₦airaland Forum

Upon President Bola Tinubu's request to alter the 2024 Appropriations Act, The House of Representatives granted approval for a supplementary expenditure of ₦6.2 trillion towards the budget.

Following its rapid approval during the second reading, last week's amendment bill has been forwarded to a more thorough appraisal by the House Committee on Appropriations.

During the House plenary session on Tuesday, a detailed report was presented by Abubakar Bichi, which led to approval from the committee's chairman.

Last Wednesday, during a Senate plenary session, President Tinubu sent a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio requesting budget amendment. The proposed increase was ₦6.2 trillion.

President Tinubu specified in his letter that the amendment was required under Section 58, sub-section two of the Nigerian Constitution to allocate ₦3.2 trillion for Renewed Hope infrastructure projects and other significant infrastructural development throughout Nigeria.

Moreover, expected revenue was used to finance ₦3 trillion set aside for fulfilling additional recurring expenses necessary for the efficient functioning of the Federal Government.

he Senate is requested to consider and pass the bills enclosed herewith.”

The proposed Appropriation Act Amendment Bill 2024 aims to modify the principal Act in order to allocate a total of ₦3.2 trillion towards funding crucial infrastructure projects, including the Renewed Hope initiative, throughout Nigeria.

According to the letter, "The Federal Government of Nigeria requires an additional ₦3 trillion in order to adequately fund recurrent expenditures and ensure smooth operation. This sum will be financed by anticipated revenue generated for the government.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/reps-approve-add…-for-2024-budget/

Following its transmission by President Bola Tinubu, the new national minimum wage bill has been passed into law successfully by the Senate.

The new national minimum wage agreement reached last week between Labour leaders and the Federal Government has prompted this legislative action.

President Tinubu has sent a letter requesting concurrence from the House of Representatives for the newly passed bill.

The new bill includes a noteworthy alteration that mandates wage reviews after every three years, deviating from the earlier practice of conducting these reviews once in five years.

The objective of the latest minimum wage is to ease Nigeria's economic difficulties by offering a timely and responsive means for adjusting employee salaries in accordance with rising inflation rates and cost-of-living expenses.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/breaking-senate-…inimum-wage-bill/

A House of Representatives member presents his daughter with a brand new SUV on her secondary school graduation. A proud moment for the family.

Yusuf Gagdi, a Plateau State House of Representatives member, marked his daughter Aisha's graduation from Lead British International School in Abuja by presenting her with an extraordinary present - a sparkling new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

According to a report by Obasanjonews.com on Sunday, Aisha's exceptional performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) was instrumental in her father's generous act as reported by Obasanjonews.com.

On Saturday, Gagdi took to Instagram and shared moments from the graduation ceremony while expressing his love and pride.

"Attended my daughter's graduation today. It fills me with immense pride and joy watching her walk across the stage. Congratulations to my shining star on all of the achievements she has made thus far, along with showcasing strength that shines through even in the face of adversity."

Amid the government's call for Nigerians to bear with continual economic challenges while looking forward to a brighter future, discussions have been ignited by this extravagant present.

This development occurred a few days after the House of Representatives resolved to reduce their salaries by half for the upcoming six months.

The intention behind the proposal of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu's initiative is to bolster federal endeavors aimed at tackling the surging prices of food and other necessities.

To alleviate the economic difficulties faced by the nation, all 360 lawmakers will collectively contribute a noteworthy amount of money from their monthly salaries. This equates to N108 million per month for each lawmaker after reducing their salaries.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/reps-member-pres…secondary-school/

The court has barred INEC from releasing the voters register for the Rivers LG elections. Find out what this means for the electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been restrained by the Federal High Court in Abuja from providing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) with voter registers, which would have enabled them to conduct local government elections within the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured an interim injunction against INEC as Justice Peter Lifu ruled in favor of their ex-parte motion.

On behalf of the APC, a team of seasoned lawyers including Joseph Daudu, Sebastine Hon and Ogwu James Onoja all SANs filed an ex-parte motion. The application was lodged under Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act along with Order 26 Rules 1 and 3 as well as Order28 rules1and2 pursuant to section6ofthe1999Constitution which confers inherent jurisdiction on the court.

The judges directed that the Rivers Electoral Commission and the Rivers Attorney-General refrain from obtaining or utilizing any segment of the National Voter's Register pertaining to Rivers State for carrying out local government elections within said state.

In like manner, Justice Lifu prohibited the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Service (DSS) from involvement in or furnishing security coverage for Rivers State Electoral Commission's execution of local government polls within the state.

