Advertorial

The Senate has granted approval for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to refund N24 billion to Kebbi and Nasarawa States for federal airport projects completed in those regions.

This decision followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, presented by Chairman Senator Manu Haruna (Taraba Central) during a plenary session.

In May 2024, President Tinubu requested N15 billion for Kebbi and N9 billion for Nasarawa as reimbursement for the projects.

Senator Aminu Abbas emphasized the importance of these airports for national development and security, advocating for the approval of the refund.

Additionally, Senator Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East) noted that Kogi State is also undertaking an airport project and intends to seek federal reimbursement afterward.

The request was subsequently approved by the senators through a voice vote.

Advertorial

Advertorial

The Presidency has announced the postponement of the screening for seven ministerial nominees to allow for the completion of necessary documentation and pre-screening exercises.

Originally set for Tuesday in the Senate, the screening has now been rescheduled to Wednesday at noon.

The update was shared in a statement on Tuesday by Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Senate Matters.

Advertorial

Last week, President Bola Tinubu dismissed five ministers, reassigned ten others to new portfolios, and appointed seven new nominees for Senate confirmation.

Among the nominees are Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu for the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Nentawe Yilwatda, who will serve as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, thereby officially concluding the tenure of the suspended Betta Edu.

Other nominees include Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, and Idi Maiha for the newly established Livestock Development Ministry.

Additionally, Yusuf Ata has been nominated as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, with Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.

The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, is set to conduct the screening on Wednesday.

Advertorial

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the suspension of Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor of the state, pending disciplinary proceedings against him.

This decision follows a resolution from the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee, which cited Aregbesola’s alleged involvement in anti-party activities as the basis for the suspension.

Advertorial

The committee believes that decisive action is necessary to uphold party discipline and discourage similar behavior from other members.

In their resolution submitted to APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Osun State APC Executive Committee outlined several accusations against Aregbesola.

These include creating splinter groups within the party, collaborating with opposition factions to undermine the APC’s position in Osun, and making public statements that criticize party leadership, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Aregbesola, who served two terms as governor and has been a key ally of President Tinubu, has faced scrutiny for his perceived support of rival factions during the recent election cycle.

The State Disciplinary Committee has reached out to Aregbesola for a formal response to the allegations, ensuring that due process is followed as outlined in the party’s constitution.

An anonymous member of the Ilesa East Local Government Executive noted that the suspension was a result of a thorough investigation into the claims against Aregbesola.

Advertorial

In the wake of the suspension, sources close to Aregbesola have suggested that the allegations are politically motivated, arguing that they are part of a broader strategy by state party leaders to marginalize him within the APC.

As of now, Aregbesola has not publicly commented on his suspension, leaving room for various interpretations of the situation.

Advertorial

Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, has publicly expressed regret for his recent assault on a Bolt driver who delivered a package to him.

In a statement titled “A Statement of Regret and Commitment to Justice,” Ikwechegh addressed the incident, which gained attention through a viral video, and described his actions as “unacceptable” for someone in public office.

He has pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation and to seek professional counseling to address his behavior.

“As a public servant, I recognize the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My actions did not reflect the standards expected of me, and for that, I am genuinely sorry,” Ikwechegh said, acknowledging the embarrassment and harm caused to the driver, his constituents, and the country.

Advertorial

He committed to addressing the “underlying issues” through counseling and announced plans to engage in community service initiatives that promote respect, empathy, and understanding among citizens.

Ikwechegh called on Nigerians to foster a culture of respect, tolerance, and dignity, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in building a society where everyone is treated with fairness and compassion.

He expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding and requested support as he works toward accountability and personal growth.

Advertorial

The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSEIC) has pledged to ensure a free and fair Local Government election set for November 2, 2024.

In preparation, the commission has invited political parties and stakeholders to a briefing aimed at aligning strategies and enhancing transparency for the upcoming election.

A statement issued by ABSEIC Chairman, Professor George Chima, announced that the meeting will take place on October 31.

Advertorial

The gathering is intended to ensure that all participants are equipped to support the effective administration of the elections, addressing logistics and security measures.

“The pre-election briefing is crucial,” the statement emphasized, urging all invited stakeholders to make attendance a priority as the state finalizes key elements of the election day process.

Scheduled for Thursday, October 31, at the ABSEIC headquarters in Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, the meeting will convene various stakeholders from across Abia to coordinate efforts for a transparent and smooth election.

The commission highlighted the importance of this gathering in assessing readiness for the November 2 elections and pinpointing any areas requiring immediate attention to avert potential disruptions.

Advertorial

The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into post-election violence has issued summons to several allies of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, to appear before the panel.

Chairman of the Commission, Justice I. R. Minakiri, announced the summons in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Advertorial

Notable among those summoned are Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, the former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, as well as Obarilomate Ollor and Hope Ikiriko, the former chairmen of Eleme and Ahoada East, respectively.

These individuals served as council chairmen under Wike and completed their terms under the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Additionally, Aforji Igwe, the member representing Eleme Constituency in the state House of Assembly and a loyalist of the FCT minister, has also been called to testify.

Advertorial

The commission was established by the governor following attacks on local government secretariats in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emuoha after the local government elections.

The statement detailed that a total of 109 individuals have been summoned as witnesses, specifying, “Pursuant to the call and receipt of Memoranda by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into arson, killings, and wanton destruction of property at Local Government Council headquarters in Rivers State, the following persons are hereby summoned to appear as scheduled below.”

Witnesses from Ikwerre are expected to appear on October 30, while those from Eleme are scheduled for November 1, 4, and 5.

Testimonies from Khan LGA witnesses are set for November 6, followed by Emuoha witnesses on November 7. Witnesses from Ohio/Akpor and Ahoada East are to appear on November 8, with additional sessions on November 11 for any overflow.

The summons include a warning to attendees: “You are required to bring any evidence to support your case, and failure to appear may be at your peril.”