The BBC will apologise for the misleading editing of a Donald Trump speech in a Panorama documentary, the Telegraph can disclose.
Samir Shah, the BBC’s chairman, will write to the culture, media and sport committee on Monday to express regret for the way the speech, made on the day of the Jan 6 2021 Capitol riot, was spliced together.
The apology will heap further pressure on Tim Davie, the BBC’s director general, to quit over an 8,000-word dossier compiled by a whistleblower that alleged widespread bias within the corporation.
The Telegraph has previously disclosed that both Mr Davie and Mr Shah were warned of the doctored footage in May but appear to have kept quiet.
The decision to issue an apology now raises questions about why it has taken them six months to admit viewers were misled.
The Telegraph understands the apology will be for the misleading editing of the Trump speech. It is not clear what Mr Shah will say about the coverage of the Gaza war or alleged bias in the BBC’s reporting on gender, but it is understood that he may also advocate changes to the management and oversight of BBC Arabic.
The Panorama episode, broadcast a week before the 2024 US election, “completely misled” viewers, according to the memo written by Michael Prescott, a former standards adviser to the BBC.
His memo was circulated amongst senior managers, who “refused to accept there had been a breach of standards”.
Mr Prescott is then understood to have warned Mr Shah of the “very, very dangerous precedent” set by Panorama, but received no reply.
The existence of the dossier and its contents were revealed by The Telegraph last week, prompting calls from senior politicians, including the former prime minister Boris Johnson, for Mr Davie to resign.
On Friday night, the White House accused the BBC of “purposeful dishonesty”, claiming it was a “Leftist propaganda machine”.
The dossier also highlighted anti-Israel bias, especially in coverage of the war in Gaza, on its dedicated BBC Arabic news service.
Sir Vernon Bogdanor, Britain’s foremost constitutional expert, also called on Mr Davie to resign with “immediate effect” on Saturday.
The academic, a former professor of government at the University of Oxford, said the broadcaster had “ignored” a separate report he had sent to it, warning of distortion and bias in its reporting on Gaza.
The Telegraph has been told that Mr Shah’s apology for misleading viewers on the editing of Mr Trump’s speech will be contained in a letter sent to Dame Caroline Dinenage, the chairman of the culture, media and sport committee.
It is likely to raise questions over whether Mr Shah and Mr Davie tried to cover up internal concerns over the Trump edit, given that they are only now apologising in the face of intense media scrutiny.
Danny Cohen, a former director of BBC Television, said on Saturday night: “It is extraordinary that the BBC’s leadership has been missing in action for a week amidst this growing crisis.
“Both BBC director general Tim Davie and chairman Samir Shah were in the room when the faked Trump video was raised as a serious problem six months ago. This makes it very hard for them to excuse away the scandal.”
In his report, Mr Prescott wrote: “Examining the charge that Trump had incited protesters to storm Capitol Hill, it turned out that Panorama had spliced together two clips from separate parts of his speech. This created the impression that Trump said something he did not and, in doing so, materially misled viewers.”
‘The BBC has become the story’ In an email sent to news staff on Friday evening, Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News and Current Affairs, appeared to lay the ground for the apology. She said in her email: “I’m writing to you today because it’s always difficult when the BBC becomes a story – as it has, in some quarters, this week.”
She went on: “You will all have seen the news coverage following the leaking of a letter to the BBC board from Michael Prescott, who is a former adviser to the BBC’s editorial guidelines and standards committee (EGSC). The EGSC is a sub-committee of the BBC board.”
She said the BBC had received a letter from Dame Caroline “seeking reassurance from the BBC, adding: “The chairman will be providing a full response on Monday, and this will be shared with you, but I felt it was important for me to come to you as CEO of BBC News before the end of the week.”
In a statement, a BBC spokesman said on Saturday night: “The BBC chairman will provide a full response to the culture, media and sport committee on Monday.”
‘Serious manipulation’ Sir John Whittingdale, the former culture secretary, in an interview with Radio 5 Live on Saturday night, said: “The BBC does great work and I’m a huge supporter of the BBC World Service, its investigative journalism has been outstanding. But all of that has been threatened in the case of the Trump speech.
“It’s a very serious manipulation to present a picture that is not accurate and that will cast doubt on everything that the BBC says.”
Sir John, who is MP for Maldon, said the “buck stops” with Mr Davie.
He added: “I think part of the problem is that the director general also has the title of editor-in-chief. Ultimately he is responsible and previous director generals have had to resign.
“If Tim Davie is to continue he has got to show that he recognises what a serious threat to the reputation of the BBC this is and to show that he is going to act very swiftly and make sure things improve and that it can’t happen again.”
On being asked if he thought Mr Davie’s job was under threat, Sir John said: “Yes I do.”
He added: “There are already people saying that the director general will have to resign.”
