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Tinubu Lacks Powers To Declare Bandits, Kidnappers As Terrorists

By
James Orji
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Bandits Leader Bello-Turji

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no power to brand any group in the country as terrorists, according to a security expert, Kabiru Adamu.

Adamu spoke on Channels Television programme Politics Today on Monday, amid the ongoing onslaught against bandits and kidnappers by the security agencies after President Tinubu branded them as terrorists.  Experts say security agencies now have more reason heighten their crackdown on the criminals after the president’s remark.

Adamu, however, insisted that neither the president nor his  cabinet members have the power to brand a group as a terrorist organisation, saying only the court has the power to do so.

Adamu spoke in response to President Tinubu’s recent declaration, to the effect, that bandits, armed groups and kidnappers have now been branded as terrorists by the federal government, saying security agencies have been ordered to go after them because they are enemies of the country.

Tinubu made the remark last Friday when he presented the budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to a joint session of the National Assembly, stating that his government will go after the criminals and their sponsors, saying a new legal framework is been designed for that purpose.

H said: “Under this new architecture, any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actors operating outside state authority will be regarded as terrorists.

“Bandits, militias, armed gangs, armed robbers, violent cults, forest-based armed groups, and foreign-linked mercenaries will all be targeted.

“We will go after all those who perpetrate violence for political or sectarian ends, along with those who finance and facilitate their evil schemes.

“We will usher in a new era of criminal justice. We will show no mercy to those who commit or support acts of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and other violent crimes.

Also on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris also reinforced President Tinubu’s remark.

In his reaction, the popular security expert disclosed that, only the court, as provided in the Nigerian law have the power  to designate a group as terrorist.

Adamu: “The law that determines who a terrorist is in Nigeria is the Terrorism (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, as amended in 2022. It defines what constitutes terrorism and also provides procedures for determining who or what qualifies as a terrorist group, or who is supporting and financing terrorism.

“That law assigns the responsibility for such determinations to a competent court of jurisdiction and places the duty of petitioning for these determinations on the Attorney General of the Federation.

“So, even the president does not have the power to determine whether a group is a terrorist organization, nor does any member of the executive arm. That authority resides with the judiciary, through a competent court of jurisdiction.”

Following President Tinubu declaration of bandits and kidnappers and other armed groups in the country as terrorists, experts insist that security forces now have the authority to go after them full-throttle, unlike in the past when they were somehow legally restrained.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Receives Title Documents To Houses, Lands; National Honour Certificates, Gears Up For Tanzania Cracker

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles Receives Title Documents
Super Eagles Receives Title Documents To Houses, Lands; National Honour Certificates

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in its first Group Match at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship in Morocco, members of the team, (Class of 2024) have formally received their Certificates for National Honours, and Title Documents to Housing Allocations in either Abuja or Lagos and land grants in Abuja.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had pledged the rewards to the team following their Second-Place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire held in January/February 2024.

The Presentation was made by National Sports Commission, NSC,  Chairman, Shehu Dikko, along with other members of the delegation comprising Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, House Committee Chairman on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, Comptroller General, CG, Customs, Bashir Adewale, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, Ibrahim Gusau, SSA to the President on Sports, Nathan-Mash, Nigeria High Embassy officials, Mallam Saleh Amadu among other dignitaries present at the brief ceremony held at the Team Hotel in Fez, Morocco on December 22.

Speaking during the presentation, Dikko clarified that all players will receive the National Honour of Members of the Order of Niger, MON except Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen who were awarded, Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, Honours, on account of having MON earlier.

While William Troost-Ekong was awarded, Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, for being named as Player of the Tournament.

Dikko also confirmed that the National Honours, Houses and Land allocations approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, have been processed, with allocations letters issued in line with the President’s commitment to reward excellence and national service.

Furthermore, the NSC Chairman confirmed that the rewards of Houses, National Honours and cash awards of Naira Equivalent of $100,000 awarded by President Tinubu to the Super Falcons and the D’Tigers have been processed with the Title documents to the houses and National Honours Certificates available for collection while the office of the Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation are concluding the cash payments direct to the players accounts.

