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N1.481trn Appropriation Bill For Rivers State Scales Second Reading In senate
The Senate has approved the second reading of a ₦1.481 trillion Appropriation Bill for Rivers State, which is currently under emergency rule. The bill, aimed at authorizing spending from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Emergency Rule. The committee, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), is expected to carry out further legislative scrutiny and present a report within two weeks. President Bola Tinubu, in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urged the Senate to approve the budget, citing the emergency rule imposed in March 2025. The state’s previous budget was voided by the Supreme Court following the breakdown of governance in Rivers State. The president explained that the proposed appropriation is designed to support key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and programs for youth and women empowerment under the Emergency Rule Government. Leading the debate, Senator Bamidele explained, “This Bill seeks to authorize the issuance of ₦1.481 trillion for the year ending December 31, 2025. Rivers State is under Emergency Rule, and in line with Regulation 4(2)(f) of the Emergency Rule Regulations 2025, National Assembly approval is required for all expenditures.” Highlights of the proposed budget include: Infrastructure: Over ₦324 billion for road projects and public transportation upgrades, Agriculture: ₦32 billion to promote youth involvement in farming, Education: ₦75.6 billion to enhance learning environments and access to free basic education, Healthcare: ₦166.5 billion (14.4% of the budget) for completing zonal and general hospitals, Youth Empowerment: ₦6.2 billion for digital resource centers and sports development and Women Affairs: ₦5.2 billion to support social inclusion initiatives. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the proposed budget aims to stabilize Rivers State, restore essential public services, and create around 6,000 jobs. The funding will be sourced from FAAC allocations, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), VAT, mineral funds, statutory allocations, and federal reimbursements. The emergency rule in Rivers State was triggered by a political crisis stemming from a power tussle between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s faction. The conflict resulted in legislative gridlock, the destruction of government assets, and the impeachment of the State Assembly Speaker. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Government declared a state of emergency, suspended the state legislature, and transferred legislative authority to the National Assembly. The Senate is expected to conclude consideration and pass the budget after receiving the committee’s report in two weeks.
5/28/2025, 2:30:20 PM
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Corrupt People Must Not Enjoy Proceeds Of Their Crime~ EFCC
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the Commission's pursuit of illicit asset tracing and recovery is aimed at holding the corrupt accountable and securing restitution for the victims of their crimes. He made this known on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, during a summit organized by the Ministry of Justice on asset recovery. The event, themed “Synergizing Towards an Effective Asset Recovery and Management and Unveiling of National Central Database of Forfeited Assets and Proceeds of Crime (POCA) Regulations 2024,” was held at the Continental Hotel, Abuja. “At the EFCC, our experience with asset tracing, recovery and management is anchored on the philosophy that those who obtained wealth through corrupt means must be held accountable and that victims of graft get justice through restitution. In an environment where legal barriers encumber speedy determination of corruption cases, the recovery and seizure of stolen wealth retain enormous deterrence value. The Commission, employing both conviction and non-conviction based strategies, yearly recover assets running into billions of Naira,” he said. Olukoyede, praised the summit for providing fresh ideas on assets recovery and management, noting that the establishment of the central database for forfeited assets and proceeds of crime will be an immensely useful reservoir of information as anyone seeking data on asset recovery across all anti-corruption agencies in the country can now find it in one location. “Even more remarkable is the unveiling today of two key instruments that demonstrate the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF’s proper understanding of the gaps in the asset recovery efforts of the country’s anti-corruption agencies. These are the National Central Database of Recovered Assets and the Proceeds of Crime (Standardised Assets Forfeiture Management System) Regulations, 2024. This has the potential of enhancing the integrity of recovered asset data. I am also persuaded that the Proceeds of Crime Regulations, 2024 represents an audacious move to migrate from a chaotic analogue assets management system into a digitized mode for enhanced forfeited assets management. Highlighting the challenges in assets recovery, tracing and management, Olukoyede, who was represented by Director, Proceeds of Crime Management, G.K Latona noted that despite the improvement in legal and institutional frameworks for assets recovery and management, especially with the coming into force of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management)Acts, 2025, there are still challenges in the assets recovery and management process that will require detailed interrogation at the summit. “There are, for instance, issues with the valuation and preservation of some assets. The assets disposal process also remained a source of constant attacks on the anti-corruption agencies despite clear legal provisions on the modalities for such engagements. It is therefore important for agencies involved in asset recovery to peer review and share experiences especially in navigating the challenges of implementing the Proceeds of Crimes Act. “We cannot overstate the importance of synergy in asset tracking and recovery, particularly in our environment where an inchoate national identity system makes tracking of stolen assets difficult. Agencies must necessarily rely on the cooperation of a number of institutions, from regulatory agencies, law enforcement agencies and financial institutions to designated non-financial institutions, including members of the public, to make headway in the recovery of stolen assets. The relationships are crucial in navigating the intricate web of legal and political mines that frustrate recovery of stolen wealth from foreign jurisdictions,” he said.