Furthermore, the judge released a separate directive instructing INEC, Rivers State Electoral Commission, AG Rivers State, IGP and DSS to uphold the previous state of affairs and refrain from engaging in any action or proceeding with regards to organizing local government elections in Rivers State.

The temporary rulings will continue to be valid until the final decision of the main case, where the APC is contesting the legality of election proceedings held in different localities within Rivers.

Justice Lifu stipulated that as a condition for granting the interim restraining orders, APC must promise to compensate the five defendants if their lawsuit was deemed baseless and if they should not have been subjected to these restrictions in the first place.

Justice Lifu approved alternative ways of delivering the court orders and proceedings to the five accused individuals, which involved publishing them in two prominent national newspapers. This was done prior to the rescheduled date so as to garner their attention.

The judge scheduled August 2nd as the date for all defendants to attend a hearing regarding the substantive issue.

Tony Okocha, the acting chairman of Rivers APC, stated in a 13-paragraph affidavit that defendants were served with originating summons. This was due to INEC's noncompliance with provisions outlined in the Electoral Act regarding voter registration management intended for release to be used during local government elections by the electoral body of River State. Such actions are deemed as violating both the Constitution and Electoral Act from 1999 according to Mr. Okocha's statement under oath.

The deponent declared that only INEC is authorized to compile, maintain, update and store the voter register necessary for conducting local government elections in Rivers state. Accordingly, SIEC has no right to develop or possess a separate voters' register.

The acting chairman of APC emphasized that their petition and motion are awaiting a hearing in court. In light of this, it is crucial to take preventative measures by restraining the defendants from interfering with or squandering the core case until after the motion has been resolved.

He further claimed that the APC in Rivers State filed this application for the protection of justice and to maintain the previous state of affairs while preserving the essential issue.

Moreover, the deponent committed to being liable for any damages determined by the court if it is deemed that the request for a temporary restraining order was groundless and lacking in merit.

All five accused individuals have been instructed to attend court on August 2 and provide their individual responses.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/breaking-court-b…-voters-register/ ‎

Khloe accuses airline of stealing N32m worth of items. Learn about her claims and the airline's response to this serious allegation.

Abiri Oluwabusayo Khloe, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, recently made serious accusations against an airline, claiming that valuables amounting to over N32 million were stolen from her locked luggage at the airport.

Expressing her frustration and anger on Snapchat, Khloe detailed the missing items, which included cash, bags, and shoes.

She questioned who would take responsibility for the financial loss she had suffered, emphasizing that she was not willing to accept such a significant setback.

In her Snapchat post, Khloe directly addressed Delta airline, condemning their actions and expressing disbelief at the disappearance of all her valuables from a securely locked luggage.

She demanded accountability from the airline, expressing her intense emotions and making it clear that she was not prepared to face such a loss.

As of now, the airline has not responded to Khloe's allegations, leaving the situation unresolved.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/tv-star-khloe-al…items-worth-n32m/ ‎

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, missed his arraignment in the N82 billion fraud case the federal government had brought against him on Thursday for the fifth time. The matter was scheduled to be heard before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Rather, the former governor requested that his trial be moved to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, by petitioning Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Court.

Adeola Adedipe, SAN, Bello's attorney, told Justice Emeka Nwite during Thursday's hearings that his client had written to the Chief Judge asking for the trial to be shifted to Lokoja.

According to him, the former governor would have preferred to be charged in Lokoja, where the court had territorial jurisdiction.

The senior attorney omitted to discuss the Chief Judge's reaction to the request, nevertheless.

In addition, he broke his promise from June 13 to bring Bello into court for today's arraignment.

There have been legal disagreements between Adedipe and the prosecution, headed by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, as of the time of this article.

Bello's lead attorney, Abdulwahab Mohammed, and Senior Advocate Adeola Adedipe, both of whom are demanding a contempt trial for deceiving the court, are being demanded by the prosecution.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/yahaya-bello-requests-transfer-of-efcc-case-to-kogi-appeals-to-court/

The legendary musician Charles Oputa, well known by his stage name Charly Boy, has advised Nigerian leaders to never forget that power is fleeting.

The Area Fada made this claim while citing the case study of Chibuike Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State, who described how the former Minister was required to stay in the same departure lounge at the Abuja International Airport as him.

The activist wrote on X, “Time & Tides; Nigerian Mumu Leaders; After your reign ends:

“The duplicity has vanished. The acolytes have vanished. The scumbags have vanished.

“MOPOL security personnel have left. DSS have been removed. Troops are moved around. The FAAN employees no longer tremble or shudder in your presence.

“You can’t use the Rivers State aircraft anymore. 9. Your own income is insufficient to cover the cost of renting an aeroplane.

