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N2.4trn Regional Commissions budget: North-Central laments exclusion, alleges marginalization

The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has cried out over the exclusion of the North-Central region from the N2.493 trillion allocated to regional development commissions in the 2025 proposed budget. The Forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, in Abuja on Friday, said the absence of a regional development commission
N2.4trn Regional Commissions budget: North-Central laments exclusion, alleges marginalization

The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has cried out over the exclusion of the North-Central region from the N2.493 trillion allocated to regional development commissions in the 2025 proposed budget.

The Forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, in Abuja on Friday, said the absence of a regional development commission for the zone, which has made the region to miss out from the N2.493 trillion budget, amounted to injustice and marginalization.

Among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, only the North-Central is yet to get a regional development commission.

The five regional development commissions are Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for the South-South; North West Development Commission, NWDC, South West Development Commission, SWDC; South East Development Commission, SEDC; and North East Development Commission, NEDC.

The five development commissions are under the Ministry of Regional Development, which was created by President Bola Tinubu in October 2025 to replace the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

A breakdown of the N2.4 trillion budget for the Ministry of Regional Development, according to allocations to the five development commissions, is as follows: Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, N776.53 billion; North West Development Commission, NWDC, N585.93 billion; South West Development Commission, SWDC, N498.40 billion; South East Development Commission, SEDC, N341.27 billion, and North East Development Commission, NEDC, N291 billion.

Moves by leaders of the North-Central to get a development commission for the zone have not been successful. A bill for the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission passed first and second readings but could not get presidential assent before the expiration of the 9th Senate with the end of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A fresh bill seeking the establishment of the North Central Development Commission is currently pending before the National Assembly.

However, in the statement made available to journalists on Friday, the North-Central APC Forum frowned at the “neglect and marginalization of the region”, despite what it described as the massive support enjoyed by the Tinubu-led Federal Government in the geopolitical zone in the 2023 election.

In the statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 election, the APC Forum expressed concern that the absence of a development commission for the North-Central, and its exclusion from the N2.4 trillion budget for the regional development commissions, would have a negative impact on the development of the region.

Parts of the statement read, “The North-Central APC Forum is crying out over the shocking exclusion of the North-Central geopolitical zone from the N2.4 trillion allocated to the regional development commissions in the 2025 budget. The N2.4 trillion will fund capital projects and other developmental initiatives in five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the exclusion of the North-Central.

“This injustice is unacceptable to the people of the North-Central, who deserve to be treated as equals to other Nigerians, rather than being subjected to marginalization and neglect.

“For us in the North-Central APC Forum, this is even more worrisome because in the last election, after the South-West, the North-Central is second in terms of general acceptability of President Bola Tinubu.

“The North-Central worked hard to deliver the government and we feel sad and disillusioned that it appears that we are being rewarded with neglect and marginalization.

“Also, it is on record that the North-Central is the first zone to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term because we believe in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The exclusion of the North-Central region from the N2.4 trillion allocated to the other geopolitical zones, through the various regional development commissions, is a huge disappointment to the people of the zone, who believe so much in the APC-led Federal Government.

“Should the North-Central miss out from the budgetary allocations to the regions in the 2025 fiscal year, it would lead to an irrecoverable setback for the growth and development of the region.”

The APC Forum appealed for acceleration of the process for establishment of a development commission for the North-Central. It also made a case for a supplementary budget to capture the region in the 2025 budget.

“The North-Central APC Forum calls for accelerated enactment of the legislation for establishment of the North-Central Development Commission, in time to ensure inclusion of the region in the 2025 budget. We also call for a supplementary budget to fund projects under the anticipated North-Central Development Commission within the 2025 fiscal year, as is the case with other regions.

“No section of the country should be left behind in the quest for development, therefore we demand that the North-Central must not be made to move at a slower pace than other geopolitical zones,” the statement added.

The APC Forum, in the same vein, noted that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, should be at the forefront of the push for the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission, instead of engaging in a power tussle with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.

“This is one of the reasons why we have been asking the SGF to carry the entire North-Central along and stand as the leader of the zone. He should leave local politics alone and concentrate on championing the cause of the North-Central,” it stated.

The APC Forum equally urged the North-Central Governors Forum, led by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, to push for the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission.

“The governors of the North-Central states should not be silent on this issue. We expect the North-Central governors to spearhead the push for establishment of a development commission for the region. We urge the governors in the zone to make this objective a priority,” it demanded.

In the same vein, the North-Central APC appealed for the support of all Nigerians to “right the wrong” done to the geopolitical zone.