5/28/2025, 2:25:02 PM
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How Emefiele Received $17.1m Cash~ EFCC Witness
An official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Alvan Gurumnaan, testifying as the eighth prosecution witness, has narrated how former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, allegedly received \$17.1 million in cash through a proxy over a span of three years. Gurumnaan, led in evidence by EFCC counsel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, told Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, that the funds were collected in tranches between 2020 and 2023 and handed to Emefiele’s associate and co-defendant, Henry Omoile. Emefiele and Omoile are currently facing a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on corrupt demands and gratification amounting to \$4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion. Gurumnaan, who heads the EFCC’s special operations team that investigated the case, told the court on Tuesday that intelligence reports received while Emefiele was still in office prompted the commission’s in-depth investigation. He said, “In the course of the investigation, we met the second defendant, Omoile, and we invited him to our office. We found the intelligence credible and we swung into action by writing several letters of investigation activities to CBN where we requested documents and for officers of the banks, from trade and exchange department, currency operations and banking supervision, legal, HR and many other departments to report to our office to give explanation. “We also wrote the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Corporate Affairs Commission, several commercial banks, and the FMDQ. “After collating the information, we invited officers from those departments and put questions to them and their responses were recorded. Some of them were detained and released to reliable sureties.” He added, “We had reasons to invite some staff that worked directly with the first defendant both in the CBN HQ in Abuja and the annex in Lagos. Some of them include Monday Osazuwa, John Adetola, and John Ogar. “One name that featured prominently in our investigation was one Eric Odoh who was PA to the first defendant, Emefiele. We made frantic efforts to bring him in for questions but he was nowhere to be found. We later received intelligence that he had absconded and gone out of the country. Reports traced him to Canada, Dominican Republic and many other places.” Gurumnaan further explained that a red notice alert was sent out to Interpol. “Which means he’s now being looked for by international police and we placed him on a watch list and declared him wanted. He has since not been found. “However, when one of the staff members, Monday Osazuwa, was invited, we interviewed him, and he confirmed that he knew the first defendant from when they worked together in Zenith Bank. “The first defendant was MD, Zenith, and when he was appointed to CBN, he facilitated the employment of Osazuwa to join him as a senior supervisor in the Lagos office of the CBN,” he said. He added that Osazuwa confirmed that he ran errands for the first defendant both at Zenith and CBN and some of those errands were official and some others were personal. He said the personal errands Osazuwa ran included when he received a call from the first defendant and told him to call a certain gentleman called Mr Mohits who was in London at the time and who gave him the number of a businessman with an office address in VI, Lagos. “From September 2020 to June 2, 2023, just a week before the first defendant was suspended from office, this businessman gave him a total of $17.1 million dollars to give to Emefiele. The monies were sent through Osazuwa and upon receiving those sums, Osazuwa went to the first defendant’s (Emefiele’s) house in Lagos where he handed over the monies to the second defendant, Omoile”. “The second defendant then transmitted the monies to the first defendant. In other instances, he transmitted the monies to the first defendant personally. Most of these transactions took place on Fridays when the first defendant was working out of his offices in Lagos,” he added.