‘We need to listen and learn’ Nick Robinson, presenter of the BBC Today programme, said on X: “We live in a time of deep divisions – about politics and culture – Gaza/Israel, trans and women’s rights, Donald Trump’s policies and politics – to name just three.
“The BBC like many public organisations faces competing pressures about how we navigate these treacherous waters.
“We, like others, need to listen and learn. We can and will do better but we should stand up to those who prefer propaganda and disinformation.
“I look forward to hearing what the chairman of the BBC will say in response to legitimate concerns which have been raised but I have no idea what he plans to say nor did he – or any other my bosses – know what I said on air today or here on X.”
I'm utterly disappointed in him. He is brilliant academically, no doubt, but he is totally lacking in discipline and caution when it comes to utterances. He looks to me like someone who is easily intoxicated by alcohol and power. His last two interviews have ruined him more than his powerful enemy could.
While welcoming traditional rulers during a recent event in Rivers state, governor Fubara made a remark about one of them. He said, "Eze ochi oha Akabuka, that title is an Igbo title but you said you are not from Igbo" to the amusement of the audience.
Anambra State has emerged as Nigeria’s top-performing state in fiscal management for 2025, moving up from second place in the previous report and displacing Lagos State, which retained the second position for the second consecutive year.
The 2025 “State of States” report released by BudgIT in Abuja on Tuesday ranked Anambra, Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Edo as the top five states with the highest fiscal performance.
Edo State made its debut in the top five, after staying within the top 10 range over the past four reporting periods. Abia State also posted a remarkable improvement, entering the top five for the first time to rank fourth overall.
At the bottom of the ranking were Kogi, Jigawa, Benue, and Yobe states, while Cross River recorded the sharpest decline, dropping from 5th place in 2024 to 30th in 2025.
The ranking is based on an index that evaluates states’ ability to meet operating expenses from internally generated revenue (IGR), debt sustainability, and the ratio of capital to recurrent expenditure.
According to the report, Enugu and Lagos were the only two states with IGR sufficient to cover their operating expenses, recording IGR-to-operating-expense ratios of 146.68 percent and 120.87 percent, respectively.
Unlike the 2024 report where six states generated enough IGR to cover at least 50 percent of their operating expenses, only five states, Abia, Anambra, Kwara, Ogun, and Edo, achieved that benchmark in 2025. This indicates that 28 states relied heavily on federal transfers and other inflows to fund their budgets.
“For perspective, in the 2024 edition, only six states required more than five times their IGR to cover their operating expenses. In the 2025 edition, that number more than doubled to 14 states,” the report stated.
It added that although several states struggled with IGR growth during the 2024 fiscal year, all 36 states were able to fund their total recurrent expenditures through a combination of IGR, federal allocations, aids, and grants.
“No state needed to borrow to cover its total operating expenses,” BudgIT noted.
The report also highlighted a shift in capital expenditure priorities. Unlike the 2024 period when only Rivers State spent more than 70 percent of its total expenditure on capital projects, the 2025 assessment shows Abia State leading the country in capital allocation, dedicating 77.05 percent of its total spending to capital items.
In addition to Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Taraba also allocated more than 70 percent of their total spending to capital expenditure. Overall, 24 states spent at least half of their budgets on capital projects, while Bauchi, Ekiti, Delta, Benue, Oyo, and Ogun devoted more than 60 percent of their total expenditure to personnel and overhead costs.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Prof Akinjide Osuntokun, has called on the Federal Government to restructure the country by collapsing the current 36-state structure into viable zones.
According to him, this move will enhance cultural cohesion, promote national unity, and enable more efficient governance.
The academic said this on Tuesday in Lagos during the inaugural lecture in honour of his late brother and former Regional Minister, Oduola Osuntokun.
Osuntokun proposed a modified zonal arrangement that would group states and ethnic nationalities along lines of cultural and historical similarities.
He argued that this would dismantle the colonial-era North-South divide, which he described as an artificial and divisive construct.
In his proposal, the former envoy recommended expanding the South-West zone to include Kwara State up to Jebba, as well as the Kabba and Igala regions of present-day Kogi State.
He stated that such a realignment would foster cultural unity and reinforce regional identity.
He further suggested that the South-East zone should be reconstituted to include Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers State, and the Idoma-speaking areas of Benue State.
A new South Central zone would comprise Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and the Ebira-speaking parts of Kogi.
For the North, Osuntokun proposed that the North Central zone be made up of Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Tiv areas of Benue State. Kano, on the other hand, should be merged with Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto to form a coherent North-West region, while the North-East would include Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, and Borno.
He said, “This suggestions are rooted in cultural consanguinity but open to negotiation but the measure will remove the Berlin Wall dividing Nigeria into North and South because the current notion of North and South is a colonial imposition and we must break away from it once and for all, this will have to be presented at national conference to break the logjam against cohesion and lack of national feeling.
