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Category: Politics

  • APC hails Supreme Court over Rivers State judgement

    APC hails Supreme Court over Rivers State judgement

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement nullifying the local government council elections held on Oct. 5 and ordering the re-presentation of the 2024 budget.

    In a ruling delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the Supreme Court declared the election invalid due to gross violations of the Electoral Act.

    In a separate judgement on Friday, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule as speaker.

    READ ALSO: Rivers LG: Supreme reserves ruling on suit seeking sack of Chairmen

    The apex court directed Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    It mandated Fubara to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

    Reacting to the rulings, APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers, Mr Chibike Ikenga, hailed the Supreme Court’s decision in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    According to Ikenga, the judgements represent a victory for the people and a step towards the entrenchment of democracy in the state.

    He urged Fubara to comply with the ruling without delay to restore peace and foster development in Rivers.

    READ ALSO: Arewa and the burden of truth

    “We call on all democrats and people of goodwill to prevail on Gov. Fubara to quickly retrace his steps and take the necessary actions for the progress of our dear state.

    “We commend the Supreme Court for its decision to bring an end to the political crises that has plagued the Executive and House of Assembly in the state,” Ikenga stated.

    He assured that as the main opposition party in Rivers, the APC would continue to serve as a watchdog, advocating for good governance and ensuring effective service delivery to the citizens. 

  • Tax Reform Bills best for Nigeria – Sen. Basheer Lado

    Tax Reform Bills best for Nigeria – Sen. Basheer Lado

    Adviser to President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, has told a delegation from Kano that the proposed tax reform Bills will significantly improve the economy and the standard of living of Nigerians.

    Addressing a delegation of professors, scholars, and commissioners from Kano State, Senator Lado said the bill which is currently undergoing a public hearing at the National Assembly reflects Tinubu’s commitment to creating a fair, transparent, and growth-oriented tax system.

    “This visit reflects your commitment to Nigeria’s economic future,” Senator Lado stated.

    READ ALSO: Why Lado should be docked, jailed and dismissed

    “Let me reassure all Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has the nation’s best interest at heart. These reforms aim to promote fairness, transparency, and economic growth, ultimately improving investment and living standards for everyone.”

    The delegation, was led by Dr. Muhammed Sagagi, a renowned economist, and accompanied by Prof. Auwal Yadudu and other notable members of the academia from Kano state.

    The delegation shared their views on the tax reform Bills, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies for sustainable development.

    READ ALSO: Why Nigerians should not pay tax

    Senator Lado shared his optimism that the National Assembly, under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, would address the reforms with the seriousness they deserve.

    Passage of the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bills was recently put on hold following public clamour for more time to allow the public to study the bills and appreciate the implication of the proposals therein.

  • FCT Generates N43.8bn in January, Warns Tax Defaulters

    FCT Generates N43.8bn in January, Warns Tax Defaulters

    Rather than commend the taxpayers, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) threatened defaulters after announcing a collection of over N43.8 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

     The agency warned that it may take legal action against individuals and businesses that consistently fail to comply with tax laws.

    The Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, revealed this during a public awareness campaign in Abuja. 

    He explained that while the service encourages voluntary tax compliance, it is also prepared to enforce penalties on those who refuse to meet their tax obligations.

    According to Ango, the agency collected a total of N262 billion in 2024, surpassing its N250 billion target. 

    With a strong start in 2025, the service remains committed to increasing revenue collection across various taxes, including personal income tax, capital gains tax, property tax, and entertainment tax.

    He noted that businesses that fail to file their tax returns for 2025 could face penalties starting from N500,000. 

    The agency has already issued warning letters to some defaulting companies and plans to notify more soon.

    READ ALSO: Why Nigerians should not pat tax

     If payments are not made within two weeks, FCT-IRS will determine the next course of action, which may include prosecuting company executives.

    Ango stressed that tax payments are essential for public infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and schools.

     He urged residents and business owners to fulfill their tax duties, warning that the agency will take strict action

  • INEC Releases Election Notice for FCT Council Polls

    INEC Releases Election Notice for FCT Council Polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official election notice for the upcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The polls are scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

    According to the notice published on Wednesday, voting will begin at 8:30 a.m. across all polling units in the six area councils of the FCT.