Then, while I (an Alagbado guy) wait for an aeroplane that was delayed by an hour, Amaechi must remain in the same departure lounge in Abuja.

“Please keep in mind that whatever position you currently hold that makes you feel better than your coworkers is only transitory. Strength is fleeting.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/charly-boy-pokes-fun-at-amaechi-for-no-longer-having-means-to-charter-aircraft/

Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, met with Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, on Monday.

Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady’s media assistant, revealed Obasanjo’s meeting with Mrs. Tinubu via X.

Kukoyi shared pictures of the two people and wrote: “On Monday, June 17, after receiving the former president who came to felicitate on the Sallah Celebration, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.”

This occurs just 48 hours after Obasanjo was spotted wearing a headgear bearing President Bola Tinubu’s emblem.

A video of Obasanjo wearing a headgear bearing Tinubu’s logo at an event attended by certain African dignitaries was posted on Obasanjonews.com.

Despite hailing from the same Southwest geopolitical zone, Obasanjo and Tinubu are considered to have distinct political loyalties.

The former president backed Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, in the 2023 election.

Tinubu had gone to see Obasanjo at his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State, prior to the election, hoping to get the former President’s support, but Obi was chosen instead.

The previous president has attacked how the Tinubu administration handled the Niger Republic coup d’état and its ongoing reforms.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/obasanjo-visits-nigerias-first-lady-within-48-hours-of-wearing-tinubu-cap/

Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, has called for elected officials to begin receiving the minimum wage in order to draw attention to Nigeria’s dire financial situation.

At a special edition of The Platform, an event hosted by The Covenant Nation to promote national development, Soludo made this request on Wednesday, emphasising that Nigeria is experiencing financial difficulty.

He clarified that the luxurious lifestyles of government officials, which are maintained at the price of the country’s wealth, are what worsen Nigeria’s economic troubles.

He emphasised that the existing system is in a state of denial regarding the financial position of the country and suggested that these officials be paid the minimum wage in order to better grasp the terrible reality experienced by regular residents.

“With Nigerians, let’s be honest and straightforward. Nigeria is extremely impoverished, yet the way of life of the government and its representatives does not reflect this, particularly when it comes to their outrageous displays of flamboyance in public, according to Soludo.

“Let’s not aggravate the impoverished further with our callousness; they are hungry and impatient.

“In this instance, I concur with the reverend father Mbaka’s assertion that elected governors ought to be paid the minimum salary as well. I concur that payment is necessary for us to experience that as well.

Since taking office in Anambra, I have not received a salary in kobo. My wage is a donation to the state.

It has symbolic meaning. It’s not really much. In general, I believe the system is deluded. This is merely the symbolism of it, so there has to be some signalling,” he stated.

In order for public office holders to uphold budgetary responsibility while carrying out the primary responsibilities for which they were elected, Soludo proposed a new code of conduct.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/salary-for-elected-officials-should-be-set-at-minimum-wage-governor-soludo/

President Bola Tinubu has received sympathy from former vice president Atiku Abubakar after he slipped in Eagles Square during the 2024 Democracy Day event.

According to Obasanjonews.com, Tinubu stumbled on Wednesday while getting into the procession truck in Eagles Square.

But the President soon regained his composure, and the proceedings went forward without more incident.

In response to the event, Atiku conveyed his sympathy and wished the President well.

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As he was about to review the parade on Democracy Day, he posted on X, “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident.” I sincerely hope that he is doing well.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/atiku-expresses-his-sympathy-to-tinubu-for-his-slip-at-eagles-square/

President Bola Tinubu’s collapse in Eagles Square prompted a response from Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for 2023.

Tinubu’s fall was referred to by Sowore as “a great fall.”

Tinubu’s Great Fall In Abuja!

The fall of Nigeria’s President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in Abuja as captured by his TV station, @tvcnewsng #June12Protest #WeAreHungry #RevolutionNow

Omoyele Sowore

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu made an appearance at Eagles Square, the location of the 2024 Democracy Day event.

As Tinubu got onto the procession car, he slid.

Shortly after reaching the location, he had come up to the car.

The President lost his balance, but his security detail and a few aides were there to help him right away.

In the meantime, Tinubu reiterated his dedication to creating a just and equal Nigeria where no person is subjected to oppression.

During his Democracy Day speech on Wednesday, the President made the commitment, reaffirming his steadfast commitment to promoting an inclusive and just society through extensive political and economic changes.

According to him, the reforms that his administration had started will provide a better and stronger base for expansion in the future.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/tinubu-falls-at-eagles-square-on-june-12/

On Saturday, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike was praised by President Bola Tinubu for his "exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country."