The move reinforces a growing shift toward structured athlete welfare and accountability, as the Super Eagles turn focus back to on-field performance in their AFCON qualifying journey.

Uzodimma Presents N1.43tr. Budget Of Economic Breakthrough For 2026

By
The Source
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Uzodimma presents budget
Governor Hope Uzodimma lays before the Imo State House of Assembly, the draft of the N1.43tr. 2026 Appropriation christened budget of economic breakthrough at the Assembly Complex, New Owerri... Monday, December 22, 2025.

Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monday made another history in Imo State, the first to hit the trillion mark in budgetary presentation, sending a whooping ₦1.439, 573,590,405.04 draft budget for 2026 to the State Assembly for consideration.

Th draft which he christened the “Budget of Economic Breakthrough,” will go a long way in synergizing infrastructure with all the critical economic programmes initiated by his administration in the years gone by to achieve economic freedom and independence for the State.

The emphasis, he noted, is to enable the State reap the full benefit of the of initiatives in the area of Light Up Imo Project, Orashi Free Trade Zone, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport expansion,  Digital Economy and consequently job creation, and economic transformation.

Presenting the proposal at the Imo State House of Assembly Complex Monday, December 22, 2025, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that the budget builds on achievements recorded over the past six years, including over 130 completed roads, six functional tertiary hospitals, and improved security across the State.

The 2026 budget represents a 78 percent increase from the 2025 budget.

A breakdown of expenditure shows a strong capital investment drive, with ₦1.201 trillion (83.4 percent) allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦238.5 billion (16.6 percent) is set aside for recurrent expenditure – covering personnel costs, overheads, and statutory obligations.

On revenue, the State expects ₦823.27 billion from recurrent revenue sources, including Internally Generated Revenue, statutory FAAC allocations, VAT, derivation funds, and other federal transfers.

Capital receipts from development partners and donor agencies are projected at ₦382.72 billion.

Capital expenditure is largely directed at economic and social development. The economic sector receives over ₦1.01 trillion, followed by the social sector with ₦87.7 billion, administrative services with ₦32.8 billion, and special intervention votes.

Strategic ministries also receive significant allocations, reflecting government priorities.

For instance, the health sector receives the largest share, aimed at rehabilitating health facilities and improving access to essential services.

Major funding is also earmarked for works and infrastructure, power, education, agriculture, rural development, and entrepreneurship and skills acquisition to drive employment and inclusive growth.

The Governor described the budget as “a roadmap to sustained economic breakthroughs,” assuring that all ongoing projects would be completed and that the investments would translate into tangible benefits for the people of Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma assured the lawmakers that no project would be abandoned and described the budget as a foundation for industrialisation, economic stability, and shared prosperity for Imo residents.

Governor Uzodimma had recalled the state of Imo when he took over the mantle of leadership, noting that the penchant for human beings to have short memory will not fail them so much as to not recall what Imo was looking like in all ramifications in 2020.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, praised the achievements of the State Government under Governor Uzodimma, describing the administration’s record as impactful and forward-looking.

Speaking at the Assembly complex, Olemgbe emphasised cooperation among arms of government and reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to democratic principles.

He highlighted key gains of the 3R Administration, including improved security, the establishment of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, timely payment of civil servants’ salaries, and the recruitment of over 6,000 teachers.

The Speaker also commended ongoing infrastructure development, citing extensive road projects and notable improvements at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

He acknowledged progress in the digital economy, pointing to the creation of a dedicated Ministry that has enhanced government efficiency and social services.

Referencing the recent Imo Economic Summit, Olemgbe described it as a major boost to the State’s investment outlook.

He concluded by expressing confidence in the Assembly’s performance and pledged that lawmakers would give the 2026 budget thorough, urgent and constructive consideration in the interest of Imo State’s continued growth.

