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Obasa Wins, Court Nullifies His Removal As Speaker Of LAHA

April 17, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly has secured a significant victory at the Court.

His removal as the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly by Lawmakers on January 13th, 2025, has been declared illegal and unconstitutional by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court.

Justice Pinhero in the judgment on Wednesday nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the Assembly held on January 13, 2025, during which Obasa was ousted from office.

Obasa had filed a suit challenging his removal, naming the House of Assembly and the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, as defendants. The suit, filed on February 12, 2025, through his Counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), argued that his removal was carried out while the Assembly was on recess and he was outside the country.

He contended that the sitting during which he was removed was unlawfully convened, and lacked proper authority or any formal delegation of power from the Speaker’s office.

Obasa’s legal challenge was anchored on nine grounds, relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The Court’s ruling effectively reinstates Obasa as Speaker and renders null and void all decisions taken during the contested session.

Reps Speaker, Abass Urges EU to Focus More On Nigeria, Africa

Ayodele Oni

April 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called on the European Union (EU) to be more relevant in Nigeria and Africa.

He advised that EU should step up its multilateral and bilateral cooperation with African countries, saying Asia is now doing more for the black continent in terms of physical investment.

The Speaker also urged the EU to take the opportunity of the withdrawal of aids to other countries by the Donald Trump administration to do more for African countries beyond election monitoring and security trainings.

Speaker Abbas made the call in Abuja on Wednesday when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Gautier Mignot, visited him.

The Speaker described Wednesday as a day of history, as it was the second meeting with the EU and the first in 2025 to discuss issues between Nigeria and Europe.

He noted that the National Assembly, specifically the House, is a friend to the EU and is willing to cooperate and partner in all areas of endeavours.

He said: “I just want to draw our attention to some things that I feel the European Union can do better. You (EU) have tried tremendously in terms of capacity, especially in areas of election monitoring, particularly Nigeria.

“But I see a trend that is a bit uncomfortable from your side that the EU needs to address.

“Asia is fast approaching Africa. You should have dominant investments and stakes in Africa. But what we have today is that the majority of the investments are coming from Asia.

“Less and fewer investments from the EU are being witnessed in Africa. I believe it is an area that we need to holistically look at and see how we can continue to make EU more relevant to Nigeria and to Africa. There are many areas that we have already advanced in our relationship over the last 50 years.

“Just last week, we received the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, and the kind of ambitious plans we heard him say about China and Nigeria, as well as Africa, are unprecedented.

“Some weeks ago, I also had the opportunity to meet with the Indian Ambassador, and I also heard about the kind of ambitious plans they have.

“We don’t hear much from the EU these days as far as Africa is concerned, perhaps, except in the area of elections and security. But when it comes to real investments, the EU is not actually progressing at the rate it should.

“We believe if there is any country or union that deserves to really stamp its feet in Africa, it is the EU. So, I want to use this opportunity to urge that more and more collaboration needs to come onboard between Africa and the EU.”

Earlier, Ambassador Mignot noted that Nigeria is a key partner to the EU, not only for the future but for the present, especially with the recent developments in the US under President Trump.

The ambassador said the EU is committed to partnerships with African countries, especially Nigeria, describing the country as a “trade and investment partner,” stressing that his continent will champion more investments, especially in Nigeria.

Ambassador Mignot noted that the areas of interest include science, information, and technology, while the EU would continue to offer humanitarian assistance to Nigeria.

He added that a strengthened relationship with Nigeria would attract more sustainable investments and opportunities for Nigerians.

While noting that the parliament is the bastion of democracy, the EU envoy called for more collaboration between the EU Parliament and the Nigerian National Assembly.

Ambassador Mignot cited other areas of interest to the EU to be the Electoral Act, urging the National Assembly to improve the electoral framework for Nigeria. He also mentioned gender inclusion and participation in public affairs.

Tinubu Inaugurates Committee On Census

Ayodele Oni

April 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

As a further step to conduct the national head count – census – President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a high-level Committee on the forthcoming national population and housing census.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the Committee is expected to submit an interim report within three weeks.

