₦airaland Forum

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has, on behalf of the entire sports stakeholders, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the Anti-Doping Bill into law, News360 Nigeria reports.

According to Mallam Dikko, signing the bill, which had been in the works for nearly two decades, underscores President Tinubu’s strong commitment to aligning Nigeria with global anti-doping standards and advancing sports development.

“My sincere appreciation and gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for speedily signing this bill into law. From day one, Mr. President has never hidden his desire to get this done and directed all parties involved to expedite actions. After nearly two decades of delays, this milestone has been achieved through his relentless push and commitment.”

Mallam Dikko credited the President’s support for the significant progress made in Nigerian sports and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in finalizing the bill. He thanked the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Senate and House Committees on Sports, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and WADA Africa for their contributions to ensuring the passage of the bill.

The newly enacted law domesticates the International Convention Against Doping in Sport and establishes an independent body responsible for implementing the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards in Nigeria.

A major highlight of the Act is the establishment of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Center, a development that excites Mallam Dikko.

“With this Act, Nigeria will become an anti-doping hub for Africa and the world, in line with the RHINSE framework. The President’s approval of funding for a world-class anti-doping laboratory in the 2025 Appropriations Act is a game-changer.”

Currently, there is only one such laboratory in Africa, and all countries are required to conduct at least 1,500 tests annually. Nigerian samples, like those of other African nations, are currently sent abroad for testing. However, once the new laboratory is operational, this will change, reducing costs and generating revenue for the country.

Mallam Dikko emphasized that the Act reflects Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and integrity in sports, reinforcing the country’s adherence to international anti-doping regulations.

“Mr. President has reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fair play in sporting competitions. Our athletes must remain clean and free from banned substances at all times. By signing this bill into law, Nigeria sends a clear message to the world that we are a nation of integrity, not just in sports but in all aspects of governance.”

The Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, assured that with the enactment of the NADO Act, the NSC will work closely with the organization to ensure Nigeria remains fully compliant with global anti-doping standards.

As outlined in the National Sports Commission and the National Sports Industry Policy (2022-2026), the National Anti-Doping Act offers numerous advantages, including:

Reclaiming Nigeria’s position in global sports and addressing lingering doping concerns.

Solidifying Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, excellence, and integrity in international competitions.

Protecting Nigerian athletes from unfair practices while enhancing the country’s global sports reputation.

Ensuring compliance with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the UNESCO Convention Against Doping in Sports, thereby eliminating potential sanctions and fines.

Promoting athlete education and awareness campaigns on doping regulations.

Enhancing drug testing in and out of competitions.

Establishing and funding an accredited anti-doping control laboratory to support Nigeria’s sports economy.

Developing a National Anti-Doping Policy and Guidelines aligned with the WADA Code.

Ultimately, the National Anti-Doping Act 2025 paves the way for a structured and effective anti-doping regime in Nigeria, ensuring the country’s athletes compete on a fair and transparent playing field.

The Ebonyi State Government has arrested seven supervising commissioners and a local government chairman over delays in completing 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities, displaced by the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal crisis in Ishielu Local Government Area, News360 Nigeria reports.

The arrested officials include:

Professor Omari Omaka (Commissioner for Tertiary Education)

Victor Chukwu (Commissioner for Environment)

Mr. Ifeanyi Ogbuewu (Commissioner for Culture and Tourism)

Uchenna Igwe (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters)

Dr. Moses Ekuma (Commissioner for Health)

Felix Igboke (Commissioner for Project Monitoring)

Mr. Timothy Nwachi (Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area)


The government accused them of failing to meet the contract’s terms and conditions, resulting in project delays.

Dr. Ilang Donates, Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee on the housing project, stated that the decision to arrest the officials was taken after they failed to ensure timely completion.

"The Governor is deeply unhappy about the slow pace of work. This project is meant to provide relief to displaced victims, and any delay is unacceptable. Those responsible for supervising the work will be held accountable," Donates said.

