TRENDING NOW

One of the governors in the southern part of the country, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has approved a Christmas bonus of N150,000 for each civil servant in the state.

The announcement was made by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, in a Facebook post on Thursday night.

Uzor confirmed that the payments would be made before 1 pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. “Every Worker in Ebonyi State service will receive ₦150,000 as a Christmas Bonus before 1 pm on Tuesday… Gov. Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru,” the post stated.

This development follows the governor’s recent approval of a new ₦75,000 minimum wage for state workers on October 27. According to a statement from the governor’s office, the wage adjustment was implemented after a thorough review of the economic realities in the country.

The statement also clarified that workers on grade level 2 would receive the full ₦75,000 minimum wage, while those on grade level 3 and above would enjoy an additional ₦40,000 increment.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved bail for Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, setting the amount at ₦500 million.

Presiding over the case on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite stipulated that Bello must present two sureties, each required to provide an affidavit of means and own property in Abuja. The title documents of these properties will be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

Additionally, the court ordered that the ex-governor must surrender his international passport and submit two recent passport photographs alongside those of his sureties.

Justice Nwite further directed that Bello be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja until he meets the bail conditions.

Bello, who is facing a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering involving ₦80 billion, pleaded not guilty to the accusations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of his decision to withdraw an earlier application to expedite the arraignment date, noting that it was no longer necessary. The defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised no objections, and Justice Nwite subsequently struck out the application.


More details to follow…..

A businessman, Kehinde Balogun, has petitioned a Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, to dissolve his 14-year marriage to his estranged wife, Stella, citing allegations of infidelity.

Balogun, a father of three, said with regret that if he had known that Stella would bring him such future embarrassment, he would not have exchanged marital vows with her.

“My lord, I became completely frustrated when I found out that Stella was having extra-marital affairs with my plumber and I made her realise this.

“Then, she decided to move out of my house, packing my belongings with her and abandoning our three children,” Balogun said.

During a cross examination, the petitioner said that his wife did not catch him on their matrimonial bed with any woman.

He also denied sending her photographs to anybody.

However, Stella denied any wrong doing, stating that one of her friends had told lies against her.

“That friend of mine had told Balogun that I’ve been sleeping around and he consequently began to react to me negatively.

“He turned me into a punching bag and stopped sleeping in the house.

“Later on, Balogun started sending my photographs to his woman-friend.

“My lord, he has remarried with my three children in his care and they are not properly catered for,” Stella told the court.

Delivering judgment, the court’s President, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, pronounced the marriage dissolved on the ground that both Balogun and Stella were no longer wiling to continue with the union.

Akintayo granted the order restraining Stella from harassing, disturbing, threatening and interfering with Balo gun’s private life henceforth.

The Nigerian Naira weakened further in the parallel market on Thursday, dropping to N1,668 per dollar from N1,600 per dollar the previous day.

In contrast, the Naira strengthened in the official foreign exchange market, appreciating to N1,534.6 per dollar.

According to data from the Daily Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the indicative exchange rate for the Naira improved by N10.4, moving from N1,545 per dollar on Wednesday to N1,534.6 per dollar on Thursday.

This shift has widened the gap between the parallel market rate and the official exchange rate, with the margin increasing from N55 per dollar on Wednesday to N133.4 per dollar.

The cost of landing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, in Nigeria has decreased by N36, now standing at N900.28 per litre as of Thursday.

This represents a 3.62% drop from the previous week’s figure of N936.75 per litre, according to data released by the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN).

Earlier this week, the landing cost had fallen to N890.43 per litre, marking a continuing trend in declining import costs. Fresh reports also indicate that oil marketers imported a total of 90,308 metric tonnes of fuel between Tuesday, December 10, and Friday, December 13, 2024.

Using a conversion rate of 1,341 litres per metric tonne, this translates to about 121.1 million litres of petrol imported over three days. The reduction in landing cost reflects adjustments in global market conditions and supply chain dynamics. Despite this, the retail price of petrol in Nigeria remains high, at N1,060 per litre.

Key determinants of the cost of refined petroleum products, such as crude oil prices and foreign exchange rates, continue to impact the market.

Earlier in the week, industry stakeholders highlighted that dollar-based pricing for locally refined PMS and high crude import costs are significant contributors to the elevated prices of domestic products compared to imported ones.

For instance, petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was priced at N970/litre on Thursday, while refined products from the Port Harcourt Refining Company cost around N1,030/litre. This suggests that imported fuel, excluding regulatory charges, remains more cost-effective than domestically refined alternatives.

