₦airaland Forum

Have you ever wondered why people say, “I met my other half”?
It’s a phrase that holds a sense of completion, a longing fulfilled. But why do we feel the need to search for our “other half”? What is it about meeting someone who “checks all the boxes” that resonates so deeply with us? Whether it’s the woman who feels she’s found her soulmate or the man who has no hesitation going all in, there’s an undeniable mythology and psychology behind this phrase.
According to legend, humans were not always as we are today. Greek mythology suggests that there were originally three types of humans: males (born of the sun), females (born of the earth), and androgynous beings (born of the moon). These humans were powerful and self-contained, their spherical bodies equipped with four arms, four legs, two faces, and two sets of Instruments. So formidable were they that they dared to challenge the gods, attempting to ascend Mount Olympus.

To quell their rebellion, Zeus struck them down, not with a thunderbolt, but by dividing their bodies in half. This act left them vulnerable, with only two arms, two legs, and one face. From that moment on, they were destined to roam the earth in search of their missing half. This myth, preserved in Plato’s Symposium, offers a poetic explanation for our intrinsic longing for connection and completion.
While the Greek myth provides a poetic explanation, its underlying truth resonates deeply. Love and connection are intrinsic to human existence. Whether you believe in the mythology or see it as a metaphor for our need for companionship, one thing is certain: we are all on a journey to find that one person who truly completes us. In the end, perhaps the search for our “other half” is less about finding someone else and more about discovering the part of ourselves we had forgotten. May you find your other half, in this present world full of deceit and manipulation.

The detained former gubernatorial candidate of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu regained his freedom after being invited and interrogated by the Department of State Services (DSS).

His release was affirmed by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya during a telephone conversation with a media house.

Adebutu’s release followed affirmation of his apprehension by the Publicity Secretary of the Ogun state chapter of PDP, Kayode Adebayo, by the Ogun state command of the DSS in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Adebutu was the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in Ogun State in 2023.

It was stated that he was invited for interrogation in a supposed connection to an unsettling influence during the local government elections which took place last Saturday.

The assertion read, “This is to inform the members of our great party, The Peoples Democratic Party that the leader of the party has truly been detained by the DSS for charges yet unknown,” he said

“However, our principal has called for calm and directed that all members of the party, supporters and well-wishers should be rest assured that this time shall pass, it is one of the prices for our democracy”

“Several efforts have been made to secure his bail as of 10pm on Monday, 18th November 2024 either on personal recognition or by a surety but none has yielded any result so far; his lawyers have been informed, and they will take it up by tomorrow (Tuesday) morning”

“By this release, we want our people and the public to be duly informed about his whereabouts and to maintain calm and peace until this matter is resolved.”

President Bola Tinubu has commended the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil.

Tinubu portrayed the coalition as crucial in the global battle against hunger and destitution.

He communicated this statement at the 19th G20 Leaders Summit opening session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He commended the initiative and portrayed it as the right move to address one of the world’s most significant challenges.

“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today.

“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe.

“By fostering collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty,” he said.

President Tinubu compared the global initiative to one of the eight priority areas he outlined at his inauguration 18 months ago, communicating Nigeria’s willingness to take on global best practices to propel its economic development.

As indicated by President Tinubu, Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to team up with the Global Alliance is a crucial move in its endeavours to address hunger and destitution, by taking advantage of international cooperation and assets to support domestic strategies.

He added that by backing the initiative, Nigeria likewise displays a strong commitment to understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which centres around eliminating destitution, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger.

“These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them”, President Tinubu said.

“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger. The endorsement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu underscored the critical need for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform to guarantee its continued relevance in global mediations.

He emphasized Nigeria’s willingness and capability to represent Africa within this tip-top.

He called on the G20 to support this respectable ideal, having admitted the African Union as a group member.

Tinubu said, “ The Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality. Africa deserves priority in this.

“The Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality better.

“Africa deserves priority in this process, and two permanent seats should be allocated to it with equal rights and responsibilities. Nigeria stands ready and willing to serve as a representative of Africa in this capacity.”

In the statement read on his behalf by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, President Tinubu noted that the G20 currently wears a robe of a forward-looking global institution that upholds reform-minded multilateralism.

He particularly commended the decision by the G20 to grant permanent membership to the African Union (AU) and for its consistency in supporting the tradition of welcoming guest nations to join the group.

This broad interest, he said, gives room for the opportunity of more inclusive and viable discussions to address shared global challenges.

“Some permanent members of the Council have shown promising signs of support for this process, which is a positive development. We welcome this shift in attitude and call for a faster pace to the long overdue change.

“The world faces various challenges, including extreme poverty, inequality, climate change, terrorism, and global conflicts.

“These issues are exacerbated by longstanding inequities in the global governance system, which have led to unsustainable sovereign debt and distortions in access to capital markets, trade imbalances, unfair representations and hindered development in the Global South.

“It is our responsibility to find pragmatic solutions to fix these imbalances.

“Particularly pressing is global taxation, which profoundly impacts developing countries.

“The current international tax system, largely shaped by the interests of more affluent nations, often leaves developing countries at a disadvantage, especially in taxing digital economies.

“This systemic imbalance has led to significant revenue losses, hampering our efforts towards sustainable development and economic self-reliance,” the Nigerian leader said.

President Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria, alongside other African Group member states, championed a notable initiative at the United Nations: requiring a framework Convention on Tax to lay out a more impartial and inclusive global tax framework.

He urged the G20 to take into account the call by nations, particularly those of the global South, to reform the international financial architecture.

“Multilateral institutions must be revamped to bridge the gap between the Global North and South. This is the path for the future and one the G20 must champion. Nigeria is committed to being part of that future through active participation in the G20 and our steadfast support for achieving SDG 2030 targets,” the President added.

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has unveiled plans to begin local production of 10 essential vehicle spare parts, a move aimed at reducing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports. Currently, the country spends a staggering $1 billion annually on spare parts imports, a financial burden the NADDC intends to alleviate through this new initiative.

Joseph Osanipin, Director General of NADDC, shared these details during the closing ceremony of a two-week automotive engineering and software design training program held in Abuja. The training, organized in collaboration with Midas IT Co. of South Korea, focused on Midas NFX software, a cutting-edge platform for advanced design and analysis in the automotive sector.

Represented by Fidelis Achiv, Director of the Directorate of Research, Design, and Development at NADDC, Osanipin revealed that the council is set to begin local production of spare parts for Nigeria’s 11 million vehicles. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance local vehicle assembly, with the aim of increasing the country’s current vehicle assembly capacity from under 1% to 40%.

According to him, “Vehicles that have been assembled come in completely built, and they just remove the tyres, remove the exhaust system, remove the engine, ship them, and come and assemble them here. But we want to transform from that to a level where these vehicles come in unpainted, the welding is done here, some components parts are produced here, and the assembly will add more value and employ more people. We have over 11 million vehicles on our Nigerian roads.

“Of the over 3,000 parts in a vehicle, if we can leverage on producing just 10 that we can beat our chest, that in the whole world, Nigeria produces these 10 components and they are best, the market is going to be huge. Our economy will change,” he stated.

The training boot camp, which hosted 15 participants, was designed to equip engineers with the skills necessary to help realize the vision of transforming Nigeria’s automotive industry. Fidelis Achiv explained that the essence of this training is to empower engineers to design and produce vehicle parts locally, ultimately making Nigeria self-sufficient in vehicle parts production. This initiative is a key step toward reducing the country’s reliance on imports and building a robust domestic manufacturing sector.

The Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, Abdul-Lawal Zubair, urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training to create innovative designs that could help propel Nigeria’s automotive industry forward. He emphasized the importance of harnessing creativity and technical skills to develop solutions that would not only improve local manufacturing capabilities but also enhance the competitiveness of the Nigerian automotive sector on a global scale.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has committed to supplying 60 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on a weekly basis. This equates to 240 million litres monthly, depending on demand.

Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, explained that this new agreement will enable the association’s members to source petrol directly from the Dangote refinery, bypassing the need for middlemen. This direct supply arrangement is a significant step in Dangote’s wider strategy to enhance fuel distribution across Nigeria as the refinery ramps up operations.

Ukadike also highlighted that IPMAN has established a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to handle the off take of products, ensuring that the association will be a key distributor. He emphasized that this new structure eliminates the need for individual marketers to purchase smaller quantities of fuel and guarantees financial stability for IPMAN’s members.

Ukadike confirmed that the official timeline for the start of product lifting will be announced once final discussions between IPMAN and Dangote Refinery are completed. He expressed confidence that the direct supply of petroleum products will begin before the end of November.

“We are finalizing discussions. You know the meeting between IPMAN, and the Dangote refinery was held last week, and documentation is in process. So, we are still doing a few pieces of documentation. Once they are sorted, we will off-take PMS from the plant, as we are still doing a few pieces of documentation on it.

Ukadike further emphasized that Dangote Group has given its assurance that product lifting could begin immediately, should IPMAN choose to start sooner. The process is expected to be finalized in the coming days.

The deal marks a new phase in the relationship between Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s independent marketers, many of whom play a crucial role in the country’s petrol distribution network. As the largest refining operation in Nigeria, Dangote’s refinery is expected to significantly reduce the nation’s reliance on imported fuel, which has long been a financial burden.

This agreement comes at a time of growing competition in Nigeria’s fuel market, particularly following the deregulation of the sector. In recent weeks, petrol prices have been trending downward, partly due to increased competition from new imports by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and other independent marketers. With Dangote’s refinery now preparing to supply petrol directly to IPMAN, the Nigerian fuel sector is set for transformative changes. This new arrangement is expected to stabilize fuel supply and potentially lower costs for consumers, as increased competition continues to shape the market following deregulation.

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I raped her because she didn’t push, she didn’t even move so she definitely enjoyed it. A sick mentality, right?. NO means NO.

Rape is a violation that extends beyond physical boundaries, attacking the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of a person. Unfortunately, misconceptions about consent continue to pervade society, leading some to believe that “no resistance” means “yes.”

Consent is a clear, voluntary, and ongoing agreement between participants to engage in a particular activity. It is not passive or implied by silence or lack of physical resistance. True consent is enthusiastic and mutual, requiring both parties to express a clear desire to participate. Silence, stillness, or lack of physical struggle does not constitute consent; rather, it may indicate shock, fear, or a state of “freezing” a common trauma response.

