President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on G20 leaders to back reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), advocating for a more inclusive and representative body that reflects the current global landscape.

Speaking at the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to serve as a permanent representative of Africa on the UNSC.

Tinubu argued that the reform of the Security Council is essential to ensure its continued relevance in addressing global issues.

He urged G20 leaders to support efforts to restructure the UNSC, ensuring fair representation for all regions, with a particular emphasis on Africa.

“The Security Council must expand its membership categories—both permanent and non-permanent—to better reflect the world’s diversity. Africa deserves priority in this process, with two permanent seats, each endowed with equal rights and responsibilities.”

The Nigerian president’s remarks were delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who noted that the G20 has shown itself to be a progressive institution committed to multilateral reforms.

Tinubu also acknowledged the G20’s recent decision to grant permanent membership to the African Union, calling it a significant step toward enhancing Africa’s voice in global affairs.

In his speech, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s strong desire to represent Africa on the UNSC.

He emphasized that the country stands ready to take on this important role, reinforcing Africa’s position in global decision-making processes.

Tinubu also expressed his support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He praised the alliance’s efforts to tackle hunger and poverty worldwide, comparing it to one of the priority goals set by his administration at its inception.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s endorsement of the alliance aligns with the country’s own objectives to combat poverty and food insecurity by leveraging international collaboration.

Furthermore, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on ending poverty, and SDG 2, aimed at achieving zero hunger.

By supporting the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, he said, Nigeria is reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation and adopting global best practices in the fight against these challenges.

Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has called on the Senate to allow Uchenna Ubah, the widow of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, to succeed her husband as the representative of Anambra South in the Senate.

Speaking during a valedictory session held on Tuesday in honour of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Ndume made an emotional appeal for the Senate to support Uchenna Ubah’s candidacy.

He highlighted the importance of preserving her husband’s legacy and ensuring continuity in the representation of Anambra South.

“I appeal to you, Mr. President, and my colleagues, to keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi Ubah alive by allowing his wife to continue his work,” Ndume stated.

He drew attention to historical examples where family members succeeded their late relatives in the Senate, continuing their political legacies.

Ndume cited the case of Margery Okadigbo, who succeeded her late husband, Chuba Okadigbo, in the Senate.

He also mentioned Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, who served in the Senate and continued her husband’s political vision, along with other notable figures like Tokunbo Abiru, Iyabo Obasanjo, Ede Dafinone, and Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who had all represented their family’s political legacies in the Senate.

Ndume stressed that Uchenna Ubah, who had been a close support system to her husband throughout his political career, would be an ideal candidate to represent Anambra South, ensuring both continuity and respect for the people of the region.

“Let us support the family in ensuring that Ifeanyi’s spirit is represented in this chamber when the election for Anambra South comes up. This will be a fitting tribute to the late senator and a continuation of his service to the people.”

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah passed away in July at the age of 52, leaving behind a significant political legacy.

Ndume’s appeal is aimed at honoring his memory and ensuring that his work is carried forward by someone with a deep understanding of his vision – his wife, Uchenna Ubah.

The Chairman of Igbo Etiti Local Government Area (LGA) in Enugu State, Eric Odo, has made new appointments to oversee key agricultural sectors within the community, with a focus on yam, garden egg, and pepper cultivation.

Ezeugwu Frederick Ogbonna has been named the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Yam and Pepper, while Nwodo Everestus Ugonna has been appointed as SSA on Garden Egg and Pepper. Both appointments were formalized in letters issued on November 1.

The appointed officials are expected to report to the office of the Executive Chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA in Ogbede for further briefing and assignment.

Their letters of appointment made it clear that these positions are temporary and are not part of the civil service structure, with each appointment subject to the discretion of the Executive Chairman.

In his letter to Ezeugwu, the Chairman wrote: “I am pleased to inform you that the Executive Chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on Agriculture (Yam and Pepper). Please report to the Executive Chairman’s office in Ogbede for briefing and deployment.”

Similarly, Ugonna’s appointment letter states: “I am pleased to inform you that the Executive Chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on Agriculture (Garden Egg and Pepper).”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is currently tracking 1,500 government projects valued at N610 billion across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This is part of the seventh phase of the agency’s ongoing monitoring of constituency and executive projects.

ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, revealed in a statement that the tracking exercise involves several key government agencies, including the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), and the Ecological Fund Office.

Bakare explained that the initiative focuses on ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds allocated to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, water resources, and energy.

The seventh phase of the exercise, which commenced on November 18, is covering 1,500 projects across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

The states involved are Lagos, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia, and Enugu.