“If there is an agreement, we will have six constituent states big enough to be self-sustaining, and we would then have a proper federation with a federal legislature of a House of Representatives and a part-time Senate elected by the members of state legislators on an equal basis. We should also have a parliamentary democracy.”
Osuntokun emphasised the need for appointments into federal and state agencies to be based on open competition and merit.
He cited India as a country that has progressed significantly through meritocracy and argued that Nigeria should follow suit, as no region lacks capable individuals.
“Appointments into all agencies of the state and federal governments shall be based on competition anchored on careers open to talent. This is how India got to where it is today and I dare say there is no part of Nigeria where there are no excellent people who will fall short of the measure of meritocracy,” he added.
He proposed mandatory national service for all young Nigerians, both male and female, in the military or other uniformed services for one year after graduation.
“The military, police, and all other armed and uniformed agencies or forces of government shall be recruited based on equality to eliminate the fear of dominance and domination by any ethnic group, and all young people –boys and girls – shall serve in the nation’s military for a year on graduation, as it’s done in the National Youth Service Corps.
“This is the skeleton of the constitutional organogram I am recommending to ensure stability and a safe landing when we run into turbulence,” he proposed.
Armaggedon: Interesting? I thought Igbos are supposed to be the ones who dominate people and don't respect their host? Why this?
Well the North has gone the route of Igbophobia and their economy has completely collapsed. They act as though they learnt their lessons but trust once broken can never be repaired. Most Igbo businesses in the north are now small scale. Igbos are learning that home investment is the most secure.
It's the west that is taking over the mantle of Igbophobia from them and, Lagos will pay for it.
I wrote the above about the rise of instability and sectarian tension in Lagos and how what destroyed the North now hunts Lagos. It's interesting how it's happening rapidly.
The Bauchi state Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, has urged the South-East businessmen to take advantage of the abundant natural resources and conducive business environment and invest in his state.
The governor stated that his administration had in the last six years implemented a programme of action that had improved the stock of critical infrastructure needed to leap-frog the economy of the State to a path of growth.
“Above all, investors can leverage on the abundant potentials of the state in agriculture, livestock production, the extractive industry, renewable energy sources and a large human capital base of over 10 million population, among others, to invest in the state with good returns on investment,” the Governor said.
Governor Mohammed spoke in Enugu, on Wednesday, while addressing a cross section of South-East businessmen and entrepreneurs, during the unveiling of Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit billed to hold on October 8 and 9, 2025, in Bauchi.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to Bauchi State Government, Aminu Hammayo, said, “Admittedly, we have become part of globalization. Our high population growth and expanding middle class create conditions conducive to market attractiveness in terms of mass consumption and infrastructure development.
“In a world marked by ever-growing economic and social interdependence, the challenge is to develop genuine areas of shared prosperity. This involves forging new types of economic and socio-political relations based on the idea of mutual benefit between partners.
“In this type of relationship, some contribute their financing capability and their technology, while others offer unique opportunities to be seized, and rare resources to be tapped, all in a fair and equitable exchange.”
According to him, the Summit with the theme: “Rebuilding a Resilient Economy; Optimizing Investment & Partnerships,” aimed to bring together key stakeholders from across the domestic and foreign investment landscape including government officials, industry leaders and entrepreneurs and prospective investors.
He explained that the Summit would seek to achieve other valuable outcomes, including; attract and onboard new local and international investments; showcase investment-ready opportunities through plenary sessions and exhibitions; promote the growth of SMEs through their exposure and facilitation to markets and business partnerships; and foster strategic collaborations through the execution of Memoranda of Understanding and creation of Joint Venture platforms.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo stated that organizing the business roadshow in South-East demonstrated Mohammed’s visionary leadership, noting that any state that wants to witness a boost in trade and investment must think of South-East noted for trade and entrepreneurship.
“We see this as a bright moment that the governor recognises the role of South East and decided to come with this road show. It will be a success in October.
“Anybody who thinks that government alone can change the lot of Nigerians, and grow the industry, is making a mistake; it is the organised private sector (OPS) that will do that.
“Bauchi is doing great by creating enabling environment for commerce, industries, mines and agriculture to thrive…Bauchi is a mineral rich state and this is an opportunity for people to visit and invest in the state,” Prof. Nebo stated.
In a goodwill message, President of the South-East Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SECCIMA), Mr. Humphrey Ngonadi, represented by the Director General of SECCIMA, Dr. Daniel Ochi stated that he was impressed with the information provided by officials of Bauchi State government about investment opportunities in the state.
Ngonadi, who is also the President of South-East and South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture stated that there are a total of 17 city chambers in the region with Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) as the biggest, and promised to mobilize their members to take advantage of the business opportunity that the on coming Summit would provide to invest in Bauchi state.
Officials of the Bauchi state government and business men from South East, including President of Enugu State Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture ECCIMA, Mr. Odega Jideonwo; and the Executive Secretary, South-East Business and Investment Summit, Dr. Ifedi Okwena attended the event.
