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Rivers Emergency Rule Suit Stalls as Court Transfers Case to Abuja

By
Ola Akinola
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A high-profile legal challenge against the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State suffered a setback on Thursday after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt transferred the case to its Abuja Division.

The case, Suit No: FHC/PH/53/2025, filed by Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner Samuel Amatonjie, names President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State as respondents.

The suit was slated for hearing before Justice Adamu Mohammed Turaki in Port Harcourt but was abruptly removed from the court’s docket. Upon arrival, Amatonjie was informed that the matter had been transferred to Abuja.

Speaking with journalists outside the courtroom, Amatonjie expressed shock and disappointment over the sudden development.

“I was told the case has been moved to the Abuja Division under Order 49 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules,” he said. “While I respect the court’s discretion, I have mixed feelings. This is a matter of great public interest and should have been heard here in Rivers, where the issue directly affects the people.”

He noted that other suits challenging the emergency declaration in Rivers State were also reportedly transferred to Abuja.

Amatonjie stressed the need for urgency in the matter, calling on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to swiftly assign the case to a judge to avoid unnecessary delays.

“My worry is that matters of this nature deserve expeditious hearing. Having transferred it to the FCT, I urge the judiciary to act quickly. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he added.

Amatonjie’s suit seeks to challenge the legality and constitutionality of the emergency declaration by President Tinubu, which was subsequently ratified by the National Assembly. He argues that such an action, particularly in a democratic setting, must be grounded in verifiable threats and follow due process.

“The declaration of emergency without credible justification is not only dangerous but also undermines the constitutional fabric of our democracy,” he said.

The suit adds a fresh layer to the political tensions gripping Rivers State, and legal experts suggest that its eventual outcome could set a precedent for future emergency declarations in Nigeria.

Wike Vows Completion of 14 Key Road Projects by 2025

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has pledged to complete 14 critical ongoing road projects across the FCT under the proposed N1.78 trillion 2025 statutory budget, marking a major push to ease traffic and enhance infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.

Wike made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while appearing before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the FCT to defend the proposed budget.

He explained that out of the total N1.78 trillion, a substantial N1.28 trillion—72.3 per cent—has been allocated to capital projects, while N494.1 billion—27.7 per cent—is set aside for recurrent expenditure.

According to the Minister, the capital projects will be executed through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD). Specifically, the FCDA will receive N801.5 billion, while N137 billion has been earmarked for the STDD.

Wike outlined the 14 major road projects that have been targeted for completion before the end of the 2025 fiscal year. These include:

Completion of Roads B6 and B12 in the Central Business District

Full-scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX)

Provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape District

Provision of engineering infrastructure to Wuye District

Provision of engineering infrastructure to Maitama II District

Extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from Southern Parkway (S8/S9) to Ring Road II

Full-scope development of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road) from Airport Expressway to Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), with a spur at Kyami District

Construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III (6.2km)

Full-scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial Road N5

Rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road

Full-scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II

Provision of access roads to bus terminals across the FCT

Dualisation and upgrading of Ushafa-War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads

Construction of Pai to Gomani Road in Kwali Area Council

Dualisation of Kuje to Gwagwalada Road

The Minister stressed that the completion of these projects will significantly reduce travel time, decongest the city, and improve access between the city centre and satellite towns.

He emphasized that the 2025 budget is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development and improved service delivery.

Wike added that the timely completion of the road projects is crucial to meeting the infrastructure demands of the rapidly growing FCT population and to positioning Abuja as a world-class capital city.

Senate Summons NAFDAC Over Use of Toxic Chemicals in Fruit Ripening

By
Uche Kingsley
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DG of NAFDAC
DG of NAFDAC

The Senate has summoned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to explain the growing use of harmful chemicals by fruit vendors to artificially ripen fruits across Nigeria.

The resolution followed a motion moved on Wednesday by Senator Ani Anthony Okorle, titled “Urgent need to investigate and halt the continuous unwholesome practice of chemical ripening of fruits in Nigeria.”

Leading the debate, Okorle decried the increasing shift from natural ripening to the use of dangerous chemicals that make fruits appear more appealing and ripen faster, warning of the grave health risks involved.