Mrs. Maria Okohu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization, described the situation as an act of sabotage by contractors and some commissioners who failed to ensure strict supervision.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police has issued invitation letters to officials who were absent at the time of the arrests.

OKEHI LGA CHAIRMAN TAKES PROACTIVE MEASURES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY

Press Release

Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State - March 31, 2025

In response to recent security intelligence, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Hon. Amoka Eneji Monday, has announced a ban on all political rallies and unregulated public gatherings within the LGA.

This decision, made after a high-level security meeting with heads of security and Traditional rulers in Kogi Central, aims to maintain peace and prevent potential security breaches in the region.

"We will not compromise the safety of our people," said Hon. Amoka Eneji Monday. "We urge everyone to remain vigilant and cooperate with the government and security agencies to keep our communities safe."

The ban includes public rallies, public gatherings that could disrupt the peace, and unregulated convoy entries into the senatorial district.

The high-level security meeting was attended by:

- Local Government Chairmen across Kogi Central
- Senior Special Assistants on Security to Kogi State Governor
- Traditional Rulers
- Heads of Security outfits
- Other community stakeholders

Signed:
Hon.Amoja Eneji Monday
Executive chairman, Okehi LGA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIa-2u22to0

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has visited the families of victims who were brutally murdered in Uromi to offer his condolences and assure them of government support.

Reports indicate that some of the victims hailed from Bunkure Local Government Area in Kano State.

In a video obtained by News360 Nigeria the governor was seen addressing the bereaved families, vowing that full compensation will be provided to those affected.

He also disclosed that 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings, stressing that justice must be served.

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the heinous act face the full wrath of the law.

The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) have accused the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) of negligence in the death of Segun Olanrewaju during a fight in the country, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

In a chat with Newsmen on Monday, Remi Aboderin, secretary-general of the NBB of C, said the GBA did not adhere to the sport’s rules and regulations before staging the boxing fight.

On Saturday, Olarenwaju died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.

The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra.

Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.

The boxer was pronounced dead 30 minutes after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Aboderin said the fight happened 24 hours later than the date that the NBB of C had approved for the bout.

He said the fight was initially scheduled for Thursday but was moved to Friday without communication or approval with the NBB of C.

The NBB of C secretary general added that no medical examinations were done, and the compulsory weigh-in ceremony was also ignored before the rescheduled fight.

“Segun went to Ghana to fight according to the contract, but the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) did not do their due diligence. They did not do the medical examination, and they did not make sure he made the weight for the fight. The date we approved for him to go and fight was Friday, the 28th. How come he fought on the 29th?” he told TheCable.

“He died because the rules and regulations of the sport were not adhered to by GBA. The fight that NBB of C approved for Segun was on the 28th of March, not the 29th. No medical examinations were performed to ascertain his health.

“We only have this incident because the rules were not adhered to. When the Friday bout was cancelled due to an overweight issue, Segun was already on his way back to Nigeria. He was already at the border before he was contacted to return, or maybe he had a rethink. He returned. No medical was done. No weigh-in was done. He must have been stressed.”

Olanrewaju was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.

He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of online registration for the 89 Regular Recruits Intake Exercise for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women, News360 Nigeria reports.

According to an announcement on the official X account of the Nigerian Army on Monday, applicants must be single, Nigerian citizens by birth, and possess a valid National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

The statement added that applicants must also be medically, physically, and psychologically fit in accordance with the Army’s standards and must not have any criminal convictions.

Candidates applying for Non-Trades positions must have at least four passes, including English Language, in not more than two sittings in WASSCE, GCE, NECO, or NABTEB. Meanwhile, those applying for Trades positions must possess relevant trade qualifications or certificates.

The age requirement is set between 18 and 22 years for Non-Trades candidates and between 18 and 26 years for Trades candidates as of June 30, 2025.

Male applicants must be at least 1.68 metres tall, while female candidates must not be shorter than 1.65 metres. A valid state of origin certificate is also required.

