice run so deep that no singular voice or session can resolve them all.

It must also be said that some of Kemi’s words, while grounded in truth, might appear culturally denigrating—something she must learn to avoid. Critique must remain focused on reform, not on alienating an entire culture. Nigeria’s dysfunction is not unique to its people, but history has shown that outsiders, especially former colonial powers, are quick to exploit moments like these. Old colonial masters might point fingers and smugly declare, “See how a Black person denigrates an entire culture.” This is a dangerous distraction, one that undermines the core message of the therapy itself. Kemi must remain focused on her mission and avoid inadvertently playing into such divisive narratives.

The truth, as bitter as it is, has been delivered. Nigerians—particularly those in positions of power—are often far too defensive. When confronted with their own failings, they resort to endless arguments, petitions, manipulation, and outright attacks on the messenger. Instead of reflecting and embracing change, they waste time muddying the waters, weaponizing sentimentality, and orchestrating campaigns to silence those who speak truth to power.

Should Kemi continue, they will escalate their tactics. They will target her Nigerian roots, seek out her family and relatives, and fabricate sentimental complaints to divert attention. This is who they are. It is a deeply ingrained cultural flaw—defensiveness that refuses to accept accountability.

Badenoch must end the sessions here. Further engagement will serve no purpose other than to drag her name into the mud—a distraction that only benefits those resistant to change. The truth has already touched its mark, and those who are willing to embrace it will find a path to reform. For the rest, history will remember their defiance as the chains that held Nigeria back.

Kemi Therapy has shone a harsh light on Nigeria’s wounds, forcing an uncomfortable but necessary reckoning. The work is not done, but the truth remains. Kemi’s voice has challenged a nation to rise above defensiveness, reject dysfunction, and embrace the reforms it so desperately needs.

Through Kemi therapy, you have effectively conveyed your thoughts to support Nigerians, influenced by your Nigerian heritage and Yoruba background. Now, it’s your moment to take the lead as the head of the Conservative Party in the UK. It’s their responsibility to accept the difficult but crucial insights offered through Kemi’s therapy. Utilize your time wisely, as you have significant goals to accomplish in the UK.

For now, the therapy ends, leaving Nigerians to decide whether to confront the truth or continue living in denial. Kemi Therapy has spoken—what happens next is up to Nigeria.

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) has fined streaming giant Netflix €4.75 million for failing to provide customers with adequate and clear information about its handling of personal data between 2018 and 2020.

The fine comes after an investigation revealed violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

While Netflix has since updated its privacy statement and improved its data transparency, the Dutch DPA determined that significant lapses occurred during the investigation period.

Key Findings of the Investigation 

Netflix collects a wide range of personal data from its users, including email addresses, phone numbers, payment details, and viewing habits.

However, Dutch DPA said the investigation initiated in 2019 found that:

• Netflix’s privacy statement failed to adequately inform customers about the purposes and legal basis for collecting and processing their data.
• The company did not clearly explain which personal data were shared with third parties and the reasons for such sharing.
• Netflix provided inadequate information about how long it retains users’ personal data.
• The platform did not clearly articulate how it safeguards personal data when transmitting it to countries outside the European Union.

In addition, when customers requested details about the data collected on them, Netflix’s responses were found lacking in clarity and detail.

“For this reason, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) is imposing a fine of 4.75 million euros on the streaming service,” the data protection watchdog said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Dutch DPA Chairman Aleid Wolfsen emphasized the importance of transparency, especially for a global company like Netflix with billions in revenue and millions of users.

“A company like Netflix must explain properly to its customers how it handles their personal data. That must be crystal clear—especially if a customer asks about it. And that was not in order,” Wolfsen stated.

Origin of Complaints 

The investigation was triggered by complaints filed by None of Your Business (noyb), an Austrian privacy advocacy group.

• These complaints were initially lodged with the Austrian Data Protection Authority but were forwarded to the Dutch DPA, as Netflix’s main European establishment is based in the Netherlands.
• Under GDPR rules, companies operating across multiple EU member states are overseen by the data protection authority in the country of their primary European base.
• The Dutch DPA coordinated the investigation and fine with other European regulators.

What you should know 

The sanction highlights the increasing scrutiny under GDPR regulations and the importance of transparency for companies handling personal data.