N2.4trn Regional Commissions budget: North-Central laments exclusion, alleges marginalization

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Otti promises support for NDLEA in fight against drug abuse

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has advocated a multi-faceted approach with intelligence-driven strategies in combating drug abuse. Otti spoke on Thursday when he received a delegation of the new State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nnadi Wilfred, in Nvosi in the Isialangwa South Local Government Area of the state. He frowned at the evolving
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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has advocated a multi-faceted approach with intelligence-driven strategies in combating drug abuse. Otti spoke on Thursday when he received a delegation of the new State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nnadi Wilfred, in Nvosi in the Isialangwa South Local Government Area of the state. He frowned at the evolving

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Cross River’s Attorney General distances self from alleged arrest of traditional ruler

The Attorney General of Cross River State and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani Esq has denied reports purporting his involvement in the alleged arrest and detention of a traditional ruler in Calabar Municipality, Chief Maurice Omin Iso. An report had linked the Attorney General to the arrest and detention of the chief. Reacting, Ani, in
Cross River’s Attorney General distances self from alleged arrest of traditional ruler

The Attorney General of Cross River State and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani Esq has denied reports purporting his involvement in the alleged arrest and detention of a traditional ruler in Calabar Municipality, Chief Maurice Omin Iso.

An report had linked the Attorney General to the arrest and detention of the chief.

Reacting, Ani, in a statement on Thursday, described the report as malicious, stating that the purveyor of the report only intended to denigrate his reputation.

The Commissioner urged members of the public not to pay heed to the report, stressing that contrary to what was reported, the said Chief was not arrested on his directive.

He, however, explained that Chief Maurice Omin Iso, Ntufam Donatus Etim and others, visited the Zone 6 Police Headquarters in Calabar on 23 December, 2024, for an interview with regard to a petition bordering on attempted murder and Kidnapping.

“One is then left to wonder how someone who was said to have been arrested two days earlier, would accept an invitation from the Police and physically attend the same two days later.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Omin Iso left the Zone 6 Command after the said interview, of his own free will,” he stated

He also dismissed as fabrication, claims that Chief Iso was arrested because he got judgments against the state.

Cross River’s Attorney General distances self from alleged arrest of traditional ruler

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Footballer dies after slumping during tournament in Osun

Osun State Police Command has confirmed the death of one Adeyemi Adewale while participating in a football competition in Osogbo, the state capital. The deceased said to be a player of the Ilesa West Local Government Area football team, reportedly slumped on the field and was rushed to a hospital. It was further learnt that,
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Osun State Police Command has confirmed the death of one Adeyemi Adewale while participating in a football competition in Osogbo, the state capital. The deceased said to be a player of the Ilesa West Local Government Area football team, reportedly slumped on the field and was rushed to a hospital. It was further learnt that,

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Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Unprovoked killing of military men unacceptable – Anokwu

A social crusader, Engr Chidi Anokwu has called for an end to the recklessness of military men across the country. DAILY POST reports that in the last few days, several military men have paid the ultimate price while providing security to threatened communities. Anokwu, who is the International President of De Norsemen Kclub International spoke
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Unprovoked killing of military men unacceptable – Anokwu

A social crusader, Engr Chidi Anokwu has called for an end to the recklessness of military men across the country.

DAILY POST reports that in the last few days, several military men have paid the ultimate price while providing security to threatened communities.

Anokwu, who is the International President of De Norsemen Kclub International spoke in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, calling for an end to such killings.

He urged for more care for the armed forces of Nigeria, noting that the sacrifice they make for Nigerians to live in peace and oneness cannot be measured.

“We are very proud of the members of the armed forces. We appreciate the good work they do in defending us, especially our democracy.

“While we sleep in our mansions, they stay awake in the bushes, warding off enemies.

“With roofs on our heads, they stand on the road, night and day, ensuring our safety. We truly appreciate them and will always support them in our own little ways.

“We know what sacrifice and service means. That is why we have joined other well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate our military men and remember those who have fallen,” he said.

He advised Nigerians to respect and safeguard the lives of military personnel at all times.

“As people of genuine course, we must respect the members of the armed forces at all times.

“We condemn, in strongest terms, the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of our military men in different parts of the country.

“A soldier is a brother, a sister, a husband, a wife, a father, a mother, a friend, and above all a human being.

“They deserve to live like everyone of us. We must help in protecting their lives by providing credible intelligence on the hideout of criminals,” he added.

Anokwu commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for adjusting the celebration to include the living.

“It is important to commend the Chief of Defense Staff for changing the celebration to, ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’.

“The adjustment is apt. While we remember the fallen heroes, we celebrate the living ones.

“However, the welfare of the living heroes should be a topmost priority. They should be given modern equipment to fight insecurity.

“Their living conditions and other welfare packages should be improved.