The Bauchi State Government is set to hold the second leg of its ‘Economic and Investment Summit Roadshow’ in Enugu State as part of its strategic efforts to attract local and international investors.
This follows the successful first edition of the roadshow held earlier this month in Abuja.
The Enugu Roadshow, themed “Rebuilding a Resilient Economy: Optimizing Investment and Partnership” Scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, it will take place at De’Castle Resort, GRA Enugu. It is expected to draw business leaders, prospective investors, development partners, and members of the diplomatic community.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, said the event aims to deepen investor confidence in Bauchi’s vast economic potential and forge strategic partnerships to drive sustainable growth.
He acknowledged that Governor Bala Mohammed, who has been a consistent advocate for inclusive economic development, will be represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo. He will be accompanied by key members of the State Executive Council and technocrats from Bauchi’s investment and development sectors.
Bauchi State, located in the northeast part of Nigeria, is richly endowed with natural and human resources. It offers promising opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, tourism, housing, and technology. Notable mineral deposits include limestone, gypsum, kaolin, granite, and gold.
With vast tracts of arable land, water bodies like the Jama’are and Dindima Rivers, and favorable agro-ecological conditions, Bauchi is primed for agricultural investments in crop farming, aquaculture, livestock, and agro-processing.
“Bauchi is rich in commercially viable solid minerals and remains open to exploration and mining investments under our investor-friendly policies,” Gidado noted.
He also emphasised the tourism potential of the state, highlighting landmarks like the Yankari Game Reserve, the warm Wikki Springs, and Bauchi’s unique cultural heritage as investment magnets.
“Ongoing urban renewal projects, alongside an expanding public-private partnership (PPP) model, have opened new opportunities in infrastructure, housing, renewable energy, and industrial development. Bauchi’s innovation ecosystem is also growing rapidly, with youth-led tech hubs emerging across the state,” he said.
Governor Mohammed reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic diversification, regulatory reform, and investor protection.
“Bauchi is open for business. We have the resources, the right policies, and the political will to support investment. The Enugu Roadshow is an opportunity to connect with partners who can harness our economic potential,” he said.
According to Gidado, the Bauchi State Government is extending an open invitation to investors, business leaders, and development stakeholders across the South-East and beyond to attend the Enugu Roadshow and explore partnership opportunities that drive inclusive growth and prosperity.
The residents of Ilaje Road, in Bariga area of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, have rejected the renaming of the area as King Sunny Ade Road by the local council.
The aggrieved resident, who voiced their disagreement with the step during a protest on Wednesday, stated that the renaming was unacceptable.
Recall that the immediate past Chairman of the LCDA, David Kolade Alabi, had last week renamed the street along with some others in the area amidst protests by residents of the area.
Addressing residents of the area before the protest around Ilaje Road, the Baale of Ilaje/Bariga Community, High Chief Kayode Ayetiwa, who stated that the renaming was unacceptable, added that the new Chairman of the LCDA, Bukola Adedeji, had promised him on the phone that the decision would be reversed.
“The new chairperson of the council called me on phone and begged me that we should not welcome her to office with protest. She promised to do whatever we want, but I told her that we will still protest around the area and submit a protest letter to the council.
“We will not allow them to change the heritage of our people, as the community came into existence in 1948, and it has always been called Ilaje Road, and we want it like that,” he said.
In the protest letter signed by the monarch and others, the community said: “The entire Ilaje community, Bariga, Lagos, by this letter hereby tender our unreserved peaceful protest against the announcement by the outgone Chairman of Bariga LCDA, David Kolade Alabi, who had acted unconstitutionally and in breach of the legislative endorsement by the councillors of the LCDA.”
They stated that they have resolved, by letter, to oppose the renaming of Ilaje Road, which they said is a communal milestone, distinct from any person’s or entity’s name, no matter how famous.
“We therefore urge you to use your good office to revert to Ilaje Road as distinct to King Sunny Ade Road, notwithstanding the fame of the Juju maestro,” the letter read.
Also speaking during the protest, the President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje, Mr Raphael Irowanu, stated that there is a grand plan to erase the Ilajes from Lagos State.
Irowanu, however, said that the history of Lagos State is not complete without Ilaje people, adding that the Ilajes have a population of about four million in the state.
“Our forefathers used to be Obas in Ile Ife, Osun State. We are the original Yorubas. We are not foreigners, we are true children of Oduduwa. They have been demolishing our settlements in Lagos State. So, we are not surprised by what they did with the Ilaje Road. But we want them to know that it will have political consequences on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 if it is not reversed.
“The renaming of Ilaje Road as King Sunny Ade Road is meant to cause crisis because the popular musician is from Ondo State where we hail from. We are against the interests of David Kolade Alabi because he is against our interests,” they said.