The ICPC spokesperson highlighted that the project tracking also includes oversight of additional agencies such as the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

In the previous phase, the ICPC tracked approximately 1,900 projects valued at N500 billion in 24 states.

The agency’s monitoring efforts aim to enhance adherence to due process in project execution and ensure better value for money spent on public projects.

The exercise also seeks to reinforce compliance with the terms and specifications outlined in contract agreements.

Bakare further emphasized that the focus sectors for both the sixth and seventh phases include education, healthcare, agriculture, water resources, energy, and infrastructure such as roads.

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed an immediate investigation into the reported brutalization of a Nigerian by soldiers, an incident captured in a viral video.

The footage, which has sparked widespread outrage, shows a confrontation between the victim, a senior Army officer, and two soldiers in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, acknowledged the circulation of the video on social media.

While the details surrounding the incident remain unclear, the Army has vowed to conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the facts.

“The Nigerian Army is aware of the video circulating on various social media platforms, which allegedly shows an altercation between a man, a woman, and some of our personnel.

The exact circumstances of the incident are not yet fully established,” the statement read.

Lt. General Oluyede assured the public that the investigation would be handled with the utmost transparency and that justice would be served.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all Nigerians, as guaranteed by the nation’s Constitution.

The Army has called for patience as the investigation progresses, promising that all necessary steps will be taken to resolve the matter appropriately.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has announced the dismissal of two staff members over corruption allegations.

Olukoyede made this disclosure during the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organized by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.

The five-day conference, themed “Optimizing the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: Navigating Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship,” also provided a platform for Olukoyede to address ongoing reforms within the EFCC.

According to Olukoyede, the two officials were dismissed two weeks ago for engaging in corrupt practices.

He emphasized that the agency would not only dismiss corrupt staff but would also pursue legal action against them.

“You can’t be fighting corruption while your hands are dirty,” Olukoyede remarked, reinforcing the importance of maintaining integrity within the commission.

The EFCC chairman vowed to hold his staff accountable, stating that any official found guilty of corruption would not only face dismissal but also prosecution.

“We are already preparing the case files for those we have dismissed. If an EFCC staff member can’t publicly stand tall and say they haven’t taken anything illegitimately, then they are not fit to serve,” he added.

Olukoyede also addressed the broader issue of ethical conduct within the EFCC, acknowledging that while the organization has made significant progress, there are still bad apples within the system.

“We must make up our minds to work together and do the right thing. Any corrupt staff will be shown the way out,” he said, further noting that even in an organization as committed to justice as the EFCC, there are always challenges.

The EFCC chairman also reflected on his own experience, revealing that he had been investigated for two years while serving as the commission’s secretary.

“I know what it means to be subjected to investigation. I’ve been there myself,” he said, emphasizing his personal commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the EFCC plays a key role in stimulating Nigeria’s economy while combating corruption.

In his closing remarks, Olukoyede stressed the importance of integrity, ethics, and professional standards in legal practice, noting that corruption must have no place in the nation’s development.

He also welcomed constructive criticism of the EFCC, urging it to be done in a responsible manner for the betterment of the country. “What do we gain by running down our institutions?” he asked.

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s approval for a fresh external loan of $2.2 billion to help finance Nigeria’s budget deficit for 2024.

The President’s request was read out by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during Tuesday’s plenary session.

According to the letter, the loan is part of the overall $9.7 trillion deficit outlined in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

If approved, the $2.2 billion loan will contribute to bridging this gap, with the financing to be sourced through a combination of a $1.7 billion Euro bond and $500 million in Sukuk funding.

In addition to the loan request, President Tinubu also submitted the 2025-2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for the National Assembly’s consideration and approval.

These documents will serve as the foundation for the preparation of the 2025 federal budget, based on the fiscal assumptions and parameters outlined within the framework.

The third document presented by the President is the National Social Investment Programme Establishment Amendment Bill, which seeks to make the social register the primary tool for the implementation of federal social welfare programs.

In his communication to lawmakers, Tinubu stressed the importance of swift legislative action on these matters, particularly the approval of the MTEF and FSP, as they are crucial for the timely preparation of the 2025 budget.

He expressed confidence that the National Assembly would handle these requests expediently to ensure the government’s fiscal plans move forward smoothly.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the promotion of 1,731 staff members who performed exceptionally well in the 2024 promotion examinations.

This was announced by Adenike Tadese, the commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, in a bulletin on Tuesday.

Among those promoted are 59 Deputy Directors, who were elevated to the rank of Director, 168 Assistant Directors who were promoted to Deputy Directors, and 167 Chiefs who were advanced to the position of Assistant Director.