An analysis of MOMAN’s data shows that the estimated import parity cost averaged N945.23 per litre over the past 30 days, compared to N958.89 the previous week. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil traded at $73.52 per barrel on Thursday, up from $72.06 the previous day, with the exchange rate at N1,533 per dollar.

Documents obtained from the Nigerian Ports Authority revealed that a total of 121.1 million litres of PMS were delivered to four ports across Nigeria this week: Apapa Port in Lagos, Warri Port, Onne Port in Rivers State, and Calabar Port in Cross River State.

One of the key marketers, AYM Shafa, imported 15,000 metric tonnes (21.12 million litres) on Tuesday via the vessel Stellar, which berthed at Warri Port. Another shipment, carried by the vessel Kriti Ruby, delivered 37,308 metric tonnes (50.03 million litres) to Apapa Port on Thursday. The Rivers Port received 23,000 metric tonnes (30.84 million litres) on Thursday via St Lady Meenah, while Virgo 1 is scheduled to deliver 15,000 metric tonnes (20.12 million litres) to Calabar Port today.


(PUNCH)

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement measures to safeguard the survival of opposition parties in Nigeria.

Governor Yusuf, represented by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, made this call on Thursday during INEC’s visit to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) headquarters in Abuja for its routine party verification exercise.

Highlighting the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic system, Yusuf said, “The opposition parties in this country are going through hell, politically. All these crises, left, right, and centre, are artificial. They are being engineered and sponsored. So, INEC should come up with ways to checkmate any untoward excess of any national government in power towards opposition.”

He emphasized that a robust opposition is essential for democracy to thrive, stating, “I believe a vibrant opposition is the oxygen of democracy in any given situation. Without any oxygen in the democracy, opposition is weak and dead, and democracy will fail.”

Governor Yusuf expressed optimism about the NNPP’s future, predicting the party would secure more electoral victories, including at the national level.

Meanwhile, NNPP National Chairman, Ahmed Ajuji, affirmed the party’s commitment to its dual role as the ruling party in Kano State and a formidable opposition elsewhere in the country. He dismissed claims by expelled members alleging they had taken over the party’s leadership.

“The fact that the electoral umpire, the regulator of parties, INEC, has come here today to perform their statutory duty shows that we have been, we are, and by God’s grace, shall continue to be the NNPP,” Ajuji said.

Ajuji also cautioned party members against engaging in anti-party activities, asserting, “No matter how highly placed, all members are expected to remain disciplined and operate within the ambit of our constitution. The internal mechanisms of our party shall be guarded jealously.”

Speaking on the party’s leadership disputes, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, criticized a court judgment obtained by a faction led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. Johnson described the judgment as fraudulent and lacking legal merit.

“The judgment is a default judgment that was obtained by fraud and therefore liable to be set aside, which process of setting same aside has already commenced,” Johnson stated.

The NNPP remains resolute in its stance, reaffirming its adherence to constitutional and regulatory guidelines.

The cabinet reshuffle of Thursday, December 12, 2024 by Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, paints a stark picture of a government teetering on the edge of collapse.

While the official explanation frames the shake-up as a move to “realign” the administration and “ensure optimum performance,” the underlying reality suggests a much graver predicament. The NNPP government in Kano is increasingly cornered by the relentless surge of the APC, which has galvanized its ranks and positioned itself as a formidable opposition.

At the heart of the NNPP’s unraveling is its inability to maintain cohesion and deliver on the promises that swept it to power.

The APC’s resurgence in Kano, bolstered by strategic appointments and grassroots mobilization, has exposed the frailties of Governor Yusuf’s administration. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic selection of the highly popular Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development has reinvigorated the APC’s presence in Kano. Simultaneously, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibril, the Deputy Senate President, has masterfully orchestrated unity within the party, leveraging his influence to woo back disenchanted NNPP members.


Missteps and Misadventures of the NNPP Government

Governor Yusuf’s tenure has been marred by policy misadventures and governance missteps. The administration’s ill-conceived demolition exercise earlier this year caused widespread discontent, alienating traders and property owners. The state’s inability to resolve crises such as the emirate’s tussle and the alleged N1.5 billion scholarship fraud involving the Ministry of Higher Education further eroded public trust. Investigations into the scholarship scandal, which questioned the authenticity of foreign education claims for over 1,000 students, added to the government’s woes.

