CBN, LG Autonomy And Need For Financial Probity, By Lawal Nasir

March 10, 2025

When in July 2024, the Supreme Court gave a ruling that effectively granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country, the development was received with mixed reactions. While many celebrated the position of the nation’s apex court with regards to the third tier of government, Nigerian governors were clearly not happy because, over the years, the state chief executives have appropriated the resources meant for the local governments to themselves.
Indeed, the governors’ total grip on the local government was so strong that many considered the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment impossible. Even Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the lead judgment of the apex court, alluded to the governors’ influence when he scolded the decades-long refusal of the state governments on financial autonomy for local governments.
The governors had in 2019 under then President Muhammadu Buhari successfully frustrated the decision by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) regulating transactions on State and Local Governments Joint Accounts, limiting cash withdrawals from local governments accounts to a maximum amount of N500,000 per day with penalties for banks that failed to comply.
But, the Bola Tinubu administration was determined to implement the judgment. It followed through by setting up a 10-member inter-ministerial committee to implement the Supreme Court judgment. In a broadcast marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, President Bola Tinubu said, “As part of our efforts to re-engineer our political economy, we are resolute in our determination to implement the Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments.”
However, the state governors continued their lobby against the enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment. The governors have continued to mount pressure on top officials of the Tinubu Administration to soft-pedal on the implementation of the apex court judgment.
As a result of these developments, government’s actions have been subjected to all sorts of interpretations, most of them wide off the mark. For instance, consider the story titled “LGAs financial autonomy faces fresh hurdle on CBN demand” in the Business Day of February 2, 2025. According to the story, which relied on sources, “Local governments across Nigeria are facing a new challenge in their push to receive monthly allocations directly from the federation accounts, as they must now submit a two-year account audit to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before funds can be disbursed.”
Continuing, it said: “The direct revenue remittance, initially scheduled to begin in January, was postponed after many of the 774 local councils failed to provide the required account details. As a result, their N361.754 billion share from the total N1.424 trillion distributable revenue for the month was routed through the state governments.
“The CBN has begun the process of opening accounts for local governments to facilitate direct payments, in line with the financial autonomy secured through a Supreme Court ruling in July 2024.
“However, with the next allocation due in a few weeks, concerns are growing over the ability of councils to submit the mandated audit reports before the February meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Sources at the CBN confirmed that the bank would not proceed with account openings without a clear understanding of each local government’s financial position.”
Why should a move aimed at ensuring accountability, probity, and transparency be considered a hurdle? Are we saying that local governments have no record of their spending? What exactly are you trying to say.
The CBN, we must not forget, is an independent institution with its own standard operating procedure (SOP). But it is also held accountable by relevant government institutions and agencies. If the CBN is expected to always present its audited report despite its independence, why should LGs not be subjected to the same?How many Nigerians will be satisfied with CBN explanation when the figures fail to add up?
Sadly, rather than support CBN’s position on accountability, the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), through its National President Hakeem Ambali, is warning the apex bank against aiding state governors in undermining the financial autonomy of local government councils.
“There is no local government without at least three years of audited accounts. This is made possible due to the presence of the Auditors-General at the local government levels.
“The CBN must understand that it can not go against a landmark Supreme Court judgment. No organisation should allow itself to be used by governors against the realisation of the autonomy for local governments,” Ambali was quoted by The PUNCH as saying.
So, if truly LGs have at least three years of audited accounts, the logical question to ask is: what makes it difficult to present such audited reports and satisfy the said CBN demand?
Unlike local governments, which can still be influenced by state governors through the instrumentality of state electoral bodies, the CBN is not beholden to state governments in any way. While majority Nigerians are in support of LG autonomy so that developmental projects can be executed at the grassroots level, it will be suicidal to do so in a vague and fraudulent way. Going to court, and whatever the outcome, can not change this fact.
Nasir is a journalist based in Abuja

Akpabio, Natasha Brouhaha: Oshiomhole, The Peace Maker Comes To Town, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

