Senator Samuel Anyanwu has reaffirmed his position as the national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite a recent Court of Appeal ruling that installed Mr. Ude Okoye in the role.

Speaking during an interview on AIT on Thursday, Anyanwu clarified that he remains in office due to an ongoing appeal at the Supreme Court and a standing Federal High Court judgment that supports his tenure.

Anyanwu emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter is still pending, and until then, he legally retains his position as national secretary.

He further acknowledged the legitimacy of Amb. Umar Damagum as the acting national chairman of the party, stating that PDP is united under his leadership and dismissing any claims of internal division.

On his personal relationship with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Anyanwu downplayed political differences, asserting that their friendship, which dates back to their days as council chairmen, remains intact despite partisan disagreements.

Chijioke Ihunwo, the Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, has appointed 130 special assistants to support his administration.

The appointments were announced through a post on his verified X account, where he urged the appointees to serve diligently in their respective roles.

Notable appointees include Helen Nyekwere, Josephine Wogu, Daisy Worgu, Wagwu Hilda, Ogbonna Stella, Goodness Ogbonna, and Grace Amadi.

This move follows a growing trend among local government chairmen in Nigeria to appoint a significant number of aides to enhance governance.

Recently, the chairman of Nasarawa LGA in Kano State, Yusuf Imam, also appointed 60 aides to aid his administration.

This is not Ihunwo’s first round of large-scale appointments; in July 2024, during his tenure as caretaker committee chairman, he appointed 100 special assistants.

Additionally, Ihunwo made headlines in October 2024 when he removed the name of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from the Obio-Akpor council secretariat, reflecting his political alignment with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst tensions with Wike.

Shehu Sani, former Senator for Kaduna Central and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that northerners have no moral justification to vote out President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections over the controversial tax reform bills.

In a recent interview, Sani criticized northern leaders who oppose Tinubu’s tax reform proposals, arguing that they failed to hold the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari accountable for its shortcomings.

He noted that despite Buhari’s eight years in office, the northern region saw little tangible development, with key projects like the Mambila power plant and major infrastructure projects remaining incomplete.

Sani pointed out that northerners remained silent throughout Buhari’s tenure, despite his administration’s many failures, including the inability to improve infrastructure, power generation, and agriculture.

He argued that if northern leaders failed to criticize Buhari for his lack of progress, they should not now have the moral right to challenge Tinubu.

While some northern leaders, such as Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, have criticized Tinubu’s tax reforms for concentrating power at the federal level, Sani called for a reassessment of how northerners in Tinubu’s government could contribute to the region’s growth.

He also emphasized that the criticism of Tinubu’s policies should not be rooted in regional bias but in a genuine desire to hold leaders accountable.

Meanwhile, Murtala Aliyu, Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has defended the criticism of Tinubu’s administration, stating that the ACF critiques the current government with the same rigor it applied to Buhari’s administration, irrespective of regional origin.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has announced that the new minimum wage will undergo a review in less than two years.

Onyejeocha made the statement on Thursday in Umuahia, following a meeting with labor leaders in Abia State.

She emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is committed to his promise to Nigerian workers, ensuring that the minimum wage will be reviewed in less than three years.

“We are not going to allow minimum wage review to be forever. It used to be about five years, but now, in three years’ time, which is less than two years, we will also review the minimum wage,” she stated.

Onyejeocha reassured workers that President Tinubu remains deeply concerned about their welfare and will honor his promises.

“It has been said and it has been documented,” she added, referencing the President’s earlier approval of a N70,000 minimum wage in July 2024 with the commitment for regular reviews.

The Minister, who is from Abia State, explained that her meeting with labor leaders was an opportunity to wish them well after her holidays and to reaffirm the importance of peace and stability in the workforce. “Labor is an integral part of the government that should help ensure stability and peace, not just at the workplace, but also in the country,” she said. She urged the leaders to work towards a strike-free year, emphasizing that peaceful collaboration would lead to higher productivity.

The Abia Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Ogbomna Okoro, commended Onyejeocha’s efforts and expressed the body’s pride in her leadership, pledging support and collaboration. Earlier, the Minister held a roundtable discussion with the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, where she outlined key federal government policies and sought their input and support.

Sir Patrick Nnaemeka Ubajaka, the frontline senatorial aspirant for Anambra South Senatorial district under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has pledged to offer quality and effective representation if elected.

Ubajaka, who enjoys strong support from the people of the district, expressed his deep commitment to the development and progress of the zone

Speaking on his reasons for contesting the senatorial seat, Ubajaka emphasized that his passion for the growth of Anambra had motivated him to take the step.

“My passion for the growth and development of Anambra over the years emboldened me to run for the Senate. I want to represent the great citizens of Anambra South in the Senate as we collectively ensure strong laws that will propel a fast-developing economy. I also want to foster an increase of federal projects and opportunities for the district in collaboration with the governor, other senators and national leaders.”

“I want to be a voice for the masses, for women, for youth, for men, for Nigerians who have been sidelined for several decades. I have no greater mission than to serve ethically and progressively. Greater Nigeria equates progress for all, prosperity for all, happiness for all and peace for all. I stand firmly for greater Nigeria and will resist all forms of regression.”