These blunders have not only disillusioned the electorate but also spurred defections from the NNPP. Former loyalists, frustrated by the government’s inefficiencies and lack of vision, have returned to the APC in droves. The NNPP’s internal strife, exacerbated by a growing rift between Governor Yusuf and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has further destabilized the party. Kwankwaso’s alleged meddling in state affairs and the emergence of factions within the NNPP have deepened the crisis.


The Cabinet Reshuffle: Desperation or Strategy?

Governor Yusuf’s cabinet reshuffle appears less a calculated strategy and more a desperate attempt to stem the tide of discontent. The abolition of the Chief of Staff’s office and the removal of the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, signal a government scrambling for relevance. Five commissioners were also dropped, including those overseeing critical portfolios like Finance and Information. This sweeping shake-up underscores the administration’s struggles to maintain loyalty within its ranks.

Political analysts argue that this reshuffle is an attempt to install loyalists who can stave off further defections to the APC. However, it may already be too late. Several dropped officials are rumored to be aligning with the APC, further strengthening the opposition’s position. The reshuffle, rather than reinvigorating the NNPP government, highlights its vulnerability and inability to navigate the growing challenges posed by the APC’s resurgence.


APC’s Strategic Momentum

The APC’s renewed vigor in Kano is a testament to its adept political strategy. Senator Barau Jibril has played a pivotal role in unifying the party and exploiting the NNPP’s weaknesses. By capitalizing on the discontent among NNPP members and leveraging his influence, Jibril has strengthened the APC’s appeal among Kano’s electorate. The party’s growing popularity is further reinforced by Ata’s grassroots connections and his capacity to rally support for the APC’s agenda.

Moreover, the APC’s success in poaching key NNPP members underscores its strategic acumen. By offering disillusioned officials and politicians a viable alternative, the APC has positioned itself as the party capable of restoring Kano’s lost glory. This momentum has rattled the NNPP, which increasingly resembles an opposition party rather than the ruling government.


2027: The NNPP’s Uphill Battle

The implications of the NNPP’s failures and the APC’s resurgence extend beyond the present. With the 2027 gubernatorial election on the horizon, the NNPP’s prospects for a second term are dimming rapidly. The administration’s inability to deliver on its promises, coupled with internal divisions and defections, has created a perception of a sinking ship.

The APC, on the other hand, is poised to capitalize on this disarray. By maintaining unity and building on its recent gains, the party is well-positioned to reclaim the gubernatorial seat in the next election. The roles of Senator Jibril and Minister Ata will be crucial in sustaining this momentum and presenting the APC as the preferred alternative for Kano’s electorate.


Conclusion

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s cabinet reshuffle, while ostensibly aimed at enhancing governance, reflects the NNPP’s existential crisis in Kano. The APC’s strategic maneuvers, bolstered by the leadership of Senator Jibril and Minister Ata, have exposed the NNPP’s weaknesses and galvanized opposition against its administration. As the NNPP struggles to find its footing, the APC’s resurgence signals a potential political shift in Kano, with 2027 looming as a decisive moment for the state’s political future.

Lawmakers at the Benue State House of Assembly have directed the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to suspend the ongoing recruitment of teachers indefinitely.

This directive followed a motion raised during Thursday’s plenary session by Mr. Douglas Akya, representing Makurdi South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), and co-moved by Mr. Peter Ipusu of Katsina-Ala West.

Mr. Akya highlighted concerns regarding the recruitment process, noting discrepancies in the qualifications of shortlisted candidates. He pointed out that the advertised requirements included Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed). However, graduates without education qualifications were also shortlisted, contrary to the initial criteria.

“This is in addition to the failure of the board to shortlist qualified candidates for the exercise. The manipulative picture portrayed by this development goes against the governor’s good intention to uplift the standard of education and revamp public primary schools,” Akya stated.

He praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for initiating the recruitment process to improve basic education in the state. However, he urged the assembly to summon the SUBEB chairman for an explanation, particularly regarding the inclusion of candidates with non-professional degrees and low aptitude test scores, some as low as 25 percent.

Supporting the motion, Mr. Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North) emphasized the need for accountability to meet the expectations of their constituents. Mr. Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East) advocated for the indefinite suspension of the exercise, a position also supported by Mr. Ipusu, who called for an investigative committee to examine the recruitment process.