The President, represented by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, pointed out that the census is crucial for national development, accurate planning, and effective decision-making in healthcare, education, security, and economic planning.

Nigeria’s last census was in 2006, nearly two decades ago. It recorded a population of 140,431,790, with 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.

The President stressed the pivotal role of a technology-driven process in ensuring credible and verifiable results and the need for collaboration among all relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Underscoring the critical financing factor in the exercise, the President enjoined the members to look at domestic and even international resources.

“Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This ministry has to take charge of this because you cannot budget if you do not know how many we are.

“We expect you will touch on the technology area because the census must be technology-driven. Things have changed since the last time that we conducted this exercise. The enumeration has to be technology-driven with biometrics and digitalisation.”

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who chairs the Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census, assured the President that the committee will deliver its report within the three-week deadline.

Bagudu noted that despite global economic challenges, Nigeria is making steady progress under President Tinubu’s leadership, citing improved foreign exchange stability and a positive growth trajectory.

He said the committee will recommend practical solutions, including strategies for mobilising domestic and international resources to fund the census.

The Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, also a committee member, emphasised that accurate data is critical for planning across all sectors and that a credible census is the foundation for such data.

The National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who will also serve as the committee Secretary, said the commission has already begun preparations for the national population and housing census in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other relevant stakeholders.

According to him, the focus has been on identifying key requirements and laying the groundwork necessary for the President to make an informed decision on the actual conduct of the census.

Kwarra assured Nigerians that the National Population Commission remains committed to ensuring a credible, technology-driven enumeration that will support effective national planning and development.

The eight-member committee also includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Principal Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff).

“Abuse Our Girls, Go To Jail”, Kano Govt Warns Randy Teachers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 16, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government, on Wednesday April 16, 2025, issued a serious warning to teachers in the state, to either steer clear of their young school girls, or face the full weight of the law.

The State Government said that as a predominantly Islamic State, it would not sit idly and watch unscrupulous characters subject their girls to se*ually or any other forms of abuse .

A statement issued by Ibrahim Sumaila, the Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, informed that the State Government have resolved to take decisive actions against any teachers, or school staff, found culpable of se*ually harassing students.

According to him, the worrisome cases of se*ual harassment in the educational system ,was at the centre stage during a recently held stakeholders parley by the Centre for Awareness on Justice ,and Accountability CAJA

“As an Islamic State ,Kano will not fold its arms and watch our daughters suffer abuse ,and humiliation .

“Any teachers who dare violate students ,will be flushed out ,and prosecuted without delay”, Sumaila warned.

Highpoint of the stakeholders meeting which had in attendance students, media professionals, and other education administrators, according to the statement, was the launch of a six-month framework by CAJA on effective ways of halting incidences of se*ual harassment within the sector.

Speaking ,earlier ,CAJA Executive Director ,Kabiru Dakata emphasized that the essence of the initiative is to assist secondary and tertiary education institutions in developing internal policy frameworks aimed at curbing se*ual harassment and other related issues.

According to him, with the rising cases of se*ual harassment in the system, most of the institutions do not have any clear cut means of challenging the situation.

“We worked for three years pushing for a national law on sexual harassment ,but it is a tedious process.

“Now, we are going for the low-hanging fruit –pushing individual institutions to adopt clear ,stand-alone policies.

“Students don’t even know where to report ,or who to turn to when harassed .That is a failure of the system”, Dakata noted .

He regretted that many students have had to drop out of school, and subjected debilitating traumatic experiences owing to se*ual assault.

US Embassy Cautions As Benue Catholic Priests Say “There Is Plan To Arrest Bishop Anagbe”

Adesina Soyooye

April 16, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has expressed concern over an alleged intimidation and harassment of a Catholic Bishop and a Rev. Fr. in Nigeria.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius both of the Markurdi, Benue State Catholic Church Diocese, had appeared before the United States’ House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 12 where they gave testimony on alleged Human Rights abuses in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria.

