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2025 budget, tax reform bills top agenda for legislative action — Senate Leader Bamidele

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said consideration of the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget and the tax reform bills are two items topping the National Assembly’s agenda in the new year. Bamidele made this statement in his New Year message to Nigerians, made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday. In the message, entitled “Another Year
2025 budget, tax reform bills top agenda for legislative action — Senate Leader Bamidele

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said consideration of the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget and the tax reform bills are two items topping the National Assembly’s agenda in the new year.

Bamidele made this statement in his New Year message to Nigerians, made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

In the message, entitled “Another Year of Limitless Opportunities,” Bamidele said that the next few weeks would be devoted to scrutinising the 2025 Appropriation Bill, Tax Reform Bills 2024, and the investigation of economic sabotage in the petroleum industry, among others.

According to him, key economic reform initiatives that had been in the pipeline to open up Nigeria for real businesses, which would create limitless opportunities, would also be deliberated upon.

He added that the constructive collaboration that the National Assembly had been having with the executive since June 2023 was already yielding results.

The Senate Leader cited the multi-tiered interventions by the Presidency and National Assembly, especially the commencement of operations by Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals within the 2024 fiscal year, as an example.

Another example, he said, was the Port Harcourt Refining Company and Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company, which were now back in operation after almost two decades of inaction.

Bamidele assured that the National Assembly would sustain the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s drive to deepen global best practices in the country’s petroleum industry.

“This is the rationale behind the Senate Ad Hoc Committee to investigate alleged economic sabotage in the Nigerian petroleum industry.

“Considering the significance of the committee, the National Assembly has initiated the process to constitute a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives.

“This is to look more decisively and incisively into diverse issues spurring infraction and sabotage in the petroleum industry,” he said.

2025 budget, tax reform bills top agenda for legislative action — Senate Leader Bamidele

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No plan to take local governments from you — Tinubu assures governors

President Bola Tinubu said the financial autonomy granted to local governments is not an attempt to snatch the third tier of government from governors. The President, who tasked the 36 state governors with leading development at the grassroots, said the leadership of governors at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity,
No plan to take local governments from you — Tinubu assures governors

President Bola Tinubu said the financial autonomy granted to local governments is not an attempt to snatch the third tier of government from governors.

The President, who tasked the 36 state governors with leading development at the grassroots, said the leadership of governors at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity, and rapid national growth.

Tinubu made this statement when members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, led by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, paid him a New Year homage at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Wednesday.

He emphasised the significance of grassroots development and dispelled rumours of disagreement with the governors.

“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.

“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it,” Tinubu said.

The President called for stronger synergy between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.

He urged governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability.

“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands.

“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.

Speaking, Kwara State governor and chairman of NGF assured the President of the support of the governors.

“I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I’ve done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term.

“We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it,” the governor said.

No plan to take local governments from you — Tinubu assures governors

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No hostility with govs over local govt autonomy, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said that his administration is in no battle with state governors over the controversial local government autonomy. Tinubu, however, called for collaboration from the 36 state executives, highlighting their crucial role in grassroots development. “There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No…Nobody wants to take them
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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said that his administration is in no battle with state governors over the controversial local government autonomy. Tinubu, however, called for collaboration from the 36 state executives, highlighting their crucial role in grassroots development. “There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No…Nobody wants to take them

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• January 1, 2025
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Georgia judge shoots self, dies in courtroom

Effingham County, Georgia, is reeling from tragedy as Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide inside his courtroom. The incident occurred late Monday night into early Tuesday, on what would have been his last day on the bench following a recent election loss. Yekel’s body was discovered Tuesday morning, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation,
Georgia judge shoots self, dies in courtroom

Effingham County, Georgia, is reeling from tragedy as Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide inside his courtroom.

The incident occurred late Monday night into early Tuesday, on what would have been his last day on the bench following a recent election loss.

Yekel’s body was discovered Tuesday morning, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, GBI, is currently probing the circumstances surrounding his death.

Judge Yekel, who had served since his appointment in 2022, attempted to resign from his position after losing his re-election bid.

However, Governor Brian Kemp rejected his resignation, citing a desire to respect “the will of the people of Effingham County.”

Yekel expressed frustration in his resignation letter, stating that only 6 per cent of eligible voters had participated in the election he lost to Judge Melissa M. Calhoun.

Yekel’s death follows a difficult year marked by personal and professional challenges. His ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, had publicly defended him against rumours related to their divorce and his re-election campaign.

She also revealed financial difficulties stemming from a failed daycare business and described him as “one of the most respectful, honest, and caring people I know.”