Wike is a team leader who keeps his word, Tinubu emphasised.

He was speaking at the Federal Capital Territory's (FCT) Guzape District road inauguration.

"It has been a very challenging time for us in the country," the president was quoted as saying in a statement released by Tinubu's spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale. In order to provide prosperity and assistance to the citizens of this nation, we are continuously retooling and rearranging our financial system.

"You have proven that you are able to assemble a team, guide a team, and keep your word. I'm proud of you; good job.

Speaking also, Wike stated that the contract was first given to Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited and Gilmor Engineering Limited in 2003, for a total estimated cost of N14 billion, divided into lots 1 and 2.

Since government is a continuous process, Wike praised Tinubu for continuing with the project.

Dantata had been gone from the area for a while. The president approved a memorandum to that effect, therefore we had to bring them back," he stated.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/wike-fulfills-his-commitments-tinubu/

According to Doyin Okupe, a former presidential assistant, President Bola Tinubu was the greatest candidate for president in 2023.

According to Okupe, Tinubu possesses greater capacity than both Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

This was revealed by the former Obi-Datti campaign spokesperson during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television.

“Let me tell you, with the benefit of hindsight, Bola Tinubu is the best among all the people who actually ran for President in 2023,” Okupe stated.

“I’ve met Atiku Abubakar, seen Peter Obi, and had a long-time acquaintance with Bola Tinubu.

“It’s not important that I haven’t seen him in seven or eight years; his ability, dedication, and knowledge are the best.”

In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu defeated Obi and Atiku.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/tinubu-surpasses-both-atiku-and-peter-obi-doyin-okupe/

President Bola Tinubu utilised his first year in office to examine the shortcomings of the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, according to PDP chieftain Bode George on Friday.

George did, however, voice optimism that Nigeria will be fixed in the upcoming year by Tinubu’s administration, which will address the shortcomings of Buhari’s.

The PDP leader remarked during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise TV.

George agreed that Tinubu should have a grace period because he has no prior presidential experience.

George claims that Olusegun Obasanjo, the previous president, need some time to acclimatise to his first year in office.

“Tinubu had never held the position of president at that level. You could argue that he was a member of the APC, which put Muhammadu Buhari in power, but it’s very different from that to take the helm and manage the group now.

“To be fair to my conscience, he has taken that year off from trying to learn from the mistakes made by the previous government. Since he has now seen it and resided there, I have granted him that one year of grace.

“I anticipate that his ministers will have returned in a year with those areas of deficiency. Baba (Olusegun Obasanjo) was still attempting to ascertain what transpired there or vice versa during his first year in office in 1999. “Let’s extend his time,” he remarked.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/tinubu-spent-first-year-analyzing-buhari-failures-bode-george/

Heritage Bank Plc's licence has been immediately revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The stated purpose of this decision was to uphold a sound and steady financial system, in accordance with Section 12 of the 2020 Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA).

Heritage Bank's violation of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA 2020 led to the revocation, according to a statement from Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director, Corporate Communications.

When your bank's licence is revoked, the following occurs to your money as a customer:

After confirming the eligibility of the depositors at the shuttered banks on the premises, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) would expeditiously begin the payout process of guaranteed sums to such depositors.

The insured limit for deposits made at any insured Deposit Money Bank (DMB), such as Heritage, is a maximum of N5,000,000 for each depositor.

This suggests that if a bank were to become insolvent or closure by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), you would receive payment of N5 million if you had approximately N10 million in your account.

In order to enable the verification and reimbursement of their protected savings, depositors would then need to produce the requisite paperwork, such as evidence of account ownership, legitimate identification, and an alternative bank account.

The joint account and each of the individually-owned accounts are separately insured up to the insured maximum sum if a husband and wife or any other two or more people have a joint account in the same insured bank in addition to their individual accounts.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/explaining-outcome-of-bank-failures-on-depositors-funds/

Nigerian musician D’banj has shown his respect for his contentious coworker Portable.

The “Oliver Twist” hitmaker said he wishes he could have Portable’s personality, emphasising their shared affinity for the “Zazu” crooner.

Everyone needs a little bit of portable in them, D’banj continued.

The Koko Master stated, “I wish I could be like Portable because he is doing the way I used to do,” in a recent interview with The Beat FM, Lagos. You call Don Jazzy after sensing something in the night. The next morning, you drop it.

“Recall how we used to do things.” However, they now tell us to wait two or three weeks before adding it to a playlist. Ignore that.

Everyone, in my opinion, could use a little more portable. That’s what he reminds me of, I believe: seeing every situation as an opportunity.

