The Kano State Government has earmarked N2.5 billion for a mass wedding program in its 2025 budget, covering all 44 local government areas of the state.

This initiative is part of the N91.32 billion allocated to governance and service delivery.

The program aims to support widows, widowers, divorcees, and unmarried individuals facing financial constraints in getting married.

While the exact number of beneficiaries for 2025 has not been disclosed, the government previously spent N845 million on the weddings of 1,800 couples in 2024.

Providing a breakdown of the 2025 budget, Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Musa Sulaiman Shanono, announced that N1 billion has also been set aside for the Ramadan feeding program.

Additionally, over N267 million will be spent on printing the Islamic calendar and supporting Da’awah activities.

Under the governance and service delivery sector, the government has allocated N589 million for security research, empowerment programs, and initiatives targeting street beggars.

The budget also includes N100 million for the rehabilitation of existing toll gates, though it remains unclear if the government plans to reopen them.

For security, law, and justice, the state has set aside N19.5 billion for various projects.

This includes N500 million for installing CCTV cameras at High Courts and Magistrate Courts, N875 million for rehabilitating magistrate offices, and N210 million for furnishing Shari’a courts.

In the health sector, the government has allocated N2.3 billion for the construction of new intensive care units at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital.

Other provisions include N500 million for non-communicable disease control, N2.4 billion for implementing a minimal service package investment plan, and N1 billion for a basic healthcare provision fund.

Obono Obla, a former senior adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecutions and former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), has proposed the death penalty as a solution to combat corruption in Nigeria.

Obla made this call during his keynote address at the 16th Ralph Opara Memorial Lecture in Calabar, organized by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS).

The lecture, titled “Sink or Swim? Nigeria’s Future and the Impact of Corruption on the Socio-Political Economy of Nigeria,” highlighted the detrimental effects of corruption on the nation’s progress.

Obla suggested that implementing the death penalty for certain types of corruption and financial crimes could deter corrupt practices, which have long plagued Nigerian society.

He emphasized that such a severe penalty would send a strong message to those involved in corrupt activities, curbing their influence on the nation’s socio-economic development.

He expressed concern over the contradictions in Nigeria, where some individuals work tirelessly to protect the country’s interests, while others exploit the system through corruption.

Obla argued that a systematic reform of Nigeria’s institutions is necessary, along with fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

The former presidential adviser further emphasized the need for a broad cultural and attitudinal shift to tackle the root causes of corruption in the country.

He called for collaboration between NGOs, civil society groups, and the government to build a society that values integrity and ethical conduct.

Dr. Joseph Oteri, head of NAS, also spoke at the event, noting that the lecture series serves to honor Ralph Opara, a prominent Nigerian broadcaster and one of the founding members of NAS at the University of Ibadan in 1952/53.

Oteri expressed the hope that the lecture series would provide a platform for discussing key issues that could shape Nigeria’s future and contribute to its development.

President Bola Tinubu has directed members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, sources familiar with the situation told DAILY GAZETTE.

The directive comes three weeks after Obasa’s impeachment over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, which rocked the state’s political landscape.

According to sources, Tinubu expressed concerns that Obasa’s removal could have greater political consequences than any potential benefits from holding him accountable.

With 38 of the 40 lawmakers belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu’s influence is expected to weigh heavily on the decision.

“The president has instructed us to start making arrangements for his return,” a senior Lagos politician disclosed.

“He insists that Obasa will only serve a short time before stepping down on his own terms.”

Another politician, speaking anonymously, added, “We have decided to reinstate him for a soft landing. The political fallout from prolonging this crisis could be severe.”

However, some lawmakers who supported Obasa’s removal remain apprehensive.

“Bringing him back is like reviving a snake after cutting off its head,” one legislator warned. “The consequences could be disastrous.”

To ensure full compliance, Tinubu has reportedly summoned key political figures to a meeting in Abuja on Monday.

Lawmakers who remain hesitant are expected to be persuaded to align with the president’s stance.

Obasa was impeached on January 13 after an investigative report exposed how he allegedly misappropriated billions in procurement allocations meant for vehicles and other expenses.

Following his removal, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda was elected as Speaker.

However, sources say she has struggled to assert authority over Obasa, despite having the backing of at least 32 lawmakers.

Adding to the tension, Obasa has refused to vacate the Speaker’s official residence in Ikeja G.R.A.

“He initially claimed he needed time to remove his personal belongings, but he has refused to leave,” a source revealed.

“Madam Speaker is too intimidated to challenge him.”

The extent of First Lady, Remi Tinubu’s involvement in the matter remains unclear.

However, her reported intervention in preventing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Obasa has raised further questions.

Tinubu’s push for Obasa’s return is expected to deepen internal divisions within Lagos’ political circles.

However, given the president’s strong grip on state politics, lawmakers may feel compelled to comply rather than risk political repercussions.

“Many lawmakers feel humiliated by this decision,” a source admitted. “But no one wants to challenge the president, who also leads the party.”

When contacted, a presidential spokesman said he was unaware of Tinubu’s directive.

Meanwhile, both Obasa and Meranda declined to comment.

Sources also confirmed that Obasa met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Government House in Marina on Saturday to finalize plans for his return.

An aide to the governor acknowledged the meeting but did not provide further details.

Obasa’s reinstatement could take effect as early as next week.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing internal conflicts and deepening divisions as primary reasons for his exit.

In a resignation letter dated January 30 and addressed to PDP leaders in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nwoko expressed disappointment over the state of affairs within the party.

“My decision to resign is first and foremost due to the deep divisions and factionalization within the party. This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interests of our people,” he stated.

The senator also referenced a recent development that, according to him, highlighted the extent of discord within the party.

“Just this week, precisely on the 29th of January, the top party functionaries degenerated to the lowest levels by physically fighting each other, arising from the stated factions, which have become irreconcilable,” he revealed.

While acknowledging the role the PDP played in his emergence as a senator in the 2022/2023 elections, Nwoko expressed concerns that the party’s structure in Delta State had become an obstacle to delivering on his electoral promises.

“Regrettably, the current structure of the party in our state has not been conducive to realizing these promises. After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that stepping away from the party is necessary to fulfil my obligations to my people,” he explained.

Despite his decision, he assured both party members and his constituents of his continued commitment to service.

“While I bid farewell to my membership in the PDP, I assure all party members and my constituents of my unwavering dedication to statesmanship,” Nwoko affirmed.

As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Sports Development, he reiterated that his decision was driven by the need to prioritize the interests of his people.

“My decision is rooted in the best interest of those I serve, and I remain committed to the progress and prosperity of our state and nation,” he emphasized.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has reaffirmed the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, insisting that the process was conducted in full compliance with constitutional provisions.

In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, members of the Assembly maintained that Obasa’s removal followed due process and aligned with the legal framework guiding legislative proceedings in Nigeria.

Following their visit to the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Shangisha, Olukayode emphasized that the decision adhered strictly to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act.

Citing Sections 92 and 96, which outline the procedure for electing and removing a Speaker, the lawmakers stressed that their actions were lawful.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an independent arm of government, exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of the people of Lagos,” the statement read.

“Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution.”

The legislators also commended the DSS for handling the situation with professionalism, noting that all detained lawmakers had since been released after a smooth and respectful engagement.

Reaffirming their commitment to legislative responsibilities, the Assembly called on all stakeholders including the executive and the public to respect the autonomy of the legislature and refrain from undue interference.

Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, after 35 out of the 40 Assembly members voted in favor of his ouster, citing allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.

He was immediately replaced by his former deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda.