The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday debated the 2025 appropriation bill totaling N3.005 trillion, which was presented to lawmakers by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last Thursday.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who led the plenary session, referred the bill to a joint committee on appropriation and finance for further scrutiny, with a mandate to report back within a month.

Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, gave an overview of the proposed budget, breaking down its various components.

While he expressed concerns about the projected N408 billion deficit financing, Olumoh emphasized the importance of using loans responsibly and suggested exploring alternative funding options, such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), to ensure sustainability and avoid over-reliance on borrowing.

He urged his colleagues to carefully examine the budget to prevent wasteful spending, though he acknowledged the government’s positive intentions.

Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasumu, also called for a thorough review of the budget to allow for a proper comparative analysis of its feasibility.

Hon. Desmond Elliot raised concerns about the lack of food security measures in the proposal, urging the inclusion of initiatives to address citizens’ needs.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured the lawmakers that the budget was designed with a 59% focus on capital expenditure and 41% on recurrent expenditure, with deficit financing planned through both external and internal loans as well as bonds.

Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, has launched the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), also known as “The Alternative.”

The initiative, which is affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeks to rejuvenate Nigeria’s democracy through education, advocacy, and active civic engagement.

In his address, Showunmi clarified that the movement is not intended to become a political party but will operate as a civic platform.

The primary goal is to inform citizens about the impact of democracy and electoral outcomes on their daily lives.

Showunmi expressed concern over the growing apathy among Nigerians, citing the decline in voter participation and the loss of ideological differences between political parties.

He pointed out that the electoral process has become more focused on personalities than on core values and principles.

To engage citizens and build grassroots support, the movement will organize town hall meetings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, starting in North Central and concluding in the South West by February 2025.

Showunmi stated, “We’ve witnessed a steady decline in citizen engagement, with each election seeing a drop in voter turnout. This decline has led to a regression in our democratic processes, as party ideologies fade, and elections become centered on individual personalities instead of principles. This is now dangerously evolving into a system where money, rather than integrity, drives elections.”

He further criticized the electoral body, INEC, for its failure to improve the integrity of elections, despite making changes to its guidelines.

He said, “Despite INEC’s reforms, there is still a noticeable lack of transparency in the electoral process. The need for a movement to restore integrity and address the erosion of democratic principles has never been more urgent.”

Showunmi also emphasized the growing irrelevance of opposition parties and their inability to effectively challenge the ruling government.

“There is a severe lack of viable opposition, and those in opposition positions are failing to confront the challenges facing the nation. This movement is vital to fill that gap.”

As part of its outreach, the movement will focus on educating Nigerians about the detrimental effects of vote trading and the importance of safeguarding the integrity of elections.

Showunmi condemned the practice of vote trading, promising that the movement would actively work to eliminate it.

“We will dedicate our resources to educating the public on how electoral outcomes affect them, and to stop the disgraceful practice of vote trading”.

“Nigeria deserves leaders who respect democratic values, not those who manipulate the system for personal gain.” he said.

The movement plans to engage political actors, civil society groups, and citizens at all levels, from the local to the national stage.

Through this platform, Showunmi aims to build a robust opposition that can effectively address Nigeria’s political and social challenges.

“We know the road ahead will not be easy, but we are committed to this cause. Our task is clear: we must work towards a more transparent, accountable democracy, and we will do so by engaging Nigerians at every level through town halls and other outreach efforts.”

The movement is determined to steer Nigeria away from chaos and manipulation, offering an alternative to the current political establishment and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South in the National Assembly, has clarified that no formal request was made to the legislature for the approval of the new presidential jet purchased for President Bola Tinubu.

The controversy surrounding the purchase of a new Airbus A330 by the Presidency in August has sparked significant public outcry, with many Nigerians criticizing the acquisition amidst ongoing economic struggles.

In response, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the purchase, stating that the jet was a “refurbished” aircraft, not a new one as initially reported.

The National Assembly also came under fire, with some accusing its members of being rubber-stamp legislators who unquestioningly approved the President’s request.

However, Senator Abaribe, appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, insisted that no such request had been brought before the lawmakers.

“I am in the National Assembly, but I can assure you, nobody, and I mean nobody, brought anything to the National Assembly asking for approval to purchase a new plane. I was never presented with any document, and I’ve always been in the National Assembly. Ask anyone, they will confirm.”

Abaribe emphasized that the failure to involve the legislature in the approval process undermines its role in providing checks and balances on the executive branch.

He expressed concern about the perception of lawmakers as mere rubber-stamps, a view he believes has emerged due to the lack of significant progress on issues important to the public.

The senator acknowledged that National Assembly members often feel disillusioned after years of efforts yielding little, which has led to a more cooperative stance with the executive.

However, he stressed that this does not justify bypassing the proper channels for oversight and accountability.

Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the representative of Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has announced his intention to lead the creation of a powerful opposition alliance, promising that Nigeria will soon witness a united and effective opposition movement.

Speaking at his residence in Akokwa, Imo State, on Sunday evening, Ugochinyere criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for its inability to offer a strong and accountable opposition in the face of the country’s mounting issues.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the recent vote of confidence in the PDP National Working Committee, led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, accusing the leadership of being influenced by Minister Nyesom Wike to undermine the party’s role as an opposition force.

“The PDP has never been in such a low position,” Ugochinyere said, lamenting the party’s current state.

He revealed that efforts are underway to gather forces to revitalize the PDP and create a formidable opposition capable of holding the government to account.

“We will return to the courts and continue our efforts to challenge the tenure of Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu. Our actions will ensure that posterity recognizes our struggles. If our elders won’t stand up and tell Wike to stop this nonsense, we will.”

“We are uniting all forces for a decisive battle. Whether within the PDP or outside it, opposition leaders are ready.” he stated

Ugochinyere also took the opportunity to highlight his accomplishments in his less than two years in office.

These include sinking boreholes in 20 communities, renovating schools, installing 1,700 solar-powered streetlights, and providing desks and other educational resources.

He reaffirmed commitment to improving his constituency and his dedication to fostering a strong and credible opposition movement to address Nigeria’s ongoing challenges.