    INEC confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used for voter identification and authentication.

    The commission stated that only registered voters with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be allowed to participate in the election.

    Anyone without a PVC will not be permitted to vote.

    The election is expected to follow standard electoral guidelines, ensuring transparency and credibility in the process.

  • Kuwait commits to empower 200,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna

    Kuwait commits to empower 200,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna

    The Kuwaiti government has reiterated its commitment to empowering 200,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna State, Nigeria, through the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project.

    Mr Salim Almuzayen, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Nigeria, made this announcement on Tuesday during the 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day commemoration of Kuwait in Abuja.

    Almuzayen explained that the initiative aimed to provide equitable access to quality primary education, especially for children with disabilities, girls, and adolescents in Kaduna State.

    He noted that the project, funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in collaboration with partners and UNICEF, was designed to support more than 200,000 students.

    The Ambassador also highlighted the long-standing bilateral relations between Kuwait and Nigeria, dating back to the 1960s, when the Al-Sabah School was built in Kaduna.

    “It reflects the depth of these historical relations and shows the potential for further cooperation in various areas between our two friendly countries,” he added.

    On his part, Mr Adeolu Okenla, the Senior Councillor of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lauded the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Kuwait.

    READ ALSO: Hajj 2025: NAHCON approves 4 banks for savings scheme

    These ties, he noted, began in 1971, with collaboration in political and economic areas.

    Okenla explained that Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day were significant milestones in the country’s history.

    “The National Day marks Kuwait’s independence from British protection in 1961, while the Liberation Day commemorates the country’s freedom from Iraqi occupation in 1991.

    “Kuwait has made significant progress since then, becoming a wealthy and safe country with a high standard of living,” he said.

    He further commended Kuwait for its contributions to regional peace and development, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

    Okenla also expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s free education policy, which spans from primary school to university and has contributed to a 96.46 per cent adult literacy rate in the country.

  • Maurice Ikpambese remains Benue Chief Judge

    Maurice Ikpambese remains Benue Chief Judge

    The National Judicial Council has stated that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue.

    This declaration is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Kemi Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information, NJC on Tuesday in Abuja.

    “The attention of the NJC has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed a Resolution recommending the removal of Justice Ikpambese as chief judge of Benue from office.

    “Unfortunate as this development is, the council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on discipline and appointment of judicial officers vested in the council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.

    READ ALSO: NAPTIP rescues 13 tracking victims, seals Abuja hotel

    “Although, the council had this morning received a petition against Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with the council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing,” the council declared.

    The NJC added that as far as the council is concerned, until the complaint is investigated and deliberated upon by it, Justice Ikpambese remains the chief judge of Benue . 

  • Emir of Ningi cautions against politicising AGILE project in Bauchi

    Emir of Ningi cautions against politicising AGILE project in Bauchi

    The Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Haruna Danyaya, has warned against politicising the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Bauchi State.

    Danyaya gave the warning when the AGILE project team, led by its Coordinator,  Ali Gar, paid a courtesy visit on him  in Ningi local government area of Bauchi state on Tuesday.

    He emphasised that education remained  paramount and should not be undermined by selfishness and greed.

    The Emir pledged to support the project with all his energy, ensuring its successful implementation and monitoring.

    Earlier, Hajiya Halima Dimis, Communication Officer of  the team,  said the AGILE project aimed to improve secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls from  ages 10-20,

    “The project will address challenges such as socio-cultural and financial constraints, and infrastructural deficits,” she said.

    Also speaking,  Gar explained that  key components of the AGILE project included creating safe and accessible learning spaces such as constructing new classrooms, rehabilitating dilapidated facilities, and providing teaching and learning materials.

    READ ALSO: Gombe enforces night curfew over security concerns

    “Empowering girls means providing  critical life skills knowledge, digital literacy skills, and financial incentives to support their ‘ education,” he said.

  • Edo Lawmakers Approve Death Sentence for Kidnapping

    Edo Lawmakers Approve Death Sentence for Kidnapping

    The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a new law imposing the death penalty for kidnapping.