Understanding consent requires debunking myths and educating individuals about what healthy, respectful interactions should look like.

The mantra “No means no” is essential but should be expanded to “Only yes means yes,” emphasizing that anything short of explicit agreement is insufficient.
Several myths such as “I was drunk, so I couldn’t control myself”, Men don’t get raped, she didn’t push me, There is nothing called rape in marriage, these are myths that are far from true.

Rape culture encompasses myths and societal attitudes that either excuse perpetrators or place undue responsibility on victims for the harm done to them. These misconceptions ignore the reality that many victims may feel paralyzed by fear or trauma, unable to physically resist.

Society will say “It’s because she was dressed indecently”, is that really enough reason. We need to realize people dress in a way that is mostly comfortable for them, not like we are promoting indecency. Still, rape perpetrators should learn to respect boundaries and also know that “No means No” and “Yes only means Yes”.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the governor of Edo State.

Okpebholo assumed control of the reins of leadership on Tuesday from the immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki, in a function that pulled in dignitaries the likes VP Kashim Shettima.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman in a statement, the President asked “Governor Okpebholo to work tirelessly to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and have a tremendous impact during his tenure.”

The President rejoiced that Edo has joined the ranks of states governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He urged the new governor to justify “the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.”

To achieve this, he admonished Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other imperative government institutions all through his administration, highlighting that a vigorous and independent lawmaking body is fundamental for accomplishing democratic good governance.

Tinubu “bemoaned the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.”

The President likewise recognized the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and asked the Commission to take a stab at much more excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

President Tinubu celebrated this achievement as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and celebrated with the people of Edo for this pivotal event.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso has stated that the new capital requirement for banks will strengthen their ability to boost financial inclusion. He stated that with a stronger capital base, banks will be better equipped to offer more loans and financial products to MSMEs, rural areas, and other underserved communities.

Cardoso made this statement at the second International Financial Inclusion Conference, which was themed Inclusive Growth: Harnessing Financial Inclusion for Economic Development, held in Lagos. The CBN Governor also emphasized the CBN’s efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s economy, control inflation, and boost public confidence, stressing that financial inclusion is a key goal in the country’s path to achieving a $1 trillion economy.

He said, “In line with its efforts to deepen financial inclusion, the Central Bank of Nigeria recently introduced new minimum capital requirements for banks. This strategic move ensures that banks are well-capitalized, enabling them to take on greater risk, particularly in underserved markets.

He stated further that, aside from strengthening financial stability, the recapitalization of the banking industry catalyzes inclusive growth. “We enhance job creation and productivity by enabling banks to extend more credit to MSMEs. Furthermore, with increased capital, banks can invest in technology and innovation, which is crucial for driving digital financial services such as mobile money and agent banking.

The apex bank governor added that these technologies are key to breaking down geographic and economic barriers and bringing financial services to remote areas. “SMEs are responsible for over 80 percent of employment in Nigeria, yet many struggle to access the credit needed for expansion. Financial inclusion for SMEs is essential to unlock the full potential of this sector, and the Nigerian government remains committed to supporting these enterprises.

“Similarly, women play a critical role in driving inclusive growth. Research shows that when women are financially empowered, they reinvest in their families and communities, creating broader socio-economic benefits. Yet, women in Nigeria are disproportionately excluded from the formal financial system.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, acknowledging this need, has made notable progress in advancing financial inclusion for women and youth. This includes frameworks designed to close gender gaps and regulatory support for digital platforms that provide these vulnerable groups with easier access to financial services. He also emphasized that the adoption of digital payment systems, powered by mobile technology, is one of the most transformative tools for promoting financial inclusion.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) known as Amotekun and Vigilante Corps from taking part in the November 16 gubernatorial poll in Ondo State.

The ban directive was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Force representative, Muyiwa Adejobi.

He said the IG ordered the deployment of officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit among others.

The police chief likewise ordered that aerial patrols be carried out with police helicopters, while gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to guarantee security across all terrains.

As the Ondo State Governorship Election, slated for November 16, 2024, inches close, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally guaranteed the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering preparedness to guarantee a tranquil and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The deployment will see officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies. These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains. These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”

The IGP additionally vowed to deal with political thugs or individuals intending to disrupt the elections.

As indicated in a statement, only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be permitted to take part in the election.

“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear, those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished,” Adejobi stated.

No less than 17 political parties will take part in the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

The estimated cost of landing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has dropped by 20.34%, now standing at N971.57 per litre, reflecting improvements in global market conditions and supply chain costs over the past three months. Despite this decrease, the retail price of petrol in Nigeria has surged by N443, or 71.79%, from N617 per litre on August 1, 2024, to N1,060 per litre by November 8, 2024.

Data from the Major Energies Marketers Association, in its daily energy bulletin, reveals that oil marketers imported petrol at N1,219 per litre, based on a Brent Crude price of $80.72 per barrel and an exchange rate of N1,611 per dollar in August. During this period, the retail price was N617 per litre.

In November, with an estimated landing cost of N971.57, Brent Crude price benchmark of $75.57 per barrel and an exchange rate of N1,665.84 per dollar, the product currently sells at N1,060 at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited retail station and N1,180 at stations owned by independent marketers.