Some of the placards of the protesters read: “Ilaje Road, our history, our identity, we oppose renaming,” “We deserve better treatment,” “Ilaje is a tribe in Yorubaland,” and “We Ilajes say capital NO to renaming, the road remains Ilaje Road, Bariga LCDA.”
Abakaliki street was never changed deliberately. Obiano a known drunkard commissioned a club in the street, drenched in alcohol during an interview outside the club, he pronounced the street 'club road'. By the time it started generating uproar, it was already late. He tried damage control by naming another street after abakaliki. Those using it as excuse for tribalism are just mischievous. Good one soludo.
Barau, Opeyemi, 97 other Senators back creation of Anioma state
The quest for the creation of Anioma state as the sixth state of the Southeast region has gained unprecedented support from no fewer than ninety Senators in the upper legislative chamber.
Among those in support of the proposed state were the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, the Senate leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and 97 other members of the upper legislative chamber.
This follows intense lobbying by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North senatorial district on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nwoko, a key champion of the Anioma State movement, had addressed a letter dated May 27, 2025, to the Senate President and all members of the Senate, seeking their individual and collective support for the creation of the state.
In the letter, the Senator anchored the proposal on the principles of national development, equity, justice, and federal balance.
The proposal is formally captured under Senate Bill 481, currently under legislative consideration as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
With 90 Senators already signed on, political analysts and legislative experts affirm that the motion has met and surpassed the Senate’s constitutional requirement of two-thirds majority support, which stands at 67 Senators.
As the list of supporters is expected to grow in the coming weeks, the push for Anioma State continues to resonate as a unifying cause with strong prospects for legislative success and national approval.
Among the top-ranking lawmakers, who have thrown their weight behind the Anioma State initiative are: Sen. Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President; Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader; Sen. Abba Patrick Moro, Senate Minority Leader; Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State; Sen. Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa State; Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State; and Sen. Victor Umeh, Southeast political stalwart.
Others are: Sen. Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Simon Lalong, former Governor of Plateau State, and Sen. Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North, amongst others.
At the heart of this legislative groundswell is a remarkable show of solidarity in the Senate, where 90 Senators – well over the required two-thirds majority have already endorsed the proposal, thus confirming that the constitutional threshold for such state creation has been surpassed in the Red Chamber.
Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Issues Guidelines for Receiving Guests During Services and Programmes
The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued official guidelines regarding the reception of politicians and government officials in church services and programmes across all its parishes.
In a memo signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, the Church acknowledged concerns about the increasing use of church services as political platforms, which risk compromising the integrity of Christian worship. In response, the Church has provided the following directives for welcoming political and government figures during its gatherings.
The guidelines affirm the importance of maintaining a welcoming and respectful atmosphere while safeguarding the Church’s neutrality, core values, and divine mandate.
Key points outlined in the memo include:
The Church remains open to all persons, including politicians and government officials, in both its services and other programmes. In keeping with its calling and inclusive nature, the Church must not engage in or promote partisanship. The Church must diligently avoid speeches, conduct, or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ. Henceforth, the following protocols are to be observed:
1. There must be a prior discussion with any guest who is expected to address the congregation, in order to offer appropriate guidance.
2. Guests must be clearly informed that the Church is not a platform for promoting partisan views or political propaganda.
3. Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional.
4. No Church official should eulogise or exalt any guest in a manner that might bring the Church into disrepute.
5. Where possible, guests should not be permitted to use the Church’s lectern when speaking, as it has been consecrated for the reading of God’s Word.
The Church of Nigeria acknowledges its role within the body politic and affirms its responsibility to engage government authorities on matters affecting the faithful and society at large.
The Church remains committed, under God, to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13–14), upholding the nation in prayer, and offering godly counsel to those in positions of authority.
Korede Akintunde Director of Communication Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion 11th July 2025
Church Of Nigeria Issues Guidelines For Receiving Guests During Services
Senate Sets July 4–5 for Anioma State Public Hearing
Ned Munir Nwoko, Senator Representing Delta North District, in National Assembly ABUJA/Nigeria: Momentum for the creation of Anioma State has gained significant traction as the Nigerian Senate has slated a public hearing on the proposal for July 4th and 5th, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The hearing follows the successful first and second readings of the Anioma State creation bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly. It marks a pivotal phase in the legislative process for what proponents describe as a long-overdue restructuring for fairness, cultural recognition, and administrative balance in Nigeria’s federal structure.
Stakeholders from across Delta North and beyond — including traditional rulers, intellectuals, community leaders, youth and women groups, and socio-cultural organizations, are expected to make formal presentations and contributions during the session.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the public hearing, Senator Nwoko described the event as “historic” and called for mass participation from all segments of Anioma society. He reiterated that the movement for Anioma State was not born out of personal ambition, but rather the fulfillment of a long-standing collective aspiration.
