Former Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has sympathised with the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda over the death of his mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari. In a message to the governor, the former president said: “ it is with profound sadness that I convey my deepest sympathies for the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u. “No matter how big a person becomes, they need their mother. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and your family during this difficult period as we remember her life and service to women and the community at large. “May Allah reward her good deeds, and her legacy an inspiration to her descendants and future generations. May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.”
Kogi State Government has kicked out Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) with the establishment of Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to assume a regulatory oversight in the electricity sector. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the government of Ahmed Usman Ododo has taken advantage of the amended Electricity Act 2023 to take full control of the state’s power sector, thereby reducing reliance on the regulatory and distribution framework of the old order in Nigeria. It was learnt that as part of the reform, the state government has also established its own power distribution company, Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL), a subsidiary company of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to oversee electricity distribution across the state. With this development, Kogi State joins the rank of progressive states like Lagos, Enugu, Niger, Kano and others that have taken charge of their electricity generation and distribution. The establishment of KEDL means that residents and businesses will no longer depend solely on electricity distribution networks outside the state. A statement from the office of the Special Adviser to Governor Ododo on media, Ismailia Isa said that for years, unstable electricity has been a major hindrance to economic growth, forcing businesses to operate at a loss and leaving many communities without access to power. It said that small-scale enterprises, including welders, frozen food vendors, and tailors, have been forced to rely on costly fuel-powered generators, severely cutting into their profits. “Even scrap dealers, who contribute significantly to the recycling industry, have to transport materials as far as Kano for proper processing due to the lack of adequate power facilities in Kogi. “Governor Ododo understands these struggles as a player in the sector for many years, and through KERC, he is providing a solution that will empower businesses and create an environment for economic growth. “Beyond improving power supply, this transition brings multiple economic benefits. “One of the most immediate advantages is job creation for youths. As Kogi expands its power infrastructure, thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created, from engineers and technicians to administrative personnel and field workers.”
The Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), a civic organization promoting public accountability in Nigeria, has declared Yobe State as the best-performing state in its 2024 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index. The SAE Index, according to the Support Initiative, assesses the level of transparency and accountability in the management and utilization of public funds, as well as the implementation of public policies across Nigeria’s 36 states. The edition of PLSI’s flagship research report, launched in Abuja today, March 20, ranked Yobe State again as the top performer among all the 36 States, scoring 73 percent. Ekiti came second with 54 percent while Adamawa State scored 47 to secure 3rd positions. At the lower end of the rankings, Ogun, Bayelsa, and Ebonyi states occupied the 34th place, each scoring 7 percent. A statement by Yusuf Ali, Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor, Mai Mala Buni on Digital and Strategic Communications said that the latest ranking highlights Yobe State’s consistency in maintaining robust public audit practices and transparency mechanisms, setting a benchmark for other states in the Federation. He said that the PLSI’s SAE Index evaluates states based on critical components of the public audit action cycle, including the submission, review, and implementation of audit reports by key stakeholders. The spokesman said that the Index aims to foster a culture of accountability in the public sector, ensuring effective resource utilization for the benefit of citizens. He quoted PLSI’s Executive Director, Olusegun Elemo as having commended Yobe State for its exemplary performance and encouraged other states to adopt similar measures to improve governance and accountability. “The SAE Index is a tool for driving reform and strengthening public trust. Yobe’s achievement shows that prioritizing transparency in public financial management is possible and rewarding.” Ali said that the SAE Index underscores the importance of regular audits, prompt implementation of recommendations, and collaboration among government entities to promote good governance. “This marks another milestone for Yobe State in its pursuit of excellence in governance, reinforcing its position as a leader in public sector accountability in Nigeria.”