The document also revealed that the landing cost of petrol stood at N945.63 per litre in September 2024 and N903.64 per litre in October 2024. Despite these falling landing costs, the retail price has continued to rise. Experts attribute this increase to factors such as the ongoing deregulation of the fuel market, exchange rate fluctuations, rising inflation, and broader economic challenges.

Despite the drop in landing costs, petrol prices in Nigeria remain high, ranging from N1,060 per litre to N1,200 per litre at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) stations and even higher prices of N1,180 at independent fuel stations.

A communiqué released by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) highlighted that the pump price of petrol exceeds its market value. The NLC contended that Nigerians are being exploited, with citizens facing increased suffering and hunger due to government policies pushing many into destitution. The statement underscores the NLC’s growing concerns about the economic hardship Nigerians are enduring and its commitment to holding both fuel marketers and the government accountable for the welfare of the people.

The Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has given N50 million to support the 15 families affected by the recent bandit attack in the Mera Community of Augie Local Government Area.

The suspected bandits allegedly killed 15 people and stole over 100 cows in Mera, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Governor Idris in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, portrayed the attack as a disastrous and unfortunate incident.

Represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abubakar-Tunga, urged the community to stay pious for the departed souls.

“On behalf of the Kebbi State Government, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, and the people of Mera,” he expressed.

“We pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and encourage the families to find comfort in God’s will.”

The governor further guaranteed that the state government is working intimately with security agencies to combat crime across Kebbi and urged the public to back these moves by providing authentic information.

In a recent Interview, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reforms Committee stated that allowing state governments to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) could result in chaos, He explained that a similar approach was tried in the 1980s with sales tax, but subnational governments struggled to generate significant revenue from it. Oyedele argued that state-level VAT collection would reduce revenue and create significant challenges for businesses nationwide.

According to Oyedele, by 1999, VAT had been implemented for about five years and had become the country’s top revenue tax. He questioned how it was overlooked in the 1999 constitution, noting that since VAT was not explicitly mentioned, lawyers argue it is a “residual matter.” This means that VAT falls under the jurisdiction of subnational governments. Oyedele explained that this is why states like Rivers and Lagos have gone to court and won, asserting that the Supreme Court could rule that VAT should be collected and managed by the states. He warned that such a ruling would create chaos, with states collecting less revenue, businesses facing difficulties, and the economy regressing.

Oyedele also highlighted a proposal from the Presidential Tax Reforms Committee aimed at improving VAT distribution. He suggested that the federal government reduce its share of VAT by 5%, allowing states to retain more of the revenue. He explained that this adjustment would provide states with a buffer for fiscal equalization, ensuring no state would collect less than under the previous system. Oyedele emphasized that the reform could significantly boost VAT revenue, potentially doubling in less than two years, as it would encourage states to focus on economic activities within their jurisdictions.

Oyedele further stated that the new tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly seek to halt tax collection by federal agencies like the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). He explained that the bills aim to remove around 60 federal agencies from tax collection duties, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities. According to Oyedele, these measures will simplify tax collection across the country and improve the operational efficiency of the agencies involved.

The Kwara State Police Command has unveiled six suspects, five males and a female, for alleged involvement in offenses verging on culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy, unsettling influence of public peace and underhandedness.

Speaking with journalists during the unveiling of the suspects on Thursday, the state Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, said that three of the suspects, identified as Peter Samuel (male), Jeremiah Tiozinda (male) and Sunday Agbenke (male), were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly killing and severing head of a 34 years old Rafiu Akao on Monday, November 4, 2024.

The police chief, who said that the lamentable homicide incident happened in the Asunlere community of Oke Oyi, Ilorin, the state capital, added that residents of the area reported at Oke-Oyi Police Division at around 9:00 pm on Monday the discovery of a headless body lying near a stream inside the area.

“After getting this report, detectives were quickly dispatched to the scene. Photographic evidence was captured, uncovering a significant mark of viciousness around the neck, indicating that the head was cut off. The body was hence cleared and kept at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital morgue, pending an autopsy.

“At the crime scene, detectives recuperated an Itel Android phone, which was suspected to belong to one of the assailants, as well as a bike believed to be the deceased’s property. Further pursuit uncovered that the deceased’s phone was likewise tracked down on him.”

It was said by the Police chief that efforts of detectives to recognize and apprehend the culprits yielded results in the early hours of November 6, 2024 as three suspects; Peter Samuel (Male ), Jeremiah Tiozinda (Male) and Sunday Agbenke (Male) were apprehended at independent locations.

“The suspect admitted to committing the crime. Furthermore, the recuperated Android phone was affirmed to belong to a suspect, Peter Samuel, who was planning to flee from the state. During cross examination, the suspects uncovered that they discarded of the victim’s severed head in a nearby river”.

The command said that efforts were on to recuperate the evidence, adding that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for exhaustive investigation before subsequent arraignment in court.

In the mean time, the Commissioner likewise paraded Yusuf Abdulkareem (male, 22) and Jaiyeola Fatai (female, 40), who alongside others now at large, purportedly stoned an innocent farmer wrongly suspected to be the killer of Akao and seriously damaged his vehicle parked inside police station.