5/28/2025, 7:58:40 AM
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"You Will Rise and Shine”: Otuaro’s Powerful Children’s Day Message Sparks Hope Across Nigeria
As Nigeria marks another Children’s Day celebration, the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Barr. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro, has sent a heartfelt message to children across Delta State and the nation at large. In his goodwill message, H.E. Otuaro described children as “the heartbeat of our nation and the shining hope of our future,” emphasizing their boundless potential and the need for collective commitment to their growth and protection. “Today, we pause to celebrate your innocence, your energy, your dreams, and your boundless potential,” he stated. “Every child, regardless of background, deserves love, protection, quality education, and a chance to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.” Otuaro, a father and public servant, reaffirmed his strong commitment to advocating for policies that uphold children's rights and create opportunities for their development. “You deserve a Nigeria where your dreams are valid, where your voices are heard, and where your future is bright and limitless,” he affirmed. He also expressed gratitude to parents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers, acknowledging their sacrifices and roles in shaping future leaders. He urged them to continue nurturing children with wisdom and compassion. To the children, he delivered a passionate charge: “Believe in yourselves, stay focused on your education, honor your parents, and hold on to your dreams. God has planted greatness in each of you, and no matter the obstacles, you will rise and shine.”
5/27/2025, 1:02:45 PM
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Reps Withdraw Compulsory Voting Bill After Public Outcry
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a proposed bill that sought to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerian citizens. Co-sponsored by Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, the bill aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce mandatory voting as a strategy to deepen democratic engagement. In a statement released Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas explained that the withdrawal came after “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” nationwide. “The bill was introduced with the best of intentions—to promote civic responsibility and strengthen our democracy by boosting voter participation,” the statement noted. The bill had passed its second reading in the House on March 21, 2024, sparking significant public debate among lawmakers, civil society groups, and citizens. Supporters of the proposal argued it would improve voter turnout, while critics voiced concerns over potential infringements on personal freedoms and the practical challenges of enforcement in Nigeria’s diverse electoral environment. Speaker Abbas referenced global examples where compulsory voting has resulted in over 90% turnout rates, including countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil. Yet, he stressed that Nigeria must adopt reforms aligned with its own realities and public opinion. “Lawmaking must serve the people, and any reform must uphold individual liberty,” he said. Instead of mandating participation, Abbas expressed a commitment to pursuing voluntary and incentivised approaches—particularly those that encourage youth and first-time voters to engage in the democratic process. “This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens,” the statement concluded. The bill elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many urging continued efforts to tackle the underlying causes of voter apathy, such as electoral violence, distrust in the electoral system, and logistical difficulties on election days.
5/26/2025, 1:45:27 PM
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21,082 Candidates Absent As 99% Scored Below 200 In Rescheduled UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the 2025 UTME resit examination conducted for candidates affected by technical issues at their original centres, revealing that 99 per cent scored below 200. Out of the 336,845 candidates rescheduled for the exam, 21,082—representing 93 per cent—were absent. However, no explanation was provided for the high rate of absenteeism. The board, which released the results in a statement by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, yesterday, said: “Of the 336,845, who were eventually scheduled after isolated good sessions of the affected centres were excluded and their previously unverified candidates were added, 21,082 were absent.” However, JAMB again, extended an olive branch to the absentee candidates by offering them opportunity to participate during the normal annual mop-up examination yet to be scheduled. It said: “This waiver is also extended to the candidates who for whatever reason must have missed the initial main UTME. “Despite the ongoing inquiries, performance analysis remains consistent (between 11 per cent in 2013 and 34 per cent in 2016) with results from the past 12 years. “While this situation is unfortunate, it has also revealed numerous alarming practices perpetrated by candidates, certain proprietors of schools/Computer-Based Test, CBT, centres, which have exacerbated examination irregularities.” The release of the results came after JAMB convened a meeting of its chief external examiners, CEEs, in all states of the federation to consider the results.