During the session, Mr. Jonathan Agbidye (APC/Katsina-Ala East) reminded the assembly that the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) traditionally oversees teacher recruitment, with SUBEB providing supervisory roles.

Speaker Hyacinth Dajo upheld the assembly’s decision, directing SUBEB to suspend the recruitment exercise and mandating its chairman to appear before the house on Tuesday for further clarification in an executive session.

The legal firm of Afe Babalola & Co. has filed a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), seeking the disbarment of Lagos-based lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The firm accuses Farotimi of breaching multiple provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers.

Dated December 6, 2024, the 90-page petition was signed by Ola Faro, a partner at the firm and a subject of Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

The petition, titled Petition Against Tomilola Titus Farotimi (Also Known as Dele Farotimi, Esq), details allegations of professional misconduct. It accuses Farotimi of making unfounded corruption allegations against senior legal practitioners, justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Lagos State High Court, and Afe Babalola’s firm.

Faro, signing the petition in both his personal capacity and on behalf of the firm, outlined Farotimi’s alleged contraventions, including: Making false accusations against the judiciary and legal profession.

Participating in conduct he allegedly knew to be unlawful, including bribery and improper access to judicial officers.

Assisting clients in illegal activities and making misleading statements of law and fact.

Disrespecting fellow lawyers, the judiciary, and the Supreme Court by using offensive language and obstructing the administration of justice.

The petitioners argue that Farotimi’s conduct undermines the legal profession, discredits the judiciary, and threatens public confidence in the justice system.

“The contravention of these rules by the Respondent (Farotimi) prompted this petition to protect the dignity of the legal profession, the dignity of the court as the temple of justice, and to uphold the standards of the legal profession,” the petition reads.

The petitioners also claim that statements made in Farotimi’s book could harm the judiciary’s reputation and destabilize society by inciting distrust in the legal system.

The LPDC is the regulatory body responsible for investigating and addressing misconduct among lawyers in Nigeria. It has the authority to recommend that a lawyer’s name be struck off the roll of legal practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court. However, such decisions are subject to appeal.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has justified the ongoing demolition of properties in Abuja, maintaining that he will not be deterred by threats or criticism.

Wike explained that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is targeting structures illegally erected on government land.

“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmailing,” the minister said on Thursday during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja.

“In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and say you cannot be blackmailed particularly as regards this Abuja. There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we would not be fasting again to go to heaven.”


‘Wrong is Wrong’

The FCTA has recently escalated efforts to demolish structures it considers illegal, including estates and shanties, citing security concerns and violations of land use regulations.

Wike emphasized that while some of the affected properties pose safety risks, others are occupying land meant for government use without proper approval.

“We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason with formal approval. We would not look at your face. If you like, be a civil rights activist or a television personality,” Wike stated.

“What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”

The minister’s remarks coincided with the Senate’s decision to investigate the demolitions. The Senate initiated the probe following a motion by Ireti Kingibe, the Senator representing the FCT, who expressed concerns about the ongoing demolitions and called for an immediate halt.

A committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, has been tasked with investigating the issue and inviting Wike to explain the rationale behind the demolitions in Abuja.

The 36 govenors in the country have endorsed the creation of state police, following the submission of their reports to the National Economic Council (NEC).

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of 147th NEC meeting chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.

Sani stated that many states were in agreement with plans to establish state police in view of the fact that virtually every state had security challenge.

According to him, there are a lot of ungoverned territories in Nigeria, and deficit in terms of number of security officials.

He added the police, the army and other relevant security agencies had no personnel to cover all the states and the country as a whole.

“That is the reason why most of us agreed that establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward to address the problem of insecurity in the country.

“So, today one of the topics of discussion at the NEC meeting is the update on the creation of the State Police.

“And I can say here that from what is available, virtually most of the states are in agreement with the establishment of state police in Nigeria,” said the governor.

He, however, said the council decided to step down the discussion on the state police until the next NEC meeting in January 2025.

“The council decided to step down the discussion until the next council meeting, because we need to come up with a report from the secretariat.

“There will be further stakeholder engagement after the panel and deliberation by the members of the NEC,” Uba said. ⁣

PlatinumPost reports that NEC had during its 146 meeting held on Nov. 21, mandated Kwara, Adamawa, Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to submit their positions on state police within one week.

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa had explained that 33 states had submitted their positions, except Adamawa, Kebbi and Kwara.

The council had mandated the remaining states and FCT to make their submissions within one week in order to present a consolidated state position on the state police at today’s NEC meeting.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects allegedly tied to a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate operating in Abuja and neighboring areas.