“In a different incident, an innocent individual, a farmer, was erroneously targeted and sought after by villagers and motorcycle operators (Okada riders) who wrongly suspected him of his involvement in this wrongdoing.

“While this individual looked for shelter at the Oke-Oyi Police Division, his vehicle, which was lawfully parked, was stoned and seriously damaged by Yusuf Abdulkareem (male, 22), Jaiyeola Fatai (female, 40) and others at large. The two people have been captured and officially charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Disturbance of Public Peace, Causing Grievous Hurt, and Mischief. They will be charged in court appropriately.

“We need to emphasize that this farmer has no connection at all to the ongoing homicide investigation. We emphatically ask the public to shun from taking part in hasty actions or disseminating unsubstantiated information, as these actions might imperil innocent lives and constitute serious infractions. Law enforcement agents will take decisive action against any individual or group engaging in vigilantism or causing public disorder.”

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, says the Corps will retain more workers into the Service to effectively defend critical national assets and infrastructure across the country.

He stated that with 63,000 work force, the Corps needs more staff to ensure that its statutory mandate including the battle against unrefined petroleum robbery and disaster management are carried out efficiently.

The NSCDC Commandant General who was talking in Port Harcourt when he paid a functioning visit to the Rivers State Command, says he remains committed to repositioning the Corps as a top notch first class organization.

He said the government and the public repose so much trust in the Corps subsequently the need to legitimize its presence by discharging assigned obligations in accordance with the statutory mandate.

Abubakar Audi said, “The obligation that the government assigned to us is very enormous, herculean, and tasking. Provision of safety and security for critical national assets and infrastructure is not an easy job. If you look at the mapping that we did, the various categories of assets and critical infrastructure are very huge, and then our number is few. We are just 63,000 so it is not easy”.

He added, “Even from the vandalization of pipelines alone we have nationwide generally in the Niger Delta over 1,881 vandalization places where miscreants went to puncture pipes and are siphoning oil. Thus, if you want to assign the number of personnel in each you will see that even the CG will go and guard the pipeline”.

The NSCDC while charging staff to be dedicated to their relegated obligations, said, “The protection of critical national assets and infrastructure must be given utmost priority because this is what we are paid for, and your unwavering commitment is needed without compromise. The economy of our nation rests on the critical assets and these must be safeguarded and secured from economic saboteurs.”

He likewise complimented the River State Government for the new donation of 10 operational vehicles which he authoritatively commissioned for use by the Command.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the free foreign exchange deposit window, issuing new guidelines for banks to implement the policy. These guidelines released by the CBN outline the procedures for participation, affecting all commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks across the country. The move is expected to streamline foreign exchange deposits and enhance liquidity in the market.

The notice of the scheme guidelines was jointly signed by the acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, John Onojah, and the acting Director of the Banking Supervision Department, Dr Adetona Adedeji.

According to the document titled ‘Guidelines on Implementation of the Foreign Currency Disclosure, Deposit, Repatriation and Investment Scheme, 2024,’ banks are at liberty to trade with the foreign exchange made available by the scheme participants.

“Commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks may trade with any deposited ITFC (Internationally Tradable Foreign Currencies) not immediately invested by a participant, provided that the funds would be made available to the participant when needed. Interest payment by CMNIBs on the balance in the designated domiciliary account shall be in line with relevant provisions of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria.”

In its latest guidelines, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has mandated that banks must collect key details from customers, including the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (for individuals and directors of incorporated entities), or a Tax Identification Number (for legal entities).

Other required information includes the amount of Internationally Tradable Foreign Currency (ITFC) to be deposited, as well as the details of the applicant’s designated domiciliary account into which the ITFC will be credited, along with any additional information that the bank may request periodically. The CBN also emphasized that banks must adhere strictly to anti-money laundering (AML), Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Countering Proliferation Financing (CPF) laws and regulations.

According to the CBN, the CMNIBs are not to impose any restriction on the withdrawal from the designated domiciliary account of the participant (individual or business) except as otherwise provided in the scheme guidelines.

The Oyo State Government has endorsed a minimum wage of ₦80,000 for the State workforce.

Revealing this in a written statement, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, mentioned that the Technical Committee set up by the State Government suggested and got approval from Governor Seyi Makinde for the execution of the new compensation scale.

He went on to say that the new scale will be carried out when the considerable changes process is completed by the committee comprising government and labour high ranking officials.

That’s what Oyelade reviewed, barely a month ago, the National Bureau of Statistics, in its most recent employment statistics published for 2024, evaluated the state as the most worker-friendly in the whole of Southern Nigeria because of a critical decrease in the state’s joblessness rate, following the high-pitched employment of workers into different sectors of the state.

“It has been noted that the Oyo State Government has been paying workers’ salaries on the 25th of each and every month since Governor Makinde took office in 2019.

“The governor started paying the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage from the start of his tenure over four years ago, including predictable payments of pensions, gratuities, and a 13th-month salary for both workers and pensioners alike.

“Since November 2023, Governor Makinde has been paying ₦25,000 to workers and ₦15,000 to pensioners as a welfare wage award. The Oyelade made it known that, Makinde administration acquainted the wage award to cushion the impacts of the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal and has remained consistent with these payments for over a year, eeven right up ’til now.”