They believed you have to be lucky to succeed in life. Finding opportunities and possessing talent is what makes one lucky. That is our identity. [sic].

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/it-is-essential-for-everyone-to-possess-a-touch-of-portable-dbanj/

Mohammed Umaru Bago, the governor of Niger State, has granted a 50% reduction in registration fees for all students enrolled at Abdulkadir Kure University in Minna.

He clarified that the action was a component of attempts to lessen the load on parents in the wake of the fuel subsidy's elimination.

Bago stated that the gesture intends to lessen the increasing financial challenges on parents in a statement signed by Professor Muhammad Yahaya Kuta, Pro-Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University in Minna.

"The choice would lessen the impact of the present financial difficulties on enthusiastic students and their parents, who might be bearing the costs of the elimination of fuel subsidies and financial difficulties," he said.

According to the university, for the current 2023–2024 academic year, all students enrolled in ordinary courses at the school would receive a complete relief of a 50% decrease in the registration cost.

It also pleaded with those who had benefited from the government's goodwill to repay it by putting greater effort into their education for the advancement of both the nation and all of humanity.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/economic-difficulties-lead-gov-bago-to-order-reduced-fees-for-students-at-abdulkadir-kure-varsity/

According to Ifa priest Ifayemi Elebuibon, swearing in public officials by the traditional deities will minimise corruption in the nation.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday in Osogbo, Elebuibon observed that politicians would refrain from corruption if they were permitted to swear allegiance to the "Ogun" (the deity of iron) and other customs.

According to him, the typical politician was terrified of what would happen if they vowed allegiance to the god of iron, Ogun, or any other conventional methods.

As far as he is concerned, the god of iron is quick to punish those who breach their word.

The Araba of Osogbo, Elebuibon, claimed that the amount of corruption in the nation was worrisome and that it affected every area of the economy in addition to the general populace.

The permissive interpretations of the Bible and the Qur'an that politicians rely on while taking an oath of office are the root of their misbehaviour.

Many of them are aware that when they sin, they can easily go to a corner, beg for pardon, and carry on with their transgressions. However, they are unable to do this while dealing with the god of iron; if they misbehave, they will face immediate judgement.

"For this reason, I support requiring politicians to take a formal oath of office. Allow them to try it and see the results. The IFA priest stated that traditional oath-taking is a means of preventing corruption.

Speaking about the process of choosing traditional rulers, renowned culture promoter Elebuibon stated that it was unusual for governors to be involved in the process.

He pointed out that choosing traditional rulers was the job of the kingmakers and that it was customary for governors to choose or appoint traditional kings.

Elebuibon claimed that because governors choose the traditional rulers, the traditional institution is disregarded at will.

He said that although the government should look out for the traditional rulers' well-being, they shouldn't be allowed to choose their own leaders.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/ifa-priest-suggests-swearing-in-public-officials-with-traditional-deities-to-combat-corruption/

According to the Presidential CNG Initiative, the Nigerian federal government has decided to implement 5,000 tricycles that run on compressed natural gas over the course of the following three months.

The P-CNGi Chief Executive and Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi, revealed this information on Thursday during the opening of the Luojia Tricycle Assembly facility in Ogun State.

According to Oluwagbemi, the government has implemented a number of incentives, such as remission of customs duties and exemptions from value-added tax for tricycles and other vehicles that enter the nation running on compressed natural gas.

He continued by saying that the initiative would create 6000 indirect jobs and at least 60 direct jobs in Nigeria.

"The Presidential CNG Initiative, which aims to improve economical and environmentally friendly transportation throughout Nigeria and to minimise the impact of fuel subsidy reduction, includes the 5,000 tricycles as part of the initial units acquired by the government.

More than 6,000 indirect employment and at least 60 direct ones will be produced by it. He said that the government's tax revenue would rise and economic growth would be enhanced by their partnership with the private sector in executing this project.

The news comes as the government inaugurated a 5.2 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) compressed natural gas (CNG) plant in Lagos on Thursday.

The Nigerian government set the price of compressed natural gas at $1.57 million BTU in April of 2024.

Ministries, organisations, and parastatals were instructed by President Tinubu to buy CNG vehicles.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/nigerian-government-announces-deployment-of-5000-cng-tricycles/

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to success and making sure Nigerians are satisfied.

Assuring Nigerians’ prosperity, according to Tinubu, is still the administration’s primary goal.

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he was speaking during the opening of the Wuye Bridge interchange that connects the Wuse and Wuye districts.

“Looking forward, aiming for great results, and not letting obstacles stop you from achieving greatness” is Tinubu’s finest advice. Obstacles present possibilities, which we must take advantage of.