• On Tuesday, social media giant, Meta, was also slammed a €251 million in Europe over a 2018 personal data breach that impacted 29 million Facebook users globally.
• In Meta’s case, the fine came from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which pointed out that the breach arose from the exploitation by unauthorized third parties of user tokens on the Facebook platform.

The increasing data protection enforcement happening in Europe is also signaling to the Nigerian data protection agency the need to pay closer attention to the way these multinationals are handling Nigerians’ data and take appropriate measures under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

[Nairametrics]

Edo State government has clarified that the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen in the state was in line with the Constitution.

The Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Legal Matters, Barr, Andrew Emwanta, said the 18 local government chairmen suspended disobeyed the state Governor.

He stated this on Wednesday in an interview with New Central. He disclosed that the council chairmen were given a time limit to submit statements of their council account but they refused.

Emwanta explained that Governor Okpebholo’s decision did not go contrary to the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments.

“People keep making reference to his Supreme Court decision that sort of guarantees financial autonomy for local government. What that means is that local government should get their funds directly. That is to say the control provided for under the Constitution by the states over the affairs of local government remains.

“Section 7 of the Constitution is very clear that the State House of Assembly has a duty of making a law for the existence, management and control of local governments. That provision of the law has not been amended.

“So it was pursuant to that particular law, the Edo local government law was made. There was a recent request by the Governor that the chairmen of the 18 local governments should submit their statements of accounts. A time limit was given and unfortunately, they refused to but rather they now said they would resort to court to challenge the authority of the state government to ask for those statements.

“And you can imagine a situation where you have local government chairman, they are busy using local government funds to do certain things that are not in conformity with specific guidelines and financial regulations. So that the suspension of course is backed by law. Section 20 of the local government law is clear that the Governor in consultation of the House of Assembly can suspend any area local government chairman or vice chairman as the case may be,” he said.

Emwanta stressed that former governors Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki had during their administrations suspended local council chairmen.

He disclosed that an investigative panel of inquiry was already set by the Governor to look into the accounts of the council areas from September 2023.

The former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation promised that the committee would give the council chairmen fair hearing.

“Remember that this is not the first time, under the regime of Comrade Adams Oshomhole, over five local government chairmen were suspended. Even the recent administration of Obaseki, in 2019 alone four local government chairmen were suspended for two months.

“So you have a clear history of the provision of section 20 being followed and this particular instance is not an exception. The law requires the Governor to set up a panel of inquiry, an administrative panel of inquiry and by virtue of being the Special Advisor to the Governor of Legal matters, I’m a member of that panel of inquiry.

“We were inaugurated yesterday (Tuesday) and we assure those chairmen and all those in the local government administration that will be given fair hearing.

“We want to know how internally generated revenue they generate in their respective councils are spent because these are public funds. I want to know how allocations that come to these local governments have been spent since they came in September last year,” Emwanta stated.

[NaijaNews]

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has emerged victorious in the grand finale of the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate (NVCCD) 2024.

The event, organized by the National Orientation Agency, took place on December 17, 2024, at the esteemed Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA.

Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Oluwashina, two students from LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, demonstrated remarkable intellectual prowess and patriotic fervor, earning them the top spot with an impressive 43% of 3,921 votes.

Their outstanding performance was rewarded with a trophy and a substantial cash prize of N20 million.

The duo’s insightful arguments and unwavering dedication to upholding Nigeria’s shared values resonated deeply with the audience, garnering widespread acclaim.

Their achievement serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering intellectual excellence and nurturing patriotic values among its students.

In addition to LAUTECH’s triumph, zonal winners from six geopolitical zones also received recognition for their outstanding performances. These winners, representing esteemed institutions such as Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt; Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu; Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga; University of Ilorin; and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, each received a cash prize of N5 million and additional prizes from NELFUND.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency, emphasized the importance of upholding Nigeria’s shared values, particularly among the youth.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to working with young people under the National Identity Project (NIP) to promote national development.

Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, echoed this sentiment, highlighting his organization’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision.

The event served as a celebration of unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to national development, fostering a sense of patriotism and intellectual curiosity among the participants.

[DailyTrust]

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos State to commence his Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Presidential jet carrying Tinubu touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 3:23 pm on Wednesday.

This was after Tinubu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.

Tinubu’s 2025 budget was tagged: “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.”

