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Rivers Crisis: Fubara Won’t Present 2025 Until Served With Supreme Court Judgment- SSG

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State
Governor Similanayi Fubara

The Siminalaye Fubara Rivers State administration says it has not received the resolution of the House of Assembly for the submission of the 2025 Budget.

The state government also stated that it has yet to be served the last week’s Supreme Court’s judgment which confirmed the Martin Amaewhule-led House leadership.

The state government position was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government, SSG,  Tammy Dagogo on Wednesday.

Recall that the nation’s apex court had on February 28, in a judgment, directed the Amaewhule-faction of the House to resume sitting immediately, it also ordered the state government to present the 2025 Budget to the Assembly for approval.

Folowing the judgment, the Assembly leadership said it gave Governor Fubara 48 to present this year’s budget for approval.

Reacting, Dagogo said the state government will only act on the issues when it’s duly communicated with, saying the governor is prepared to comply immediately.

The government scribe said a letter purportedly written to the Assembly was a social media thing that cannot be acted upon.

Dagogo said, “I hereby refer to a letter dated 3rd March 2025 on the above subject, which we came across on social media and notify you that, as at the close of work on Tuesday 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter. Neither the office of the Governor, nor the Deputy Governor’s office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the State has received the said letter.

“We have since been in contact with our lawyers who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgments of the Supreme Court, and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as His Excellency receives the judgments, he will strive to implement same timeously in the best interest of our
people.”

On December 31, Governor Fubara presented the state’s N1.188 trillion Budget to a three-man Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, the faction supported by the governor.

The Amaewhule-led faction is backed by the Minister of the FCT and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.

Former Akwa Ibom Governor, Emmanuel Udom Arrested

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Emmanuel Udom

By Akinwale Kasali

Emmanuel Udom, Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N700 billion fraud.

Udom governed Akwa Ibom for two terms. He succeeded Senate President, Godswill Akpabio from 2015 till 2023.

Udom arrived at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.

Sources informed the Magazine that Udom was arrested after honoring the EFCC’s invitation to answer allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and stealing.

The Source said, “We have arrested the former Governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud.

“A civil society organisation called the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking petitioned the EFCC, prompting our investigation.

“The petitioner alleged that Udom received N3 Trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion.

He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 Billion.

The source further revealed that investigations uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”

He added: “Other investigations have uncovered the withdrawal of N31bn in cash in one single account. The name of the account is Office of the Governor. The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023.”

EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, is yet to comment on this development.

How Fmr. Immigration CG Died In A-N22,000 Per Night  Hotel – Police

By
Adesina Soyooye
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former Comptroller General of Immigration Services - David Parradang

By Adesina Soyooye 

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command, has debunked  the story which made the rounds earlier Tuesday that a former Comptroller General of Immigration Services, David Parradang, was abducted in Abuja Monday morning and later killed by his abductors after they robbed him of his money.

Setting the record straight in a tragedy that has been now described both as a shame and a scandal, the FCT Police Command said the former NIS topmost boss, died in a N22,000 per night Hotel in Abuja after he checked in, and lodged  with a female guest.

In a statement on Tuesday, Josephine Adeh the FCT Police Spokesperson revealed that; 

“On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12.00pm, Mr Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the Hotel, paying N22,000 for one night’s stay.

“Shortly, thereafter, he directed the Hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room. This Lady left the hotel premises at about 4.00pm  of the same day.

“Mr Parradang did not exit his room after the Lady left. Around 4.00am of 04, March 2025, a friend who is a Military Officer, concerned for his well being, traced him to the hotel. Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.

Said Adeh; the Durumi Police Station was contacted immediately. When the Police arrived, the secured the scene, took photographs and collected evidence.

“The body has been transferred to the National Hospital Abuja for necessary procedures and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations.

“We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information, including claims of kidnapping that may incite fear or panic.

“The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances  surrounding Mr Parradang’s death. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure justice is done.”

PSC  Appoints  Six DIGs, Promotes One CP To AIG …Enugu, Oyo Get New CPs

By
The Source
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Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of six Deputy Inspectors General of Police and the promotion  of the Commissioner of Police Enugu State Command, Uzuegbu Kanayo to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police.