“Lastly, the bad eggs who stand on the road to molest and extort money from innocent citizens should be apprehended and severely punished,” he concluded.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Unprovoked killing of military men unacceptable – Anokwu

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Lack of intelligence coordination hindering North-East security efforts – Ex-DSS Director

A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has raised concerns over the lack of coordinated intelligence among Nigeria’s security agencies, which he said was hindering the fight against insurgency in the North-East geopolitical zone. Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics programme on Thursday, Amachree emphasized the importance of intelligence
Lack of intelligence coordination hindering North-East security efforts – Ex-DSS Director

A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has raised concerns over the lack of coordinated intelligence among Nigeria’s security agencies, which he said was hindering the fight against insurgency in the North-East geopolitical zone.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics programme on Thursday, Amachree emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and operational synergy in addressing the persistent threat posed by terrorists in the region.

“There is a loophole in intelligence gathering, and this is affecting the fight against insurgents,” he said.

“While we are making gains, especially in Borno State, the concentration of military and intelligence power in Maiduguri leaves far-flung areas like Damboa, Chibok, and Gwoza vulnerable to attacks.”

Amachree highlighted recent incidents, including an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Baga, where soldiers attempting to recover the bodies of slain civilians were attacked. Several soldiers were reportedly killed, while others went missing.

“The ambush in Baga underscores the need for better intelligence. Going there to pick up dead bodies without proper reconnaissance or understanding of the area’s security situation was not a good idea,” he said.

He also criticized the lack of follow-up after military operations, where territories cleared of insurgents are often left without adequate security, leaving residents exposed to renewed attacks.

“After the fight, insurgents are supposed to be driven away, and the police are supposed to take over. But what we see is that after the fight, the natives are left alone. When the insurgents return and don’t see any security agents, they strike again,” Amachree explained.

The former DSS official also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that the appointment of new heads for security agencies was a step in the right direction.

“He [Tinubu] said in his first speech that he would restructure the security architecture. Changing the heads of the agencies is a very good move, but it’s important to improve the reporting lines and coordination among all security agencies to ensure seamless intelligence sharing,” Amachree said.

Lack of intelligence coordination hindering North-East security efforts – Ex-DSS Director

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INEC deletes 7,746 deceased persons from voter register

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that 7,746 deceased voters were removed from the national voter register in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of December 2022. The Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Etta-Messi, disclosed this to our correspondent on Thursday. “Seven thousand, seven hundred and forty-six decreased persons across
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The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that 7,746 deceased voters were removed from the national voter register in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of December 2022. The Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Etta-Messi, disclosed this to our correspondent on Thursday. “Seven thousand, seven hundred and forty-six decreased persons across

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Military kills six Lakurawa terrorists, recovers weapons in Sokoto

Troops of the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade conducted a coordinated offensive operation against Lakurawa terrorists in the Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma,  Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the operation
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Troops of the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade conducted a coordinated offensive operation against Lakurawa terrorists in the Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma,  Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the operation

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Northern Nigeria will benefit from proposed tax reform – Gov Sule

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has disclosed that the proposed tax reform bills championed by President Bola Tinubu will significantly benefit northern Nigeria. Speaking during an interview on Politics Today on Channels TV, Governor Sule revealed how the reforms, particularly the revised Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution formula, would ensure greater equity and fiscal balance across
Northern Nigeria will benefit from proposed tax reform – Gov Sule

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has disclosed that the proposed tax reform bills championed by President Bola Tinubu will significantly benefit northern Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today on Channels TV, Governor Sule revealed how the reforms, particularly the revised Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution formula, would ensure greater equity and fiscal balance across the country.

“These reforms are a game-changer for northern Nigeria. Under the new VAT sharing formula, 50% will be allocated for equity, 30% based on derivation, and 20% tied to consumption. This adjustment reflects a fairer system that addresses long-standing disparities.”

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), which initially approached the reforms with caution, recently announced its support for President Tinubu’s proposals after securing assurances from the President’s Tax Reform Committee, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele.

According to Governor Sule, the endorsement came after thorough deliberations and adjustments to the reform framework to accommodate regional and state-specific concerns.

Governor Sule further emphasized that the NGF’s backing of the reforms demonstrates a unified effort by the governors to achieve fiscal equity while maintaining the balance between federal and state interests.

“The discussions surrounding the proposed tax reform bills are intended to uphold President Bola Tinubu’s vision rather than criticize or oppose him,” he added.

The proposed tax reform bills are now awaiting deliberation in the National Assembly, with analysts predicting intense discussions as legislators work to refine the proposals further.

Northern Nigeria will benefit from proposed tax reform – Gov Sule