“My foremost agenda is to ensure the highest quality education for all. We have started developing plans and recommendations with input from many groups of highly intelligent citizens in Anambra South. In line with ensuring the highest quality education, we will also prioritise the availability of healthy food and water, accessibility to affordable healthcare, and infrastructure development, especially in relation to stable electricity and well-developed roads.” Ubajaka stated.

“Sir Ubajaka is sound, super intelligent, and articulate. APGA’s Senatorial ticket for the Anambra South Senatorial by-election is best given to him. He is the best man for the job, with an unblemished track record.”

BudgIT, the civic-tech organization dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in governance, has raised concerns over the 2025 Federal Government Budget under President Bola Tinubu.

The organization called on the National Assembly to address irregularities in the proposed budget and ensure public participation in the review process to guarantee that the final budget aligns with the needs of Nigerians, focusing on job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth.

According to BudgIT’s Communications Associate, Nancy Odimegwu, a review of past budget performances highlights that the government often misses its macroeconomic targets, leading to fiscal risks, mounting public debt, and unforeseen financial obligations.

One major issue identified by BudgIT is the omission of budget breakdowns for critical Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the 2025 proposal.

Notably absent are allocations for the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which stand at 341.63 billion and 940.5 billion, respectively.

BudgIT also pointed out the absence of budget details for over 60 government-owned enterprises (GOEs), including key agencies such as the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The organization also raised concerns over the way regional development commission budgets were classified under personnel costs.

A combined N2.49 trillion was allocated to five regional commissions, but BudgIT argued that this classification obscures the true operational costs and hinders transparency in fund utilization.

Additionally, BudgIT highlighted the omission of funding for the crucial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, a significant infrastructure initiative that could face delays or require fund reallocation if not addressed in the budget.

The group also criticized the lavish retirement package proposed for military generals, which contradicts President Tinubu’s earlier commitment to reduce the cost of governance.

BudgIT expressed concerns that such provisions could inflate the budget, worsen the fiscal deficit, and demoralize lower-ranking military personnel who lack sufficient retirement benefits and healthcare.

BudgIT urged lawmakers to prioritize national interests and ensure the 2025 budget promotes macroeconomic stability, equitable development, and addresses the needs of vulnerable Nigerians.

The Presidency has criticized Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, accusing him of engaging in “irresponsible politics” instead of focusing on the urgent issues facing his state.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the government reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national development and the well-being of Nigerians.

The statement highlighted the Tinubu administration’s preference for working with state governors and key stakeholders on critical issues, rather than participating in personal or partisan politics.

It emphasized that President Tinubu, having secured a national mandate, remains determined to deliver on his promises without being distracted by political detractors.

Dare also addressed Governor Mohammed’s recent remarks regarding the ongoing Tax Reform Bills, calling for constructive engagement with the legislative process rather than attempts to derail it.

He argued that such actions are undemocratic and serve only personal interests.

The statement further criticized Governor Mohammed’s leadership in Bauchi, pointing to the state’s persistent poverty despite the availability of resources.

It urged the governor to focus on improving the lives of his constituents rather than using national politics to deflect attention from his governance challenges.

He reiterated President Tinubu’s dedication to economic reforms, noting that Nigerians are beginning to feel the positive effects, with more improvements expected in the near future.

The Presidency urged Governor Mohammed to prioritize the welfare of Bauchi residents over political theatrics.

During the 2025 budget defence session in the Senate, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, found himself under intense scrutiny over the implementation of the 2024 budget, particularly regarding capital expenditure and the proceeds from fuel subsidy removal.

The drama unfolded when Senator Abdul Ningi, former Deputy Senate Leader representing Bauchi Central, raised pointed questions about how the government had spent the savings from the fuel subsidy removal in the 2024 fiscal year.

Ningi questioned the finance minister on the specifics of the expenditure, as well as debt servicing details, saying, “We haven’t heard from the Minister how much has been saved from the removal of fuel subsidy and how much has been expended.”

He further pressed Edun on the capital expenditure performance for the 2024 fiscal year and whether the extension of the capital budget to June 30, 2025, would lead to the desired results.

In response to the barrage of questions, Edun, visibly unsettled, requested a closed-door session for a more detailed explanation of the fuel subsidy spending and other fiscal matters.

“Are we in a closed-door session? If we are not, I will humbly seek that for detailed explanations on the questions asked,” Edun said.

Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, granted Edun’s request and instructed journalists to leave the room to facilitate the closed-door session.

Earlier, the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, chaired by Senator Kenneth Eze, also put the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Director General of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Mohammed Ali, under pressure regarding their budget proposals for 2025.

The NOA was asked to revisit its 2025 budget proposal for the National Identity Project, with the committee members asserting that the project was not well known to the Nigerian public, particularly those in rural areas.

Issa-Onilu defended the project, calling it crucial for national development and growth, but the committee insisted on a revised proposal.

Similarly, the NAN DG was instructed to reconcile discrepancies in the 2024 budget implementation figures before presenting the 2025 projections.