The new Deputy Inspectors General of Police are Sadiq Idiris Abubakar, Commandant Police Academy, Wudil, Kano. He was former Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory; CP Peace keeping  Operations  and Coordinator,  Police Special Forces; Benjamin  Nebolisa Okolo, former AIG, Zone 16, Yenagoa  and presently AIG Department of Information Communication  Technology, Force Headquarters  Abuja and Williams Adebowale, Commandant,  Police Staff College Jos.

Others are Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali, AIG FCID, Annex Enugu; Idegwu Basil Ukuoma, AIG Zone 14, Katsina and Adebola  Ayinde Hamzat, AIG Zone 16 Yenagoa  and former Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command. He was also a former CP Border Patrol, Force Headquarters,  CP Crime Prevention and Community  safety; Deputy Force Secretary  and currently AIG in charge of NPF Counter Terrorism  Unit, CTU, Force Headquarters Abuja.

CP Kanayo Uzuegbu Commissioner of Police Enugu State Command promoted to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police was a former  Assistant Commissioner  Operations Zone 9, Umuahia; Area Commander,  Owerri; Area Commander Karu, Nasarawa state; Commander Switch  Operation Switch, Portharcourt; Deputy Commissioner  Finance and Admin  Edo State Command, DCP, state CID, Osun State and Commissioner of Police Operations,  Communication, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The Commission also approved the appointment of Commissioners of Police for Oyo and Enugu State Commands.  CP Ademola Johnson, Principal  Staff Officer  to the Inspector General of Police was appointed CP, Oyo State. He was also a former Deputy Commissioner of Police Delta State Command. CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa was appointed CP, Enugu State to take over from newly promoted AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu. CP Giwa was former DCP Operations Kaduna and Imo State Commands; ACP Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters Abuja; and CSP A, Commissioner of Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters among other postings in the Police Mobile Force.

The Commission also approved the promotion of eight Chief Superintendents of Police to the next rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police.  They are Abdullahi Kamba Usman; Sani Abdu; Ifeanyi Owo; Vincent Orole; Elisha  Atikinkpan and Margaret Okonkwo. Others are Alhasan  Aliyu Guga and Imo Owinizi Ezekiel.

The newly promoted senior Police Officers were subjected to written examinations and interactive oral interview. 

The Chairman of the Commission,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, presided over the sessions with Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, Justice of the Supreme Court rtd and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission in attendance. 

DIG Argungu charged the new DIGs to give  the Inspector-General of Police the required support and cooperation to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force would be in a good position to  secure the Nigerian space and ensure that law and order are maintained.

One Killed, Four Arrested As Police Hunt-down Kidnappers of Edo Catholic Priest

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Catholic Priest Philip Ekeli

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Edo State Police  Command on Tuesday March 4, 2025 said Operatives have been deployed to track down the abductors of a Catholic Priest, Philip Ekeli.

This is just as they announced the arrest of four members of the criminal gang behind the kidnap.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Moses Yamu the Command informed that the Catholic Priest, alongside a Seminarian, were on Monday, March 3,  abducted from their Church, St Peter Catholic Church in Iviukwa area of Etsako East Local Government Area of the State.

The Command noted that following the receipt of the report of the incident, it swiftly mobilized  operatives to rescue the victims.

The kidnappers were said to have taken their victims to a nearby bush l.

The operatives drawn from the Rapid Response Squad RRS  confronted the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel.

According to the Police statement, one of the kidnappers was killed ,while four were apprehended by the operatives .

” On 03/03/2025 at about 23:30hrs ,the Command received a distress call from a concerned citizen that armed men suspected to be  herdsmen stormed St.Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa Community,  Etsako East LGA , abducting Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and Seminarian Peter Andrew.

The Police initiated rescue operation involving the ‘Operation Rescue’ teams. vigilantes ,and hunters ,and swiftly rushed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a gun duel .

One of the suspects whose name is unknown was neutralized ,and the corpse deposited at the General Hospital Agenebode .

“Items recovered from them were two pairs of rubber shoes ,one button Techno Phone with two Sim cards ,one power bank, one dagger jacket, a bag containing biscuits and Nescafe beverage, and N168,850.

The Commissioner of Police, C , Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin has immediately detailed additional teams of the Anti-Kidapping Unit to join forces with Police Mobile Force personnel alongside their military counterparts in that area to ensure the unconditional release of the victims ,and apprehend their abductors”, part of the statement reads .

The Command reassured of its commitment towards securing lives and properties of law abiding citizens of the State .

FG Dumps Payment Portal, Remita, Launches TMRAS

By
Ayodele Oni
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Remita Payment Platform

By Ayodele Oni

To ensure improved financial transparency and efficiency, the Federal Government has launched a new revenue collection platform, the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System (TMRAS), to replace the Remita platform.

The initiative was to enhance Treasury Management, Revenue Assurance, and Budget Performance for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Federal Government-Owned Enterprises (FGOEs).

The move, according to a statement by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwa Oyin Madein was a directive from President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Finance.

According to the directive, MDAs currently accessing funds via the Remita platform will now transition to TMRAS.

The statement reads “All MDAs, including those that currently access funds at the CBN through the Remita platform, shall now access their funds via the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System.”

The OAGF announced that the TMRAS would officially go live today, March 4, 2025, in a phased rollout.

It was gathered that the transition to TMRAS will occur in two phases: the phase one is to cover payments and collections in Naira, enabling automatic tax deductions on vendor payments and allowing OAGF and MDAs to generate bank statements and balances.

While the phase two will introduce foreign exchange (FX) transactions, integration with MDA ERP systems, and activation of the budget module for non-budgetary MDAs.

“All current and active users on the Remita platform will automatically be able to log into the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System using the same username and Corporate previously set up on the Remita system. 

“Once any user is created, an automated email notification detailing the username and one-time password shall be sent. The system will mandate a change of the one-time password at first login.

“Furthermore, all MDAs are required to integrate their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or financial systems with TMRAS to facilitate seamless collections, payment processing, automatic bank statement delivery, and budget control.”

In addition, the new system mandates that all contractors register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to receive payments. 

“Additionally, all tax-deductible payments, including Value Added Tax (VAT), Withholding Tax (WHT), and Stamp Duty, will be processed simultaneously with vendor payments.

“The system shall not permit any payment without the associated tax components.

“The system shall permit MDA to spend within her approved budget limits in any fiscal year. Any request to spend beyond these limits shall be approved by the appropriate authority and forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Finance via the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) for further approval.”

Seyi Tinubu Courts Kano’s Support, Breaks Fast With NNPP Chairman, Others

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Seyi Tinubu Courts Kano Support Breaks Fast With NNPP Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In what is being perceived as an attempt to build bridges amidst the impending battle for the 2027 Presidential election, Seyi Tinubu, on Monday March 3, 2025, broke fast with the Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, and other top party stalwarts.

 Seyi. President Bola Tinubu’s son, also, paid a courtesy call on one of the prominent Kano business moguls Aminu Dantata at his country home within the Dala area of Kano metropolis.

The younger Tinubu also used the opportunity to identify with,and flag off a Ramadan feeding programme organized for the less privileged, and vulnerable in the society.

Speaking at the occasion of the unveiling of the feeding programme held at the Al-Furqan Mosque, Seyi Tinubu noted that it is in sinc with the broader vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his father’s administration.

He, however, explained that the programme is part of his Renewed Hope Youth Engagement Initiative which he noted is, principally, targeted at assisting the poor and vulnerable group, including persons living with disabilities.

He, also, emphasized the imperativeness of community and social services by the privileged class, especially this period of Ramadan.

This is just as he rededicated himself to promoting programmes that will impact the poor and vulnerable in the country.

Before breaking fast with the NNPP State Chairman and other party officials and members, Seyi had equally paid a visit to the Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Government House.

He was joined at the Iftar by the children of the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC ,Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, among other dignitaries.

The Source reports that the visit is seen by not a few as being aimed at mending fences  with some avowed opposition forces to President Tinubu’s administration.

Besides being governed by an opposition party, NNPP, Kano is widely perceived as the leading centre of Northern opposition to the 2027 return bid of the President.

Osun Gov Adeleke Leads Aides On Visit To APC Chieftain, Akande

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Adeleke Visit To APC Chieftain Akande

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday visited the Ibadan, Oyo state residence of former Governor of the State, and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande.

On the Governor’s were the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbetokun; his commissioner for Information and Orientation,  Kolapo Alimi, Chief Press Secretary, Olawale Rasheed.The reason for the visit was not made public

Adeleke’s State has been under tension in the past few weeks over the return of Local Government Chairmen and Councilors by the judgement of Appeal Court.

The situation created tension leading to the death of some party loyalists on both the side of the All Progressive Congress and that of the Governor’s Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

It is being rumoured that the Governor was in Ibadan to seek political solution to the lingering logjam, and possibly lobby Akande for soft landing from President Bola Tinubu.

Adeleke’s Government had, against the warnings of the Federal Government last week, conducted another local government election, which the APC boycotted.

However, at the swearing in of the PDP chairmen, the governor instructed that they should not go to their respective Local Government offices to avert another round of crisis.

Those Local Government Chairmen returned by the Court of Appeal,who are members of the APC, have since been reporting at their respective local government Secretariat.

Ogunjimi Succeeds Madein As Accountant General Of Federation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi - AGF

By Ayodele Oni

After going through a rigorous selection process,  Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi has emerged as the new Accountant General of the Federation, (AGF).

Ogunjimi was late last year tipped by the Presidency as acting AGF, but his appointment in acting capacity was faulted by his predecessor, Dr Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, acting in concert with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack

Both had insisted that a rigorous appointment process be emplaced and qualified candidates run through a leadership recruitment process.

Apparently, Ogunjimi, has eventually breasted the tape ahead of other candidates who sat the examination.

His appointment, according to Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, was approved on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu.

The appointment,  the statement said, “takes effect from 7th March 2025, the same day the incumbent Oluwatoyin Madehin will retire.”

The statement by Onanuga added: “Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor last December.

“A selection committee later chose him through a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based process involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service.

“The committee conducted the process through three stages: a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews.

“The selection process underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions.

“Ogunjimi graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. He also obtained a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.

“He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

“President Tinubu congratulates Ogunjimi on his appointment and urges him to discharge his duties in the service of Nigeria with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to Nigeria’s service.”

Uzodimma to GOC, 82 Division: We Need Enabling Environment To Secure Our People

By
The Source
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Uzodimma and GOC 82 Division

Governor Hope Uzodimma has given kudos to the officers and men of the Nigerian Military as well as other collaborative security agencies, for their efforts in stemming the tide of insecurity in Imo State in particular, and the entire South East region and Nigeria in general.

Uzodimma made the commendation when he received in audience the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Enugu, Major Gen. Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye and his team Commanders under Sector 4 at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

The Governor attributed part of his administration’s success to the invaluable efforts, sacrifices and determination of the security agencies which guaranteed an enabling environment for development in the State. 

“No government can thrive in an atmosphere of violence. We need an enabling environment to secure our people better,”

he stressed, and urged the military to remain steadfast and count on the support of his government at all times.

Uzodimma further noted that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration in Nigeria has invested so much to confront the spate of insecurity in the country, and maintained that security of lives and property of the citizenry and residents is paramount to his administration. 

He encouraged the GOC, who is equally the Commander of Operation “UDOKA” in the South East, to collaborate with the Governors of the South East to guarantee greater peace in the region with the consequential development in the interest of all.

Earlier, Major Gen. Olatoye said he was in the State on official/familiarisation tour of commands under Sector 4, “to ascertain their operational readiness, appraise their challenges and proffer necessary advice to enhance their operations.”

The GOC expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for his support in all capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the State, and by extension a key leader in the area, and encouraged him not to relent.

He promised that the Army under his watch in the area will upscale its efforts in fighting insurgencies within Imo State and the entire South East region, deploying kinetic as well as non kinetic measures to achieve the set goals.

Present at the courtesy visit were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Head of Service, Mrs. Chikodi Emenalo, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Irene Chima, members of the State’s Expanded Executive Council led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief COC Akaolisa, the Chairman Imo Elders Council/ Deputy Chairman, Southern Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya, among others.

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