However, since that testimony, Catholic Priests in Benue State allege that there is a plan to arrest Bishop Anagbe. There are reports of the harassment and intimidation of both the Bishop and the Rev. Fr. by, allegedly, Nigerian Government which had, earlier denounced the testimony given before the U.S. Foreign Affairs Committee as not true.

However, reacting to the situation, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, in a statement expressed worry. It said:

“The US Embassy in Nigeria is disturbed by this report of intimidation against Nigerian religious leaders, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius because of their March 12 testimony before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) on the Human Rights Situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

“Freedom of expression is an essential human right, and central to the function of democracy in Nigeria and the United States.

“No one should be subjected to threats for exercising that right.

“We call on the actors to respect Bishop Anagbe’s and Father Remigius’s right to speak freely without fear of retribution or retaliation.”

But in Benue, the mere thought that the Bishop could be arrested has raised tension to high heavens with Catholic Priests in the State, raising an alarm. They allege of a

plan by the Federal Government to arrest the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Anagbe. They insist it is for no other reason than Bishop Anagbe’s testimony on March 12 before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC).

The Bishop had spoken about the heart-wrenching human rights situation and alleged religious persecution in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

That appearance, the Catholic Priests insist, has attracted “undue attention and backlash from certain quarters within the country, raising fears of Government-led reprisals.”

The Catholic Priests urged the Nigerian government “to respect the Bishop’s right to freedom of speech and warned against any attempt to silence religious voices critical of the current administration’s handling of insecurity in the region.”

There have been series of brazing mass killings in the region, especially, in Taraba, and more especially in Benue and Plateau States. In the past couple of weeks, over 150 innocent Nigerians have been mowed down, allegedly, by rogue Fulani Herdsmen.

Ekiti Warns Traditional Chiefs Against Disrespecting State Order

Ayodele Oni

April 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Two Traditional Chiefs who, allegedly, installed another chief in an Ekiti Community without the consent of the Traditional Ruler of the community, have turned down State Government’s invitation for a meeting to resolve the issue.

As a result of this, Ekiti State Government, has warned Traditional Chiefs in the 140 Statutory Communities in the State against resisting, or declining summons issued to them by the State while intervening in any chieftaincy or communal issue.

The government threatened that any Chief who disrespects the State by declining appearance before a Panel to clarify any issue without tenable reasons shall henceforth face disciplinary action.

The State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, handed down the warning, on Wednesday, while presiding over a petition written by the Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area, Oba Adebomi Babalola against two of his chiefs.

As contained in the petition, Oba Babalola, had accused the Eesa of Araromi Ekiti, Olufemi Toyebi and Ojumu, Idowu Atewogbola of installing one Bayo Alu as Odofin of the community without deferring to him as the prescribed authority, describing this as a flagrant insubordination and disrespect.

The Deputy Governor in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, frowned at the absence of the chiefs at the parley, despite being contacted by the Ministry about the sitting.

Mrs Afuye, represented by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atibioke, said disrespect to constituted authorities was becoming a recurrent decimal among the chiefs and that such won’t be brooked under any guise.

“The government will take punitive actions against some of our Chiefs for disrespecting the state authorities , by resisting or turning down summons to appear before it to resolve a crisis in their communities.

“We can’t but take serious actions against such conduct, because we won’t fold our arms and allow our state to be disrespected. What the chiefs did by not appearing today is punishable. They claimed that they were sick. How can the three of them fall sick at the same time?

“All these acts of disrespect must stop. What we are doing here is to ensure that we have peace in all our towns, in line with the agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and we won’t allow anyone to frustrate us”.

Speaking to his petition, the Alararomi, Oba Babalola, alleged that the three individuals had allegedly been causing division and stoking the fire of acrimony in the community, by running a parallel government to debase his stool.

The monarch appealed that the erring chiefs must be punished for disrespecting the state and his stool to serve as deterrent to others, who are fond of treating the government and traditional institution with contempt and disdain.

The monarch also requested the government to order the installed Chief should stop parading himself as a traditional title holder in the community, saying he is not recognised in line with the Ekiti State Chiefs Law.

Speaking about the matter, a first class monarch and Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, said the offence committed by the two traditional chiefs was grave and punishable under the law.