The suspects—Abba Godwin, Abraham Anthony, and Moses Obi—are alleged to be part of a network led by one Friday Ogwuche, who remains at large. The arrests were disclosed during a press briefing on Thursday by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Speaking on the operation, Disu said, “As part of commitment to rid the FCT of the dare-devil “one-chance” syndicates, operatives apprehended three key suspects linked to a network reportedly led by one Friday Ogwuche, who is now at large.

“Operating from the Mararaba area of Nasarawa State, the syndicate extended its activities to densely populated areas of the FCT. These arrests represent a significant stride in the Command’s fight against organised crime, with ongoing investigations to apprehend accomplices and bring the fugitive leader to justice.

“The suspects include: Abba Godwin (42, from Benue State): A member of the syndicate for three months, Abba played the role of a fake passenger to lure unsuspecting victims. The group operating line is Maraba axis, AYA junction, Kubwa express and etc. He admitted to earning between N20,000 and N40,000 daily from their operations.

“Abraham Anthony (27, from Kaduna State): Abraham, who joined the gang in August 2024, confessed to targeting commuters during early morning rush hours at locations like Nyanya Market and Area 1. His earnings averaged N40,000 per operation.

“Moses Obi (from Cross River State): A seasoned member since June 2024, Moses identified potential victims at crowded bus stops and marketplaces. He also provided information on their primary driver, nicknamed “Dangote,” recruited by the gang leader.

”Upon their arrest, their operational vehicles; One (1) Green colored golf three car and one ash coloured Peugeot 406 car w, were recovered from them.

“Similarly, a targeted operation led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be active members of another notorious “one-chance” syndicate: Moses Steven (23, from Benue State): Residing in the North Bank area, Moses admitted to joining the syndicate in December 2023. He revealed that he traveled to Abuja during festive periods to collaborate with other members organized by a ringleader, “Baba Peter,” based in Jos, Plateau State.

“Jude Simon: Simon confessed to being involved in robbery operations for over a year, primarily targeting commuters entering the FCT in the early morning hours.

“Terfa Akaaer (from Benue State): A taxi driver residing near Mararaba Park, Terfa admitted to collaborating with the gang when recruited by “Baba Peter.” He disclosed their strategy of filling vehicles with accomplices while leaving one seat vacant to lure unsuspecting victims.

“Upon their arrest, their operational vehicles; One (1) Green colored golf three car with Reg. No. TRN 647 AA, and one ash colored Peugeot 406 car with Reg. No. ABJ 145 LQ, were recovered from them.

“In another significant breakthrough, police arrested Hyacinth Avetse, a prominent member of a high-profile “one-chance” syndicate, at the Area 1 Roundabout.

“Hyacinth admitted to joining the syndicate in February 2023 and revealed that he had earned over N1.4 million from their operations.

“His arrest provided critical leads that have advanced investigations into other syndicate members.

“He was apprehended with two of their operational vehicles; one (1) green colored Lexus saloon vehicle with no registration number in front, and one blue colored Toyota corolla . Three (3) POS machines, five (5) laptops, three (3) phones, one hundred and nine (109) memory cards, two hundred and three (203) dollars, several bags with cloths were also recovered from him.”

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has carried out a significant reshuffle of his cabinet, resulting in the dismissal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Commissioner for Information, and four other commissioners.

This development was confirmed by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who stated that the changes are part of a strategic political move aimed at reorganizing the administration to better meet its goals.

Governor Yusuf, according to Bature, had been considering this shift for some time in order to improve efficiency and maximize the impact of democratic governance for the people of Kano State.

Among those affected by the reshuffle are Chief of Staff Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, whose position has been abolished, and Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, who was removed on health grounds.

The statement further clarified that Governor Yusuf made the decision to dismiss and reassign several cabinet members to enhance the effectiveness of the administration’s political agenda.

Those retaining their positions include Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Commissioner for Agriculture; Dr. Abubakar Labaran, Commissioner for Health; Hon. Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar, Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning; Hon. Musa Suleiman Shannon, Commissioner for Budget and Planning; and Engr. Marwan Ahmad, Commissioner for Works and Housing.

Other commissioners who will remain in their roles are Sefiyanu Hamza (Solid and Mineral Resources), Sheikh Ahmad Tijani Auwal (Religious Affairs), Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso (Youth and Sports), Adamu Aliyu Kibiya (Investment and Commerce), and Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris (Internal Security and Special Services, Rtd.).