In the highlights, Tinubu said N4.91 trillion has been allocated to Defence and Security, while Infrastructure has N4.06 trillion, Education – N3.52 trillion, and Health – N2.48 trillion.

DAILY POST reported that after the presentation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas informed the president that the House would visit him in Lagos.

[DailyPost]

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to always ensure that applicants who meet all the requirements are issued international passports within six weeks and in compliance with Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a judgment on a fundamental rights enforcement suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/75/2023 filed by an aggrieved Nigerian, Benita Ngozi Ezumezu, with the NIS and the Interior Minister listed as respondents.

Benita claimed to have applied for Nigeria’s international passport and met all the requirements as of October 6, 2022, but the NIS failed to issue her the passport 14 weeks later.

In the judgment delivered on December 4, Justice Nwite rejected the respondents’ arguments, upheld the applicant’s claims, and granted all the reliefs sought by the applicant.

Justice Nwite, who awarded N3 million damages against the respondents and in favour of the applicant, declared that as of October 6, 2022, Benita had fulfilled all the requirements and was qualified to be issued a passport within six weeks.

The judge also declared that the respondents’ failure to issue the applicant passport 14 weeks after meeting all requirements violated Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015 and the applicant’s right to freedom of movement.

He proceeded to issue an order “directing the first respondent (NIS) to issue the applicant (Benita) passport forthwith as stipulated in Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

Benita’s employer, Citizens’ Common (CC), a civil society group, expressed delight over the outcome of the case and commended the Judiciary for coming to the aid of a Nigerian whose right was violated.

CC’s Chief Executive, Olalekan Oshunkoya, who read a statement by his organization, said: “Our interest in Benita’s case is not just because she is a staff in our organization, but primarily because the service quality of the NIS has diminished to an all-time low in the last few years.

“The frustrating experiences of Nigerians, seeking to procure international passports in the hands of the NIS officials must be stopped.

“We understand that the service may have slightly improved in recent months under the current administration, however, we know that this case (Ezumezu’s case) highlights the plights of most Nigerians in the hands of many government ministries, departments and agencies when it comes to service delivery.

“After almost two years of litigation, we are glad that justice has been served in this matter. All the prayers sought in the case were granted by the judge.

“We commend the Judiciary for serving justice in this matter. This is a landmark judgement, asserting the right of every Nigerian to demand to be served right, especially when such service is tied to a fundamental right, such as freedom of movement.

“It should not be acceptable that services that can only be provided by the government remain poorly delivered without consequences.

“Majority of Nigerians continue to suffer irreparable loss for bad service quality from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and it is time to make things work.

“The award of the three million naira in general damages to the applicant is a reminder to every Nigerian that the law remains a shield against bad experiences and services from government ministries, departments, and agencies.

“We must sound the alarm that losses incurred in the process of poor service delivery can be remedied through the courts, and this is an example.

“It is also a reminder to public service providers that consequences exist for poor service delivery.”

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Executive Management of 12 River Basin Development Authorities under the Ministry of Water Resources.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement signed and released on Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu approves Executive Management for River Basin Development Authorities.’

They are:

OGUN-OSUN RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ABEOKUTA (Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun)

1. Odebunmi Olusegun – Chairman (Oyo)

2. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru – Managing Director (Osun)

3. Ayo Oyalowo – Executive Director, Finance (Oyo)

4. Dokunmu Oyekunle – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Ogun)

5. Suleiman Oris – Executive Director, Agric Services (Lagos)

6 . Julius Oloro – Executive Director, Engineering (Lagos)

UPPER BENUE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, YOLA. Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi)

1. Sanusi Babantanko – Chairman (Bauchi)

2. Samuel Mahmud Mohammed – Managing Director (Taraba)

3. Usman Bakare – Executive Director, Engineering (Taraba)

4. Ibrahim Jalo – Executive Director Finance (Gombe)

5. Isa Matori – Executive Director, Planning and Design Part of Bauchi

6. Hamman Dikko – Executive Director, Agric Services (Adamawa)

CHAD BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MAIDUGURI (Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa)

1. Prof. Abdu Dauda – Chairman (Borno)

2. Tijjani Tumsa – Managing Director (Yobe)

3. Bashir Baale – Executive Director, Finance (Yobe)

4. lliyasu Muazu – Executive Director, Agric Services (Adamawa)

5. Mohammed Shetima – Executive Director, Engineering (Borno)

6. Vrati Nzonzo – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Borno)

BENIN-OWENA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Edo, Delta North, Ondo and Ekiti)