“By placing our people at the centre of our development activities, this facility strengthens their security, which is fundamental to democracy.

“The main goal of this government is to succeed, bring happiness to the throngs of people, and bring about prosperity and tangible value of immense proportions to our people.”

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/im-committed-to-success-making-nigerians-happy-president-bola-tinubu/

The Benue State Government is not permitted to investigate the former governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, according to a ruling by the Benue State High Court.

As noted by Obasanjonews.com, the Benue State Government has established a commission to investigate the recent past administration of former Governor Ortom in the state. The commission will look into the funds (revenue and expenditures) of the Benue State Government from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023.

The order prevented the panel from meeting while former governor Samuel Ortom’s move on notice was heard and decided.

In making a decision on a motion ex-parte, Justice T. T. Asua granted the court’s prerogative to prohibit the Benue State income and expenditure commission of inquiry from holding meetings or acting in any way regarding the terms of reference, paragraphs 3(a)–(o), which were published by the state governor in the Benue State of Nigeria Gazette No. 17, Vol. 49 of February 27, 2024.

Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, Chief Ortom’s attorney, informed the court that the application’s justification is that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants the Auditor General the authority to look into and examine the state’s finances.

Ortom’s attorney stated that the Auditor General had already, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), probed, audited, and certified the accounts of the Benue State Government and had presented his reports to the Benue State House of Assembly.

He said that the Benue State House of Assembly had also taken action on the aforementioned report of the Auditor General, as permitted by the constitution, and that the Auditor General had already looked into and probed all of the topics listed in paragraphs 3(a) through (o) of the Benue State Gazette No. 17, Vol. 49 of February 27, 2024. The Auditor General then wrote reports and submitted them to the State Assembly, which took further action on the matter.

He added that the aforementioned Auditor General report was made public by publication in multiple Benue State Gazettes.

In light of the aforementioned facts, Maduabuchi, SAN claims that the governor of Benue State lacks the authority to form the income and expenditure commission, the commission lacks the authority to convene and look into matters that are listed as items in the gazette, and the governor’s actions amount to a flagrant abuse of power and personal grudge.

Justice T. T. Asua heard Maduabuchi, SAN, and then granted the motion as asked.

According to him, the applicant has demonstrated enough interest in the situation to support granting the requested leave.

He further stated that, in accordance with Order 40, Rule 5(4) of the Rules of the Court, the motion on notice must be entered for hearing within 14 days of the leave being granted. He also prohibited the commission of inquiry from taking any further action regarding the matter to which the application relates until the motion on notice was heard and decided.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/court-blocks-governor-alia-from-investigating-former-governor-ortom/

Nigeria we hail thee

Our own dear Native land

Though tribes and tongue may differ

In brotherhood we stand

Nigerians all, are proud to serve

Our sovereign Motherland

Our flag shall be a symbol

That truth and justice reign

In peace or battle honour'd

And this we Count as gain,

To hand on to our children

A banner without Stain.

O God of all Creation

Grant this our one request.

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is Oppressed

And So with peace and plenty

Nigeria may be blessed.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/anthem-approved-by-president-bola-tinubus-administration-revealed/

Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has stated that the electoral fraud committed by Chief Timipre Sylva, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a current commissioner of police, was revealed by the state’s governorship election petition tribunal on November 11, 2023.

Remember that the tribunal on Monday rejected the APC and Sylva’s plea, citing lack of merit, contesting the INEC’s declaration of Governor Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the election’s victor.

On Tuesday evening, Diri gave a speech at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House, Yenagoa, where he had stopped on his way from Abuja to express gratitude.

He revealed that the APC witnesses shot themselves in the foot with baseless allegations and contradictory materials during the tribunal’s cross-examination.

The governor also described how Mr. Tolani Alausa, the state’s former commissioner of police, damaged his reputation by providing false testimony in court and was humiliated for displaying forged INEC documents. Mr. Alausa was called as a star witness in the case.

He pointed out that even though Alausa was no longer the state’s chief prosecutor, the senior police officer showed up at the tribunal to support the APC candidate’s fraud.

He added that Chief Dennis Otiotio, the party’s state chairman, had also received harsh criticism from the tribunal for his “unprofessional conduct” as a lawyer.

He urged the judiciary to impose severe penalties on pointless cases and the misuse of legal procedures by individuals who are fervently trying to overturn popular will.

“Our lawyers scanned an INEC form that they (APC) presented during one of the sittings, and it was established that the form was printed in Yenagoa,” the speaker stated. During his own cross-examination of Otiotio and the witnesses for their party, the INEC counsel claimed that while all INEC result sheets contained barcodes, the APC’s result sheets lacked them.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/tribunal-decision-exposes-election-fraud-involving-sylva-police-commissioner-and-others-gov-diri/

In Abuja, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to start commissioning projects carried out by the Federal Capital Terrorism Administration, which is led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

The project’s commissioning is one of the events planned to commemorate the administration of Tinubu’s one year anniversary.

