My Blog

Category: Politics

  • Imo State: Achi Mbieri Community Demands Accountability Over Oil Revenue Mismanagement

    Imo State: Achi Mbieri Community Demands Accountability Over Oil Revenue Mismanagement

    Owerri, Imo State – Members of the Achi Mbieri Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area have raised serious concerns over the handling of oil revenue accruable to the community, calling for transparency and accountability from their leadership.

    At a news briefing organized by the Achi Stakeholders Forum on Sunday in Owerri, community members alleged that President-General (PG) Victor Iwuagwu unequally distributed funds paid by Seplat Energy, an oil exploration company, to the component villages without approval or supervision from the community’s executive council.

    The community’s Financial Secretary, Richard Durunna, denied any involvement in the disbursement, stating that Iwuagwu had unilaterally run the community’s affairs.

    “I only learned that funds had been paid when the villages confirmed receiving money. The sharing formula was allegedly based on instructions from his late mother in a dream, which I find bizarrely disturbing,” Durunna said.

    Following a Saturday meeting, the stakeholders and community members issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iwuagwu convene an emergency meeting to explain his financial decisions.

    Other community leaders also weighed in. Charles Opara, a forum member, described the discovery of oil in the community as a “supposed blessing rather than a reason for chaos” and urged the PG to avoid personalizing community wealth.

    Traditional Prime Minister Nzeh Adolphus Nnadi called on the Imo State Government to order a forensic audit to resolve the dispute, while youth leader Chigazu Ohamadike appealed for peaceful dialogue and calm resolution.

    Attempts to reach PG Iwuagwu for comment were unsuccessful, as he repeatedly declined calls.

    The development underscores rising tensions in oil-rich communities in Nigeria, where mismanagement of resource revenues often triggers community unrest and legal battles.

  • Benue Governor Pledges to Clear Outstanding Pensions and Gratuities

    Benue Governor Pledges to Clear Outstanding Pensions and Gratuities

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assured that outstanding pensions and gratuities for retired civil servants accrued between 2023 and 2025 will be fully cleared by the end of January 2026.

    The announcement was made in a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi.

    Alia emphasized that his administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of civil servants, ensuring regular payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities since he assumed office.

    He stated that while priority was initially given to approved arrears, steps are now being taken to ensure all retirees within his tenure receive their entitlements promptly.

    “For those within the last two and a half years who have not received their gratuities, they will receive them in a matter of days,” he said, adding that other pension and salary arrears will continue to be settled based on available funds.

    The governor also addressed the ongoing national strike by resident doctors, urging dialogue and negotiation.

    He acknowledged that some grievances may stem from unfulfilled commitments by previous administrations but stressed the humanitarian risks posed by disruptions in medical services.

    Alia commended health workers for their dedication and expressed confidence that the strike would soon be resolved, noting the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address the issues.

  • 12 Killed in Multiple-Vehicle Crash on Yangoji–Abaji Road in Abuja

    12 Killed in Multiple-Vehicle Crash on Yangoji–Abaji Road in Abuja

    No fewer than 12 people lost their lives on Sunday following a fatal multiple-vehicle accident along the Yangoji–Abaji corridor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The incident was confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Sector Command, through its Public Education Officer, Mrs Helen Nnaji, quoting the Sector Commander, Mr Felix Theman.

    According to the FRSC, the crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with the first distress call received two minutes later. A patrol team from Zebra 6 Unit, Yangoji, arrived at the scene within seven minutes.

    Four vehicles were involved in the crash: two Volkswagen Golf cars (registration numbers GWA 162 KZ and ABJ 111 NW), a Ford Sharon bus (AFN 325 YL), and a Volvo Randon trailer (ANC 665 XA).

    Preliminary investigations indicated that speed limit violation and loss of control caused a chain collision.

    Eyewitnesses reported that the trailer, owned by African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd and conveying coal from Gujeni in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, lost control and rammed into an illegal roadside motor park.

    A total of 18 people were involved in the crash, including eight adult males, four adult females, two male children and four female children.

    Twelve persons, comprising four adult males, two adult females, two male children and four female children lost their lives. Three others sustained injuries, while three escaped unhurt.

    FRSC personnel administered first aid at the scene and evacuated the injured victims to Abaji General Hospital for medical treatment.

    The deceased were released to their families for burial in accordance with religious and cultural practices. Recovered items were secured by the FRSC.

