The Edo State House of Assembly has voted to suspend the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local government areas in the state for a period of two months.

This decision, which was reached on Tuesday, also mandates the legislative leaders in each local government to assume control of their respective councils during the suspension.

The motion for the suspension was introduced by Mr. Isibor Adeh, the member representing Esan North East I, and was seconded by Mr. Donald Okogbe, the representative for Akoko-Edo Constituency II.

The suspension follows a petition submitted by Governor Monday Okpebholo to the Assembly, accusing the council chairmen and their deputies of refusing to provide financial records of their local governments to the state government.

The governor described this refusal as insubordination and gross misconduct, urging the Assembly to investigate the issue.

During the debate on the matter, 14 members of the Assembly supported the motion, while six opposed it. Three members abstained from voting.

The Speaker, Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, had previously instructed all members to express their views on the issue. Afterward, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Yahaya Omogbai, conducted a headcount to determine the number of members in favor or against the suspension.

The Nigerian government will borrow to finance the N13 trillion deficit in the N48 trillion 2025 budget, according to Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

Edun made this statement on Monday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Edun explained that the total projected revenue for 2025 is N34.82 trillion, while expenditure is projected to be N47.96 trillion, a 36.8% increase from the 2024 estimate.

This results in a projected deficit of N13.14 trillion, which amounts to 3.89% of Nigeria’s GDP.

The minister emphasized that the 2025 budget is designed in line with the progress made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the past 18 months.

He noted that, like many governments worldwide, Nigeria is working to achieve fiscal sustainability by balancing revenue, expenditure, and borrowing to create an environment conducive to economic growth.

Edun also highlighted the importance of private sector investment in driving economic progress, job creation, and poverty reduction.

He pointed to recent investments by major international companies like Shell and Total, which have committed billions of dollars to Nigeria, as a sign of growing investor confidence.

The minister credited the Tinubu administration for its policy reforms, particularly the market-driven pricing of petroleum products, foreign exchange, and electricity.

He also pointed out that for the first time in 25 years, Nigeria has begun domestic refining of petrol, producing not just fuel but also raw materials for various industries.

Edun stated that these efforts are contributing to improved fiscal sustainability, with a focus on government spending in critical areas while fostering an environment for private sector growth.

Chief Ralphs Nwosu, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to halt what he termed the “senseless borrowing” that he believes has contributed to Nigeria’s economic difficulties.

Speaking during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Nwosu criticized the Federal Government’s escalating borrowing habits and its ineffective economic policies, which he said have worsened the nation’s financial instability.

He called for an immediate overhaul of the government’s fiscal approach.

In addition to addressing national economic issues, Nwosu revealed that the ADC was taking steps to address a common problem in Nigerian politics: politicians using the party as a springboard for electoral success, only to abandon it once they assume office.

Nwosu also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its support of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in resolving electoral conflicts.

He highlighted the ADC’s use of ADR to settle internal disputes and promote unity within the party.

“The ADC has successfully resolved internal disputes and fostered unity through the INEC-backed ADR process. This underscores our commitment to internal democracy and inclusiveness,” Nwosu stated.

Reflecting on the party’s journey since its formation in 2006, Nwosu expressed the ADC’s ambition to become a dominant political force by 2027.

He emphasized the importance of building stronger alliances, citing the ongoing partnership with the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and called on party members to work together with renewed unity and focus.

“After 20 years, it’s time to get things right. If I have wronged anyone, now is the time for reconciliation. By 2025, the ADC will be the leading party in Nigeria,” he said.

Nwosu also addressed the challenges the party faced following a factional split after its 2023 presidential candidate.

As part of efforts to heal the rift, Nwosu announced that bans placed on certain members would be lifted, signaling a new beginning for the ADC.

He further emphasized the need for the ADC to build strong, enduring institutions and urged members to strive for greater success.

“Why do we only elect a few to public office? Why can’t we dominate the legislative houses?” he asked.

Looking ahead, Nwosu expressed optimism about the party’s reforms, confident that the ADC would soon emerge as the party of choice for Nigerians.

The NEC meeting, held during the festive Christmas season, was described by Nwosu as a symbolic “new beginning” for the party, reinforcing its commitment to unity, love, and progress.

In a significant step towards reforming land administration in Enugu State, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah on Monday unveiled the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), marking a major achievement for the state’s development.

Mbah, who signed the Enugu State Geographic Information System Service Bill into law in March, emphasized that this initiative was part of his administration’s promise to modernize governance, starting with the simplification and sanitization of land management.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ENGIS office and system in Enugu, Mbah said, “This is not just a victory for the government but also for Ndi Enugu, as it brings integrity and transparency to land transactions. Today, we are putting an end to land grabbing, unauthorized construction, double allocations, and revenue diversion.”

The governor further highlighted that the system would help advance the state’s economy, aiming to increase its GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion over the next four to eight years.

He explained that the ENGIS system would allow title applications to be processed quickly—within 48 hours—creating a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly environment.

Mbah stressed the importance of digital investment to boost ease of doing business in the state.

“With ENGIS, you can apply for titles, conduct land searches, and receive results from the comfort of your home,” he said.

“The system eliminates the opacity in land transactions and is set to attract more investors, contributing to economic growth.”

The governor praised his team for their hard work in digitizing land documents, some of which date back to the colonial era when Enugu administered much of Southern Nigeria, except Lagos.

Barr. Chimaobi Okorie, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, and Dr. Cyril Ezeama, Coordinator of ENGIS, further explained that the system would enhance revenue generation for the state.

Ezeama noted that the project was designed not only to streamline land registration but also to address revenue leakage and potentially contribute up to N300 billion annually to Enugu’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

“This system will allow land applications and searches to be initiated and completed entirely online, making the process seamless and convenient,” Ezeama added.

Governor Mbah’s digital transformation initiative received widespread support, with key stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu, Igwe Samuel Asadu (Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council), and leaders of professional associations such as the Nigeria Bar Association, Institute of Surveyors, and Institute of Town Planners, praising the project.

They pledged their support for the governor’s development agenda, which they believe will help position Enugu State as a top destination for business and investment.