In order to achieve this, the President has left the working visitation area at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, which is the Presidential Wing.

At 11:25 a.m., he was bid farewell by a few government representatives as well as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, President Femi Gbajabiamila’s chief of staff.

The President officially kicked off the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project while he was in Lagos, starting at the Victoria Island end.

Additionally, he put the Rehabilitated Third Mainland and the Rebuilt Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Motorway into service.

In a same spirit, Tinubu essentially put 330 roads and bridges throughout the nation under repair.

The President would, among other infrastructure projects, commission the Southern Parkway from National Christian Centre to Ring Road One upon his return to Abuja.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/one-year-in-office-tinubu-prepares-to-commission-projects-in-abuja/

The National Assembly has received a bill that aims to amend the Electoral Act, 2022, in order to grant voting rights to inmates in Nigerian prisons.

The bill, titled ‘Bill for An Act to amend the Electoral Act to provide for the right to vote of persons detained or incarcerated in custodial institutions and other places of detention; and related matters’, was obtained by Obasanjonews.com.

It is also known as the ‘Electoral (Custodial Inmates) Bill, 2024’ and is sponsored by the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO), a not-for-profit organization.

The bill was drafted by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), led by Dr Tonye Clinton Jaja.

In order to grant voting rights to inmates in Nigerian prisons, the bill proposes amendments to several sections of the current Electoral Act, 2022, including sections 9, 12, 13, 40, and 152.

One of the key amendments suggested by the bill is the addition of a new subsection (3) to Section 40 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

This subsection states that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should establish polling units in or near Custodial Centres and detention facilities, in consultation with the head of such institutions or facilities.

Additionally, the bill seeks to establish voters’ registration centers at prisons across the country.

This would be achieved by inserting a new subsection ( to Section 9 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the Commission to designate registration centers in or near Custodial Centres and detention facilities, in consultation with the head of such institutions or facilities.

The proposed bill aims to address the issue of inmates who were registered to vote in a different area before their incarceration.

It seeks to grant these inmates the right to transfer their polling units to the location of the prison where they are currently held.

This amendment would involve deleting the existing subsection (1) of Section 13 of the Electoral Act and replacing it with a new subsection.

The new subsection would allow individuals who are residents of a constituency other than the one they were registered in, including those in detention facilities or custodial centers, to apply to the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the State where they currently reside.

Their names would then be entered on the Transferred Voters List for that constituency.

The sponsors of the bill, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO), emphasize the importance of ensuring that all eligible voters, whether free or in detention, have the right to participate in the government of their country.

They argue that these rights are protected by various global, regional, and national legal frameworks and instruments.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for example, states that everyone has the right to take part in the government of their country directly or through chosen representatives.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also highlights the right to vote without discrimination.

At the African regional level, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights guarantees the right to participate freely in government, while the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance emphasizes the right of citizens to participate in the electoral process freely and fairly.

Furthermore, the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to vote in elections in the country.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/proposed-legislation-aims-to-grant-voting-rights-to-prisoners-in-nigerias-elections/

Chris Nkwonta, the representative for Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, has strongly condemned the alleged killing of Miss Ocheze Ogbonna, a crane operator at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company, by a Chinese expatriate.

It has been reported that Ocheze Ogbonna lost her life after the Chinese expatriate, who was working at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Umuahala-Obuzor, pushed her down from the crane because she rejected his romantic advances.

Nkwonta expressed deep sadness over the death of his constituent and described the actions of the Chinese expatriate as wicked.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Nkwonta emphasized that his constituency is known for its peaceful nature and demanded justice for the victim.

He condemned the barbaric act and brutal killing of Miss Ocheze Ogbonna by the Chinese expatriate, identified as Mr. Power. Nkwonta also highlighted the concerns raised by Nigerians regarding the disregard for human life exhibited by Chinese expatriates operating in Nigeria.

He called on the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, and the Trade Union Congress to ensure that the culprit, who is allegedly being shielded by security agents, is apprehended and brought to justice.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/representative-seeks-justice-in-case-of-chinese-expatriate-killing-abia-woman/

In a significant ruling, the Rivers State High Court has invalidated the amended Local Government Law proposed by the Martins Amaewhule faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The ruling came as a result of a lawsuit, with the case number PHC/1320/CS/2024, which specifically challenged the extension of tenure for LG chairmen for six months after their term had expired.