Oba Adewole averred that what they did was tantamount to insubordination and stoking of fire of division in the town.

“Only the king can install a chief and the Ekiti State Chiefs Law said that whoever installs a Chief without the consent and approval of the prescribed monarch has committed a punishable offence.

‘It was spelt out in the state chiefs law and edict that whoever that is installed had also committed an offence as well. So, the three of them are prosecutable.”

Gov Muftwang Says Plateau Killings Deliberate, Targeted To Destroy Communities, Bans Night Grazing

Ayodele Oni

April 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to put an end to insecurity, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has banned night grazing and cattle transport by vehicle after 7:00 PM.

The use of motorcycles is, also, restricted statewide from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM until further notice.

In a state wide broadcast on Wednesday following incessant killings in the State, the Governor described the series of coordinated attacks that have killed dozens, destroyed homes, and displaced entire communities as deliberate and targeted.

He said the attackers are carrying out a calculated campaign to spread fear, uproot communities, and destabilise the State.

“What we have witnessed in the State is beyond tragic. Innocent men, women, and children have been murdered, homes set ablaze, properties ravaged, and entire families shattered by these brutal attacks.

“As we were still mourning the loss of over 50 lives in Bokkos, fresh atrocities have continued. The scale, frequency, and intent of these attacks are unmistakable.”

Governor Mutfwang, who spoke on the recent attacks that led to the killing of over 100 people in the State, said Plateau was still mourning the loss of over 50 people in Bokkos when fresh attacks occurred in other parts of the state.

The Governor who visited these affected areas, said he was moved by the suffering of displaced families now sheltering in Churches and makeshift camps, assuring that Plateau State will rise again.

“This is not random violence. This is not a conflict between farmers and herders. It is a deliberate attempt to destroy our communities.

“But Plateau shall not break. We will continue to protect lives and properties and resist the normalization of bloodshed.”

To curb the rising insecurity, the Governor announced a series of immediate measures to restore law and order.

“Effective Wednesday, April 16th, night grazing is strictly prohibited, cattle transport by vehicle after 7:00 PM is banned, and the use of motorcycles is restricted statewide from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM until further notice.”

The Governor further revealed that security deployments are being reinforced across local government areas, and the state-run Operation Rainbow security outfit is being restructured to support community based stabilisation efforts.

He added that hospitals across the state have been directed to provide free treatment to victims of the attacks.

Governor Mutfwang said he had convened an emergency State Security Council meeting and is in constant consultation with the President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and for directing security agencies to take decisive action.

To complement security efforts, the governor revealed that he has instructed the reactivation of local vigilante groups in partnership with security agencies. He also called on traditional rulers and youth associations to organize night patrols in vulnerable communities

“Further initiatives announced include the appointment of a Special Envoy on Peace to lead grassroots consultations and coordinate intelligence efforts, the activation of an Inter-Religious Council to engage stakeholders, and the formation of an independent Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the root causes of the renewed violence and recommend lasting solutions.

“Furthermore, I have mandated the newly inaugurated Inter-Religious Council to begin immediate engagement with all stakeholders to address the deeper issues underlying these attacks.

“I will also appoint a Special Envoy on Peace to lead grassroots consultations and coordinate intelligence-gathering efforts.

“A Fact Finding Committee comprising respected, independent voices will be established to investigate the root causes of this resurgence of violence and offer actionable recommendations.”

Mutfwang urged the people of Plateau to remain united and vigilant. “Let us not give in to fear or retaliation.

“Report suspicious activities, cooperate with law enforcement, and protect what is ours not through violence, but with wisdom, courage, and love.”

To the perpetrators and their sponsors, the governor said “Your evil shall not prevail. You may run, but you will not hide. Plateau will rise again. Plateau will not fall. Plateau will flourish to the glory of God.”

Reps Committee Summons Rivers Administrator

Ayodele Oni

April 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, has invited the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session.

The invitation may not be unconnected with some of the actions of the Sole Administrator of recent such as appointments and issuing orders.