“Fruit ripening is a natural process that enhances sweetness, taste, nutrition, and shelf life. However, what we are witnessing is a dangerous trend where sellers use harmful chemicals solely to enhance appearance and quicken ripening,” he said.

While noting that some vendors use safer agents like ethylene and methyl jasmonate, he raised concerns over the widespread use of banned or hazardous substances such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon — which may contain deadly contaminants like arsenic and lead.

“These substances have been linked to cancer, kidney and liver damage, neurological disorders, and even death,” Okorle warned.

He lamented that many fruit sellers remain unaware of the risks involved, with profit motivations driving the dangerous practice. “Consumers are unknowingly ingesting poison, misled by the healthy appearance of these chemically ripened fruits,” he added.

The Senate, in adopting the motion, urged NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to urgently investigate and address the use of chemicals in fruit ripening.

It also called on NAFDAC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public awareness campaigns about the dangers of consuming artificially ripened fruits.

To further safeguard public health, the Senate directed the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and the Nigerian Customs Service to ensure that imported fruits—especially apples—are not treated with harmful substances before entering Nigerian markets.

Additionally, NAFDAC and the FCCPC were tasked with conducting regular inspections of fruit markets across the country to detect and curb the use of toxic ripening agents.

In a move to strengthen enforcement, the Senate mandated its Committee on Legal Matters to initiate the process of amending existing laws to impose stiffer penalties on offenders.

Finally, the Senate directed its Committees on Health and Agriculture to summon NAFDAC for a briefing on its current efforts and future strategies to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals in fruit ripening in Nigeria.

FG Offers N5m Bounty for Information on Escaped Osun Inmates

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

In a bid to recapture the seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesha, Osun State, the Federal Government has announced a ₦5 million reward for credible information leading to their arrest.

The inmates reportedly escaped after a heavy downpour damaged the facility’s perimeter wall, allowing them to breach security and flee.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) disclosed the reward offer in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar.

The statement reads in part:
“To encourage public participation, the Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public that a reward of ₦5 million is being offered to anyone who provides useful information that leads to the recapture of the fleeing inmates from the Medium Custodial Centre, Ilesha, Osun State.”

The NCoS urged citizens to report any information about the escaped inmates to the nearest security agency. It assured that all tips would be handled with the highest level of confidentiality and anonymity.

Members of the public can contact the NCoS through the following channels:

Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Phone: 0708 708 6005, 0906 000 4598, 0807 505 0006

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety and called on Nigerians to assist in restoring order by aiding the ongoing manhunt.

Benue APC NASS Caucus Endorses Tinubu for 2027, Urges Gov. Alia to Strengthen Security Collaboration

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Benue State Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election, citing his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

The endorsement, announced during a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday, makes the Benue APC Caucus the first group in the 10th Assembly to adopt Tinubu for re-election.

Speaking on behalf of the Caucus, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West) said the decision was a show of appreciation for the President’s “transformative leadership and strategic interventions in Benue State.”

“We, the undersigned Members of the APC National Assembly Caucus from Benue — comprising two of the three Senators and ten of the eleven House of Representatives Members — hereby formally and unequivocally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office,” Zam said.

The lawmakers highlighted key projects facilitated by the Tinubu-led administration, including the:

465-kilometer Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway

Makurdi–Aliade–Otukpo–Enugu Road, including a flyover at Wurukum Roundabout, Makurdi

1.7-kilometer Buruku Bridge over River Katsina-Ala (₦83.8 billion)

Dualization of 9th Mile–Otukpo–Makurdi Road

Rehabilitation of the Oju–Cross River Federal Road

They also commended the establishment and enhanced support for federal institutions in the state, such as:

Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) – benefiting from improved funding and academic expansion

Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo – equipped with modern facilities and specialist personnel

Infectious Disease Control Centre in Vandeikya

Federal College of Agricultural Technology in Opialu Ojapo

The Caucus praised the Federal Government’s role in housing and social welfare, particularly the construction of 250 housing units under the Renewed Hope Housing Estates, and the approval of 1,000 homes under the Pulaku Initiative.

Additionally, they noted that Benue State received ₦44 billion in federal allocations, including ₦5 billion for post-subsidy palliatives, ₦9 billion Infrastructure Fund, and ₦30 billion from the Subnational Intervention Fund.