The Army outlined several benefits of service, including career opportunities, enhanced allowances, access to further education, social integration, and pension and gratuity.

The military warned that all documents would be verified, and any candidates found with fake credentials would be handed over to law enforcement for prosecution.

Qualified and interested candidates are urged to apply through the official portal at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/, as the process is entirely free.

The boxing world is in mourning following the tragic passing of former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing during a fight in Ghana on Saturday, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

Olanrewaju was competing against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena when he suddenly lost consciousness.

Reports indicate that he was ahead on points before the unfortunate incident occurred.

A widely circulated video on social media captures the moment he collapsed in the ring, further shocking fans and the boxing community.

Olanrewaju, a highly respected figure in Nigerian boxing, held both National and West African light-heavyweight titles during his career.

His contributions to the sport have been widely recognized, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, fans, and sports officials who remember him for his dedication and impact on boxing in Nigeria and across West Africa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApZHFBaZ5MQ

President Bola Tinubu, while addressing guests at his 73rd birthday event at Aso Rock on Saturday, reflected on a challenging moment during his presidential campaign, News360 Nigeria reports.

The celebration was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, First Lady Remi Tinubu, and other influential figures.


In his speech, Tinubu recalled an incident where a close relative’s plea for financial help made him briefly question his ambition.

“During the campaigns, around 3:30 a.m., a relative came to my living room and said he needed N50,000 to buy food for our uncle. He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters due to the cash crunch. Even our wealthy uncle doesn’t have N10,000. What are you running for?’” Tinubu recounted.

Despite the discouragement, he remained determined. “I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the money. But as he walked out, he turned back and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’”

He further revealed that his uncle later called to confirm receiving only N10,000, as the relative had kept the rest. Tinubu admitted that the incident made him briefly reconsider his candidacy, but he credited Aminu Masari and other supporters for keeping him focused.

“Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back,’” he said.

The Benue State House of Assembly has summoned Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Limited, the contractor handling the upgrade and renovation of the Aper Aku Stadium, to appear before it on Wednesday, 2 April 2025, News360 Nigeria reports.

The contractor is expected to explain why the state government should not terminate the contract and refer it to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the recovery of funds.

This decision followed a motion by Minority Leader Michael Audu who accused the contractor of abandoning the project despite receiving N1.3 billion out of the N1.7 billion contract sum.

Audu lamented that aside from minor upgrades to the dressing rooms and toilets, as well as repainting the main bowl, key project components such as the track, scoreboards, playing turf, and floodlights remain uninstalled.

He also revealed that the contractor has requested additional payments running into hundreds of millions of naira, including N300 million for clearing synthetic grass from the port before returning to the site.

The Assembly directed the Ministry of Finance to halt further payments and summoned the Finance Commissioner and the Commissioner for Sports, Youth, and Creativity to appear alongside the contractor.

Lawmakers, including Chief Whip Peter Ipusu, Deputy Whip Cephas Dyako, and Majority Leader Saater Tiseer, expressed disappointment, accusing the contractor of holding the state to ransom despite receiving substantial funds.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the mob killing of seven people in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, linking the incident to the recently reorganized vigilante group established by Governor Monday Okpebholo, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

In a statement on Friday, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi accused state security forces of influencing the mob, warning that citizens, feeling abandoned by the government, are resorting to extrajudicial actions.

The PDP highlighted months of escalating violence, including killings, abductions, and sexual assaults, which have fueled fear and unrest across the state.

The party also expressed concern that the lawlessness seen among residents mirrors the administration’s disregard for the rule of law.

With over 100 deaths recorded in recent months, the PDP called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo, citing parallels with Rivers State, where similar unrest led to federal intervention.