The House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has adopted sections 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution, 1999 (As amended), which provides for the National Assembly to take over the lawmaking functions of a State House of Assembly if deemed necessary to restore order and governance in the state. This was one of the amendments made to the State of emergency declared on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which was forwarded to the House of Representatives and the Senate to ratify. In confirming the presidential declaration at its plenary today, March 20, the House wanted a National Mediation Committee constituted, comprising eminent Nigerians, including representatives from the Federal Executive and Legislature, to facilitate dialogue and resolution during the emergency period. It also wanted periodic review of the emergency rule within the initial six-month duration as declared by the President, with the possibility of early termination if peace is sufficiently restored. The House unanimously approved the presidential declaration of State of emergency with voice vote by 243 Members present at plenary, in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended). It was preceded by extensive deliberations with key amendments introduced. The House commenced today’s session with an executive session in line with Order 16 of the Standing Orders (Eleventh Edition), where the Speaker and Presiding Officer, Abbas Tajudeen, read the President’s communication on the proclamation. At plenary, the House adopted a motion to stand down (suspend) all other business scheduled in the Order Paper for the day, allowing for robust deliberation on the President’s request after the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, briefed Members on the circumstances necessitating the emergency rule and rallied the House on the need to move Rivers State forward. In a debate that took a multi-partisan dimension, some Members supported the State of Emergency, citing the necessity of deploying additional security resources to restore order and protect lives and property. However, concerns were raised about the potential for abuse of power and implications for fundamental human rights, prompting calls for strict legislative oversight to ensure lawful implementation and adherence to the stated objectives. After extensive deliberations, the House, unanimously ratified the amended proclamation via a voice vote, with no dissension recorded from the 243 Members present, representing two-thirds of the House membership. The Reps spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr. confirmed that the approval of the presidential proclamation of the State of emergency in Rivers State underscores the House’s commitment to constitutional governance, ensuring that emergency measures align with democratic principles and respect for the rule of law in the interest of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Kogi Central sociocultural umbrella body, Ebira People’s Association (EPA) has dismissed the underground fireworks going on for the recall of the embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan, who is representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper indicated that a group of people who call themselves Kogi Central stakeholders, have initiated the process of recalling Senator Natasha, who was suspended for six months on March 6, for alleged unruly behaviour in the Chamber. In a statement today, March 19, reacting to such a move, the President of EPA, Dr. Godwin Oyibo asked the people in the Senatorial District to remain vigilant, united, and committed to the shared dream of building a great constituency where love and brotherliness reign supreme. “We passionately appeal to all constituents to stand solidly behind our senator, who has proven herself to be a true and worthy representative of our constituency. We must avoid needless distractions at this period.” Dr. Oyibo said that EPA is aware of”an attempt to initiate a recall process against our Distinguished Senator, Barrister Natasha Akpoti, from the National Assembly by some stakeholders in Kogi Central. “Initially, we dismissed it as a rumor, but we have continued to receive calls and messages from concerned constituents of Kogi Central, both at home and in the diaspora, confirming the development. “This situation is disturbing, not only because of its potential impact on the collective peace of our district, but also because it threatens the unity and cohesion that have pervaded our land in the recent times. “We recall the oneness of our people during the last governorship election in 2023 when we were confronted with people who referred to us as common enemies. It is too soon to sacrifice that oneness. “While EPA acknowledges the right of individuals to belong to different political persuasions, we need to stress that the issue at stake concerns our developmental interests. “We must diligently consider the options available to us now and in the future. “Our current senator has attracted development to Kogi Central, and we cannot deny her those achievements. “Despite facing numerous challenges, Senator Natasha Akpoti has remained a steadfast advocate for our cause, delivering numerous projects and amenities that have significantly improved the lives of her constituents. “We urge all constituents to exercise extreme caution and not be swayed by external interests seeking to disrupt our peace and progress. “We must recognize that the rumored recall process is not only unnecessary but also potentially detrimental to our corporate interest and image. “It is crucial for us as a people to appreciate the fact that our collective cohesion could be threatened by such a move.”
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, relying on section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months. “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.” President Tinubu made the declaration in a nationwide broadcast today, March 18, having met with the Service Chiefs earlier in the day.
He said in the broadcast: “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.” President Tinubu said that for the avoidance of doubt, “this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate. “The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.”
*Full text of President Tinubu’s broadcast: Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis. With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy. Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them. On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms: “a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.” The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected “are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members” The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated. Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them. Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together. Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state. The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines. With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security. In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do. By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months. In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate. The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state. This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole. Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.
Journalists in Nigeria have been reminded that the world now more than ever before, deserves understanding among peoples of various faiths, cultures and traditions.
“As journalists, we should go beyond the symbolism of these moments, but to deepen our togetherness by promoting religious harmony.” The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP), in a statement by its Editorial Board Chairman, Muyiwa Akintunde, to felicitate with the NUJ as it celebrate its 70th anniversary, said that it is symbolic that the union’s anniversary coincides with the fasting periods of Muslims and Christians, which emphasises religious harmony. The group commended journalists and media professionals in the country for their resilience in the face of all odds, and dedication to the ethics of the profession. It advised journalists to continue to hold their heads high for their invaluable contributions to nation building, and holding operators in the public and private sectors accountable to the public they serve. The Guild, which set out to promote peace, tolerance, harmony and acceptance of religious plurality among the various peoples of the world, also acknowledged the sacrifices media professionals had made in nation building over the past 70 years and more. It remembered several journalists who paid the supreme price in the course of discharging their professional responsibilities and urged well meaning institutions and private individuals to support the dependents they left behind. GIMP said that bodies like the NUJ, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and related organisations should explore partnerships that will better the welfare of media professionals. Founded in Lagos on 15 March 1955, NUJ was in the forefront during Nigeria’s independence struggle. It became a platform for journalists to address issues of poor wages and working conditions, and eventually emerged as a trade union body registered under the labour laws. Over the years, NUJ expanded its reach across the country with the establishment of state councils, zones and chapels in media organisations.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has withdrawn the land rights of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja due to non-payment of statutory fees. This decision was communicated in an official letter dated March 13, 2025, titled: “Notice of Right of Occupancy with File No: MISC 81346 in Respect of Plot No: 243 within Central Area District, Abuja.” The document, issued today, March 18, was signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT. According to the notice, the PDP had failed to meet its financial obligations on the property for two decades, spanning from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025. Despite multiple reminders through national newspapers and electronic media, the party did not clear the outstanding ground rent. “Under the powers conferred by the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the Minister of the FCT has revoked the rights, privileges, and interests of the PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), NATIONAL SECRETARIAT over Plot No. 243 within Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja.” The revocation was justified under Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, citing violations of the terms governing the land allocation. Minister Wike directed that the FCT Administration take possession of the property immediately, pending the full settlement of all outstanding dues.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah | Credit: The Kukah Centre
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State. A statement by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said that the President also appointed principal officers for the university, including Professor Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Gambo Adamu as Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as bursar and Professor Daniel Abubakar as university Librarian. The statement said that the President also approved the appointment of Thomas Etuh, representing the North Central, Chief Fabian Nwaora (South East), Professor Femi Taiwo (South West) and Zarah Bukar (North East). as members of the university’s Governing Council. It said that all the appointees were carefully selected based on their distinguished careers, leadership experience and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria. President Tinubu implored them to use their collective expertise to position the university as a hub for academic excellence and research, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu called on the newly appointed officers to provide visionary leadership and lay a solid foundation for the university’s growth as it prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025. The Federal University of Applied Sciences was formerly known as Nok University. It was renamed following the federal government’s takeover of its assets.