Additionally, several officials have been reassigned to new portfolios. These include Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam, the Deputy Governor, who is now assigned to the Ministry of Higher Education, and Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman, who shifts from Science and Technology to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata has also been moved from Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Other reassigned officials include Hon. Amina Abdullahi, now heading the Ministry for Women, Children, and Disability; Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, who moves to the Ministry of Special Duties; and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi, who is now the Commissioner for Transport, replacing Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, who is reassigned to the Ministry of Water Resources.

Also impacted are Hon. Ali Haruna Makoda, now the Commissioner for Education, after his transfer from Water Resources, and Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji, who will now lead the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, following her move from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Disability. Hon. Muhammad Diggol has been reassigned from the Ministry of Transport to that of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

In addition to the reshuffle, Governor Yusuf has removed five cabinet members entirely: Ibrahim Jibril Fagge, Finance; Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, Culture and Tourism; Baba Halilu Dantiye, Information and Internal Affairs; Shehu Aliyu Yammedi, Special Duties; and Abbas Sani Abbas, Rural and Community Development.

The Governor has directed the dismissed officials to report to his office for possible future reassignment.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the recent court order directing the seizure of Dele Farotimi’s book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ describing it as a glaring example of anti-intellectualism and a setback for democratic ideals.

HURIWA also decried the warning reportedly issued to bookstores by Afe Babalola’s law firm, stating that such actions are unconstitutional and amount to an infringement on the fundamental rights of individuals and businesses.

The court order, which mandates the confiscation of Farotimi’s work, has been criticized by HURIWA as a disturbing echo of medieval practices that suppress intellectual freedom.

“This order is anachronistic and reminiscent of the actions of the Crusaders nearly a thousand years ago, who burned books they deemed contrary to their interests. Such a move has no place in a modern democratic society that prides itself on freedom of expression and intellectual debate,” HURIWA said in a statement issued by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Thursday.

HURIWA particularly faulted the warning issued to bookstores, asserting that it is unconstitutional to hinder legitimate trading in books, especially when those bookstores were neither parties to the legal suit nor given a fair hearing in line with Section 36(5) of the Nigerian Constitution. The organization emphasized that the principle of fair hearing is a cornerstone of justice, and any action that undermines it is not only unconstitutional but also morally indefensible.

“The blanket warning to bookshops not to stock or sell the book without their involvement in the suit is a gross violation of their rights. This action effectively punishes entities that have not been accused or convicted of any wrongdoing, setting a dangerous precedent for freedom of commerce and expression,” HURIWA noted.

Rather than resorting to judicial actions that stifle free thought, HURIWA challenged the lawyer who sought the court order to adopt a more constructive approach by writing a counter-book to refute the alleged defamatory claims made by Farotimi. “The most effective response to ideas, whether agreeable or not, is to present superior arguments and evidence. Intellectual battles should be fought with reason, not repression,” HURIWA argued.

The organization further highlighted the risks of the court order, pointing out that such actions inadvertently encourage piracy and underground trading of the book, which could have dire consequences for intellectual property rights and the publishing industry. “When legitimate avenues for accessing a book are blocked, it creates a fertile ground for black-market operations. This undermines the very fabric of intellectualism and erodes respect for the rule of law,” HURIWA warned.

Encouraging healthy debate, HURIWA reiterated the importance of allowing controversial works to spark debate and dialogue, stating that it is through such processes that societies evolve and grow. Suppressing dissenting opinions, the organization argued, only creates a utopian illusion where critical issues are swept under the carpet rather than addressed.

“Books, irrespective of their content, serve as mirrors of society. They reflect our strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Attempting to erase such reflections is not only futile but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” HURIWA emphasized.

The human rights group called on the judiciary to exercise caution when issuing orders that have far-reaching implications on fundamental freedoms. It also urged the Nigerian Bar Association and other stakeholders to advocate for a system that prioritizes intellectual engagement over censorship.

HURIWA’s statement concluded with a reminder that the suppression of ideas has historically led to societal stagnation and conflict. “From the Crusades to authoritarian regimes of the 20th century, history is replete with examples of how the suppression of books and ideas only fuels resentment and undermines progress. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Nigeria must embrace the path of intellectual freedom and robust debate to build a society where justice and knowledge thrive,” the group asserted.

President Bola Tinubu is set to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

This announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session.