In their remarks, the Hon. Members representing; Orsu, Oguta, Oru East, Owerri Municipal and Isiala Mbano Constituencies ( Uche Agabige, Gilbert Nwosu, Chigozie Nwaneri, Clinton Amadi and Sam Osuji) expressed delight on the 2026 appropriation bill and commended Governor Uzodimma for the achievements recorded in the State.

They described the budget as an ambitious document that will provide meaningful impact in the State and for Imo people, and promised to give it accelerated consideration.

In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu commended the Governor for the feat achieved within his administration which stemmed from the harmonious relationship between the legislative and the executive arms of the government; and assured him of continued partnership in the greater interest of the State

OAU Elevates IT Guru, Aina To Prof. Of Computer Science

By
James Orji
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Segun Aina
Dr Segun Aina
The Prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has elevated Dr
Segun Aina, an accomplished Computer Engineer, academic and entrepreneur, to the rank of Professor of Computer Engineering, becoming one of the youngest professors in his field in Nigeria at just 39 years old.
His elevation to the rank of Professor is a testament to his outstanding academic contributions, impactful research, and unwavering commitment to bridging theory and practice within Nigeria’s education and technology ecosystem.
The fresh Professor, with his promotion , has also reinforced Nigeria’s rising academic and Innovation Excellence, according academic experts.
 He currently serves in the Computer Engineering Department at OAU, where he also holds several departmental and faculty responsibility.
A distinguished scholar, Dr. Aina obtained his Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, United Kingdom, in 2008, followed by a Master of Science (MSc) in Internet Computing and Network Security from the highly ranked Loughborough University in 2009. He later earned his Doctorate (PhD) in Digital Signal Processing, also from Loughborough University.
Reacting to his appointment, Professor Aina said:
“This milestone is a humbling reminder that excellence, discipline and purpose-driven work can accelerate impact. I see this professorship not as a destination, but as a renewed responsibility to contribute more meaningfully to academia, industry and national development.”
Beyond academia, Dr. Aina has built a reputation as a pragmatic academic and serial entrepreneur, committed to translating research into real-world solutions. In 2010, he co-founded Fluid Click Solutions Ltd, an IT services and engineering project management company. His business interests span EduTech, Agriculture, Hospitality, Capacity Building, and Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He explained that, “My lifelong commitment has been to ensure that academic knowledge does not exist in isolation, but actively solves real problems. I remain passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs who will shape Africa’s future.”
His professional journey also includes consulting engagements with both public and private sector institutions, including the Job Creation Unit, Office of the Vice President, several state governments, and national examination bodies. He further strengthened his leadership credentials through executive education, including the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.
Dr. Aina has served in key governance and advisory roles, including as a member of the pioneer Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere, Ekiti, and as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Queensland Academy, Isolo, Lagos. He is the author of approximately 30 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, underscoring his contribution to global academic discourse.
A COREN-registered engineer, Dr. Aina is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Commenting on the appointment, a senior university official at OAU, Dr. …….. described the elevation as well deserved:
“Dr. Segun Aina’s promotion to the rank of Professor is a reflection of his scholarly depth, strong research credentials, and commitment to academic leadership. He exemplifies the calibre of faculty the University is proud to project to the global academic community,” he said.
In addition to his professional achievements, sources at the University said Dr Aina is deeply committed to community development and philanthropy.
 He serves as the National Financial Secretary of the Otan Ayegbaju Progressive Union (OAPU) and is the Convener of the DSA Initiative for the Support of Education and Entrepreneurship, through which he supports access to education and youth enterprise development.
His elevation to the new position, students and staff of the institution say, makes him an inspiring example of academic excellence, leadership and service, highlighting the growing influence of Nigerian scholars in global engineering, technology and innovation.

Notorious Bandit Leader In Benue- Taraba Border Arrested By Troops

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Fidelis Gayama - Bandits Leader
Fidelis Gayama, bandits Leader: Arrested.

By Akinwale Kasali

An alleged notorious bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, linked to multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents along the Benue-Taraba border has been arrested by Troops of the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Wukari, operating under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS.

According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, “The arrest followed a precision, intelligence-driven operation conducted on December 21, 2025, in Vaase community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.”