On insecurity, the lawmakers acknowledged the President’s efforts in deploying security personnel and resources to Benue but urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to deepen collaboration with federal security agencies.

“We commend President Tinubu’s proactive efforts in combating insecurity across Benue. However, this fight cannot be left to the federal government alone,” Zam stated. “We urge the state government to strengthen its role in intelligence gathering, community policing, and neighborhood watch programs.”

The Caucus reiterated its commitment to support peace-building, reconstruction of conflict-affected communities, and compensation for displaced farmers whose livelihoods have been disrupted.

“We will continue to use our legislative powers to facilitate interventions that promote peace and restore normalcy to our communities,” the lawmakers declared.

As the 2027 political landscape begins to take shape, the Benue APC Caucus’s early endorsement signals both strong party loyalty and recognition of President Tinubu’s influence in the region.

NAAT Condemns FG’s Sharing Formula for Earned Allowances, Demands Equity

By
Shehu Danladi
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The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has strongly criticized the Federal Government over what it described as a discriminatory and divisive approach to the disbursement of the N50 billion earmarked for the payment of Earned Allowances within the university system.

NAAT expressed outrage at the directive by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the National Universities Commission (NUC), which allocated 80% of the released funds to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), while NAAT, along with NASU and SSANU, was directed to share the remaining 20%.

Reacting to the development, which has triggered discontent across the university workforce, NAAT convened an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where the union unanimously rejected the allocation formula.

NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, denounced the decision as unjust and lacking in transparency, saying:

> “The NEC of NAAT outrightly rejects the unfair and unjust sharing formula adopted by the Federal Ministry of Education and NUC. It is inconceivable how public officials entrusted with the welfare of all university staff could endorse such a lopsided arrangement.”

He described the allocation as a clear attempt to marginalize non-academic staff unions, warning that such actions could jeopardize industrial harmony in the university system.

> “This practice of promoting unequal distribution of funds meant for all university staff is unacceptable. NAAT condemns it in totality and calls for an immediate reversal in the interest of peace and equity,” he added.

Nwokoma further highlighted the critical role academic technologists play in supporting teaching, research, and innovation—the core pillars of university education. He cautioned that sidelining technologists would undermine the quality of graduates and weaken practical training in laboratories, workshops, studios, and farms.

> “Relegating academic technologists is a direct attack on the backbone of research and innovation in our universities. The long-term impact will be poorly skilled graduates who lack hands-on competence.”

Referencing the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal Government and NAAT, Nwokoma reminded stakeholders that the agreement clearly stipulated a dedicated N50 billion for the earned allowances of members of all four university-based unions.

> “Item 7 of the MoU signed on August 17, 2022, stated unequivocally that the N50 billion was for the payment of Earned Allowances and Earned Academic Allowances to all unions. Yet, 80% was handed to only one union—this is discriminatory and reminiscent of apartheid-style governance,” he stated.

NAAT is demanding the immediate commencement of a separate disbursement process to allocate N50 billion specifically for its members, in line with the terms of the MoU.

The union further declared its intention to initiate a trade dispute against the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC over the unfair allocation, as well as the non-payment of seven months’ arrears of Occupational Hazard Allowance and other outstanding entitlements.

> “We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders to reject this injustice and support our call for fairness, equity, and justice in the university system. We will not relent in our demand for what is rightfully ours,” the union concluded in a communique.

Wike Decries Security, Health Challenges in FCT, Announces New Medical Equipment Procurement

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep concern over the growing security and healthcare challenges in Abuja, calling for a coordinated national response to tackle the issues effectively.

Speaking during the FCTA’s 2025 budget defence session before the Senate in Abuja, Wike stressed that the FCT’s unique role as the seat of the Presidency, National Assembly, and diplomatic missions makes it impossible to operate with full autonomy like other states.

“You cannot speak of autonomy in a city where the President, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and heads of major institutions reside,” Wike said. “The security of this city cannot be handled by the FCT Administration alone.”

He emphasized the Administration’s ongoing collaboration with federal security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police, in building a comprehensive security architecture for the nation’s capital.