Akpabio stated, “The president has made his intention known to the National Assembly to present the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly on the 17th of December, 2024.”

The presentation will take place in the House of Representatives Chamber.

Last week, Tinubu submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) for 2025–2027 to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Akpabio subsequently directed the Senate Committee on Finance, National Planning, and Economic Affairs to review the document and provide a report within a week.

The MTEF/FSP outlines key economic assumptions, including a $75 oil price benchmark per barrel, a daily oil production target of 2.06 million barrels, an exchange rate of N1,400 to $1, and a projected GDP growth rate of 6.4%. These parameters underpin the proposed N47.9 trillion 2025 budget, which will be considered and debated by lawmakers.

One of the governors in the southern part of the country, Sheriff Oborevwori, has taken a strong stance against the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing them of deepening hunger, poverty, and unemployment across Nigeria, and pushing the nation further into economic despair.

In a statement issued by his Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, Oborevwori condemned key policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.

According to the governor, any potential benefits from these measures have been negated by the devaluation of the naira and surging inflation.

His remarks were a response to statements by former Deputy Senate President (DSP), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, at an All Progressives Congress (APC) event. Omo-Agege had praised Tinubu’s policies, claiming they resulted in increased federal allocations, rising economic growth, higher incomes for farmers, and a boost in exports.

Omo-Agege also criticized the Delta State government, alleging that despite receiving over N900 billion in federal allocations and revenue from the 13% derivation over the last year and a half, there were no significant development projects to show for it.

He accused the state administration of mismanaging funds and using the remainder to settle debts.

Oborevwori dismissed these claims, questioning the real value of the increased allocations in the context of widespread economic challenges.

“Can we really talk of increased money in any state in Nigeria? What is the worth of such money in the face of galloping inflation, gross devaluation of the naira, unparalleled hunger, mass poverty, mass unemployment, daily closure of major factories and multinationals in the country?” he asked.

The governor also cited assessments from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which he said confirm that the current economic policies are failing and have solidified Nigeria’s status as the “poverty capital of the world.”

“Both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have rightly stated that Tinubu’s economic policies are not working. That the policies have transformed Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world, with over 130 million of the population living below the poverty mark,” he added.

In conclusion, Oborevwori rejected Omo-Agege’s recommendation that Delta should adopt APC’s economic approach, calling it a model that has inflicted severe hardship on Nigerians.

“Is this the model that Omo-Agege is recommending for Delta to copy! A model that has unleashed economic hardship on the people? Why would anyone recommend APC’s T-pain as remedy to our woes? Obviously, this is not a path desirable for Deltans and one they would want to embrace at this time,” he stated.

The governor urged caution in adopting policies that exacerbate economic difficulties, emphasizing the need for strategies that prioritize the well-being of citizens.

There was a mild drama in the Senate on Thursday as Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urged Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, to continue some ongoing demolition of buildings in Abuja. 

Akpabio, who was responding to a motion brought before the Senate  by Ireti Kingibe over the hardship being caused by the demolitions, said Wike should continue with demolition of structures ordered by the courts in order not to be culpable of disobeying court orders.

The demolitions, which have drawn widespread criticism, recently came under scrutiny when Paullosa Nigeria Limited, a construction firm, raised concerns about a demolition notice for its estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the General Manager of Paullosa Nigeria Limited, Vincent Enoghase, alleged that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) issued a quit notice despite the company having paid N10 million for a Right of Occupancy that has not been granted.

In a widely circulated video on Wednesday, social media commentator Vincent Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, accused the FCT Minister of revoking the estate’s land titles and reallocating them to Saravera Nigeria Limited and Kingsley Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives representing Obio/Akpor Constituency. Otse further alleged that the original landowner was the late first cadet of the Nigerian Army, who passed away four years ago.

However, Kingibe, the Senator representing the FCT, called for the Senate’s intervention to halt further actions.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Senator representing Kogi Central, supported the motion, urging the Senate to suspend all demolition activities until an investigation is conducted.

Meanwhile, the Senate has established a nine-member ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and directed Wike to appear before it.

The Senate also resolved that no structures marked for demolition without court orders should be tampered with until the committee concludes its investigation and reports back to the chamber.

The Federal Government has announced that many states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to begin implementing the new national minimum wage by January 2025.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, disclosed this during a meeting with a delegation from the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCN) at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

He urged workers to exercise patience, noting that his ministry is still assessing which states have complied fully, partially, or not at all with the new wage standards.

