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Benue LG election: Three-man Appeal Tribunal inaugurated in Abuja

The Benue State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal has been formally inaugurated to hear appeals arising from the decisions of the Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal. DAILY POST reports that the tribunal, which will sit in Abuja, is chaired by Justice Dennis Igyuse, with Justice Michael Ugar and Justice Maimuna Ikwulono serving as members. The
Benue LG election: Three-man Appeal Tribunal inaugurated in Abuja

The Benue State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal has been formally inaugurated to hear appeals arising from the decisions of the Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal.

DAILY POST reports that the tribunal, which will sit in Abuja, is chaired by Justice Dennis Igyuse, with Justice Michael Ugar and Justice Maimuna Ikwulono serving as members.

The inauguration comes as the initial tribunal prepares to deliver judgments in several high-profile local government election petitions.

The Appeal Tribunal is expected to handle cases brought by parties dissatisfied with the outcomes of the lower tribunal, particularly those relating to the contentious 5 October 2024 local government elections.

A source familiar with the tribunal proceedings noted, with a hint of irony, that “those who wish to further waste money can proceed to appeal.”

The tribunal’s relocation from Makurdi to Abuja in March 2025, due to security concerns and a judiciary staff strike, sparked protests and legal resistance.

While the Federal High Court in Makurdi initially halted the tribunal’s Abuja sitting, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory later issued an interim order permitting the proceedings to continue.

Benue LG election: Three-man Appeal Tribunal inaugurated in Abuja

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Centre alerts IGP on deadly wave of violence in Otukpo

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, CESJET, has raised a passionate appeal to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun over the alarming state of insecurity in Otukpo and its surrounding communities in Benue State. In a letter signed by its Executive Secretary, Ikpa Isaac, CESJET lamented the rising spate of violent crimes
Centre alerts IGP on deadly wave of violence in Otukpo

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, CESJET, has raised a passionate appeal to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun over the alarming state of insecurity in Otukpo and its surrounding communities in Benue State.

In a letter signed by its Executive Secretary, Ikpa Isaac, CESJET lamented the rising spate of violent crimes in the area, including murders, kidnappings, and armed robbery, which have left residents gripped with fear and uncertainty.

The centre highlighted several recent incidents that underscore the gravity of the situation. These include the gruesome murder of Chief Onche Akatu and the abduction of two individuals from his residence in the Asa 2 area on 31 March 2024; the killing of five persons in Okpomoju community by suspected herdsmen earlier in the year; the brutal murder of Mrs Felicia Ochigbo in the Old NTA area on 30 March 2025; and the killing of a Benue Links driver and the kidnapping of 14 passengers along the Ikobi route on 3 April 2025.

A series of armed robbery attacks in various parts of the local government were also noted.

CESJET also referenced past high-profile incidents such as the daylight assassination of retired Col. Ochefu in the late 1990s, the 20 October 2023 coordinated bank robbery involving five banks and police command, and the assassination of Barr Mark Offikwu on 20 November 2024.

“These continuous attacks have created a climate of fear, paralysed economic activities, and severely disrupted community life, with ripple effects on the national economy,” the centre stated.

According to CESJET, the current police strength in Otukpo is grossly inadequate to address the growing security challenges in the area. It called on the Inspector-General to take immediate steps to restore law and order in the region.

Centre alerts IGP on deadly wave of violence in Otukpo

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EFCC arraigns Bauchi Accountant General, others over alleged N8.3bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over allegations of fraud involving over N8.3 billion. Jaja appeared in court on Monday alongside a bureau de change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, and his company. They face a nine-count
EFCC arraigns Bauchi Accountant General, others over alleged N8.3bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over allegations of fraud involving over N8.3 billion.

Jaja appeared in court on Monday alongside a bureau de change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, and his company. They face a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal misappropriation, and diversion of public funds.

Others named in the charge but currently at large include former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG), Ibrahim Kashim, the current SSG, Aminu Hammayo, as well as Saleh Mohammed and Balarabe Abdullahi.

The EFCC alleged that the accused were involved in a sophisticated scheme to divert state funds for personal enrichment, using a network of shell companies and illicit transactions. The commission claimed the fraudulent activities spanned several years, significantly undermining public trust and governance in Bauchi State.

At the arraignment, all the defendants present pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendants in custody. However, defence counsels, Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, and Chris Uche, SAN, moved bail applications on behalf of their clients.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N200 million each with two sureties in like sum. The court ordered that one of the sureties must be a federal government employee not below Grade Level 17 and both must be residents of Abuja.

Pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions, Jaja was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. The case was adjourned to June 17, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

EFCC arraigns Bauchi Accountant General, others over alleged N8.3bn fraud

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Benue Local Election Petitions Tribunal sets dates for judgement

The Benue State Local Election Petitions Tribunal, currently sitting at the NBA House in Abuja, has scheduled the delivery of judgments in four petitions related to the recent local government elections. The tribunal will deliver its judgment on the Konshisha LGA petition on 14 April 2025, followed by Vandeikya LGA on 15 April 2025. Ushongo
Benue Local Election Petitions Tribunal sets dates for judgement

The Benue State Local Election Petitions Tribunal, currently sitting at the NBA House in Abuja, has scheduled the delivery of judgments in four petitions related to the recent local government elections.

