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Three Dead, 19 Rescued in Rivers Boat Mishap

By
Uche Kingsley
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Three people, including a toddler, lost their lives on Sunday evening when a passenger boat traveling from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Rivers State capsized due to a storm near the Yellow Platform area close to Bonny Island.

The boat, carrying 22 passengers, was caught in the storm, leading to the tragic incident. While 19 passengers were rescued, the bodies of two adults and a child were recovered.

Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident, describing it as a sad occurrence. She stated, “There were 22 people on board, unfortunately, we lost three people. Two of the bodies were first recovered, and the body of the girl was later recovered. Investigation is ongoing.”

Israel Pepple, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, also confirmed the incident and attributed the accident to a windstorm.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, the council expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives. “Preliminary findings revealed that the crash was caused by a sudden rise of the oceanic storm,” the statement read, adding that the survivors were given medical attention at the council’s expense.

The council further criticized the actions of a passenger boat that reportedly witnessed the incident but failed to assist the victims. “Information reaching the council revealed that there was a passenger boat that met the scene of the incident but refused to stop to rescue the victims,” the statement noted, urging anyone with information about the boat driver to come forward.

The local government called for strict adherence to safety rules by travelers and urged the contractor handling the Bodo-Bonny Road project to expedite work to reduce reliance on sea travel.

Residents of Bonny Island have also appealed for better safety measures for commuters along the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route to prevent future tragedies.

Trump Pardons 1,500 Capitol Riot Defendants, Including Proud Boys and Oath Keepers Leaders

By
Mosali Edunosa
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In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The mass pardons included high-profile figures such as Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, both previously convicted of seditious conspiracy.

Shortly after being inaugurated, Trump also directed the Department of Justice to drop all pending criminal cases related to the Capitol attack. Describing the rioters as “patriots” and “hostages,” Trump reiterated his long-held claim that they were victims of political persecution.

“We hope they come out tonight, frankly,” Trump said at the White House, emphasizing his view that the prosecutions were unjust.

High-Profile Pardons

Enrique Tarrio, sentenced to 22 years, and Stewart Rhodes, sentenced to 18 years, had their sentences commuted to time served.

A total of nine Oath Keepers and five Proud Boys also had their sentences commuted.

All other defendants charged in connection with the riot received full, unconditional pardons.

Backlash from Critics

The move has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and law enforcement officials:

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the pardons “an outrageous insult” to law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol during the attack.

Pelosi added that the decision betrayed those who risked their lives to uphold the peaceful transfer of power.

Capitol Riot Background

The January 6, 2021, riot was sparked by Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. A mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory, resulting in violent clashes that injured over 140 police officers.

Biden’s Preemptive Pardons

Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden issued pardons to individuals, including his close family members, former COVID-19 advisor Anthony Fauci, and retired General Mark Milley, citing “politically motivated prosecutions” by the Trump administration as a likely risk.

Biden also extended pardons to Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney and members of the committee that investigated the Capitol attack.

Reactions and Implications

Trump’s sweeping pardons mark a divisive start to his presidency, reigniting debates over accountability and justice in the aftermath of January 6. The decision underscores Trump’s commitment to his supporters but has deepened partisan divides and raised questions about the future of the Justice Department’s independence.

World Bank Debars Two Nigerian Firms, CEO for Corruption

By
Mosali Edunosa
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The World Bank Group has imposed a 30-month debarment on two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Norman Didam, over fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices tied to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.

The project, aimed at providing financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households, was compromised due to unethical practices during the procurement and contract processes in 2018.

Details of Violations

The World Bank stated that the firms and their CEO:

Misrepresented conflicts of interest in bid submissions.

Gained access to confidential tender information from public officials, constituting fraudulent and collusive practices.

Falsified experience records and manufacturer’s authorization letters.

Offered inducements to project officials, classified as corrupt practices under the bank’s Anti-Corruption Framework.

“These actions undermined the integrity of a critical initiative designed to benefit Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations,” the statement noted.

Sanctions and Conditions

The debarment prohibits the companies and Mr. Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects during the specified period. Additionally, the following conditions were outlined:

Mr. Didam must complete individual ethics training.

The companies must enhance internal integrity compliance policies and implement corporate ethics training programs in line with the bank’s guidelines.

Reduced debarment periods were granted due to the parties’ cooperation with the investigation, voluntary corrective measures, and the elapsed time since the infractions.

Broader Implications

The debarment is eligible for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the 2010 Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions.

The World Bank emphasized its zero-tolerance approach to corruption, reiterating its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects. It stated that the implicated parties must meet all stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for participation in future bank-funded initiatives.

This action highlights the World Bank’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of development programs and protect the interests of vulnerable populations globally.

Trump Signs Executive Order for U.S. Withdrawal from World Health Organization

By
Mosali Edunosa
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President Donald Trump on Monday issued an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing dissatisfaction with the organization’s operations and financial disparities.