In addition to his election loss, Yekel was facing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford, who alleged wrongful termination and sought $10,000 in damages.

Crawford claimed Yekel fired her to replace her with his own staff and accused her of conspiring to reduce charges for DUI offenders, allegations Yekel denied in an email submitted as evidence in the case.

Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie expressed shock and sadness over the incident, announcing that the courtroom would remain closed until January 2.

The county extended its condolences to Yekel’s family and loved ones, describing his death as a significant loss.

Governor Kemp has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the tragedy.

Judge Yekel had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement and the judiciary. Before he was appointed judge, he served as an assistant district attorney in Chatham County and worked as a special agent with Georgia’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit.

He leaves behind four children—Sean, Ashleigh, Blake, and Brett—and a legacy of service that many in the community are now mourning.

Georgia judge shoots self, dies in courtroom

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Drive agricultural growth, LGA transformation, Tinubu tells govs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged state governors to take the lead in driving Nigeria’s agricultural revolution and strengthening local government autonomy to foster grassroots development and economic stability. Tinubu described their role as the “most important link” to Nigeria’s prosperity and development during a New Year visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged state governors to take the lead in driving Nigeria’s agricultural revolution and strengthening local government autonomy to foster grassroots development and economic stability. Tinubu described their role as the “most important link” to Nigeria’s prosperity and development during a New Year visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members

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• January 1, 2025
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13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death

A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has sentenced 13 soldiers to death for various charges including murder, looting, and cowardice. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu, a region severely impacted by militia violence and the ongoing insurgency of the M23 rebel group. The trial, part of a
13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death

A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has sentenced 13 soldiers to death for various charges including murder, looting, and cowardice.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu, a region severely impacted by militia violence and the ongoing insurgency of the M23 rebel group.

The trial, part of a larger crackdown by Congolese military authorities, aims to address indiscipline within the army, which has faced criticism for territorial losses to enemy forces.

Mak Hazukay, an army spokesperson, pointed out the detrimental impact of soldiers abandoning their posts.

“Fighting has flared in Lubero territory, and cases of soldiers abandoning their positions have helped the enemy advance.

“Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline. We had to organise this educational trial to set things right,” Hazukay stated.

The tribunal tried 24 soldiers in total. Thirteen were sentenced to death, while four received prison terms ranging from two to 10 years. Six soldiers were acquitted, and one case was deferred for further investigation.

Military prosecutor Kabala Kabundi stated the importance of the trial.

“The trials aimed to help restore trust between the military and the population,” Kabundi said.

All convicted soldiers pleaded not guilty and have five days to appeal their sentences. A defence lawyer for one of the soldiers confirmed plans to challenge the rulings.

The trial took place against the backdrop of the Congolese army’s struggle against the M23 rebel group, which has captured significant territory in North Kivu.

The DRC accuses neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, an allegation Kigali denies.

13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death

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New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 23 suspects for New Year’s Eve thuggery and armed robbery in Minna, the state capital. The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrest was part of proactive efforts to ensure a peaceful crossover celebration into the New Year. He
New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 23 suspects for New Year’s Eve thuggery and armed robbery in Minna, the state capital.

The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrest was part of proactive efforts to ensure a peaceful crossover celebration into the New Year.

He stated that Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, directed area commanders and DPOs to deploy personnel and assets to strategic locations within the city.

Acting on this directive, Abiodun stated that the DPO of the GRA Division led patrol teams, including a Crack Squad, to Fadikpe Junction and Dutsen-Kura Junction in Minna at approximately 12:45 am on January 1, 2025.

According to him, “The team encountered a group of irate thugs burning tyres and engaging in a fierce fight with dangerous weapons.”

The swift intervention of the police resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects, who were found in possession of various weapons and illicit substances, including suspected cannabis, swords, knives, sticks, and stones.

Other items found with them include iron rods, charms, scissors, and tobacco.

The 23 suspects are currently under investigation at the GRA Division of the state police command and will be charged in court for prosecution, said Abiodun.

New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger

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Saudi Arabia executed 338 in 2024 – Report

Saudi Arabia has put six Iranians to death for drug trafficking, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a year in which it carried out a record number of executions, according to an AFP tally of official reports. The six were executed in Dammam, on the Gulf coast, for having “clandestinely introduced hashish” into the kingdom,
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Saudi Arabia has put six Iranians to death for drug trafficking, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a year in which it carried out a record number of executions, according to an AFP tally of official reports. The six were executed in Dammam, on the Gulf coast, for having “clandestinely introduced hashish” into the kingdom,

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