    Wreckage from one of the vehicles involved in the multiple-vehicle accident at Gada Biyu on the Yangoji–Abaji road in Abuja, where at least 12 people were killed.

    The Motor Traffic Division (MTD) of the Nigerian Police, Kwali Division, has taken over the investigation to determine additional factors responsible for the crash.

    The FRSC commander expressed condolences to the families of the victims and warned motorists, especially commercial drivers, against the use of illegal roadside loading and off-loading points.

    He urged road users to avoid speeding, reckless driving and dangerous overtaking, particularly in populated areas, and called for strict compliance with traffic safety regulations to prevent further loss of lives.

  • Nasarawa Assembly Passes N545.2bn 2026 Appropriation Bill

    Nasarawa Assembly Passes N545.2bn 2026 Appropriation Bill

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N545.2 billion into law, following deliberations at plenary in Lafia on Tuesday.

    The approved budget represents an increase of N27.6 billion over the N517.5 billion proposal earlier presented to the House by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

    Announcing the passage, Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, described the development as a major legislative milestone, noting that the budget would enable the state government to implement people-oriented projects aimed at driving overall development across Nasarawa State.

    According to Jatau, the approved estimates allocate N316.26 billion for capital expenditure and N228.72 billion for recurrent expenditure. He explained that the increase in the budget size was necessitated by the prevailing inflationary pressure, which has significantly affected the cost of projects and service delivery.

    He disclosed that security-related votes received an additional N14 billion, while the Ministry of Local Government was allocated an extra N7 billion. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism also got an additional N3.7 billion, alongside funding approval for the 55-kilometre Lafia–Kwandere–Garaku road project.

    The Speaker commended the House standing committees for what he described as their diligence and thoroughness during the budget defence and review process. He urged the executive arm to ensure full implementation of the budget once it receives the governor’s assent.

    “A Bill to authorise the issue of N545.18 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Nasarawa State for the 2026 financial year has scaled third reading and passed,” Jatau said.

    He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy of the bill for transmission to the governor for assent.

    Earlier, the Majority Leader, Suleiman Azara, moved the motion for the passage of the bill, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Luka Zhekaba. The bill was unanimously adopted by members of the House.

    Governor Sule had presented the initial N517.5 billion budget proposal to the Assembly on November 26, describing it as the “Budget of Strategic Consolidation.”

    During the presentation, he commended the legislature for its consistent support, particularly in ensuring the timely passage of appropriation bills.

  • Enugu Gov. Mbah Appoints 13 PermSecs, Insists, No Honeymoon Period

    Enugu Gov. Mbah Appoints 13 PermSecs, Insists, No Honeymoon Period

    Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, on Monday swore in 13 newly appointed permanent secretaries, charging them to immediately align with his administration’s delivery-oriented governance model.

    The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Government House, Enugu, where the governor emphasized accountability, performance, and service delivery across the state civil service.

    List of Newly Appointed Permanent Secretaries in Enugu State

    The newly sworn-in permanent secretaries are:

    • Mr. Chigbogu Nnaji
    • Mrs. Phoebe Edeh
    • Mr. Philip Arum
    • Mr. Jeremiah Egbonwonu
    • Mrs. Ifeoma Igwe
    • Mrs. Ngozi Egbo
    • Mrs. Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike
    • Mrs. Pamela Ikpa
    • Mr. Canice Ngene
    • Mr. Anyaora Okereke
    • Mrs. Adaobi Nwodo
    • Mr. Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa
    • Mr. Paul Nwabuisi

    Appointments Based on Merit — Gov. Mbah

    Governor Mbah said the appointments were strictly merit-based, following a rigorous and transparent selection process. He noted that the exercise also filled existing vacancies in the Enugu State civil service to promote fairness, inclusion, and efficiency.

    According to the governor, there would be no honeymoon period for the new permanent secretaries, stressing that greater responsibility comes with higher office.

    “I believe you worked very hard to get to this level in your careers and went through a very rigorous process to be selected. It is well deserved,” Mbah said.
    “But the honeymoon is over. To whom much is given, much is expected.”

    Permanent Secretaries Are Engine Room of Government

    Mbah described permanent secretaries as the engine room of government and custodians of institutional memory, adding that his administration is implementing far-reaching reforms across all sectors of the state.

    He urged the appointees to support the government’s reform agenda and ensure effective policy implementation.