Makinde has paid the excess of gratuities from 2008 to 2015 for pensioners, with an increase in gratuity payments for those under both the Local Government Staff Pensions Board and those paid by the Ministry of Establishment and Training, Oyelade said.

He further stated that the governor has additionally reestablished pensioners whose names were taken out by the previous administration and keeps on provide all pensioners with a yearly Christmas/New Year chicken reward.

Power Distribution companies in Nigeria has announced an increase for various electricity meter models, marking the second hike in just four months. According to the Discos, the cost of a single-phase meter has risen from approximately N117,000 to as much as N149,800. This amount indicates an increase of 28.03 per cent or N32,800, depending on the distribution company and meter vendor.

The new pricing structure, which went into effect on Tuesday, November 5, aligns with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s policy to deregulate meter asset providers. The rise in costs has sparked concerns among consumers, who are worried about their ability to afford and access meters amid the ongoing price adjustments.

This latest price increase follows a previous hike in August 2024, further raising concerns among electricity consumers regarding the affordability and accessibility of meters.

For Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco), the cost of a single-phase meter now ranges from N135,987.50 to N161,035, while a three-phase meter is priced between N226,600 and N266,600.

Ibadan Disco customers will pay between N130,998 and N142,548 for single-phase meters, and between N226,556.25 and N232,008 for three-phase meters.

Under Abuja Disco, single-phase meters will cost between N123,130.53 and N147,812.50, with three-phase meters priced between N206,345.65 and N236,500.

In Kano, customers will pay between N127,925 and N129,999 for a single-phase meter, while three-phase meters will cost between N223,793 and N235,425.

Finally, Kaduna Disco has set the price for single-phase meters between N131,150 and N142,548.94, and for three-phase meters, between N220,375 and N232,008.04.

The move was targeted at addressing lingering issues surrounding meter supply and pricing transparency within the electricity sector. According to NERC’s latest order, the prices of meters within the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme will be set through competitive bidding, replacing the previous centralized pricing system. This change is expected to increase competition among providers, improve cost efficiency, and enhance service delivery for consumers.

Furthermore, the deregulation allows MAP permit holders to offer metering services across all electricity distribution companies in Nigeria, removing previous operational restrictions. However, MAPs will still be required to meet regulatory standards to ensure quality and compliance in their services.

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, on Wednesday requested the immediate suspension of all non-statutory deductions, remarkably cooperative associations and commodity vendors deductions.

Workers in the North-Western state have raised different objections in regards to deductions made through the state finance system.

As said by the Governor through his spokesperson in a statement, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that the directive pointed toward prohibiting all non-statutory deductions made through the Zamfara State Government finance.

“In his resolve to sanitize the Zamfara State Payment system for more efficient management of state civil servants’ remuneration currently inundated with a lot of unauthorized and illegal deductions, Governor Dauda Lawal has ordered an immediate halt to all Non Statutory deductions from workers’ salaries,” the statement read.

“This verdict was made because of various questions about deductions from workers’ salaries, some of which were utilized to facilitate an illegal surcharge of the workers in the name of cooperatives & commodity loan repayments.

“Governor Lawal has directed the Commissioner of Finance to stop all of such deductions from workers’ salaries and to communicate the corresponding knowledge to all cooperative societies & other Commodity Vendors.

“For more clarity, the only allowed statutory deductions comprise the following: PAYE; Union dues; NHF; ZAMCHEMA; Water rate; FMB (Rent to Own); FMB (Home Renovation); Housing Corp Loan.

“The present administration in Zamfara state is focused ton carrying out measures that support the welfare and improvement of the civil servants. This incorporates upgrading working conditions, providing necessary resources, and establishing a conducive environment to ensure an exceptionally equipped, motivated, and productive workforce.”

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dropped all non-essential personal and social commitment for the next two days in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, aged 56.

In a writing, Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that Lagbaja was known for his enthusiastic endeavors in fighting insurgency, armed banditry, and violent extremism.

“His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation earned him great admiration. The Inspector-General’s gesture mirrors the deep respect and appreciation for General Lagbaja’s remarkable service,” the assertion read.

The IGP additionally sympathized with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and General Lagbaja’s family, colleagues, and friends and family during this challenging time.

As per the police chief, Lagbaja’s legacy and commitment to Nigeria’s security won’t ever be neglected.

In the mean time, the Senate Committee on Army has likewise grieved the passing of the army chief, portraying Lagbaja as perhaps the finest officers in the military.

Abdulaziz Yara’dua, who happens to be the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, in a statement said the late army chief “left an indelible mark” with his “unwavering dedication to the Nigerian Army and his country.”

“His exceptional leadership and vision significantly shaped the army’s operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate troops to carry on his exemplary work,” the assertion read.

“We as a whole recognize General Lagbaja’s significant impact on the army’s development. His initiatives demonstrated a steadfast commitment to training, capacity building, and troops welfare. The Nigerian Army has lost a genuine leader and passionate advocate for its development.

“To the officers, soldiers, and families of the Nigerian Army, we offer our sincerest sympathies. May you find strength and solace in realizing General Lagbaja’s contributions won’t ever be neglected and forgotten. His memory will continue to inspire and rouse us all.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State on a visit over the recent floods that took the lives, properties and livestock across the state.