The tribunal will deliver its judgment on the Konshisha LGA petition on 14 April 2025, followed by Vandeikya LGA on 15 April 2025.

Ushongo LGA’s case is also set for judgment on the same day as Vandeikya, while the Kwande LGA petition will be decided on 14 April 2025.

These decisions are eagerly awaited, as they will determine the resolution of election disputes in the affected local government areas.

Petitioners challenging the election results in their respective LGAs are closely monitoring the tribunal’s proceedings, with many hoping for a favourable ruling. The judgments are expected to have significant implications for local governance in the state.

The developments come amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the 5 October 2024 local government elections in Benue State.

The tribunal’s relocation from Makurdi to Abuja in March 2025, due to security concerns and a judiciary staff strike, sparked protests and legal resistance.

While the Federal High Court in Makurdi initially halted the tribunal’s Abuja sitting, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory later issued an interim order permitting the proceedings to continue.

Benue Local Election Petitions Tribunal sets dates for judgement

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Nuclear deal: Kremlin supports direct US, Iran talks

The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Russia supported both direct and indirect talks between Iran and the US over the nuclear programme, as offering a chance for the de-escalation of tensions between the two sides. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in a call with reporters, reiterated Russia’s support for a diplomatic and political settlement. “We know
Nuclear deal: Kremlin supports direct US, Iran talks

The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Russia supported both direct and indirect talks between Iran and the US over the nuclear programme, as offering a chance for the de-escalation of tensions between the two sides.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in a call with reporters, reiterated Russia’s support for a diplomatic and political settlement.

“We know that certain contacts, direct and indirect, are planned in Oman. And, of course, this can only be welcomed, because it may lead to a de-escalation of tensions around Iran,” Peskov said.

Iranian state media reported on Tuesday that the talks between the US and Iran would take place in Oman on April 12.

Recall that US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the two countries were poised to begin direct talks, but Iran’s foreign minister said the discussions in Oman would be indirect, and held via mediators.

Trump has repeatedly said in recent months that he wants a deal with Iran over its longstanding nuclear programme, but has threatened military action if no accord is forthcoming.

Russia and Iran have strengthened their diplomatic and military ties since Moscow ordered tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

Moscow has made extensive use of Iranian-made drones against Ukrainian military and infrastructure targets.

Russia has previously offered to help facilitate talks between Tehran and Washington.

Nuclear deal: Kremlin supports direct US, Iran talks

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Poverty has been with Nigeria before Independence – Tinubu’s aide Fasua

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, on Tuesday said the current poverty in Nigeria was inherited from the pre-Independence era. Fasua also admitted that there is currently a surge in hunger across Nigeria. Featured on Arise TV’s Morning Show, the presidential aide also disclosed that it is against the law to
Poverty has been with Nigeria before Independence – Tinubu’s aide Fasua

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, on Tuesday said the current poverty in Nigeria was inherited from the pre-Independence era.

Fasua also admitted that there is currently a surge in hunger across Nigeria.

Featured on Arise TV’s Morning Show, the presidential aide also disclosed that it is against the law to pay any full-time worker N40,000 monthly.

He explained that, with the new minimum wage law, it is a crime to pay workers such a low amount.

According to Fasua: “When we are talking about poverty, I said perhaps we need our own indices beyond the two dollars a day recommended, and the fact that they are recommended does not mean that we should take it hook, line, and sinker because we know our country, people, and culture more than the people recommending.

“So this idea of buying policies off the shelf, plug and play – that’s what we were addressing. My concern really is that let’s discombobulate this issue of poverty and hunger so that the government is not constantly gaslighted. We inherited a problem in this country right from Independence, even pre-independence, people have always struggled with poverty.

“The issue now is, how are we trying to solve it – given the fact that there is poverty everywhere in the world. My key concern is that part of the way we have used to reduce inflation and spiking poverty is to agree on the minimum wage of N70,000.

“Some of the states have taken it to N80,000, some N75,000, and so on; this morning I was reading in one of the newspapers that only 16 states have actually effected it.

“We can’t expect people to continue to survive on the same salaries they were earning two years ago, while inflation in some critical goods like food has gone up by 200 per cent.

“I have met people who said they are still being paid N40,000 for a full-time job. In fact, it is against the law because there is a law that says you can’t pay someone in full employment less than N70,000, and that is what you pay an intern.

“I agree that there is hunger, but those things don’t define Nigeria.”

Poverty has been with Nigeria before Independence – Tinubu’s aide Fasua

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It’s imperative government enterprises champion corporate governance – MOFI

The Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI, has stated that government institutions which prioritise an efficient corporate governance structure are supporting the Federal Government’s quest to attract private capital for Nigeria’s infrastructural development. Managing Director of MOFI, Armstrong Takang, said this at the official launch of the Corporate Governance Scorecard in Abuja. The event, themed ‘Ensuring
It’s imperative government enterprises champion corporate governance – MOFI

The Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI, has stated that government institutions which prioritise an efficient corporate governance structure are supporting the Federal Government’s quest to attract private capital for Nigeria’s infrastructural development.