“This is a compelling historical movement,” Senator Nwoko said. “Legendary figures like Sir Dennis Osadebay, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, and Senator Nosike Ikpo initiated the agitation. These departed heroes dreamt of Anioma as a beacon of genuine progress and cultural identity.”
He maintained that the people of Delta North overwhelmingly support the creation of Anioma State and that the effort enjoys increasing political momentum across the country.
“I am confident in the realization of Anioma State. President Bola Tinubu is responsive and sympathetic to the cause. The National Assembly has been receptive, and majority of Nigerian states, particularly from the South-South and South-East, are showing clear signs of support. The goodwill is encouraging,” he said.
The Senator, widely respected for his audacity and legislative accomplishments, is credited with initiating the Paris Club loan refund scheme that significantly eased Nigeria’s economic crisis during a recession. He is also recognized as the first Black African to embark on an expedition to Antarctica and as founder of the first sports university in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With public anticipation building, the upcoming Senate public hearing is widely seen as a crucial step in translating a decades-long aspiration into constitutional and political reality.
Nlfpmod Fergie001 Mynd44 this thread is not the same that one posted earlier. It contains different and more in-depth information. Therefore it's not a duplicate thread.
THE TOP OIL PRODUCING STATES IN NIGERIA YOU NEED TO KNOW
Nigeria, known as the “Giant of Africa,” is a leading oil-producing country in the world. However, not all states in Nigeria contribute equally to its oil production. Here, we explore the top oil-producing states in Nigeria that you need to know.
Nigeria’s oil industry is dominated by a few key states that contribute significantly to the country’s oil production. Let’s take a closer look at each of these top oil-producing states in Nigeria.
1. AKWA IBOM STATE Akwa Ibom State, located in the southern part of Nigeria, is one of the top oil-producing states in the country. It is known for its high oil production and significant contributions to Nigeria’s overall oil output with about 504,000 BOPD.
The oil industry plays a vital role in the economy of Akwa Ibom State, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue for the government with 55 billion naira projected for 2024. The state’s oil production is mainly concentrated in offshore fields, which are operated by both multinational and indigenous oil companies like Frontier Oil & Savannah Energy.
2. DELTA STATE Delta State is another significant oil-producing state in Nigeria. Located in the Niger Delta region, Delta State is known for its rich oil reserves and is home to major oil companies such as Midwestern Oil & Gas Limited and Pillar Oil.
The state government has been proactive in developing the oil sector by providing infrastructure and attracting investments. Delta State delivers about 346,000 BOPD, and its oil production is expected to increase in the coming years.
3. RIVERS STATE Rivers State, located in the Niger Delta region, is another key oil-producing Nigerian state. The state is home to several major oil companies like NLNG and Shell Nigeria and has a significant number of oil wells.
The state is said to produce about 344,000 BOPD from several of its oil fields including the Emohua field, and Asaramatoru oil field.
4. BAYELSA STATE Bayelsa State, also located in the Niger Delta region, is an oil-rich state in Nigeria. It is known for its large number of oil wells and significant contributions to the country’s oil output. The state has been a major player in Nigeria’s oil industry since the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta region.
On one hand, it has provided employment opportunities and generated revenue for the government. On the other hand, it has also led to environmental degradation and conflicts over resource control. Despite these challenges, Bayelsa State remains an important player in Nigeria’s oil industry and continues to contribute significantly to the country’s oil production delivering about 290,000 BOPD.
5. IMO STATE Imo State, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, is an oil-rich state holding more than 50% of Nigeria’s gas deposits. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other top oil-producing states in Nigeria, Imo State has been an important player in the country’s oil industry.
The state government recovered a lot of its oil wells in 2021. Imo State produces 17,000 BOPD while hosting several energy companies like Addax Petroleum and Seplat Petroleum Development Company.
6. ONDO STATE Ondo State, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, is an emerging player in the country’s oil production. The state is known for its significant oil & natural gas reserves and has attracted investments from multinational oil companies like Chevron.
The state is said to have about 14 billion barrels of crude oil in its wells combined and delivers about 60,000 BOPD.
7. ANAMBRA STATE Anambra State stands as a significant player in the country’s oil sector, boasting 15 operational oil wells and a substantial reserve of 50 billion barrels of oil. With the capability to produce up to 100,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), the state contributes significantly to the nation’s oil output.
The state’s oil industry is supported by various oil companies, among which Sterling Oil Exploration and Production Limited stands out.
8. EDO STATE Edo State, located in southern Nigeria, is recognized for its contribution to the country’s oil production sector. With an average output of 33,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), the state plays a significant role in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Companies like Pan Ocean Oil Nigeria Limited play a pivotal role in harnessing the state’s petroleum resources and driving economic growth.
9. LAGOS STATE Lagos State, although not traditionally known as an oil-producing state, is a major player in Nigeria’s oil industry. The state is home to several major oil companies like Lekoil Nigeria Limited & Pinnacle Oil & Gas and has a significant number of oil-related activities.
