Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has presented a proposed budget of N320.811 billion for 2025 to the state assembly.

The budget, titled “Budget of Economic Consolidation and Poverty Reduction,” was introduced during a session on Thursday.

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In his presentation, Governor Buni outlined that N144.036 billion, or 44.9% of the budget, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N176.774 billion, representing 55.1%, is allocated for capital projects.

He reported that the overall performance of the 2024 budget reached N164.949 billion, achieving a 76% success rate by September 30, 2024.

For 2025, the governor emphasized plans to improve infrastructure, including the construction of roads to enhance community access.

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He committed to completing 17 ongoing road projects and initiating 11 new ones, with work on the Damaturu flyover set to begin soon.

Additionally, Governor Buni announced plans to increase the number of solar-powered boreholes and improve water supply systems in towns such as Damaturu, Buni-Yadi, Nguru, Geidam, and Potiskum.

His administration also aims to develop the Damaturu Green Economic City and enhance facilities at the Nasari, Gurjaje, and Bade-Gana Livestock Development Centers.

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The construction of a modern abattoir in Damaturu and the procurement of additional agricultural equipment are also part of the agenda.

In response, Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, assured that the assembly would expedite the review and passage of the budget and associated financial bills.

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The House of Representatives has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to move its local government offices to neutral, secure locations in order to preserve the commission’s integrity.

This request emerged from a motion presented by Prof. Paul Nnamchi (LP-Enugu) during Wednesday’s plenary session. Nnamchi referred to Section 157 of the Constitution, which guarantees INEC’s autonomy and independence in overseeing national elections.

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He stressed that INEC’s duty is to conduct free, fair, and credible elections across Nigeria, as mandated by law.

However, he raised concerns about the location of most INEC offices within local government headquarters.

“This is potentially hampering and compromising the independence of INEC in the conduct of national elections. This proximity exposes INEC to manipulation and control by council Chairmen, particularly in areas dominated by a single political party. This impedes INEC’s impartiality as enshrined in Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022). Hence, the need to maintain public trust and confidence in the electoral processes,” he stated.

Responding, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas instructed the Committee on INEC and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the motion and report back to the House for further legislative action.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated on Wednesday that the recent Federal High Court ruling restricting the release of state allocations is “the least” of his concerns.

Speaking at a special thanksgiving service organized by the state government to commemorate his administration’s resilience amid ongoing political turmoil triggered a year ago by an arson attack on the State House of Assembly, Governor Fubara assured attendees that his government would continue to pay contractors and disburse workers’ salaries starting Thursday.

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He confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would also be processed, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures are complete.

Fubara encouraged his supporters to remain steadfast, asserting that all challenges can be overcome.

He reflected on his administration’s accomplishments, noting that despite predictions of its imminent collapse, he has successfully led the state for over a year.

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The governor highlighted the completion of local government elections and the maintenance of a full cabinet despite attempts to destabilize his leadership through resignations.

He pointed to ongoing projects throughout the state as evidence of his administration’s commitment to progress, countering critics who doubted his ability to deliver.

Additionally, he referenced recent reports that recognize Rivers State for its financial accountability and transparency.

Reflecting on a violent incident from October 30 of the previous year, Fubara described it as an assassination attempt, attributing the attack to political opponents who ambushed him after he withdrew legal actions against the Martin Amaewhule group, following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

While he expressed no regrets about pursuing peace, he acknowledged that his conciliatory approach may have given his adversaries an advantage, allowing them to secure judgments against him.

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The governor noted that his opponents’ unwillingness to reciprocate his peaceful gestures has influenced his decision-making regarding the ongoing political crisis.

The thanksgiving service, held at the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, featured performances by prominent gospel artists, including Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, and Asu Ekiye, with Pastor Uma Ukpai serving as the guest preacher.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including high-ranking government officials and party leaders.

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The House of Representatives has introduced a significant bill aimed at amending Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution to create six special seats dedicated to women and people living with disabilities (PWDs).

The proposed legislation, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811),” was presented during a plenary session on Wednesday.

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Spearheaded by House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi (Ekiti, APC), the amendment seeks to expand the number of representatives in the House from 360 to 366, with the additional six seats specifically reserved for women and PWDs.