Speaking at the White House just hours after his inauguration, Trump criticized the WHO for what he called mismanagement and bias, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The United States has been paying far more than China to the WHO, and yet we’ve been ripped off,” Trump declared.

Impact on Global Health

The United States, as the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, has historically provided crucial financial support. Its departure is expected to cause significant disruption to the WHO’s funding and global health initiatives, potentially leading to a restructuring of the institution.

This withdrawal comes as global health experts warn of the rising pandemic potential of the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, which has already claimed a life in the United States and infected dozens.

A Repeat Decision

This marks the second time Trump has pursued a withdrawal from the WHO. During his first term, the U.S. issued a notice of intent to leave, accusing the organization of being overly influenced by China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. That withdrawal was later reversed by the Biden administration.

Details of the Executive Order

Trump’s executive order directs U.S. agencies to:

Pause all future transfers of U.S. government funds, support, or resources to the WHO.

Identify credible U.S. and international partners to take over activities previously managed by the WHO.

Additionally, the administration announced plans to review and rescind Biden’s 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, which was designed to enhance pandemic prevention and response.

Global Implications

The timing of this decision coincides with ongoing negotiations among WHO member states for a treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response—a process that will now proceed without U.S. involvement.

The withdrawal signals a major shift in U.S. global health policy and raises concerns about the country’s leadership role in addressing international health crises.

Donald Trump Inaugurated as 47th President of the United States, Promises Bold Reforms

By
Mosali Edunosa
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Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking a historic moment in American politics. The inauguration, held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to adverse weather conditions, saw Trump outline an ambitious agenda in his inaugural address, focusing on issues such as gender policies, economic reform, energy independence, and border control.

Gender and Social Policies

Trump sparked immediate debate by declaring that his administration would recognize only two genders—male and female—dismissing other identities like transgender and non-binary.

“This week, I will end the government policy of engineering race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. Henceforth, it will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female,” he said.

Economic Reforms and Trade Policy

Trump announced a significant overhaul of the U.S. trade system, introducing a new “External Revenue Service” to impose tariffs on foreign countries, aiming to reduce the tax burden on American citizens.

“Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump explained, promising to revitalize American manufacturing by leveraging the country’s oil and gas reserves.

He vowed to end policies tied to the Green New Deal, revoke the electric vehicle mandate, and bolster traditional energy industries.

Border Security and Immigration

Declaring a national emergency at the southern border, Trump announced stringent measures to combat illegal immigration.

“All illegal entry will be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions of criminal aliens. The Remain in Mexico policy will be reinstated, and catch-and-release practices will end. Troops will secure our borders to repel this invasion,” he declared.

Trump also announced plans to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to tackle criminal networks.

Government Efficiency and Crime Control

To address bureaucratic inefficiencies, Trump unveiled plans for a new Department of Government Efficiency, pledging reforms to combat inflation and lower costs for Americans. He also promised an aggressive crackdown on crime by coordinating federal and state resources to eliminate gang activities.

“As commander-in-chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions,” Trump stated.

Reflection on Challenges and Vision for the Future

Trump referenced an assassination attempt during his campaign, interpreting his survival as a divine sign of his purpose to “make America great again.” He also criticized the nation’s healthcare and education systems, promising significant reforms.

Transition of Power and Ceremony Highlights

Vice President JD Vance was sworn in alongside Trump, with Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh presiding over the oath of office. Earlier, Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump met with outgoing President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden, upholding the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.

Despite freezing temperatures, the event was attended by lawmakers, dignitaries, and supporters. At a pre-inauguration rally, Trump reiterated his commitment to pardon January 6 defendants and enact executive orders immediately upon taking office.

Trump concluded his address with optimism, expressing confidence in his administration’s ability to deliver on its promises and shape a prosperous future for America.

Suspended Warri Diocese Priest Marries in the US, Cites Loneliness and Mental Health Challenges

By
Ola Akinola
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Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe of the Catholic Diocese of Warri has renounced his celibacy vows and priestly calling to marry his partner, Dora Chichah, in Dallas, United States. The marriage ceremony took place at the Streams of Joy Church on December 29, 2024, despite his suspension from priestly duties by the church.

The suspension, announced in a statement dated January 16, 2025, and signed by Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, and Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, Chancellor/Notary, indicated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension under Canon 1394 S1 for marrying without proper release from his priestly obligations.

The statement read: “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry. As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity.”

The Diocese revealed that although Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested release from canonical obligations on November 30, 2024, he failed to complete the required documentation before proceeding with the marriage. A video of the wedding, which circulated on social media, reportedly prompted swift action from the church.