    New Permanent Secretaries Pledge Commitment

    Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, thanked Governor Mbah for the confidence reposed in them.

    Ezenwukwa acknowledged the administration’s achievements in revenue generation and infrastructural development, pledging their full support.

    “We pledge to add value to these achievements and assure you that you will not be disappointed in appointing us,” he said.

  • Abia Enacts Startup Law, Launches Electric Bus Project

    Abia Enacts Startup Law, Launches Electric Bus Project

    Even as states in Nigeria’s North grapple with existential security challenges, some southern states continue to push forward with strategic development initiatives.

    One such state is Abia, where Governor Alex Otti has assented to the Startup Bill passed by the House of Assembly, officially enacting it as the Abia State Startup Law, 2025.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held in Umuahia.

    Kanu said the law was designed to domesticate and implement the Nigerian Startup Act, 2022 within Abia State.

    According to him, the legislation provides a framework to promote innovation, support technology-enabled startups, nurture digital talent, and position Abia as a hub for technology and innovation.

    “The law applies to companies with major operations in Abia and startups duly recognised and labelled under the national Act,” he said.

    The commissioner also announced plans to roll out a state-owned electric bus mass transit system under the Abia Transport Transformation Project.

    He said the first batch of 20 electric buses arrived in November, while another 20 are expected early next year. About 100 buses will be deployed in the first phase of the project.

    Kanu explained that the 40-seater buses, which are custom-built for Abia, can travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.

    He added that the buses are equipped with modern safety and comfort features, including surveillance cameras, charging ports, disability access, emergency exits and fire extinguishers.

    According to him, the initiative will position Abia at the forefront of clean and environmentally friendly mass transit in Nigeria.

    On long-term planning, Kanu disclosed that the Abia 25-Year Development Plan would be unveiled on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. He said the event would attract development partners, advisory council members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

    In the health sector, the commissioner said the Abia Global Medical Mission commenced on Monday and would run until December 20, 2025, offering free advanced medical services across designated centres in the state.

    He also announced that 850 youths would graduate from the second cohort of the Abia Techrise ICT Training Programme on Saturday, bringing the total number of beneficiaries trained under the programme in 2025 to 1,399.

    Kanu further said the Ministry of Works was carrying out direct labour interventions on major roads ahead of the yuletide.

    He urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive season and report suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that security agencies have been placed on full alert to protect lives and property across the state.

  • Nwifuru Approves ₦150,000 Christmas Bonus for Ebonyi Workers

    Nwifuru Approves ₦150,000 Christmas Bonus for Ebonyi Workers

    Governor Francis Nwifuru announces ₦150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi civil servants, promises free and fair local government elections.

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has approved a ₦150,000 Christmas bonus for all categories of civil servants in the state.

    The governor made the announcement on Sunday during a church service at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki, describing the bonus as part of his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.

    Governor Nwifuru noted that the decision was taken despite limited revenue accruing to the state over the past year, adding that his government remains focused on prioritising the well-being of its workforce.

    Speaking on the forthcoming local government elections in Ebonyi State, the governor assured aspirants of a level playing field, stressing that he has no preferred or anointed candidate.

    “As far as I am concerned, the will of the people must prevail. The people must choose their representatives without interference from any quarters,” Nwifuru said.

    He also reiterated his directive that political appointees seeking elective positions in the council elections must resign their appointments in line with existing electoral laws.

    “It is not my duty to pick who becomes chairman of any local government area. Any appointee contesting for chairmanship in the next council election must resign as stipulated by law,” the governor stated.

  • Wike Names Galadima as New SSA on Development

    Wike Names Galadima as New SSA on Development

    ControlThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the appointment of Mukhtar Galadima as Senior Special Assistant on Development Control and Planning.

    The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media.

    Galadima, a seasoned town planner, brings more than three decades of professional experience in urban planning and administration within the FCT Administration.

    Over the years, he has served in strategic capacities, including the Department of Development Control and the Satellite Towns Development Agency, before his appointment as Director of Development Control under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council in 2016.

    He retired from the civil service in November.

    Olayinka noted that Galadima has served on key committees such as the Abuja Masterplan Restoration Task Team and the Committee on the Review of Revoked Land Titles and Change of Land Use.

    The appointment, he added, takes immediate effect.