In a post by Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu on social media, said he showed up in the warm hands of Governor Babagana Zulum, Senator Ali Ndume and other political and government leaders in the state.

Shehu said the former president was away on extended get-away when the state experienced the recent devastating floods.

“He is here to personally sympathize with the Shehu of Borno, the government, and the people of the state following the shocking occurrence,” the statement said to some degree, adding that he likewise visited the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Majesty, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi.

Roughly one million people were impacted by the destructive flood in Maiduguri in September, with no less than 414,000 people displaced and 30 killed.

The Nigerian Communications Commission has called on the judiciary to enforce tougher penalties for individuals involved in destroying telecommunications infrastructure, a critical pillar in Nigeria’s digital transformation. This measure aims to strengthen protection for the sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s technological advancement.

The event, organized by the NCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), sought to explore the role of the judiciary in accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the critical role of telecommunications as a “Critical National Information Infrastructure,” as outlined in a recent Presidential Order during the Judges Workshop on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry, held in Lagos

This order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and enacted through the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, criminalizes unauthorized access to, damage to, or tampering with telecom assets, including base stations, fibre optics, and data centers. The NCC chief said the framework enhances the commission’s capacity to effectively address issues like vandalism, illegal interference, and restricted access to communications infrastructure, ensuring violators are held accountable to discourage future violations.

Maida called for strong judicial support in safeguarding these vital infrastructures, warning that vandalism and disruptions hinder Nigeria’s progress toward a digital economy and undermine services across multiple sectors.

Dr. Maida expressed confidence that the judiciary would impose appropriate sanctions on those who vandalize telecom infrastructure. He emphasized, “We trust that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity.”

The NCC believes that strict judicial action is crucial in discouraging criminal activities targeting vital telecom assets, thereby fostering a more stable environment for digital services that are essential across various sectors. The Commission also highlighted that while it is committed to expanding and maintaining telecom networks, ensuring their protection requires a strong partnership with the judiciary to effectively combat the growing threat of vandalism.

Maida further noted, “This workshop will serve as a platform for the Commission to share insights into the workings of the Critical National Information Infrastructure Presidential Order, its significance, and the crucial role of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, ultimately supporting the accelerated digital transformation that will drive our nation forward.”

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, echoed Maida’s remarks, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to backing the telecommunications sector and upholding the rule of law in matters related to the digital landscape.

The National Grid has experienced yet another collapse, plunging the country into widespread power outages. The grid suffered multiple collapses in the month of October, with the Federal Government promising a permanent solution to what has become a recurring issue.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed a partial disturbance to the national grid, which occurred at 1:52 PM on November 5th, 2024. In a statement, TCN described the incident as a “partial system disturbance” and assured Nigerians that efforts were already underway to restore power gradually across affected regions.

TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, explained that the disturbance was caused by a series of line and generator trippings, which led to instability within the grid. Mbah added that, according to data from the National Control Centre, some parts of the grid remained unaffected by the power disruption.

Mbah stated that the TCN engineers are currently working to restore bulk power supply to the states impacted by the partial disturbance.

In a press statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Dr Friday Elijah, the Jos DisCo said the interruption that occurred at about 1:52 pm was a sequel to the loss of power supply from the national grid.

The statement partly read, “The current outage being experienced within our franchise states is a result of loss of power supply from the national grid. The loss of power supply from the national grid occurred this afternoon at about 1352 hours of today, Tuesday, 5th November 2024, hence the loss of power supply on all our feeders.”

While seeking patience and understanding, Elijah promised that power would be restored as soon as the national grid was restored. “We hope to restore normal power supply to our esteemed customers as soon as the grid supply is restored back to normalcy,” Elijah added

The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) has kicked against the proposed Tax Reform Bill that was sent to the National Assembly.

It communicated that the proposed tax bill is against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals.

In a dispatch read by the chairman of the forum and Lead Representative of Gombe state, Mohammed Yahaya, the Lead Representatives disapproved of the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to the derivation-based Model.

The “Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The contents of the Blare against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to a Derivation-based Model”.

The forum accordingly approached members of the National Assembly (NA) to go against the bill that can risk the well-being of their people.

“This is because companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardize the well-being of our people,” the Lead Representatives said.

It additionally demanded equity and fairness in the execution of all Federal Government programmes and policies.

The Lead Representatives called for “equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes, to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalized”.

Air component of Operation Hadin Kai has anihilated cores of Boko Haram militants at two areas in Bula Marwa in Borno State.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) unvieled this in a report on Monday, saying the operations took place on October 25.

Air Force representative, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said Bula Marwa was spotted as a top meeting point for Boko Haram’s notorious figures, hence Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions further affirmed elevated increased terrorist activity.

Akinboyewa, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, said fighter jets were sent to the area for an air interdiction mission after the IRS uncovered an influx of bikes and gatherings of militants across the area.

“On arrival, ISR footage captured suspected terrorists assembling at a rendezvous point on 12 motorcycles,” the statement read.

“The motorcycles were then traced to a primary meeting location where additional terrorists had been waiting. Accordingly, the first airstrike was executed, effectively engaging the target area.

“Moments later, ISR aircraft loitering in the vicinity observed several terrorists returning to assess the damage and evacuate their wounded combatants.