     This decision came on Tuesday as lawmakers reviewed the State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025.

    The bill, presented by Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, was examined clause by clause after a motion was seconded by Minority Leader Henry Okaka, representing Owan East.

     Previously, the 2013 law provided life imprisonment and property confiscation for those involved in kidnapping.

     However, the lawmakers decided to introduce stricter punishment by approving the death sentence while maintaining the seizure of properties linked to the crime.

    In addition to the kidnapping law, the Assembly repealed the Edo State Electricity Law 2022 and established the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Edo Electrification Agency.

    The lawmakers also confirmed Mrs. Kenny Okojie as the chairman of the governing board of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

  • Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

    Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved 16 commissioner nominees sent by Governor Abdullahi Sule for positions in the State Executive Council.

    After two days of screening on February 17 and 18, lawmakers at the Assembly complex in Lafia gave their approval.

    The Speaker, Hon. Danladi Jatau announced the decision on Tuesday, congratulating the nominees and urging them to focus on policies that will improve the state’s development. He also advised them to maintain integrity in their duties.

    The confirmed nominees are Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga (Awe LGA), Dr. John D.W. Mamman (Kokona LGA), Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi (Doma LGA), Mr. Gabriel Agbashi (Doma LGA), Barr. Isaac Danladi Amadu (Karu LGA) and Princess Margaret Itaki Elayo (Keana LGA).

    Others are Dr. Ibrahim Tanko (Keffi LGA), Hon. Mohammed Aga Muluku (Nasarawa Eggon LGA), Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata (Lafia LGA), CP Usman Baba (Rtd) (Lafia LGA), Hon. Mohammed Sani Ottos (Nasarawa LGA) and Barr. David Moyi (Obi LGA).

    Also confirmed are Dr. Gaza Gwamna (Toto LGA), Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel (Wamba LGA), Hon. Mu’azu Adamu Gosho (Wamba LGA), and Hon. Yakubu Kwanta (Akwanga LGA).

    Jatau urged them to align with Governor Sule’s plans for the state’s progress. The Clerk of the House was directed to officially notify the governor of the confirmation.

    House Majority Leader Suleiman Yakubu Azara (APC–Awe North) moved the motion for approval, which Minority Leader Luka Iliya Zhekaba (PDP–Obi 2) supported.

    Lawmakers from the nominees’ constituencies backed their appointments, praising their leadership abilities as the assembly unanimously confirmed their selection.

  • Insubordinate commissioner nominee denied screening by Nasarawa assembly

    Insubordinate commissioner nominee denied screening by Nasarawa assembly

    Nasarawa House of Assembly has suspended the screening of Mr Yakubu Kwanta, a commissioner nominee and former Commissioner for Environment for failure to appear before a committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget performance.

    Mr Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Assembly, announced the suspension of Kwanta’s screening on Monday in Lafia.

    It came following a motion by Mr Muhammed Omafefu (APC-Keana), the Chairman House Committee on Environment, during the Commissioner-nominees’ screening exercise.

    Omadefu said that the Assembly would not allow any government official to undermine its powers as the legislative arm saddled with the responsibility of making laws.

    “Mr Kwanta should send a strong apology letter to the House over his action when he was a  commissioner, otherwise we will consider him unfit for the screening,” he said.

    Other members who supported the motion and called for an apology from the former commissioner include Mr Mohammed Isimbabi, Mr Ajegana Kudu and Mr Hudu Hudu.

    They said that the written apology from the nominee would serve as a deterrent to others and save the integrity of the House.

    Meanwhile, the House has screened and approved seven of the 16 commissioner- nominees submitted by Gov. Abdullahi Sule on Feb.10.

    The Speaker congratulated the nominees and urged them to discharge their duties with the fear of God when they assume office.

    The nominees screened include Umar Tanko-Tunga from Awe Local Government Area(LGA), Dr John Mamman from Kokona LGA and  Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi from Doma LGA.

    Others are Mr Gabriel Agbashi from Doma LGA, Mr Isaac Danladi from Karu LGA, Princess Margret Elayo from Keana LGA and Dr Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi LGA.