“This city demands an integrated security framework. We’ve begun working closely with national agencies. Failure is not an option,” he declared.

The Minister also lamented the absence of functional surveillance infrastructure, particularly the long-standing issue of non-operational CCTV cameras in Abuja, attributing the delays to political interference and bureaucratic sabotage.

“People often ask why Abuja still lacks effective CCTV coverage. The answer, unfortunately, is internal politics and deliberate sabotage. Even after approvals, some individuals find ways to frustrate implementation,” he said.

Wike warned against calls for full FCT autonomy, arguing that the current constitutional structure is intentional and essential for national security and governance.

“This is not just another state. We don’t have a House of Assembly; our laws are enacted by the National Assembly. This is deliberate, and we must not oversimplify the governance of the FCT,” he added.

To chart a long-term solution, the Minister proposed a multi-sectoral summit involving key players in security, health, and governance to design a coordinated response to Abuja’s unique challenges.

“We need a collective roadmap. These are complex issues that demand collaboration—not isolated interventions,” he said.

On the healthcare front, Wike revealed that the FCTA has finalized the procurement of advanced medical diagnostic equipment to boost service delivery across FCT hospitals.

“As of yesterday, we concluded the procurement process for MRI and CT scan machines. These will be delivered to our hospitals soon as part of efforts to strengthen access to quality healthcare,” he announced.

Wike Defends N1.78trn FCT Budget, Seeks Senate Backing for Project Commissionings

By
Toyin Adebayo
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…Says 85% of Capital Funds Target Inherited Projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday defended the FCT Administration’s proposed 2025 statutory budget of ₦1.78 trillion before the Senate Committees on FCT and FCT Area Councils, emphasizing that 85% of the capital allocation is earmarked for completing ongoing and inherited projects across the Territory.

Presenting the proposal at the National Assembly, Wike explained that the budget is structured to prioritize infrastructural continuity, service delivery, and fiscal responsibility, especially in both city and satellite areas.

“Eighty-five percent of the capital budget is for completing projects we inherited—some dating back to 2010. It doesn’t matter who awarded them. What matters is who completes them,” he stated.

The budget includes ₦1.29 trillion for capital expenditure (72.33%) and ₦494 billion for recurrent spending, aligning with global best practices that favor investment in infrastructure.

Wike, joined by Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud and senior FCTA officials, commended the National Assembly’s support, attributing the FCTA’s 85% budget performance in 2024 to legislative collaboration.

Using a local proverb, Wike said, “If the monkey jumps, it’s because the tree is close. What you see happening in the FCT is due to the synergy between this committee and the administration.”

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved a 19-day window for commissioning completed projects across key sectors such as transportation, education, and public services, including in satellite towns like Gwagwalada, Kwali, Abaji, and AMAC.

Highlighting the new National Conference Centre as a major milestone, Wike urged lawmakers to attend its unveiling. “We can’t be the giant of Africa by mouth alone. Our infrastructure must reflect it,” he said, referencing past embarrassment during the ECOWAS Parliament event at the aging International Conference Centre.

Wike also clarified FCT revenue streams, distinguishing between distributable funds and restricted inflows such as the China Exim Bank loan for the Abuja Light Rail and the UBEC counterpart fund.

Compared to the ₦1.66 trillion revised 2024 budget, the 2025 proposal is higher by ₦115 billion, driven by stronger revenue performance. Personnel costs also rose slightly—from ₦140 billion to ₦150 billion—due to promotions and new appointments.

The Minister assured lawmakers of formal invitations to project commissioning events but stressed that their oversight role already earned them a central place in the FCT’s success.

“Even if you visit unannounced, you’ll see this isn’t TV talk. This is real service,” he said.

Senate Endorses Completion-Focused Budget

Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai, commended the FCTA’s record 85% budget implementation in 2024.

He highlighted that ₦1.089 trillion—85% of the capital allocation—is directed toward ongoing projects, with only ₦200.77 billion set aside for new initiatives, confirming the administration’s focus on project completion.

“This is a budget of consolidation. We must prioritize completing what has already begun over initiating new white-elephant projects,” he said.

Bomai thanked the Ministers and FCT officials for their transparency and commitment, pledging the Senate’s continued support through diligent oversight.