5/26/2025, 7:25:24 AM
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Prudent Financial Management, Oborevwori's Greatest Achievement Aniagwu
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has identified Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s prudent management of financial resources as the hallmark of his administration’s success over the past two years. Speaking on Arise News' “Morning Show” on Sunday, Aniagwu said the governor’s sound fiscal policies have ensured economic stability, fostered development, and positioned Delta as a financially solvent state. “One of Governor Oborevwori’s greatest accomplishments is the judicious management of state resources,” Aniagwu stated. “This fiscal discipline has enabled the execution of numerous developmental projects across the state.” According to him, Delta is among the few states where contractors receive up to 40% advance payment, easing financial burdens on contractors and ensuring timely project delivery. Despite not securing any new loans, Aniagwu revealed that the governor has repaid nearly N300 billion in debts inherited from previous administrations, while consistently meeting contractual obligations. "The prudent management of resources has given birth to all the other projects that he has executed in advancing development across the state. "We make bold to say that Delta State is very solvent today about the only state in this country where you are given a contract and you have 40% advance payment. "That helps to reduce the issue of cost of fund for the contractors and that also gives us advantage of ensuring that the jobs are completed in good time." Aniagwu added that, despite not taking any new loans, Governor Oborevwori has spent nearly N300 billion to repay debts and fulfill contractual obligations inherited from previous administrations. "So, in a nutshell, the unity that he is building, anchored on this prudent management of resources, is what stands Oborevwori out amongst many. "Don't forget that the award given to him by THISDAY and Arise Television clearly mentions the effective and prudent management of resources to the extent that 24 months running, Oborevwori has not asked for a dime from anybody in terms of borrowing even as he pays any contractor as soon as a certificate is raised. "You can go ahead and fact check me, we are about the only state in Nigeria today that is running along that trajectory and we give God the glory for the government that we have at the moment that is progressing along that line. "Much credit goes to Governor Oborevwori for leading all of us to be able to embrace prudence, probity and accountability in the governance of the state." The Commissioner said in the past two years, significant infrastructure projects have transformed key areas in Delta State, particularly in Uvwie, Udu, and Warri South. "Through strategic development programs, several major bridges have been constructed or revitalized, including those at the DSC Roundabout, PTI Junction Roundabout, and the Enerhen junction. "The Beneku Bridge now links communities in Ndokwa West and East, while the Ayakoromo Bridge which connects over 15 communities in Burutu Local Government Area to Ughelli south has been given a new lease of life. "The Orere Bridge is nearing completion, with the deck already finished. Additionally, the Trans-Warri Bridge project is progressing, aiming to further improve interconnectivity across the state. "In the education sector, a new campus has been established for the Southern Delta University in Orerokpe while construction of various faculties and supporting infrastructure is ongoing at main campus in Ozoro thereby enhancing access to higher education in the state. "Numerous other public facilities have also been developed or rehabilitated over the past two years. More than 30 residential flats have been built for military personnel, reflecting collaboration between the state and federal governments. "Infrastructure developments are underway in communities and empowerment programs are being expanded to uplift youth and women economically. "As such, the focus remains on ensuring that governance translates to tangible benefits for the people of Delta, with the hope that these local gains will eventually cascade to national recognition and development." On the brewing political crisis in the Warri Federal Constituency, Aniagwu, urged all parties to maintain peace while the relevant authorities address the underlying issues. "The roots of the conflict trace back to longstanding electoral imbalances identified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the 1999 elections. "Warri Federal Constituency, which comprises Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North local government areas, is home to three major ethnic groups: the Urhobos, the Itsekiris, and the Ijaws. These groups have historically coexisted peacefully and are indigenous to the region. "However, ethnic tensions have occasionally arisen over questions of political representation and territorial ownership, some of which have reached the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court eventually ruled that there was a need to restructure the electoral boundaries within the constituency to promote fairness and equity among the ethnic groups. "Acting on this judgment, INEC initiated efforts to correct the imbalances, which inadvertently reduced the political advantage previously enjoyed by certain groups. "This has led to resistance from individuals who feel disadvantaged by the reforms, despite their broader intention to foster justice and equitable representation. "The situation reflects a common human tendency to resist change when it threatens personal gain, even when the change serves the greater good." Aniagwu expressed hope that all stakeholders would come to appreciate that the adjustments were necessary for long-term harmony and fairness among the diverse ethnic groups in the region.
5/25/2025, 5:10:16 PM
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