Managing Director of MOFI, Armstrong Takang, said this at the official launch of the Corporate Governance Scorecard in Abuja.

The event, themed ‘Ensuring Value Creation in State-Owned Enterprises Through Better Corporate Governance,’ was organised in partnership with the World Bank, and is part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to reposition Federal Government-owned enterprises and government-linked companies as key instruments in driving inclusive economic growth and national development.

Established in 1959 and recently restructured, MOFI serves as the asset manager for the Federal Government. Its renewed mandate is centred on the enumeration, professionalisation, and optimisation of the federal government’s commercial assets. MOFI is tasked with transforming underperforming assets into high-performing entities, attracting investments, and maximising returns to the Nigerian public.

According to Takang, a corporate governance culture in public institutions will attract private capital into Nigeria’s public sector financing.

He explained further that the initiative aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.

Takang added that the mechanism would focus on evaluating the performance of State-Owned Enterprises, SOEs, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing reforms to boost productivity.

“State-owned enterprises form a critical component of the national economic framework. They wield considerable influence across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and financial services,” he noted.

The forum brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, development partners, corporate governance experts, and executives from federal government-owned enterprises and government-linked companies across Nigeria and West Africa.

Speaking at the event, Shamsudeen Usman, a former Minister of National Planning who now heads the board of MOFI, said the government wants its actions to reflect corporate governance efficiency.

“We want our action to speak for us henceforth so that we can attract private capital for government enterprises through our transparency,” Usman said.

He added that MOFI is prepared to ensure performance-based corporate governance in the public sector, noting that agencies that prioritise this should be rewarded.

The former minister further declared that the code of ethics and professionalism in corporate governance is henceforth the watchword for government enterprises.

Recognising the importance of ethics and professionalism in corporate governance, Usman noted that MOFI has embarked on strategic reforms to reposition SOEs for value creation.

“MOFI is tasked with serving as an active asset manager for the Federal Government, ensuring the professionalisation, optimisation, and efficient administration of government-owned enterprises.

“With the MOFI corporate governance scorecard initiative, the government is putting in place a mechanism to assess, monitor, and enhance the performance of its SOEs,” he said.

It’s imperative government enterprises champion corporate governance – MOFI

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Tinubu boys will attack me for pointing out lopsided appointments – Ali Ndume

Borno South Senator Ali Ndume has said President Bola Tinubu’s ‘boys’ will attack him for describing his political appointments as lopsided. Ndume stated that Tinubu’s political appointments failed to meet constitutional provisions. He pointed out that the president’s appointments violate Nigeria’s federal character principle. Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, Ndume said: “When
Tinubu boys will attack me for pointing out lopsided appointments – Ali Ndume

Borno South Senator Ali Ndume has said President Bola Tinubu’s ‘boys’ will attack him for describing his political appointments as lopsided.

Ndume stated that Tinubu’s political appointments failed to meet constitutional provisions.

He pointed out that the president’s appointments violate Nigeria’s federal character principle.

Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, Ndume said: “When you look at it vis-a-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments, the constitution is very clear. And it is because of avoiding such infractions that the Constitution clearly states that appointments, especially political appointments, should reflect the federal character, and that is not the case here.

“And all I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that they can be corrected, otherwise, you know, these things can boomerang at a certain period of time.

“Collectively, we are supposed to oversight the acts of Mr President and point out some of these irregularities. That is what we swore to do. It’s not personal. Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people?

“But you know what? After this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message. From tomorrow, those so-called Tinubu boys or people will start attacking Ndume.”

Tinubu boys will attack me for pointing out lopsided appointments – Ali Ndume

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Wike hosts suspended Rivers lawmakers in UK

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday met with the suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Wike hosted the suspended lawmakers for a dinner in the United Kingdom, UK. This followed his earlier meeting with some of his political allies in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital,
Wike hosts suspended Rivers lawmakers in UK

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday met with the suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Wike hosted the suspended lawmakers for a dinner in the United Kingdom, UK.

This followed his earlier meeting with some of his political allies in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Sunday.

The meeting was disclosed by the minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, via his Facebook page.

According to Olayinka: “Yesterday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, hosted Rivers State House of Assembly members who are in the United Kingdom for Legislative Capacity Building, to a dinner. Wike left Nigeria on Sunday night after visiting his political friends and associates in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.”

Recall that the lawmakers were suspended by President Bola Tinubu after declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State due to security concerns. Governor Sim Fubara was also suspended for six months. The emergency rule stemmed from the ongoing political crisis between Wike and Fubara.

The crisis had affected the lawmakers and the entire political structure in Rivers State.

The Supreme Court later intervened, ordering the reinstatement of the lawmakers and directing Governor Fubara to present the 2024 budget before the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly.

However, Fubara’s attempt to present the budget was thwarted as the lawmakers barred him from accessing the Assembly complex.

The suspended lawmakers are currently in the UK for a legislative capacity-building programme.

Wike hosts suspended Rivers lawmakers in UK