The House of Representatives has announced recovery of outstanding revenues totaling $19,241,109.35 (about ₦28.7 billion) from two oil companies indebted to the Federation Account. The Reps Public Accounts Committee (PAC), according to a statement by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, Jr, achieved such significant breakthrough through an investigation that was conducted based on findings from the 2021 Audit Report.
The statement said that the committee focused on 45 oil companies collectively owing $1.7 billion in outstanding liabilities to the Federation. The statement referred to the committee’s report as follows: – Chorus Energy Limited settled its outstanding liability with a payment of $847,623 (₦1.2 billion) on March 11, 2025. – Seplat Production Development Limited fully discharged its obligation by remitting $18.39 million (₦27.6 billion) between March 10 and March 14, 2025. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been furnished with evidence of these payments for final verification. Additionally, Shoreline Natural Resources Ltd. had made a $30 million payment towards its $100.28 million debt before the investigation commenced and has requested a structured repayment plan for the outstanding balance. During the Committee’s proceedings, a representative of the NUPRC, Balarabe Haruna, reported that following recent reconciliations: Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (formerly Mobil Producing) now holds a credit balance of $211,911.09 for crude oil royalty, $33.01 million for gas flare penalties, and $163,046.40 for concession rentals, with no outstanding liabilities. The Committee commended Seplat Energy for its prompt compliance with its financial obligations. Furthermore, the Committee reaffirmed its commitment to deploying all constitutionally sanctioned measures to recover outstanding debts from the remaining 38 oil companies under investigation. The report further highlighted that the following companies have fully settled their obligations and are no longer financially liable: – Amalgamated Oil Company Nigeria Ltd – Seplat Energy – Shell Exploration and Production – Shell Petroleum Development Company _RECOVERY OF ₦199.3 MILLION FROM REMITA INVESTIGATION_ In a separate development, the House Committee on Public Accounts has successfully recovered ₦199.3 million out of an outstanding ₦6.8 billion, comprising excessive charges levied between March and October 2015 and unremitted Value Added Tax (VAT) on transactions processed via the Remita platform from 2015 to 2022. The House of Representatives had, in 2024, mandated the Committee to investigate revenue leakages and non-remittance of funds by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through Remita. This directive followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Jeremiah Umaru, which was subsequently referred to the Committee. According to the report: – The Federal Government had previously directed value chain providers, including banks, Remita, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to refund 1% transaction charges collected via Remita between March and October 2015. – An audit of records from banks and Remita revealed that while ₦7,626,503,441.42 had been refunded, an outstanding sum of ₦1,984,355,431.08 remained unpaid. – Applying the prevailing Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 27.25%, the accumulated interest on the unpaid sum amounts to ₦4,842,928,161.36, bringing the total refundable amount to ₦6,827,283,592.44. – The Committee confirmed that on March 13, 2025, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) settled ₦40.6 million in overdue charges for the period between March and October 2015. Further investigations uncovered non-remittance of VAT on transactions processed via Remita. The CBN acknowledged an outstanding VAT liability of ₦521,765,134.17 for transactions between November 2018 and April 2024, which remains unsettled. Following the Committee’s intervention: – Zenith Bank remitted ₦126,131,692.86. – Guaranty Trust Bank paid ₦32,585,882.48. Despite these recoveries, several other value chain providers are yet to comply with VAT remittance requirements and other under-remittances identified on the investigation. Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, *Rep. Bamidele Salam*, reaffirmed the Committee’s resolve to pursue every avenue to recover public funds, stating: “These recoveries demonstrate the effectiveness of the oversight function of the National Assembly in ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. We will continue to engage with relevant institutions and deploy all necessary legislative tools to recover outstanding debts and prevent revenue leakages. Our objective is to ensure that every kobo due to the Federation is accounted for and remitted accordingly.” The House of Representatives through the Public Accounts Committee remains committed to upholding financial discipline, strengthening institutional accountability, and safeguarding public resources in the national interest.
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