The state’s major oil wells located at Aje oil field in Dahomey Basin deliver about 40,000 BOPD, and its contribution to the country’s oil production should not be overlooked.
10. ABIA STATE Last but not least is Abia state, an oil-rich state located in the southeastern region of the country with over 100 wells, with 50 currently operational. Despite this potential, the state’s oil resources remain under-exploited
Only half of the existing oil wells are in operation, with the majority located in Ukwa West. Despite producing 11,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), the state falls short of realizing its full capacity.
These states contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall oil production and are key players in the exploration, production, and export of oil.
The oil industry has had a profound impact on the economies of these states, providing employment opportunities, generating revenue for the government, and attracting investments. However, it has also brought challenges such as environmental degradation and conflicts over resource control.
According to a 2024 investigation by Daily Trust, nine of Nigeria’s oil-producing states owe 1.6 trillion naira combined. As Nigeria continues to develop its oil industry, it is important to recognize the significance of these top oil-producing states and support their efforts in sustainable oil production.
STATEMENT BY THE SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS' FORUM ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE
1. The South-South Governors' Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.
2. We recognise the President's constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states.
3. However, the South-South Governors' Forum expresses concern that the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This section suggests that such a declaration should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.
4. It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.
5. We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the Governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.
A PATH FORWARD
6. To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.
7. In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of NNigeria.
8.The moment for dialogue is now.
Signed:
His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri Governor, Bayelsa State and Chairman, South-South Governors’ Forum
President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers faced a major hurdle on Wednesday after lawmakers failed to attend the plenary.
Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution mandates ratification of the president’s state of emergency directive with two-thirds of votes in the House of Representatives and the Senate, which was be done within two days of the order. Mr Tinubu announced the removal of Governor Simi Fubara of Rivers on Tuesday evening, promptly replacing him with a retired military chief Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
But the lower parliamentary body convened on Wednesday morning with less than 80 lawmakers present, Peoples Gazette can report after obtaining a roll call, falling significantly short of the 120 members needed to form a simple quorum in the 360-member legislature.
The House rules require a one-third quorum to take any binding action that could withstand a legal challenge in federal courts. A plenary that is not attended by up to 120 lawmakers can only pass resolutions, hear petitions, and debate motions and similar activities that carry no enforcement mechanism.
The House has the emergency proclamation listed on its business today under messages from the president, The Gazette found.
Lawmakers said the House could still vote on the matter without a quorum, but it would be an illegal action that could easily struck down in courts.
“People have been debating whether the president has powers to declare emergency rule in the first place,” a lawmaker said. “Purporting to ratify the state of emergency without a quorum of the House will only compound the illegality and make the atrocity even more transparent to all Nigerians.”
Which emmergency rule? It still has to be ratified by a resolution of the national assembly within 48 hours without which the declaration ceases to take effect.
Mynd44: This has rendered whatever is coming from the high court useless.
Those assembly members by word of mouth alone cannot be said to be APC members, they have not registered to have joined APC neither is their names in the APC register or collected APC membership cards
Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has criticised the House of Representatives for their latest proposal for the creation of 31 additional states.
Ozekhome, who is a human rights lawyer, said all the country needs is one additional state for the South-East to equal other geopolitical zones in the country.
Ozekhome, who spoke in a statement made available to Sundiata Post on Saturday, flayed the lawmakers for turning a blind eye to the suffering of Nigerians, and focusing on irrelevant issues of creating additional 31 states that are inconsequential to the present economic realities.
He argued that the existing states cannot survive on their own as they always run to Abuja for survival, hence, what is the wisdom in creating additional 31?
The statement reads: “I am surprised and greatly disturbed to hear that members of the NASS are proposing 31 additional states to the present already behemoth,over bloated and unwieldy 36 state structure that Nigeria operates. I see this needless venture in the midst of more critical national issues as nothing but jesters playing out Baba Sallah’s Al Awada Kerikeri histrionics and buffoonery.
“How can they be talking about creating additional 31 states when over 2/3 of the present states are not viable entities existing on life support and merely dependent on the federal centre for monthly oxygenation under section 162 of the 1999 Constitution?
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“How can we be talking of going through the stringent provisions of section 8 of the 1999 Constitution for a meaningless exercise that adds no value to a nation gasping for existential breadth?
“How can they be talking about creating new states when hunger, starvation, squalor and melancholy envelope inhabitants of the present minion states that literally beg for crumbs from the Abuja master’s table?
“All that Nigeria needs now are only two things to correct the inherent injustices in our warped federalist system and move towards growth and development:one additional state in the South East to equal others; and a brand new Constitution that is legitimate, people-driven autochthonous, credible and referendum-compliant to help correct our deep fault-lines and lopsided federation that make some states mere vassals consumers of the national cake without knowing or caring how the cake is baked.