The Senate will continue reviewing the proposal before forwarding its recommendations to the Appropriation Committee for inclusion in the national budget.

Reps Committees Propose Five Key Bills to Address Oil Sector Challenges

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

In a decisive move to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Crude Oil Theft have unveiled plans to introduce five strategic bills targeting persistent challenges in the industry.

Chairman of both committees, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, made the disclosure during a joint session held on Tuesday, describing the proposed legislation as a unified response to rampant crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and regulatory lapses.

“One of the bills will create a statutory commission specifically tasked with tackling pipeline vandalism and prosecuting oil-related crimes,” Doguwa announced. “The worsening insecurity in oil-producing areas demands a structured and proactive legislative solution.”

He stressed the importance of collaboration between the two committees, pointing out that although they have distinct mandates, their core focus on crude oil production and security aligns.

“While one committee zeroes in on theft and sabotage, the other oversees exploration and export activities. By harmonizing our efforts, we can deliver more robust and coherent legislative outcomes,” Doguwa stated.

Among the five bills is a proposed legislation, backed by the Speaker of the House, seeking to establish a regulatory commission for the decommissioning of oil installations—a process that has raised environmental and accountability concerns, especially among host communities.

“The current administration recognizes the importance of properly managing decommissioned oil infrastructure,” Doguwa said. “But the absence of a clear regulatory framework has stalled progress. This bill aims to introduce transparency and ensure host communities are meaningfully engaged.”

He noted that although the bills will be sponsored by different members of the House, they represent a coordinated and unified effort by the National Assembly.

“Each bill may have an individual sponsor, but collectively, they represent our shared resolve to confront the systemic challenges facing the oil and gas industry. It’s a joint legislative response to a national imperative,” Doguwa concluded.

Alleged $35m Fraud: EFCC Opens Trial Against Oil Tycoon Akintoye Akindele

By
Udehi Alambo
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0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday commenced the trial of oil magnate, Dr. Akintoye Akindele, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged $35 million fraud involving funds belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Akindele is facing a four-count charge alongside two corporate entities—Platform Capital Investment Partners Ltd and Duport Midstream Company Ltd—in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/641/2024.

According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly diverted funds paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment for infrastructure projects in Brass, Bayelsa State, including a modular refinery and jetty.

The anti-graft agency alleged that between December 2020 and February 2021, Akindele and Platform Capital dishonestly retained $16,006,000, which was part of the funds paid by NCDMB, knowing it to be proceeds of unlawful activity—an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

In another count, the EFCC accused the defendants of indirectly using $9,048,725 from the same pool of funds, while also alleging that Akindele and Duport retained $784,681 and $220,000 in separate transactions, all believed to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the EFCC presented its first prosecution witness, Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Led in evidence by EFCC counsel R.U. Adagba, Goli testified that he wrote a petition to the EFCC after observing that little to no work had been done on the Brass project site 24 months after the full disbursement of funds.

According to Goli, the then Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Simbi Wabote, had confirmed that $30 million had been paid for the project, yet the only visible development on the ground was land clearing and a non-functional jetty. He added that the caravans used by Atlantic Ltd for accommodation had been overtaken by reptiles.

Under cross-examination by Akindele’s counsel, Chief A.O. Okeaya-Inneh (SAN), Goli denied claims that Brass was a difficult terrain, asserting there was no security issue that would have hindered the project.

Asked whether he was aware that the $35 million was meant as equity investment rather than total project funding, Goli said he only knew what the NCDMB secretary told them—that the funds had been fully paid for the project.

He also admitted not being an investigator and could not confirm whether the EFCC was prosecuting NCDMB officials or whether the agency had filed a petition on the matter.

When cross-examined by counsel for the second and third defendants, Mr. B.J. Akomolafe (SAN), Goli admitted that he did not come across Duport Midstream during his inquiries, and that he had no direct evidence of any funds paid to them.

After the cross-examination, EFCC counsel sought an adjournment to call the next witness. An application by Akindele’s counsel for permission to allow his client travel for medical reasons could not proceed as the prosecution’s counter-affidavit was not before the court.

Justice Ekerete Akpan subsequently adjourned the case to July 10 and 15 for continuation of trial.

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