Gayama, labeled by the military as a “high-value target,” had reportedly been on security agencies’ watchlists for an extended period.

Preliminary investigations indicated that Gayama is closely associated with Aka Dogo, another wanted armed group leader, and is believed to head a criminal network that has terrorised travellers and communities along the Kente-Wukari Road and surrounding border areas.

“Further validation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division, Ukum LGA,” Lieutenant Muhammad said.

Gayama is currently cooling off at the Military Custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for comprehensive investigation and prosecution under existing laws.

Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, described the arrest as a major setback for criminal elements in the area.

“This arrest represents a significant blow to criminal networks operating within our area of responsibility. We remain committed to sustaining offensive operations to ensure the safety of lives and property”, Brigadier General Uwa said.

COAS Charges Soldiers To Go After Bandits, Kidnappers In SW

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu

By Ayodele Oni

Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has continued his operational maiden tour to army formations with a visit to 2nd Division in Ibadan, Oyo state on Monday.

Addressing officers and other military personnel, the Army chief ordered troops to intensify offensive operations and decisively flush out all criminal elements operating in the South-West.

Shaibu while speaking at Odugbo Barracks, commended the soldiers for their resilience, professionalism, and operational effectiveness in combating banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

He said, “I have been thoroughly briefed on your operations and the remarkable successes you have recorded.

“I commend your efforts and urge you to sustain the momentum. Go after kidnappers and other miscreants wherever they are, whether in bushes, forests, or their hideouts, and ensure these criminal activities are reduced to the barest minimum.”

Shuaibu also reaffirmed his commitment to improving troop welfare, announcing that approvals have been granted for the renovation of existing accommodations and the construction of new residential facilities within the barracks.

He emphasised that troop morale is critical to operational success and urged soldiers to properly maintain all facilities to ensure a conducive living and working environment.

The visit underscores the Army leadership’s focus on both operational effectiveness and the welfare of troops deployed in challenging environments.

Ribadu To Gov. Fubara: “President Tinubu Is Happy With You”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nuhu Ribadu meet Fubara in Rivers State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

A couple of weeks after joining forces with the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressive Congress, APC , the National Security Adviser, NSA,  Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, December 22, 2025, revealed that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the leadership style of  Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

 

Leading a Federal Government high-powered delegation on a trouble-shooting mission to the beleaguered Ogoni land, Ribadu, while on courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt, noted that the President specifically asked him to appreciate Governor Fubara over his pragmatic approach to governance.

 

According to the NSA, President Tinubu is very happy with the Governor’s leadership style, as well as his effective coordination of the peace initiatives in Ogoni land in preparation for the resumption of ful oil exploration activities.

 

The Source reports that the Federal Government delegation which includes the Director -General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Chukwuemeka Woke, Minister of Works Engr Dave Umahi ,his Environment counterpart, Balarabe Lawal, and others are in Rivers State to  hold high-level discussions with leaders of Ogoni land on ways to resolving perceived grievances of the people, including the vexatious and festering problem of Oil spillage.

 

Further speaking, Ribadu informed that the delegation is in the State primarily to consolidate ongoing peace efforts among all stakeholders in Ogoni land

 

According to him, a new chapter is in the offing, both in Ogoni land and the country at large, noting that the wind of transformation is now blowing across the otherwise neglected area.

 

This is as the NSA conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni land for their immeasurable patience understanding and support to his administration.

 

He assured that the present Federal Government is determined and committed to effect a paradigm shift in all issues bordering on the interests of the people of the oil-rich Ogoni land.

 

On his part, the Minister of Works, Umahi stated that as part of the efforts to carry the people along ,all sections of the East-West Road covering the Niger Delta region will be completed in less than no time.

 

In addition, he assured that other critical projects including the 15 kilometer Eleme axis of the East-West Road ,about five flyovers, which he estimated at over  N200 billion will be completed before the April 2026.

 

According to its itinerary, the Federal Government team ,which will also visit the sites of other critical national assets in Rivers state ,will specifically hold crucial round tables with the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, with a view to addressing environmental remediation, infrastructural development , security concerns and how to carry the people in future oil exploration activities.