The bill outlines that these special seats will be allocated evenly across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring that each region has one representative from both women and PWDs.

Candidates for these positions must fulfill all standard qualifications required for regular House members.

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Elections for these roles will be conducted via an electoral college comprising members from the National Associations of each special interest group, incorporating grassroots and regional input through a multi-tiered election process.

Once elected, these representatives will serve the same term as their counterparts and will receive the same benefits as other House members, as specified in the legislation.

Rotimi emphasized that the bill is designed to bolster representation for women and individuals with disabilities, who frequently face significant barriers to political engagement.

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“The inclusion of these special seats will ensure that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard at the national level, fostering a more balanced and inclusive legislative framework for Nigeria,” he stated.

In related news, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen recently proposed a constitutional amendment to allocate legislative seats for women and ensure their participation in joint tickets for executive roles.

Furthermore, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has criticized the current representation of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly, which stands at less than 10%.

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Titilayo Daniel, a representative of NILDS, raised this concern during a town hall meeting in Sagamu, Ogun State, focused on enhancing women’s political representation.

Addressing over 100 grassroots female politicians, Daniel highlighted the “stark gender disparity” within the National Assembly, stating, “With women constituting less than 10% of the Assembly, the voices of over half our population are largely absent from key decision-making processes. This statistic is embarrassing for Nigeria, especially when compared to other African nations like Rwanda, which boasts a 61.3% representation.”

Daniel also pointed out the persistent challenges Nigerian women face in political participation, citing structural barriers and discriminatory laws as significant obstacles.

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A Kuje Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory has set November 8 for the trial of Alexander Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State.

He was granted bail of N500,000 after being arraigned on charges of assault.

Ikwechegh appeared before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id on Wednesday, facing accusations of assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, at his residence in Abuja.

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He pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include abuse of office, assault, and threats to life, as brought forth by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Following the plea, Ikwechegh’s counsel requested bail, which the court granted under specific conditions: two sureties residing within the court’s jurisdiction, each also required to provide utility bills as proof of residence.

The court then adjourned the case until November 8.

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The incident gained significant attention after a video surfaced on social media, showing Ikwechegh allegedly assaulting Abuwatseya.

In the footage, he is seen slapping the driver multiple times while threatening him with severe consequences.

In response to the incident, the civil society organization Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) condemned Ikwechegh’s actions, describing them as a blatant abuse of power commonly seen among politicians.

Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma emphasized that this incident reflects poorly not only on Ikwechegh but on the entire House of Representatives.

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Nwanguma stated, “The brutal treatment of Uber driver Stephen Abuwatseya by federal lawmaker Alex Ikwechegh is a stark example of the abuse of power prevalent in Nigeria’s political landscape. Such behavior highlights a disturbing trend where officials operate above the law, demonstrating a lack of respect for citizens’ rights.”

He further noted that while the House’s decision to investigate the matter is a positive step, it remains uncertain whether this will lead to meaningful accountability.

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He urged that justice be served not just for Abuwatseya but for all victims of similar abuses, calling for reforms that prioritize human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.

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The House of Representatives passed a significant bill on Wednesday that mandates a maximum 14-year prison sentence for lecturers and school administrators found guilty of sexual harassment against students in tertiary institutions.

Titled “A Bill to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for Related Matters,” the legislation was approved following a report presented by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.

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According to the bill, individuals convicted of the offences outlined in Clause 4 (1), (2), and (3) will face felony charges and can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 14 years, with a minimum term of 5 years and no option for a fine. Those found guilty of offences listed in Clause 4 (4), (5), and (6) face up to 5 years in prison, with a minimum of 2 years, also without an option for a fine.

The legislation defines sexual harassment in educational settings as any unwelcome physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature directed at a student or prospective student, including demands for such conduct regardless of consent.

It also includes creating a hostile or intimidating environment through unsolicited sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.

Additional offences covered by the bill include making sexual remarks, gestures, or comments that demean, humiliate, or body-shame a student based on appearance, as well as stalking or any unwanted attention that causes fear or discomfort.

Importantly, the bill states that consent cannot be used as a defense if a power imbalance exists between the educator and the student.

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However, it does specify that being legally married to the student can serve as a defense against any charges under this legislation.