In addition, 1,337 officers from various grades received promotions based on their performance.

INEC described the promotions as part of its ongoing efforts to motivate its staff, improve productivity, and foster a professional work environment.

The commission emphasized that the promotions reflect its commitment to enhancing staff welfare and supporting career development within the organization.

The breakdown of the promotions includes: 59 Deputy Directors (Grade Level 16) promoted to Directors (Grade Level 17); 168 Assistant Directors (Grade Level 15) promoted to Deputy Directors (Grade Level 16); 167 Chiefs (Grade Level 14) advanced to Assistant Directors (Grade Level 15); and 1,337 officers between Grade Levels 7 and 13 promoted based on their performance in the exams.

Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a bid to honor the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Okorocha made this appeal during a tribute event held in Ubah’s memory on Monday at the Nigerian Air Force Conference & Suites in Abuja.

In his speech, Okorocha referenced a similar request made by the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, before his death. He noted that Ubah had also expressed a desire for Kanu’s release, which he believed would serve as a powerful gesture of reconciliation for the Igbo people. Okorocha urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to relay this message to the federal government.

“The best way to honor these great young men is to release Nnamdi Kanu so that the Igbos can reunite,” Okorocha stated. He added that the division within the Igbo community must be healed, calling for peace and unity despite political differences.

Reflecting on the legacy of Igbo leaders, Okorocha lamented the fractured state of the community, emphasizing that figures like the late Ikemba Ojukwu, Vice President Alex Ekwueme, and others who had passed would now be urging reconciliation among the living. “What would these leaders be discussing now? They would be asking, ‘Why do the Igbos hate one another?’” he said, urging the people of the region to follow the example of leaders who had reconciled in the afterlife.

He went on to mention that even those who had once been at odds, such as Ojukwu and Ekwueme, had now come together in peace, suggesting that the living should do the same.

The tribute event, which celebrated Ubah’s life and contributions, was attended by prominent political figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Senate Presidents Anyim Pius Anyim and Bukola Saraki, as well as friends and family of the late senator.

Ubah, who was a senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, passed away in London in July at the age of 52. He was set to turn 53 on September 3, 2024.

His funeral is scheduled for Friday, November 22, 2024.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, presented the state’s N607 billion budget proposal for 2025 to the House of Assembly on Tuesday, highlighting a 48% increase over the 2024 budget of N410 billion.

The budget, dubbed “Changing Gears 2.0,” is centered on accelerating growth and ensuring execution, with a clear focus on capital development and infrastructure.

Of the total budget, N467.5 billion (48.9%) is allocated to capital expenditure, while N139.5 billion (45%) is earmarked for recurrent costs.

Soludo noted that the capital expenditure continues to account for 77% of the total budget, similar to the previous year.

The state expects a budget deficit of N148.3 billion, roughly 24% of the total, down from 30% in 2024.

Despite this, the governor expressed confidence that, as with the previous two years, the deficit would be covered through revenue generation and borrowing, if necessary.

In his speech, Governor Soludo emphasized that 2025, a governorship election year, would remain focused on project execution, rather than political campaigning.

He underscored the administration’s ongoing commitment to driving economic transformation and improving human capital.

“The focus will remain 100% on delivering our multi-faceted agenda,” he said.

Soludo also highlighted that key sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and social services, would see substantial increases in funding for 2025.

Notably, the education sector is receiving a 101% boost, and health funding will rise by 57.1%.

A significant portion of the budget will go towards ongoing and new infrastructure projects, such as the development of Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new industrial city, which are part of the administration’s broader vision for economic revitalization.

The state government has also made progress in its investment initiatives.

Soludo noted that the second edition of the Anambra Investment Summit had just concluded, with 10 prominent companies signing agreements to invest in the state.

Additionally, the state is moving ahead with plans to develop the largest shopping mall in Africa and leisure centers across Anambra, as well as enhancing the Chinua Achebe International Airport’s night landing capabilities.

On human capital development, the governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education and health. He outlined plans to continue providing free, high-quality education to all children in Anambra, alongside major upgrades to both primary and secondary schools.

As part of the focus on youth empowerment, Soludo’s government plans to expand its “One-Youth, Two-Skills” program and establish a “One Million Digital Tribe” to enhance digital skills training for young people.

In his address, Governor Soludo also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, with plans to distribute seedlings to over 100,000 households and provide grants to micro-businesses in all 326 wards across the state.

The budget also emphasizes ongoing support for agricultural development, including the distribution of various crops such as coconut, palm, and pawpaw to rural communities.