The House of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation has rejected the N1.2 billion capital allocation for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, calling it grossly insufficient.

During the 2025 budget defense session in Abuja, committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the N8.7 billion total allocation for the ministry, which is significantly lower than the N8.2 billion allocated for 2024 despite the national budget increasing from N28.7 trillion in 2024 to N49.7 trillion in 2025.

Rep. Fatoba Olusola, the committee chairman, stressed the need for a substantial allocation to the ministry, which is crucial for disseminating government information to the public.

His sentiments were echoed by other committee members, including Rep. Felix Nwaeke, who proposed rejecting the budget and lobbying for an increase.

Rep. Ismail Tijani pointed out that the meager allocation would not meet the ministry’s needs, especially considering its international representation through various foreign offices.

Rep. Akin Rotimi criticized the dispersion of funds for information-related functions across other government agencies, suggesting that all information and orientation funds should be consolidated under the ministry.

Rep. Amobi Ogah also criticized the envelope budgeting system, which he believes limits government agencies’ capacity to perform effectively, urging the National Assembly to reconsider this approach.

In response, the committee resolved to reject the capital component of the budget and vowed to collaborate with the leadership of the House, Senate, and the Minister of Finance to seek an increased allocation.

Earlier, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Muhammed Idris, emphasized the ministry’s role in ensuring timely, accurate, and honest dissemination of information to Nigerians.

He also highlighted ongoing initiatives to engage citizens, including town halls and a revitalized information portal to improve public awareness and feedback on government activities.

Idris stressed the importance of rebuilding public trust in the government and instilling the right values in the younger generation to revive Nigeria’s lost glory.

He called for the replication of the legacies of Nigeria’s founding fathers to inspire the nation’s future.

Fresh details have emerged regarding the impeachment of the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday.

Mojisola Meranda was immediately elected to replace him as the new speaker.

Political analyst, Jide Ojo, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, attributed Obasa’s downfall to his growing sense of arrogance, which he believed stemmed from his close ties with President Bola Tinubu.

Ojo suggested that Obasa’s disregard for the Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) played a significant role in his removal.

Ojo revealed that the former Speaker had disrespected Sanwo-Olu during the presentation of the 2025 budget.

He failed to apologize for keeping the Governor and APC leaders waiting for several hours, despite interventions from Tinubu.

The disrespect was further compounded by Obasa’s remarks, which many interpreted as a critique of the sitting governor.

According to Ojo, Obasa’s actions, including his failure to show respect to the governor and party elders, were seen as an abuse of power and a sign of his growing discontent with the leadership structure.

He emphasized that as Speaker, Obasa was not immune from accountability and was expected to serve at the pleasure of the assembly members.

The analyst noted that Obasa’s comments and actions were viewed as a direct challenge to the authority of Sanwo-Olu and the APC leadership, ultimately contributing to his impeachment.

Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has called for the immediate suspension and overhaul of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), accusing the body of undermining democracy and constitutional governance.

In an open letter to Nigerians, Clark criticized the NGF for straying from its original purpose of fostering cooperation among state governors, accusing it of evolving into a powerful political bloc that prioritizes governors’ personal interests over the welfare of the people.

“The NGF began as a platform for collaboration, but it has become a cabal that challenges constitutional order and undermines local government autonomy,” Clark wrote.

He compared the NGF unfavorably to the U.S. Governors’ Association, highlighting its focus on governance rather than political manipulation.

Clark further accused the Forum of manipulating state assemblies, where governors allegedly appoint Speakers and members to suppress dissent and erode legislative independence.

The elder statesman also condemned the NGF for facilitating former governors’ transitions into Senate positions, turning the legislative chamber into a “retirement haven” that weakens its oversight role over the executive.

Clark lamented the Forum’s departure from its founding ideals, stressing that reform should not be seen as an indictment but as an opportunity for improvement.

He urged the NGF to shift its focus back to serving the people.

In a dramatic appeal, Clark proposed suspending the NGF to prevent further crises between state and federal governments.

He also emphasized the need for a complete overhaul to realign the NGF with its original mission.

Clark’s criticism followed the release of a report on the NGF’s health sector expenditure, which highlighted the financial shortcomings of Nigeria’s states.

The report revealed that state governments rely on external funding for 16% of their health budgets, with only 15 states having a medium-term health sector strategy.

It also showed significant budget performance gaps, with health spending falling short of planned targets.

Similarly, the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) also expressed concern about Nigeria’s 2025 budget, emphasizing that the heavy allocation to debt servicing could hamper the country’s economic development.

CUPP criticized the budget for placing more emphasis on servicing debts than investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has withdrawn his opposition to the tax reform bills following extensive discussions and assurances of a review.

Sule had initially expressed concerns about the impact of removing VAT from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) but noted that the bills are now open to further review after his objections were addressed.

He commended the National Assembly for its efforts in scrutinizing the reforms before their implementation.

Sir Paul Chukwuma, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for Anambra State in the 2025 elections, has criticized Governor Charles Soludo for failing to fulfill his campaign promise of transforming the state into a “Dubai Homeland.”

Instead, Chukwuma claims the state has witnessed a surge in insecurity under Soludo’s leadership.

Speaking at his country home in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, during a visit by the Ikemba Front, a support group for the late Ifeanyi Ubah, Chukwuma expressed frustration over the state of security in Anambra, stating that no part of the state is safe.

He highlighted the alarming rise in kidnappings, including the recent abduction of reverend sisters, and the fear of movement among the residents.

“Anambra is no longer a place where people can move freely. The situation has gotten so bad that even reverend sisters are not spared from kidnapping,” Chukwuma said.

“You promised Ndi Anambra a Dubai-like homeland, but instead, we have more insecurity and chaos. No one is happy with the current state of affairs.”

Chukwuma also accused Soludo of arrogance and a refusal to heed the advice of Anambra residents.

He pointed out that many roads touted as ongoing infrastructure projects were already deteriorating before completion.

Acknowledging the support of the Ikemba Front, Chukwuma assured the people of Anambra that if elected, his administration would address the security crisis, empower youth, and ensure a steady electricity supply for industrial growth.

He expressed confidence that his approach would bring happiness and prosperity to the people of Anambra.

The Senate is on track to pass the highly anticipated tax reform bills, with key stakeholders nearing agreement on previously contentious issues.

Despite continued opposition, particularly from northern groups, progress is being made.

Senator Abba Moro, Chairman of the Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tax Reform, revealed yesterday that public hearings on the bills would soon take place, setting the stage for a third reading.

Moro’s optimism followed a productive meeting with top officials, including Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and other fiscal policy leaders.

The senator underscored the collaborative nature of the ongoing discussions.

“We’ve worked closely with the Attorney General, the FIRS Chairman, and other key stakeholders to align our positions. Our goal is to pass a law that benefits all Nigerians,” Moro said.

Though Moro refrained from detailing specific changes, he indicated significant progress had been made, with further meetings expected to finalize the bill’s framework.

FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji echoed Moro’s optimistic view, noting that most of the contentious issues had been resolved.

“All the grey areas have been identified and clarified during discussions. This engagement has been productive, and I am confident we are on the right track,” Adedeji said.

He also emphasized that the bills are crucial for modernizing Nigeria’s tax system and enhancing revenue generation.

“Everyone involved agrees on the importance of these reforms. We are witnessing the law’s framework take shape with all parties in agreement,” he added.

The tax reforms represent a significant step in overhauling Nigeria’s tax system, with hopes that they will streamline tax collection and improve the country’s revenue base.