Supremacy Battle: Alaafin Of Oyo Says Only Him Can Confer Yorubaland Chieftaincy Title

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo

By Akinwale Kasali

The Supremacy Batle between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adewusi Adeyeye, Ojaja 11, has taking another dimension. The Alaafin has categorically stated that he is the only traditional ruler with the authority to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland.”

The Monarch made the assertion at the Aganju Forecourt of the Oyo Palace during the installation of former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, as Obaloyin of Yorubaland, and Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

The Monarch added that  Chieftaincy titles in Yoruba tradition is neither ornamental nor granted as a favour, but a serious responsibility rooted in history, authority and service.

According to him, the Oyo throne has historically functioned as a central coordinating authority for the Yoruba people, a role that was recognised during the colonial era and sustained in post-independence governance.

The Alaafin explained that titles carrying the name “Yorubaland” are collective in nature, representing the entire Yoruba nation rather than any single town or kingdom.

He, therefore, stated that any ‘Yorubaland’ title must be conferred by an authority whose jurisdiction historically spans the whole region.

The Alaafin noted that this position has been validated by colonial records, post-independence councils, scholarly works and judicial pronouncements, including decisions of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He further described the newly installed titles as positions of trust, Oba Owoade said they demand courage, loyalty and selfless service to the Yoruba people, adding that such honours are intended to strengthen unity and respect for tradition across Yorubaland.

He urged the new titleholders to discharge their duties with humility and ensure that their roles promote dignity, cohesion and the collective good of the Yoruba people.

He said, “We are gathered here today for a purpose that goes beyond celebration. We are here to witness history and to place responsibility where tradition has long placed it. Chieftaincy, in our culture, is not an act of favour. It is not decoration. It is a duty, conferred only when history, authority, and responsibility align.

“From the earliest organisation of the Yoruba people, authority was never vague. Our forebears understood structure. This understanding gave Yorubaland stability long before modern governance arrived.

“The throne of Oyo emerged in that history as a coordinating authority, by responsibility. When colonial administration came, it did not invent this reality; it encountered it and recorded it. By 1914, Oyo Province had become the largest province in Southern Nigeria, covering 14,381 square miles. It was bounded in the north by Ilorin and Kontagora, in the east by Ondo and Ijebu, in the south by Ijebu and Abeokuta, and in the west by French Dahomey. This reflected recognised leadership over a wide and diverse space.

“This history explains why certain chieftaincy titles are different in nature. Titles that bear the name ‘Yorubaland’ are not local titles. They are collective titles. They speak not for one town or one kingdom, but for the Yoruba people as a whole. Such titles must therefore proceed from an authority whose reach, by history and by law, extends across Yorubaland.

“Today, I do not speak to provoke debate. I speak to state order. Among the Yoruba, authority has never been a matter of assumption or convenience. It has always been a matter of history, structure, and law. Thrones were not created equal in function, even though all are sacred in dignity.

“From the earliest organisation of Yorubaland, the Alaafin of Oyo occupied a central and coordinating authority—an authority that extended beyond the walls of Oyo and into the collective political life of the Yoruba people. This was not self-declared. It was recognised, enforced, and sustained across generations. Colonial records acknowledged it. Post-independence councils preserved it. Scholars documented it.

“And finally, the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed it. The law is clear. History is settled. Chieftaincy titles that bear the name Yorubaland—titles whose meaning, influence, and obligation are not confined to a single town or kingdom—fall under a singular, established authority. That authority is the throne of Oyo”.

It would be recalled that the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife had a face off following the Conferment of Okanlomo of Yorubaland to Industrialist and Businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

This however led to brickbats with both Monarch issuing statements, prompting the Alaafin to give a Seven Days Ultimatum for the Ooni to revoke the Chieftaincy Title.

Harmonized Tax Law Bill In Circulation Is Fake – Oyedele

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that members of the executive arm of government that were involved in the process of the tax reform are yet to have access to the certified harmonised version of the bills.