The statement concluded with an appeal for reflection and reconciliation: “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”

Family Speaks Out

Mary Okanatotor, who identified herself as Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s biological sister, defended his decision to leave the priesthood and get married. In a social media comment, she attributed his actions to mental health struggles and loneliness, compounded by a lack of physical support from his family during challenging times.

She wrote: “The said priest is my brother, and it was the best decision for him because he had a lot of issues with his mental health for a long time and couldn’t deal with the loneliness. We, his family members, were not with him to support him physically. This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.”

Mary also dismissed claims that the marriage was conducted in secret, stating that her brother had informed the Diocese of his intentions beforehand.

Church Stands Firm

The Diocese maintains that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s actions violate his vows and canonical obligations. While he retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the suspension, the church has called for adherence to its prescribed process for release from Holy Orders.

This development continues to stir debate, with many offering prayers for the former priest’s well-being and resolution of the situation.

Ondo Police Arrest 3-Member Syndicate for Stealing Vehicles with Master Key

By
Gladys Phillip
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The police in Ondo State have apprehended a three-member syndicate involved in stealing vehicles with a master key. The syndicate, which has been operating in the state, would steal vehicles from owners’ compounds and drive them out of the state, often to Lagos for resale or disassembly.

Rotimi Akinsanoye, 38, one of the suspects, revealed that the group usually carried out their operations early in the morning when people were preparing to leave for work. The other members of the syndicate are Temodayo Folajimi, aged 43, and Waheed Adekanbi, aged 51.

The syndicate was busted following a complaint in 2024 from a car owner (name withheld) who reported that his vehicle had been stolen from his parking lot in Oke-Aro, Akure, the Ondo State capital. The police quickly flagged the stolen car at the Licensing office, where one of the suspects, who came to register the vehicle, was identified.

State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said the stolen vehicle was presented for registration at the Licensing office, and the police were alerted. The person trying to register the car claimed to have bought it for Four Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦4,300,000.00) from a car dealer named Temodayo Folajimi. Folajimi led the police to Akinsanoye, who, during interrogation, confessed to being the mastermind behind the theft of several vehicles. Akinsanoye admitted to having stolen a total of seven vehicles, including two Toyota Camry models (popularly known as “tiny light”), one Honda CR-V, and several Toyota Corollas from various locations in the state.

Akinsanoye revealed that five of the stolen vehicles had been dismantled and sold as spare parts by his cohort, Waheed Adekanbi, in Lagos. The police managed to recover two of the stolen vehicles, while the others had already been butchered for parts. Adekanbi is currently in custody, assisting the police in confirming whether the remaining vehicles were indeed destroyed and sold as spare parts.

The police are continuing their investigation into the syndicate’s operations, and efforts are underway to determine the full extent of their criminal activities.

Reps Urge FG to Release Full Capital Allocations to Security Agencies in 2024, 2025 Budgets

By
Shehu Danladi
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The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has called on the Federal Government to ensure the full release of capital allocations earmarked for security agencies in both the 2024 and proposed 2025 budgets. The committee emphasized that timely and complete disbursement of these funds is crucial to enabling the nation’s security agencies to effectively fulfill their constitutional mandates and address emerging security challenges.

Ahmed Satomi, Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, raised concerns during the 2025 budget defense session for agencies under the purview of the Office of the National Security Adviser. Satomi lamented that while funding for the security sector had improved in recent years, the intelligence sub-sector remains severely underfunded, a challenge he said was undermining national security efforts.

“It is regrettable that capital allocation to some of these intelligence agencies has not been released, and where funds were released, they fell far below what is needed to meet operational demands,” Satomi remarked. He stressed the vital role intelligence agencies play in proactive security operations, noting that inadequate funding hampers their ability to gather, analyze, and act on critical information necessary for ensuring national safety and stability.

The committee chairman called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize intelligence agencies in the 2025 budget. He highlighted the need for a more strategic approach to resource allocation within the security framework to ensure that these agencies are equipped to address the security challenges facing the nation.

Representatives of several agencies, including the Directorate of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, and the National Cybercrimes Coordination Centre, were present at the defense session. The committee reiterated the importance of collaboration between security agencies to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Satomi also commended President Bola Tinubu for earmarking N4.91 trillion for Defense and Security in the 2025 fiscal year but underscored the importance of prioritizing the intelligence sub-sector within the budget. He revealed that the intelligence sub-sector received a total allocation of N595 billion, comprising N274.55 billion for capital expenditure, N107.96 billion for overhead costs, and N212.51 billion for personnel expenses. Despite these allocations, Satomi stressed the need for a more robust funding structure to ensure the agencies can function at full capacity.

Satomi urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively to address the funding shortfall in the intelligence sector, calling for the full release of all outstanding 2024 budget allocations to intelligence agencies. He also advocated for the institutionalization of prompt budgetary disbursements in the future to prevent delays that could hinder security operations.