1. Mike Ezomo – Chairman (Edo)

2. Femi Adekanbi – Managing Director (Ondo)

3. Dr. Austin Izagbo – Executive Director Planning and Design (Delta)

4. Johnson Oghuma – Executive Director, Agric Services (Edo)

5. Adegboyega Bamisile – Executive Director Finance (Ekiti)

6. Bayode Akinduro – Executive Director Engineering (Ondo)

NIGER DELTA BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Rivers, Bayelsa and parts of Delta)

1. Ebikemi Bosin – Chairman (Delta)

2. Amgbare Ebitimi – Managing Director (Bayelsa)

3. Mary Alagoa – Executive Director Finance (Rivers)

4. Dr. Austin Izagbo – Executive Director, Engineering (Delta)

5. Felix Kurogha – Executive Director Agric Services (Bayelsa)

6. Dr. Nnamdi Akani – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Rivers)

UPPER NIGER RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MINNA (Niger, Kaduna and FCT)

1. Haruna Usman – Chairman (Niger)

2. Dangajere Jaja – Managing Director (Kaduna)

3. M o h a m m e d Usma – Executive Director, Finance (Niger)

4. Dr. Abdullahi Kutso – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Niger)

5. Ayuba Tedde – Executive Director, Agric services (FCT)

6. John Hassan – Executive Director, Engineering (Kaduna)

LOWER NIGER RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ILORIN (Kwara and Kogi)

1. Abdullateef Alakawa – Chairman (Kwara)

2 . George Olumoroti – Managing Director (Kogi)

3. Babajamu Adeniran – Executive Director, Engineering (Kwara)

4. Hon. Abdullahi Sadiq – Executive Director, Agric Services (Kogi)

5. Alanamu Abolere – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Kwara)

6. Abidemi Adeyemi – Executive Director Finance (Kogi)

LOWER BENUE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MAKURDI (Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kogi)

1. Dr Amos Yadukso – Chairman ( Plateau )

2. Ninga Terese – Managing Director (Benue)

3. Chris Takar – Executive Director, Engineering (Benue)

4. Yusuf Omaaki – Executive Director, Finance (Nasarawa)

5. Hassan Omale – Executive Director, Agric Services (Kogi)

6. Okibe Ogomola – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Benue)

ANAMBRA – IMO RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, OWERRI (Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi)

1. Emmanuel Anosike – Chairman (Anambra)

2. Emeka Nduka – Managing Director (Imo)

3. Nwebonyi Nkechi – Executive Director Finance (Ebonyi)

4. Evaristus Asadu – Executive Director, Engineering (Enugu)

5. Onukwubiri Ojigwe – Executive Director, Agric Services (Abia)

6. Abigail Igwe – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Anambra)

HADEJIA JAMAERE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, KANO (Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi)

1 . Mamman Aliyu – Chairman (Jigawa)

2. Rabiu Bichi – Managing Director Director (Kano)

3. Tijjani Isa – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Jigawa)

4. Zainab Gamawa – Executive Director Agric Services (Bauchi)

5. Baffa Abdulkadir – Executive Director, Engineering (Kano)

6. Musa Kwankwaso – Executive Director Finance (Kano)

CROSS RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Cross River and Akwa Ibom)

1. Mr. Wabilly Nyiam – Chairman (Cross River)

2. Glory Oho – Managing Director (Akwa Ibom)

3. Effiwatt Eyo – Executive Director Finance (Cross River)

4. Ebiere Udoh – Executive Director, Agric Services (Akwa Ibom)

5. Charles Akpan – Executive Director, Engineering (Akwa Ibom)

6. Dr. Ndom Abia – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Akwa Ibom)

SOKOTO RIMA BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina)

1. Bello Wurno – Chairman (Sokoto)

2 Abubakar Mallam – Managing Director (Kebbi)

3. Kabiru Maigoro – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Zamfara)

4. Abubakar Ibrahim – Executive Director, Finance (Katsina)

5. Muttaka Jikamshi – Executive Director, Agric Services (Katsina)

6. Mansur Aminu – Executive Director, Engineering (Zamfara)

President Tinubu expects the appointees to use their wealth of experience to bolster the efficiency of the organisations, in line with the administration’s commitment to bettering the lives of citizens.

[Punch]