“In response, NAF air assets conducted follow-up strikes, neutralising additional terrorists,” he said.

Akinboyewa said also ISR was carried out in the area the same day, spotting another group of terrorists gathering under an enormous tree at a second meeting area.

As indicated by him, the NAF air assets launched a precision airstrike on the area, accomplishing a direct hit and eliminating numerous terrorists.

A video of Alex Ikwechegh assaulting Stephen Abuwatseya and threatening him had gone viral, inciting condemnations from Nigerians.

Hours after the video arose, the Green Chamber said it was worried over the incident, which it takes “seriously”.

House of Representatives, National Assembly
Office of the House Spokesman

Official Press Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Response to Allegations of Assault Involving Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia)

A Thread🧵HouseNGR https://x.com/HouseNGR/status/1850994790693061110

— Nigeria House of Representatives (@HouseNGR) October 28, 2024, https://x.com/HouseNGR/status/1850994790693061110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“These reports, which have garnered widespread media coverage and public attention, detail accusations of a physical confrontation with an e-hailing driver, Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, and the use of threatening language,” Reps spokesman Akin Rotimi Jr said in a late Monday statement.

“The 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, takes these allegations very seriously. As elected officials, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in our official engagements and privately. Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness.

We are aware that the matter is currently before the Nigeria Police, and we encourage the public to give room for due process of investigation to unfurl. We embrace further engagement from the public regarding the matter, which can be shared via email at akintunde.rotimi@nass.gov.ng, akinrotimi@gmail.com, even as we keep on monitoring the matter.

“We remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behaviour that define the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”

Following the turn of events, police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said the lawmaker from Abia State was in its custody.

“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the police said in a statement.

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has announced the opening of its application portal for potential beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s N75 billion Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Intervention Fund.

This was disclosed during a joint press conference on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and Bank of Industry (BoI) and Sensitization on N75 Billion MSME Intervention Fund in Abuja.

The BoI representative, Amina Habu Mohammed, said the fund targets 75 million SMSEs at N1 million each at 9% interest rate for a period of three years without collateral. This flexible loan initiative is designed to support MSMEs across the nation and enhance the living conditions of citizens, adding that the application portal can be accessed online.

Dr. Solomon Daniel Vongfa, National President of the National Association of Small-Scale Industries (NASSI), has characterized the newly established intervention fund as a crucial lifeline” for small-scale businesses, especially in light of recent economic challenges. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of both the federal government and the Bank of Industry (BoI), underscoring the pivotal role that small enterprises play in fostering job creation and driving economic growth. “This initiative will unlock the potential of many MSMEs and stimulate economic prosperity,” Vongfa stated.

Additionally, Vongfa elaborated on NASSI’s commitment to promoting the fund, announcing plans to conduct workshops, seminars, and outreach programs across all 36 states of Nigeria. The objective is to ensure that entrepreneurs comprehensively understand the eligibility criteria and application procedures.

He added: “We urge all eligible MSMEs to seize this opportunity and apply for the N75 Billion MSME Intervention Fund. This is a golden chance to unlock your business’s full potential and contribute to the economic prosperity of our nation”.

He noted that the partnership between BoI and NASSI is focused on fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that promotes sustainable development and helps alleviate poverty throughout Nigeria.

A group of agitators in the Niger Delta region are threatening to resume the hostilities in the area by targeting oil and gas infrastructure if the “deliberate plot by some politicians to use the court to stop local government allocation in Rivers State” is effective.

The agitators under the aegis of the Niger Delta Development Force (NDDF) portray a deviation, the endeavor to stop the distribution of local governments with equitably elected officials in accordance with the new judgement of the Supreme Court on Local government autonomy.

The Spokesman for the group, Justin Alabraba threatened to bomb and close down oil facilities and establishments in the region ought to any pass judgement, anywhere in the country, especially Abuja pursue such a decision.

He cautioned, “The President Tinubu-led Federal Government not to respect the shenanigans of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to utilize Abuja courts to hold onto distributions for the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State, to fulfill his own aspirations.”

He said, “Let them try it on Monday or any other day, and see what will happen. We will shut down major oil pipelines and production installations, and it will be the beginning of the worst to come. Nyesom Wike can’t be utilizing Tinubu’s powers to cause issues in Rivers State without any negative consequences“.

Alabraba reminded President Tinubu that any endeavor to weaken Rivers State will twisting into serious destabilization of the entire Niger Delta, saying that Rivers State is the headquarters of the region.

The group mentioned that they can never again watch the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, purportedly utilize Federal might and his relationship with Abuja-based judges to secure judgments intended to sabotage Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led Government.

The group claimed that dependable sources say that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is set to deliver judgment on Monday to supposedly stop legal allotments to Local Governments in Rivers State.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in the previous week, dismissed the solicitation by the Rivers State Government to stay proceedings in a suit trying to stop the distribution of funds to all the local government areas of Rivers State.

The Judge held that the solicitation by the Rivers State Government was negligible.

The Rivers State House of Assembly and Hon Martin Amaewhule had brought the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN under the watchful eye of the court asking the court to withhold fund allocation to the Rivers State local governments.

The Rivers state government objected to becoming aware of the suit in Abuja yet was turned somewhere around the court.

The court has insisted on proceeding with the hearing of the suit and has reserved judgment on it.