Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has announced a remarkable increase in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which has grown from N30 billion annually to N500 billion—an unprecedented 1,000% surge.

He attributed this success to strategic economic policies and financial inclusion initiatives.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mbah emphasized the importance of targeted programs that uplift vulnerable citizens.

He maintained that economic growth should not come at the cost of social welfare.

“Economic and financial inclusion are crucial to growth and shared prosperity. A nation is only as strong as its most vulnerable citizens. We cannot pursue economic development while neglecting the disadvantaged.

“Our policies must ensure that the weakest members of society are not left behind,” Mbah stated.

He urged financial industry leaders to create innovative products that extend banking and financial services to underserved communities.

According to him, bridging the digital divide is essential for fostering a more inclusive economy.

Mbah highlighted that Enugu State’s revenue transformation was not a result of increased taxation but rather financial inclusion strategies.

“As a governor, I am often asked how we achieved a 1,000 per cent revenue increase, from N30bn to over N500bn. The answer is simple: we prioritised financial inclusion. Our administration did not raise tax rates. Instead, we expanded the tax net by ensuring that more people participated in the financial system,” he explained.

He further underscored that sustainable economic growth requires meticulous planning and well-structured policies rather than mere optimism.

“The growth we seek will not come from wishful thinking. It will be the result of carefully designed policies and programmes,” Mbah said.

Expressing appreciation for his inclusion in the Presidential Committee, he described it as a call to national service and pledged his commitment to its objectives.

“I consider this an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our country’s economic future. I pledge my utmost dedication to this noble initiative,” he concluded.

The Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion was established to develop policies that enhance financial access, especially for underserved communities.

Musician 2Face Idibia made an unexpected appearance at the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, an event that quickly escalated into chaos.

Seated in the gallery before lawmakers had taken their seats, the presence of the renowned ‘African Queen’ singer disrupted proceedings so much that he was forced to put his face down.

Authorities eventually restored order in the assembly.

Amid the commotion, rumours swirled that 2Face is romantically involved with Natasha Osawaru, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly.

However, the lawmaker swiftly denied the allegations through her spokesperson, Eseosa Okundia, who stated that the rumour is “false and baseless” and “fallacy at its peak.”

Adding fuel to the fire, days after announcing his separation from longtime partner Annie Idibia, née Macaulay, 2Face was spotted leaving a nightclub accompanied by a mystery woman.

The 49-year-old musician had earlier confirmed the end of his marriage to Annie last month, remarking:

“I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now and currently filed for divorce.

“I would grant a press release soon to say my story. Not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life but because I love my people and I need them to know my innocence or offence.”

Their marriage has been consistently marred by rumours of divorce, following allegations of infidelity made by Annie.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has issued a statement clarifying that Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka, an Igbo youth leader, was arrested not abducted as some reports have suggested.

According to the statement, the arrest followed a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police, which accused him of disseminating false information that could disrupt peace and destabilize communities in Ebonyi State.

In addressing the circulating reports, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated,
“The Ebonyi State Command is aware of the information circulating in the media alleging the abduction of the Igbo youth leader, Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka, on February 8, 2025.”

He further explained the situation by clarifying,
“To set the record straight, Igboayaka Igboayaka was arrested by officers from the command following a petition which accused him of spreading false information capable of truncating peace and destabilizing communities in the state.”

The PPRO also assured the public that investigations are still ongoing and that once these are concluded, Igboayaka will be formally charged in court.

He added, “Furthermore, the command reiterates its commitment to carrying out its mandate within the bounds of the law while respecting the rights of individuals.”

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, indefinitely adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This decision came after Kanu, through his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, insisted that Justice Nyako recuse herself from the case, citing her previous recusal.

Ejimakor stated, “The defendant is still asking that your lordship recuse herself from this matter.”

In response, Justice Nyako noted that the Chief Judge had not accepted her earlier recusal and had reassigned the case to her.

She advised the defense to submit a formal written application if they wished for her to step down.

She remarked, “The Chief Judge had not accepted the recusal and had referred the case back to me for trial.”

The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, expressed readiness to proceed, stating that their witnesses were prepared.

However, due to the defense’s objections, the court decided to adjourn the trial indefinitely.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony related to his separatist activities.

IPOB, which seeks the secession of southeastern Nigeria to form an independent Biafra nation, was designated a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government in 2017.

This marks the second time in recent months that Kanu has challenged Justice Nyako’s involvement in his trial.

In September 2024, he made an oral application requesting her recusal, leading to a temporary halt in proceedings.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The decision was made by Justice Binta Nyako after Kanu challenged her authority to preside over his case, citing her previous recusal.

This marks the second time in approximately four and a half months that Kanu has expressed a lack of confidence in Justice Nyako’s impartiality.

In January, Kanu filed a petition against Justice Nyako with the National Judicial Council, alleging judicial misconduct in her handling of his trial.

Subsequently, he requested that his case be transferred to the South-East if no other judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja was willing to preside over it, apart from Justice Nyako.

During the proceedings on Monday, Kanu disrupted the session by questioning the judge’s jurisdiction over his trial.

In response, Justice Nyako adjourned the case indefinitely, pending the resolution of the issues raised.

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken decisive action against two officials from the Upper Shari’a Court in Gwarzo Local Government Area due to their involvement in corrupt practices.

Hudu Idris, a Registrar at the court, has been compulsorily retired and demoted by one grade level for accepting bribes totaling N214,000.

Additionally, the contract of Bala Gwarzo, a casual watchman at the same court, has been terminated with immediate effect.

These decisions were among the key resolutions reached during the 79th meeting of the JSC, chaired by the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, on February 6, 2025.

The actions followed a thorough review of a petition filed by Alhaji Sani Gado, which accused both Idris and Gwarzo of intimidation and bribery.

Upon investigation, both individuals appeared before the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) and admitted their involvement in the corrupt practices.

The Kano State JSC emphasized its firm stance against corruption and misconduct within the judiciary.

In line with its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary, the Commission adopted the recommendations of the JPCC and took the following actions:

• Compulsory retirement of Hudu Idris, with a demotion of one grade level prior to retirement.
• Immediate termination of Bala Gwarzo’s contract.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy, the Commission reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining discipline and public trust in the justice system.

In the same meeting, the Commission reviewed the suspensions of three judicial officers—Bilya Abdullahi, Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil, and Ismaila Garba—over allegations of forging a court reversal order.

The case, initiated by a complaint from Muzdalifa, was investigated by the JPCC and subsequently referred to the police.

However, following a review by the Director of Public Prosecution, it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the officers.

Consequently, the JSC lifted their suspensions with immediate effect.

In a significant step to enhance judicial efficiency, the JSC also approved the appointment of several individuals to key managerial positions within the Kano State Judiciary.

These appointments were made after careful consideration of the appointees’ work ethics, track records, integrity, and dedication to service.

The newly appointed officials include:

• Chief Magistrate Hajara Garba Ahmad – Acting Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice
• Musa Ibrahim Umar – Acting Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration & General Services), High Court of Justice
• Usman Adam – Acting Deputy Chief Registrar (Magistracy), High Court of Justice
• Fatima Garba Yakasai – Acting Deputy Chief Registrar (Legal), High Court of Justice

Additional appointments at the Kano State High Court of Justice include:

Chief Magistrate Hadiza Rabiu Bello – Acting Director, Judicial Service Commission

• Chief Magistrate Zuhura Madaki – Acting Director, Training Department
• Senior Magistrate Malikatu Mudh Nuraini – Acting Assistant Director, Training Department

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering a transparent, accountable, and efficient judicial system in the state.