Blaming Governor Okpebholo for failing to address security challenges and instead focusing on dismantling the legacy of the previous administration, the party urged immediate action to halt the killings and restore public safety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4r7ymzdG5k?si=ukvtLay8xv10y33F

Tensions flared in Abuja on Friday as large-scale protests broke out on Aminu Kano Crescent in the Wuse 2 district, with demonstrators rallying in support of Palestinians in the Middle East, News360 Nigeria reports.

Videos circulating on social media show massive crowds chanting slogans and waving banners, while heavily armed military personnel patrol the streets to maintain order.

Eyewitnesses report that while the protest started peacefully, clashes have erupted in some areas.

Armoured vehicles have been deployed, and security checkpoints set up to regulate movement in and out of the protest zones.

A student of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Agbor, is facing expulsion after posting a viral video capturing an awkward moment during First Lady Remi Tinubu’s recent visit to the state, News360 Nigeria reports.

The incident occurred while students were being prepared to welcome the First Lady.

The event’s MC had led a chant, singing, “Na our mama be this, we nor get another,” in reference to Mrs. Tinubu. However, the students responded differently, saying, “Na your mama be this.”

The video, which surfaced online, has since sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some defending the students’ response while others criticized it as disrespectful.

Following the video’s circulation, school authorities have reportedly moved to expel the student responsible for sharing it.

The Rivers State Government has suspended all political office holders and appointees across the state, effective immediately, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator of Rivers State said that the suspension was in line with the powers conferred on the state’s Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, by President Bola Tinubu.

The affected officials include:

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG)

The Chief of Staff

All Honourable Commissioners

Chairmen and members of boards, councils of agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals

All Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants

The statement further directed the suspended officials to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

In cases where no Permanent Secretary is in place, the most senior Director or Head of Administration is to take over.

This directive takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

See the full statement below:

GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

THE RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES THE SUSPENSION OF POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS AND APPOINTEES IN RIVERS STATE.

THIS IS PURSUANT TO THE POWERS CONFERRED ON THE ADMINISTRATOR OF RIVERS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, VICE ADMIRAL (RTD) IBOK ETE EKWE IBAS CFR, BY THE PRESIDENT, HIS EXCELLENCY, ASHIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

THOSE SUSPENDED INCLUDE;

1.THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT

THIS SUSPENSION TAKES EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MARCH 26, 2025 THE AFFECTED OFFICERS ARE TO HAND OVER TO THE PERMANENT SECRETARIES IN THEIR MDAS. WHERE THERE MAY BE NO PERMANENT SECRETARY, THEY ARE TO HAND OVER TO THE MOST SENIOR DIRECTOR/HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION

THIS IS SIGNED BY

THE CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE ADMINISTRATOR

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) has asked Heads of Local Government Area, HLGAs, of the 23 councils in the state to submit reports of two years activities of their councils to the government, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

It was gathered that the directive from the state government has unsettled HLGAs of the 23 councils in the state following the urgency of the message and the alleged political undertone attached to the directive.

Recall that the suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara had, following the Supreme Court’s judgement that invalidated the 2024 local government election, directed the HLGAs of the councils to take over the administration of the LGs.

Surprise directive
But, Monday, the Administrator of the state directed the HLGAs to 23 councils to submit reports on the activities of the LG in the last two years.

The directive was contained in a letter to the HLGAs by Dame Dr. Itong Awani, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs.

However, the directive was only made public on Wednesday.

The letter read: “His Excellency, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State has directed that all Heads of Local Government Administration should submit the report of their councils to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs.

“I am also to inform you that all submissions using the format listed below should reach the office of the undersigned on or before Wednesday, 26th March, 2025, for onward transmission to the office of the Sole Administrator, Government House, Port Harcourt for further necessary action.”

Report format
The letter directed the HLGAs to detail the number of staff members in the LGAs, the sources of their revenue generation and activities of the councils in the past two years and submit on Wednesday (today).

It read: “Submission template: ·Introduction/Preamble, Functions of the Council, Number of Staff on Nominal Roll stating cadre by cadre;

“Sources of Revenue Generation in the LGA, Activities of the Council/On-going and Completed Projects for the past two years and Achievements of the Council.

“The letter also tasked the HLGAs to note the challenges of the local governments well as make recommendation to the Administrator on those issues can be managed, tasking the LGA heads to treat as urgent and keep to the timeline of submission.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glCpcTrOUhI?si=rEiqYlMCZ3Esz1Ab

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently meeting with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), at the State House, Abuja, ThisDay Nigeria reports

Vice Admiral Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, arrived at the State House at 12:50 pm for the meeting, which comes just hours after the president imposed emergency measures in the oil-rich state.

President Tinubu appointed Ibas on Tuesday evening to run the affairs of Rivers State after declaring a state of emergency on the state following the escalation of the political crisis there.

As part of the measures, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In their place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator, with a mandate to oversee governance but not to enact new laws.

The President emphasized that the judiciary would continue to function independently.

Unconfirmed reports say there is another explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the Rivers State, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

A source in the area alleged that the explosion happened on a Manifold Connecting federal a line in Okwawriwa area in ONELGA, Tuesday morning.

The source, who did not want his name mentioned, claimed that the people of the area only woke up to observe raging fire on the facility located some distance away from residential homes.

The source noted that the facility conveys petroleum products from Seplat, Agip, and Shell, from the ONELGA and parts of Imo State to Brass in Bayelsa State.

This is coming less than 12 hours after the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, that transports oil to Bonny Terminal had gone into flames.

However, at press time it could not be ascertained whether the fire incidences at both facilities were caused by human activities.

But police in the state had in a statement earlier on the incident at qq1, Gokana LGA, said it has opened an investigation into the development.

The police also said they have taken two people in for interrogation over the explosion on Trans-Niger Pipeline.

Residents of the Shimankar community in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State are reeling from the aftermath of a violent clash that erupted on Monday, leaving several people injured and numerous houses set ablaze, News360 Nigeria reports.

According to sources, the unrest stemmed from a disagreement over traditional rites and ritual performances, escalating into a full-blown conflict between two groups.

The violence lasted for several hours, causing significant destruction and fear among locals.

Confirming the incident, a former senatorial candidate for Plateau South, Mr. Tobias Kwanmen, acknowledged the severity of the situation in Jos on Monday.

He stated that the situation was said to have quickly escalated, with homes and businesses being set ablaze.

According to Kwanmen, the issue started as a little dispute between some traditional worshipers and some Muslims groups in the community, saying that from what he was told, the traditionalists went to perform their normal ritual in a place within the community but they were resisted by some Muslims who did not allow them, leading to disagreement and violence.

He said, “the extent of the damage is still being assessed; security agents were quickly deployed to the scene, with other stakeholders, including councillors working to restore normalcy in the community.”

He condemned the violence, calling for calm and restraint, urging all parties involved to seek peaceful resolution and to work towards maintaining peace and stability in their community.

The spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, had yet to respond to inquiries about the development.

However, the State Government has confirmed the clashes, calming for calm.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap.

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled April 16, 2025, to deliver its ruling on an application seeking to dismiss a defection case filed by the Labour Party (LP) against 27 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

The Labour Party is challenging the legality of the lawmakers’ seats, arguing that they defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and should therefore vacate their positions.

During the hearing, counsel for the defendants, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, urged the court to strike out the suit, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment that reinstated Amaewhule’s leadership of the Assembly.

Presenting the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the defense counsel argued that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who initially raised the defection allegations, had since withdrawn the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, counsel to Labour Party, Clifford Chukwu, countered the argument, stating that the defection issue was a “collateral matter” in the Supreme Court case.

He asked the court to consider the evidence before it rather than dismiss the suit outright.

The Supreme Court had ruled on February 29 that, in the absence of clear and substantiated proof, no legal defection had taken place, maintaining the status quo in the Assembly.