  • Abia Budgets N1.016 Trillion, Focus Education, Health, Roads in 2026

    Abia Budgets N1.016 Trillion, Focus Education, Health, Roads in 2026

    Umuahia, Abia State – Governor Alex Otti on Tuesday presented a N1.016 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Abia State House of Assembly, describing it as the “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities.”

    The proposed budget represents a 13 per cent increase over the 2025 appropriation of N750.28 billion and is aimed at fast-tracking infrastructure expansion, enhancing social services, and deepening ongoing reforms across the state.

    Of the total outlay, N811.8 billion, or 80 per cent, is earmarked for capital projects, while recurrent expenditure accounts for N204.4 billion, representing 20 per cent of the budget.

    Compared with 2025, the capital vote increased by 32 per cent, and recurrent expenditure rose by 33 per cent to support daily operations and new personnel.

    Governor Otti highlighted allocations for key sectors, with education receiving N203.2 billion, including N150.4 billion for salaries of at least 15,000 teachers and new school infrastructure.

    Plans include constructing 17 model primary and secondary schools, three technical colleges, staff quarters, and over 100 ICT laboratories. Tertiary institutions will receive N52.8 billion for staff salaries and new facilities.

    The health sector is set to receive N149.7 billion, representing 15 per cent of the budget, for the acquisition of new equipment at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, 23 other facilities, and the renovation of seven general hospitals.

    Road construction and rehabilitation will take N169.3 billion, or 16.7 per cent of the budget, with priority given to the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene, Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende, and Umuahia-Umueze-Agwu roads.

    The transport sector is allocated N11.1 billion, including N6 billion to fund 80 additional electric buses, complete transport terminals, and build bus shelters.

    Other allocations include over N229 billion for agriculture, entrepreneurship, youth development, sports, ICT, women’s empowerment, housing, environment, and urban renewal.

    Governor Otti projected the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) to reach N223.4 billion in 2026, up from a target of about N100 billion in 2025.

    Recurrent expenses will be fully funded from IGR. Federal allocations are projected at N83.2 billion from FAAC, N67.1 billion from VAT, N26.5 billion from grants, and N168 billion from other federal sources, bringing total revenue to N607.2 billion.

    The governor indicated a budget deficit of N409 billion, or 40 per cent of the budget, which will be financed through concessionary loans strictly for capital projects. He stressed that loans would not be used to fund recurrent expenditure.

    Governor Otti urged the House to consider and pass the budget, emphasizing its importance in sustaining the state’s development trajectory.

    Responding, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa noted that the state had inherited a deep fiscal hole in 2023 but praised the administration for restoring stability.

    He said the 2026 budget reflects growing responsibilities and expanding development needs and commended the governor for prudent fiscal management.

    Emeruwa assured the governor that the House would thoroughly review the estimates and support initiatives that benefit the state.

  • Benue juice factory, ready for commercial production

    Benue juice factory, ready for commercial production

    The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) on Wednesday test-ran its juice factory known as Benfruits Juice Industry and is ready for commercial fruit juice.

    The sweet, fresh and additive-free juice was produced during the test run.

    Those who tasted the juice described it as natural and one of the best that they have taken.

    BIPC Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr Raymond Asemakaha, told newsmen shortly after the test run that the juice was produced purely from Benue oranges.

    Asemakaha stated that when the factory becomes fully operational, no Benue oranges would leave the state in large quantities.

    GMD pointed out that orange farmers would not only get a market for their products but full value as well.

    He said that the factory would also create many jobs for Benue people.

    “This is the juice produced from our Benue oranges. From these same oranges we will produce oil, and the chaffs will be used for organic fertiliser. There is no waste here.

    “After this test running, we will check the whole process again and make sure that everywhere is set for takeoff.

    “We are going to do something that has not been done before in this state. Just give Gov. Hyacinth Alia six more years, and our yams, mangoes and oranges will never waste again. Our farmers will have full value for their products,” he said.

    He recalled that BIPC took over the management of the state-owned juice processing factory in July.

    According to him, the company was dormant for over 20 years, and BIPC, upon takeover, engaged Sono Company, experts in juice production in the world, to revive the industry.

    The factory’s Plant Engineer, Mr Henry Boager, said the factory has the capacity to produce four metric tonnes of juice per hour.

    Boager boasted that they have a competent technical team to handle the factory machines for optimal results.

    He assured the people that post-harvest losses would be minimised and farmers would get real value for their produce.