The invitation is coming after the Committee, constituted by the House of Representatives, following the Resolution of the National Assembly approving the Presidential Proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

According to a statement, “The meeting, which followed the formal inauguration of the Committee by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, provided a platform for Members to deliberate on preliminary reports and developments emerging from Rivers State since the Sole Administrator assumed office.”

It added that “Pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session.”

According to the Chairman of the Committee and House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, “This engagement is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities in the public interest.”

“The Sole Administrator is expected to appear before the Committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

“A formal letter of invitation has been sent and acknowledged accordingly. This public announcement serves to reinforce transparency in the Committee’s proceedings.

“The Committee reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Vice Admiral had, on Tuesday, summoned suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Dr Ngozi Ordu, to appear before him to explain all appointments made since 2023, as well as say why they think they should be reinstated to office. Not a few people describe the invitation to Fubara as bizarre.

Again, Dangote Slashes Petrol Price

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 16, 2025

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another reduction in the off-depot price of petrol aka Premium Motor Spirit, PMS to N835 per litre.

This is the second time in about a month that the refinery had slashed the prices of PMS having initially reduced its price to N865 from N880 per litre. commonly known as petrol from N865 to N835 per litre.

According to analysts, the price reduction may not be unconnected with some factors including the recent crash in the price of crude oil in the international market, as well as the renewal of the Naira-for-Crude deal between the company and federal government.

Recall that not a few Nigerians welcome the naira-crude swap deal signed with Dangote by the federal government following weeks of hiatus which raised anxiety that the deal may not be renewed.

The first phase of the deal had ended on March 31.

But after signing the new deal on April 9, during a stakeholders meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital the Ministry of Finance assured that the deal will continue as long as it’s line with the administration’s plan for energy sufficiency in the country.

According to the Ministry, “The stakeholders reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to the full implementation of this strategic initiative, as directed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“Thus, the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market.

“As with any major policy shift, the Committee acknowledges that implementation challenges may arise from time to time.

“The initiative remains in effect and will continue for as long as it aligns with the public interest and supports national economic objectives.”

Obi To Tinubu: “Cut Short Paris Holidays, Your Country Now A Killing Field”

The Source

April 16, 2025

By Charles Igbo

Taking a sad look at the insecurity in the country, the human blood which has been flowing like a river, especially, in the past two weeks, Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Election, has literally called President Bola Tinubu, Nero, the Roman Emperor who was partying while the Empire was on fire.

President Tinubu has been away from Nigeria to Paris, France, where he is said to be on a working visit. He would use the period as a retreat to assess his Government’s, two years after – a kind of mid-term assessment.

But since Tinubu left, the country has literally become a killing field with the blood of the innocent flowing like a river. From Plateau to Benue to Zamfara, the blood flow is overwhelming. Blood thirsty killers are on rampage. The dozens kidnapped and killed in other States of the Federation are there. The dozens still in the den of kidnappers whose fate is unknown are there. And the President is in Paris.

Lamenting in a post on his X page, Obi decried this situation where the President sits pretty in Paris while Nigeria is on fire. He asked President Tinubu to cut short his trip and return home immediately to take charge; to fulfill his primary responsibility.

Titled “Mr. President, Domestic problems Beacons, Obi wrote:

“I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entails that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country.

“This urgent call has become necessary following the rising incidents of crimes and criminalities all over Nigeria with an apparent absence of governance. In the 2 weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in the Plateau and Zamfara states.

“The repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, further reflect a nation in distress. In the North East, Borno state leaders are bemoaning the return of insurgency, with troops and civilians being killed randomly. In the South East, the story is the same: killings and abduction.

“Amid all these, the CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating far away land in France from the Company’s headquarters.

“The primary duty of any government is securing the lives and property of its citizens and one wonders the type of retreat going on in another country where peace has been secured by their leaders while blood continues to flow in our country.

“The fight for a better Nigeria is not about individuals; it is about ensuring that every citizen can see, feel, and benefit from the policies and decisions of those in power.

“I, therefore, like to urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues.

“That is the new Nigeria that the nation seeks.”

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