Oyedele declared on Channels Television morning brief on Monday that the tax law documents currently in circulation are fake.

The nation’s tax boss specifically said that the documents widely circulated on social media and reported by some media organisations do not represent the authentic versions of the tax laws.

Oyedele, who stated these while dismissing claims that there exit some discrepancies between the tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the ones gazetted, insisted that there was no official basis yet for comparing what was passed by the National Assembly with what was gazetted, saying that the harmonised bills was certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

According to him; “Before anyone can say that there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we have what has not been gazetted. We don’t have what was passed.

“The official harmonised bills certified by the clerk, which the National Assembly sent to the President, we don’t have a copy to compare. Only the lawmakers can say authoritatively what was sent.

“It should be the harmonised version certified by the clerk. Even I cannot say that I have it. I only have what was presented to Mr President to sign.

“What was in circulation and widely reported by a lot of media organisations is actually fake,” Oyedele insisted.

While addressing concerns over how such confusion could arise, Oyedele described the situation as a systemic and procedural problem as against pointing accusing fingers at any individual or institution.

In the words of Oyedele; “It’s a process and system issue that has to be addressed, and I don’t think it is about finger-pointing or looking for who to blame.

“If you think about the process today, there are a lot of stages with manual hands-on that anything can go wrong”.

Oyedele therefore warned against assumptions that the presence of top government officials at the signing of the bills guaranteed full scrutiny of the documents.

According to him; “Just because the President, the Speaker, the Senate President, and others were present when the law was signed does not mean you can read 400 pages on the spot and confirm everything was fine.”

Oyedele therefore urged the public to exercise patience and await the outcome of ongoing investigations into what may have gone wrong in the harmonization and gazetting process of the new tax laws.

Ogoni Oil Exploration: NSA Ribadu Leads FG  Delegation To Rivers State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nuhu Ribadu in Rivers State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of its plan to re-start oil exploration and other related activities in the troubled Ogoni land, a high-powered Federal Government delegation arrived  Rivers state on Monday December 22, 2025, on a trouble-shooting mission.

The high-profile delegation which comprises the National Security Adviser NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, and his Environment counterpart, Balarabe Lawal, earlier on the day paid a courtesy visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara after being received at the Port Harcourt Airport by several top Ogoni land stakeholders, including members of the Ogoni Mothers Union.

The Source reports that the efforts by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to recommence oil exploration activities in Ogoni after over two decades of lull have been met with stiff resistance by an overwhelming majority of the people who are insisting on certain conditionalities being met first .

Among the conditions set by the people are the establishment of a framework  on the clean-up of the Ogoni land which has been seriously affected by  past oil spill arising from exploration activities by multi-national companies,and firm agreement on how to ensure the inclusion, protection and promotion of the interests of the people in all future exploration activities.

Popular agitations against, and even violent confrontations with multi-national oil companies over alleged neglect of both the people and the environment were mainly at the root of the winding down of oil exploration in the area over 20 years ago.

The recent establishment of the University of Environmental Technology Ogoni ,and other emergency measures taken by the Federal Government ,have so failed to persuade the people,who are rather insisting on being part and parcel of any future exploration activities in their area.

The  NSA-led Federal Government delegation which  includes the Director-General DG of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Chukwuemeka Woke is expected to proceed to Ogoni land after meeting with Governor Fubara.

They are primarily in the State to, among other things, inspect some important sites of critical Oil facilities, as well as hold extensive deliberations with major stakeholders of Ogoni land.

The team will specifically meet with the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, with a view to resolving some gray areas including how to address environmental remediation, infrastructural development, security concerns, and how to carry the people along in future oil exploration activities.

Part of the itinerary of the delegation also include an inspection tour of ongoing Federal Government projects in the state including the East-West Road .

They will equally visit the Yorla Oilfield spill site in Kpean community, the University of Environmental Technology, Ogoni ,the Gokana Oil Facility, and Hospital in K-Dere, as well as the Industrial Park site, and Taabaa General Hospital.

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