“The NASS should immediately drop this provocative,funny and phoney butterflies-chasing and stop insulting our collective intelligence. Their present venture amounts to rubbing hot pepper deep inside Nigerians’ already bruised bodies of gaping sores.”
well the reality is that no self-made prosperous Igbo person from Rivers state ever denies his Igbo identity, Just like Mbata who owns MCC construction company and late Wigwe of access bank. In fact, wigwe's father was a member of Ohaneze. This is also the same with celebrities and actors like Duncan mighty, Sabinus, Julius Agwu etc You see them proclaim their Igbo identity.
The only people who deny their Igbo identity are those whose political profiteering has turned to reprobates. They try to sell their identity in order to be able to feed. This is where wike falls. This is because such denial is historically linked to political gains.
The other group are the naive young ones who life haven't taken outside Rivers state.
The President-General of the Igbo socio-political organisation, ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo’, Senator John Mbata, has said nothing will ever deny his Igbo identity, describing recent criticisms against him as a lack of understanding.
This is why he emphasised his commitment to supporting the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as well as respecting the office of the governor.
Mbata stated this when the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He dismissed recent criticisms against him, saying they were noises from those lacking understanding.
He stated, “I see my responsibility as building bridges. We must connect our people to a much larger platform for development,” even as he reaffirmed his Igbo identity and the importance of unity among ethnic groups.
The Ohanaeze President-General said, “Some people say they are from Benin, that their ancestry is Benin. And I say, That’s fine. Let’s go there. We say that we have a relationship with the Igbo. I’m not going to deny my Igbo identity.
“Anyhow you like, talk from now till tomorrow; I’m not going to deny my ancestry.
“We are related. Why are you shouting me down? I bet you these things will just naturally die down. I didn’t answer anybody because I see my responsibility as building bridges. People will, by and large, understand what we are doing.
“We must operate at the highest stage of this Nigerian project. We have to be able to access the powers that be.
“We must enjoy support from another perspective. Politics is played from Abuja and not here. It’s when they finish from Abuja that they come here. I won’t say everything today. A word, they say, is enough for the wise.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Edwin Cockeye-Brown, congratulated the new President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo on his electoral victory and expressed gratitude to him for his “unwavering support” for the Rivers State Governor before, during and after his election.
Cockeye-Brown stated, “I recall particularly that during the impeachment attempt, you stood by the governor like a shining star. You supported him; you did not shake and you did not shy away.”
He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Mbata family and the Opobo people, tracing it back to his father, the late Elder Samuel Mbata, a revered gentleman and evangelist.
Cockeye-Brown further said the gathering, which included some Alapu, respected elders, leaders, Senibos, Amaopusenibos, and youth representatives from the Opobo kingdom, underscored the collective commitment to unity within the state.
“Your father was a prayerful man and a philanthropist. I believe it is his prayers that have enabled you to reach these heights,” he added.
Cockeye-Brown praised Mbata’s steadfastness during political challenges, affirming that his election as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was divinely ordained.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Livingstone Wechie, lauded the visit as historic, celebrating Senator Mbata’s leadership role for over one hundred million Ndigbo worldwide.
Weche said, “This visit today is historic and prophetic. Ikwerre people will receive this with gladness.
“Today, we have the tallest Ikwerre son, both in height and stature, to be given this task to lead more than one 100 million Ndigbo all over the world.
“This is the stone that the builders rejected, now the chief cornerstone,” Wechie remarked, pledging continued support for Governor Fubara.
Earlier, while introducing the delegation to the visit, Chief Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, said they had come as a family and comrade to pay a courtesy visit to Senator John Azuta Mbata, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration among communities.
Oko-Jaja highlighted Senator Mbata’s integrity and commitment to advancing the interests of his Ikwerre people both locally and internationally.
The delegation expressed their eagerness to work together to promote peace, development, and cultural heritage, reinforcing their belief that under Senator Mbata’s guidance, Ohaneze Ndigbo will continue to thrive and serve as a strong voice for his people.
As we have traditional worshippers so also do we have Christians in the East. Muslims are welcome in the East too
well it didn't happen in Enugu and they probably not from Enugu.
Live and let live you say? Do Muslims support live and let live? Principle of reciprocity demands they shouldn't be accepted if at all they exist in the east.
Dada4me: This is one of the reasons good teachers are fast becoming scarce in the country.
Pedagogy remains with colleges of education. Prospective teachers are usually not well trained in universities, unlike in colleges of education.
Rather than turning the colleges of education to universities of education due to low enrollment, government should create incentives that will attract more people to study education.
Qualified and good teachers are becoming scarce every day. Save our education.
how will college of education be better than university of education?
Politics › Re: USA Issues Travel Advisory For These Nigerian States — Check List by Noneroone(m): 7:11pm On Nov 11, 2025