The lawmaker underscored that the 2025 budget proposal, themed “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” reflects the government’s commitment to securing the nation and fostering a proactive approach to governance. He noted that achieving peace requires not only security measures but also engagement with citizens through government-led initiatives to build trust and collaboration.

In closing, Satomi emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to tackling security challenges, including deradicalization, disarmament, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs. He pointed out that agencies tasked with countering violent extremism and terrorism, controlling the illicit flow of small arms, and providing intelligence services have faced significant funding challenges, undermining their ability to meet their mandates.

The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mohammed Danjuma, in his remarks, acknowledged the constraints posed by the envelope system of budgeting but reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and improve coordination across agencies. He assured that despite fiscal limitations, agencies remain dedicated to transparent and accountable resource management aligned with the government’s broader security objectives.

Nigeria’s Inflation Tracking Gets Boost with NBS’ Rebased Consumer Price Index

By
Roland Edet
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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced on Monday that it will launch the Rebased Consumer Price Index (CPI) report at the end of January 2025, marking a significant step toward providing more accurate data for informed economic decision-making.

Ichedi Sunday Joel, the Director of Communication & Public Relations at NBS, explained that CPI is a critical macro-economic indicator that tracks the movement of aggregate prices within a country. He pointed out that the last CPI rebasing occurred in 2009, necessitating the current update to reflect changing consumption patterns and price volatility.

The CPI rebasing, according to Ichedi, has several benefits, including the creation of item weights that reflect the current consumption behavior of households and the development of an updated CPI basket that aligns with current market realities. This updated index will also serve as a key input into Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary policy formulation. Additionally, the new CPI will follow international standards, allowing for comparability with other countries.

“Since the last rebasing, the consumption pattern in Nigeria has changed significantly, with notable increases in household expenditures on telecommunication, as revealed by the recent Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS) of 2023,” Ichedi noted. He added that the shift in consumption patterns had altered the basket of goods and services that the NBS uses to track prices, prompting the need for a revision.

A key reason for rebasing, according to Ichedi, is to bring the price reference period, or the base year, closer to the present time for a more accurate representation of price movements. For this rebasing, the Bureau has selected 2024 as the base year.

Prince Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General and CEO of NBS, assured Nigerians that the upcoming Rebased CPI Report will provide more in-depth insights into the economy and reflect the current economic structure. He emphasized the importance of rebasing both the CPI and GDP to incorporate new sectors and methodologies, thus ensuring that economic indicators accurately capture changes in consumption patterns and market dynamics.

“We expect the Rebased CPI Report to be exceptional, offering unparalleled insights into the Nigerian economy,” said Prince Semiu Adeyemi.

The full details of the Rebased CPI report will be made available to the public following its launch at the end of January 2025.

Senate Committee on Finance Disagrees with Minister on Economic Improvement Amidst Struggles

By
Gladys Phillip
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The Senate Committee on Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, expressed contrasting views yesterday regarding the state of Nigeria’s economy, following the Senate’s approval of a N38.3 billion 2025 budget for the Ministry of Finance.

While responding to questions from Senators, Minister Edun insisted that the economy was showing signs of improvement, despite the challenges Nigerians are facing.

He highlighted the growth of all 19 major subsectors, stating that the economy was heading in the right direction, even though more work was needed, especially in job creation.

“Overall, the 19 major subsectors are showing they’re all growing. They’re all moving in the right direction, which is a sign that the economy, despite areas that require urgent attention, is moving forward. Yes, we want those that are job-creating to do even better, but overall, the economy is faring much better,” Edun remarked.

However, Senate Committee Chairman Senator Sani Musa expressed skepticism about the claim of improvement, pointing out the high inflation rate and how it has been negatively affecting Nigerians. He questioned how the economic improvement painted by the Minister could be felt by ordinary citizens enduring tough living conditions.

“The Minister of Finance plays a fundamental role in shaping our nation’s economic policies and fiscal strategies. The impact of his actions resonates across all sectors, and as such, this burden must reflect goodness, accountability, and alignment with the priorities of the Nigerian people,” Senator Musa said, urging the need for realistic and measurable proposals from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

In defense, Minister Edun acknowledged that inflation remained stubbornly high but stressed that the Central Bank was working diligently to tame inflation and reduce living costs. He also emphasized government efforts to increase food production, which would help address food inflation and improve availability and affordability.

“We are determined and inspired as a nation to bring the economy to a better place. The economy is growing, the deficit is shrinking, and the debt service ratio is improving. We are turning the corner,” Edun stated, optimistic about future economic prospects.

Senator Uzor Kalu, however, voiced doubt about the expected drop in inflation to 15%, advising the minister to adjust the projection to 23.5% to avoid disappointment if the target was not met.

The exchange underscores the ongoing tension between the government’s optimistic assessment of the economy and the challenges felt by ordinary Nigerians amidst inflation and high living costs.

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