Presiding over the case, Justice D.G. Kio declared the amendment to be invalid, highlighting its inconsistency with both the 1999 Constitution and Section 9(1) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.

The court emphasized that the governing law for the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors is the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018, which clearly states a three-year tenure.

The attempt made by the Martins Amaewhule faction to extend the tenure through the enactment of the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024 was deemed unlawful and in direct contradiction to their oath of office.

This ruling is a significant victory for Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six others who challenged the extension, as it reinforces the importance of upholding constitutional principles in governance.

The court’s decision serves as a reminder that adherence to the law is crucial for maintaining a fair and just system.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/breaking-fubara-emerges-victorious-in-court-case-against-pro-wike-lawmakers/

During a courtesy visit in Abuja, Senate President Godswill Akpabio took the opportunity to advise popular Afrobeat singer Davido against getting involved in politics.

Akpabio expressed his delight at receiving Davido and commended him for his contributions to the country.

He emphasized that despite their different political affiliations, the interest of the country should be the priority for everyone.

Akpabio urged Davido to continue being a great ambassador for Nigeria in the entertainment industry and not to allow anyone to drag him into politics.

He assured the singer that the political arena values talents and that they would support the entertainment industry and talented individuals like him.

Akpabio concluded by emphasizing the need for patience and prayers for success in their endeavors.

In response, Davido shared the purpose of his visit with the Senate President.

He mentioned his efforts to assist society through his foundation, where he annually donates millions of Naira to orphanages.

Additionally, he revealed that he has a new album scheduled for release in June or July of the current year

Davido expressed his gratitude for the support and efforts of Akpabio and thanked him for everything he has done for them.

During the visit, Davido was accompanied by two of his cousins, Tunji Adeleke and Folasade Adeleke, who are the son of his late uncle, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, and the daughter of the Governor of Osun State, respectively.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/senate-president-akpabio-advises-davido-not-to-get-involved-in-politics-at-all-costs/

Iran is making preparations for memorial ceremonies to honor President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash along with seven other senior Iranian officials.

The ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Tuesday and will be held in two significant locations.

The first ceremony will be held in Tabriz, the provincial capital, in the morning. Following that, a second ceremony will be conducted in Qom, a city known for its religious significance and as a popular pilgrimage destination.

The specific dates for the funerals of these esteemed statesmen have not yet been announced.

The funeral arrangements for President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, who perished in a helicopter crash, are being meticulously organized in Iran.

The memorial ceremonies are set to occur on Tuesday, with the first ceremony taking place in Tabriz, the capital of the province.

This will be followed by a second ceremony in Qom, a city renowned for its religious prominence and as a revered pilgrimage site.

While the exact dates for the funerals have not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that President Raisi will be laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad.

Iran is making arrangements to hold memorial ceremonies to pay tribute to President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, both of whom tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash.

Alongside them, seven other senior Iranian officials also perished in the accident.

The ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Tuesday and will be held in two significant locations.

The first ceremony will be held in Tabriz, the provincial capital, in the morning.

Following that, a second ceremony will be conducted in Qom, a city known for its religious significance and as a popular pilgrimage destination.

The specific dates for the funerals of these esteemed statesmen have not yet been announced.

The helicopter crash occurred in dense fog while the deceased were returning from a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, in the mountains over East Azerbaijan Province.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/memorial-ceremonies-for-late-president-in-iran-scheduled-for-tuesday/

Justice Binta Nyako from the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected Nnamdi Kanu’s plea for the reinstatement of his bail and to be moved from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to either house arrest or prison.

The Judge mentioned that a similar request had been presented by Kanu before, but it was dismissed due to lack of merit.

In her ruling on Kanu’s request, Justice Nyako stated that she had confirmed that Kanu had violated the bail conditions previously granted to him and had fled the country.

Furthermore, the Judge noted that the sureties who had vouched for Kanu during his initial bail had requested to be relieved of their responsibilities as they were unable to locate Kanu or know his whereabouts.

Justice Nyako emphasized that Kanu’s only recourse now was to take his case to the Court of Appeal and exercise his right to appeal.

Disagreeing with Kanu’s main lawyer, the Judge pointed out that the Supreme Court did not support the claim that Kanu’s bail should not have been revoked, as she had reviewed the Supreme Court’s judgment and found no such assertion.

According to reports from Obasanjonews.com, Kanu is currently vehemently protesting against standing trial in any Nigerian court, arguing that it would violate the country’s Constitution and international laws.

More details on this matter are expected to be released later.

Read Also: https://obasanjonews.com/nnamdi-kanus-request-for-bail-denied-remains-in-dss-custody/