Speaking to Newsmen after the court session, Chukwu affirmed that he had presented his case and that the court’s decision on April 16 would determine the validity of the defense’s arguments.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, over alleged abuse of the naira.

The arrest was carried out by operatives from the Benin Zonal Directorate on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Okungbowa, who formally served as Chairman of the Edo State Asset Recovery Committee and State Coordinator of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), was seen in a viral video spraying freshly minted naira notes on two strippers at a private party.

The video, which surfaced online over the weekend, showed him throwing bundles of cash into the air while the women danced and rubbed the notes on their bodies.

EFCC arrested and detained Okungbowa following a video clip which went viral on March 9, 2025, at a bar where he was seen allegedly spraying and mutilating the naira.

Confirming the arrest, the EFCC said, “He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.”

His arrest comes amidst the Edo State Government decision to suspend him from his role as the PSRT coordinator.

It also comes amid increased enforcement against naira abuse, a violation that carries legal consequences under Nigerian law.

In a related case, the EFCC had also arrested Murja Ibrahim Kunya, a well-known TikTok influencer, in Kano for a similar offense.

ThisDay Nigeria reported that Kunya was taken into custody on Saturday, March 15, 2025, over allegations of currency abuse.

Sources revealed she had been previously arrested and was set to be arraigned three weeks ago but allegedly escaped from custody before facing charges.

The Rivers State government and the State House of Assembly are at loggerheads over the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, particularly regarding the presentation of the 2025 budget, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

While lawmakers accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of obstructing the judgment’s execution, the state government fired back, urging the Assembly to reconvene so the budget could be formally presented.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Assembly spokesperson, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, challenged the governor to provide proof of the letter he allegedly sent to the House.

“Last week, we were told that on his way to Ogoni for a programme, the governor made a stop at the House of Assembly Quarters gate to address the press. He claimed to have sent a letter to the House requesting to present the appropriation bill, but no such letter was received,” George said.

He further criticized the governor’s aides for allegedly forwarding the letter via WhatsApp to some lawmakers, describing it as “awkward, unprofessional, and embarrassing.”

“As I speak, social media is flooded with reports about a supposed letter from the governor to the House. This is false. We categorically state that there is no such letter before the House or its staff. We challenge the governor to produce an acknowledged copy or any evidence of its receipt,” he added.

George accused the governor of intentionally frustrating the Assembly’s efforts to work with him after the Supreme Court judgment, particularly regarding the budget.

“After the Supreme Court ruling, we wrote to the governor urging him to present the budget immediately for speedy consideration. We had hoped to pass the bill by March 15, 2025, to allow time for the federal government to release funds frozen by the court ruling.

“However, our letter was rejected, and House staff who attempted to deliver it were harassed at the Government House gate. We later used a courier service, yet the governor ignored our call and showed no intention to engage with us,” George alleged.

Rivers Government Urges Assembly to Reconvene

Responding to the allegations, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed the Assembly’s claims and insisted that the government had made multiple attempts to present the budget.

“On March 7, when we got the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, we wrote to the Assembly, but they pretended not to have seen it. We sent another letter on March 12, informing them of our intention to present the budget, but they hurriedly ended their sitting, locked us out, and fled.

“We wrote again on March 13, only to hear that they adjourned sine die (indefinitely) as soon as they received the letter,” Johnson said.

He called on the lawmakers to reconvene, stating that failing to consider the budget would mean defying the Supreme Court ruling, leading to a constitutional crisis.

“If they don’t sit and address the budget as directed by the Supreme Court, it would imply opposition to the court’s ruling, creating a constitutional stalemate that benefits no one,” Johnson warned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIHOcXDIVLA?si=o1haGgSWIRvJJPbd

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed that he and other supporters of President Bola Tinubu were aware of the controversies surrounding his certificate from Chicago but backed him nonetheless, believing he could replicate his achievements in Lagos at the national level, ThisDay Nigeria reports.

El-Rufai expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s administration, stating:

“What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges."

"We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.”