“According to information provided by workers, about four or five states have yet to comply with the new minimum wage, while others have done so to varying degrees,” the minister said.

He added, “The FCT has committed to implementing the new minimum wage by January, but the FCT chapter of your association is demanding immediate action. I am not sure whether that is fair. Many states plan to implement it in January, so I don’t understand why the FCT chapter is unwilling to accept the same timeline.”

Dingyadi acknowledged the concerns raised by the union, including those related to federal agencies and the Office of the Accountant General. He promised that all issues would be reviewed and resolved amicably.

“We need a list of those who have not complied to guide us better in addressing the matter,” he said.

The minister also commended the union for their visit and emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue in resolving labor disputes. He called on the leadership of the ASCN to set an example by approaching issues through negotiation and collaboration.

A non-governmental organisation, Dr Krystal Chanchangi Foundation has rolled out sporting competition, aiming to harness potentials of youths in Basketball and related activities. 

The exercise which took place in collaboration with the Office of the SSA Youth & Diaspora Police Community Relations Committee held at the popular MO Arena Wuse in FCT Abuja, with winners going home with sums of money. 

The outreach was in advancement of the Foundation’s commitment to selfless community service, especially in the area of access to quality education, sports empowerment and feeding the underprivileged areas across Nigeria .
Competing teams took part in various sporting activities, specifically, basketball. 

The winning team in female category (basketball) went home with the sum of N10000 (one hundred thousand naira) , while the male champions pocketed N300,000 (Three hundred thousand Naira) and second runner up won cash prize of N150,000. 

Founder of the Foundation, Queen Amb. Dr. Krystal Chanchangi while speaking at the event, noted that the sport engagement is her own contribution towards assisting young people discover their inner potentials. 

According to the Global Cultural Activist and American Model "I'm passionate about helping Nigerian Youths especially the kids who have little or no support for educational opportunities.
"I have been doing philanthropic works for 9 years . It’s a process that gives me joy and i will never get tired of giving back to the society. 
it makes me fulfilled seeing people happy,especially the joy in the faces of these children, my motivation is my passion and zeal for a better Nigeria , devoid of hungry children, out of school children. I will continue to support as long as I can, to put smiles on the faces of this children."

SSA to the President on Humanitarian affairs Hon. Delu Bulus, Prince Chiders Udegbe, known as the Billionaire Prince White and many other distinguished individuals were present at the event 
This is not the first time the Global Cultural Activist is embarking on such project. In September, at least 30 students benefited from her Foundation's scholarship outreach, an effort geared towards offering them opportunity for a brighter future. 

The full scholarship which was targeted for minority primary students from low-income households also covers tuition fees and books. 

Earlier, about 50 pupils of Community Secondary School Oraifite, Anambra benefitted from humanitarian intervention of the non-governmental organisation, as it paid fees of 50 pupils of the school.

In a significant disruption, Meta’s flagship platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—have experienced outages, leaving millions of users across the globe unable to access their accounts or post content.

Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with complaints as users reported issues. Downdetector, an outage-tracking service, recorded massive spikes in complaints, with Instagram reporting over 71,000 issues and Facebook surpassing 107,000 reports worldwide.

On Facebook, users have reportedly been greeted with a message reading, “We’re working on getting this fixed as soon as we can.”

The outage has also sparked a flurry of activity on X, with users turning to the platform to check if others are facing the same issue.

The hashtag #instagramdown has been trending on X within the period.

Shay tweeting as #uloveshaaay on X.com wrote, “Every time my Instagram or Facebook doesn’t work, I run to Twitter to see if it’s just me. Thank God I’m not the only one!”

“Me running to Twitter to see if everyone else’s #Whatsapp #Facebook #Instagram is down or if it’s my internet,” #iamrazi18 similarly wrote on X.

Reacting to the downtime in a post on X.com on Wednesday, Meta wrote, “We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps. We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience.”

Using the #instagramdown, Instagram similarly wrote on X.com, “Hi, we know there’s a technical issue impacting some people’s ability to access Instagram. We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and are sorry for any inconvenience.”

WhatsApp also wrote on X.com, “We’re aware of some issues accessing WhatsApp. We’re actively working on a solution and starting to see a return to normal for most people. We expect things to be back to normal shortly.”

This outage follows a series of similar disruptions affecting Meta apps in the past, including a major service interruption in March.

As Meta works to restore normal service, users are left waiting for an update on when the issue will be resolved.