March 9, 2025

Amidst the frenzy noises, mainly in social and conventional media, and in the political arena on what has been thrown up as an impasse between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan on one hand, and between Natasha and the Senate as an institution on the other hand, has emerged what I would like to call “voice of wisdom.”
Since the crisis of authority or lack of it arose from the point of seat reallocations, up to the point at which Senator Natasha was sent on suspension with mouthwatering conditions, the media and political environment have been assailed with gargantuan muscle flexing from different angles: dividing the discourse for and against, depending on which divides the feuding media warriors found themselves.
However, Senator, Oshiomhole, in a video clip that is currently trending, called for peace, insisting that there should be no division in the Senate as a an institution.
In calming down the nerves that have been unnecessarily battered by what I consider to be egocentric, Senator Oshiomhole assured Natasha that a lot of the senators are her true friends, despite the little misunderstanding that has been blown to mountain. He even reminded Natasha that Akpabio had once tagged her as Princess of the 10th Senate, praying that after all the dust that has been raised, she would continue to be the real Princess of the senate.
Reminding the Senate President that the quality of a leader is tested when he’s under severe provocation and how he navigates challenges, he argued that being sorry for the wrong one is believed to have done should be regarded as a sign of strength rather weakness.
Oshiomhole made himself as an example when he apologized to the Senate as he trod the same path by going to complain on television about the grievance he had over accusation of embezzling money, and a few senators felt bad about it.
He also made example of himself when his seat was changed without prior information, but that he accepted the change “because I know that you can only change my seat but you cannot change me or my opinions.”
For the sake of argument to put things in proper perspective, one of the objective legislative analysts was empathic that Natasha’s suspension is strictly about the rules, and had nothing to do with allegation of sexual Harassment. He said that she broke Rule 6:1, 6:2, 6:9, 55:1, 62, 63, 44, 47.
The analyst stressed that Natasha began a fight without due consultation and proper guidance, saying that she cannot be seeking refuge in one side of the law (order 10) while disregarding a whole lot of other parts of the same laws.
If the issue of sexual harassment is presented, as it’s being done, as the groundswell for protest on the action of relocating her from her seat, what would others who were similarly moved at the same time present to justify protest against the same relocation?
As a matter of fact, after the article I published on Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper when the issue of change of seat first raised the dust, these peacemaking words by Senator Oshiomhole obviously made a great deal of impact on the way out of the logjam.
Any other words coming, especially outside the hallow chamber of the respected Senate should be seen as stoking more fire. Such words are mainly emanating from those who are being driven by pure sentiments, emotions and those who are promoting their social media contents simply to make money. Ditto the lawyers.
As we all know of course that Senator Akpabio would not resign on the basis of the allegation (not confirmation) that are flying all over the place, just as Natasha would not be recalled by people she’s representing, and therefore, it is good if the two internalise this matter, resolve it to enable them have the unity of purpose of attaining the primary purpose of legislation, which is for the betterment of their Senatorial Districts and Nigeria at large. One imagines what kind of relationship that would prevail between the two feuding personalities when the dust is settled and they both go to work in the same chamber, without having resolved the impasse.
I want to recall my point in the last write up by saying that it is a misnomer for one lawmaker to regard fellow lawmaker as “enemies” much more, the Senate President. In an ideal legislative setting, there can be no enemies or adversaries, but simply “opposition” or “horsetrading’ from where lobby, consultations, personal interactios are the natural resort.
It is important to stress the point that the ideal legislative interactions between senators and senate leadership in Nigeria should be characterized by respect and transparency.
Senators and senate leadership should work together to introduce, debate, and pass legislation that benefits the country. This involves active listening, open communication and a willingness to compromise.
Senators should maintain a respectful tone when engaging with each other and with senate leadership, even when disagreeing. This fosters a positive and productive legislative environment.
Senate leadership should, on the other hand, ensure that decision-making processes are transparent, with clear explanations for decisions and actions. This helps build trust among senators and the public.
Senators should participate in debates, ask informed questions, and provide thoughtful contributions to shape legislation and they should seek clarification from senate leadership on legislative procedures, rules, and decisions.
All these things point to the fact that even as human beings, we are learning everyday, either from others or from our mistakes. What differentiates the wise from the foolish ones amongst us, human, is the use to which we put such learning and even, the refusal or failure to turn such learning process into something else just to elicit unnecessary furore and sympathy. The learning and accommodation of the tumbles and tribulations is pronounced more in political turfs. Natasha and Akpabio are therefore, in this learning context not enemies per se. The earlier they realise that fact and face the legislative realities the better for them, their individual constituencies and the country.

Yusuf Ozi-Usman nipr, is Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper

My Wife, Lami Fatima: It’s Just Like Yesterday You Left Me, By Hassan Gimba

Greenbarge Reporters

March 9, 2025

Note: this piece was first published in 2018 the way it is:

Lami Fatima Babare, my beloved wife, my friend, the mother of my children. Today (March 12, 2018) marks one week of your painful death.
When we got married on the 30th of October, 1992, our dream was to grow old together; to live to the age when we will walk about alone in the house with walking sticks after sending all the children on their course, reliving our early love once again, with our grandchildren, great grandchildren and more to give us some fulfilment after the long struggle to prepare our children for their life’s journey.
But He who created you from my rib for me knew you would leave me in the cold night of 6th of March, just three days after your 52nd birthday.
You sang and danced for me, bringing laughter to my life and our home. You made me excel because I wanted to be your king. My life, too, revolved around you. Everything I did was for you, because of you, or in consideration of you.
You were always there for me; in your eyes I was the father and mother you didn’t have. I was your husband, friend and brother too. Your love was genuine and so was your submissiveness to my authority as your husband.
When you were diagnosed with cervical cancer over a year ago, it was a rude shock to us. You knew, we all knew, it was just a matter of time. It became debilitating for the month you remained bedridden as the unmerciful disease ate up your insides.
From Tuesday, 6th of February to Monday, 5th of March when you finally gave up the ghost, it had been from one hospital to another and one surgery after another. Yet you were always full of praise to your creator. I witnessed this because I was always with you, by your side all the days.
I recall when you were to undergo a procedure called Bilateral Nephrostomy in which tubes were inserted into your left and right sides to empty your bowels as your kidneys’ functions had been impaired. We held hands by the hospital theatre entrance and your words were ‘Allah abun godiya’.
You were submissive to His will and struggled on, with strength. All of us who saw you were all the time in tears but not a drop of it from your large, beautiful, enchanting eyes. You were a woman with all the attributes of women but your strength was the envy of men, and my source of strength and confidence.
You put up a gallant fight for your life, but death is an inescapable foe. It does its work at the time given to it by the creator. No one escapes their appointed time.
You achieved a lot. You made me a man, always a source of comfort to me and a pillow that cushioned my heart.
You gave birth to, and nurtured, six wonderful children, one of whom became a lawyer at 22 while three are at various levels in the university. You have left behind two beautiful grandchildren from your first daughter.r
We all will miss you. Your friends will miss you. Your relations will miss you. Mine will miss you. Your students at FCE (T), Potiskum will miss you.
FCE (T) Potiskum is where you served diligently as a lecturer for 27 years without a query or reprimand of any kind and you rose to become a senior lecturer and deputy director of its remedial programme. You were also a dedicated unionist.
Even though neither the college’s management nor the COEASU executive sent a delegation to visit you on your death bed, I know that you have forgiven them because you were large hearted, generous, gentle and forgiving by nature.
I have been in tears since you left me but the tears are not for you; you are in a better realm now. The tears are for me. Your death has opened me up because the foundation on which my life was built was you. I now realise my home is no longer like home, because you were my home.
Because you were there, I could afford to move about in the world in a carefree way, knowing that you got my back. It is now a new era for me. There is no time, but I have to start again. One’s first marriage is generally one based on sincere love because it’s generally effected by contributions from family and friends. Any other after is because one can. One cannot replicate with any other what one has done with the first wife.
My only regret is that I did not take a photograph with you on your sick bed. There was always a sort of shyness between us; with you sometimes I behaved like a child in front of his mother. Perhaps I didn’t want to think I was taking the pictures as a way of saying good bye. And there was always that reserve of hope, however faint, that anything – positive – could happen with your case.
I also regret not snapping you when you lay lifeless. I touched your face tenderly, closed your slightly parted lips, but it never occurred to me to take that physical snapshot, but that picture will remain indelible in my mind’s eyes.
As the curtains are drawn on your worthy, earthly life, a life well spent, I eagerly look to a reunion under the shades of the trees of Paradise so that we continue from where we stopped, where I will enjoy again the endless laughter from your sweet voice.
I know you are there. If your Paradise were under my feet, then you have no problem because I had raised those feet to make way for you the day I married you. It is left for me to do what will make me meet you where you are waiting for me, by living well. Thank God there is a meeting place. If there was none, I wouldn’t know how to take what has happened. It would have been too much for my poor heart.
Till we meet there to part no more, my darling wife, in shaa Allah, Lami.

Note: This piece was first published on March 12, 2018, nine days after her death. It is repeated wholly with only a headline change as a posthumous birthday seven years after.

Hassan Gimba, anipr, is the CEO/Publisher of Neptune Prime.

2027: I Remain Firmly In PDP, Promoting Coalition Of Opposition To Kickout APC Govt – Atiku

Greenbarge Reporters

March 8, 2025

Former Nigeria’s Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made it clear that he is firmly in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as he continues to pursue a coalition of all political parties to kickout the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the center in the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to what he called “unverified information” that he had abandoned the PDP, Atiku said that such rumour is a total fallacy that holds no merit in logic.
Atiku said that he had persistently called for a coalition of opposition political parties in Nigeria “ahead of the 2027 general elections with the aim of ousting the incompetent and pain-inflicting All Progressives Congress, in order to give Nigerians a new lease of life.”
He said that his advocacy for a robust coalition is aimed at bringing into one fold all opposition parties including the PDP.
“Hence, it is fallacious and unfounded to allege that the Waziri is jumping PDP ship. Such an allegation is antithetical to the objective of the grand coalition, which the former Vice President is currently driving alongside other prominent political leaders in the country.
“We, therefore, wish to state unequivocally that Atiku remains a principal bonafide member of the PDP, the main opposition party.
“Any insinuation to the contrary is contrived to confuse Nigerians about the magnitude of the grand coalition that is at work to rescue Nigeria from the grip of the APC.

Kabir Dangogo: Demise Of Doyen Of Public Relations In Africa, By Yushau A. Shuiab

Greenbarge Reporters

March 8, 2025

“My father died a while ago! Janaza will be at Sultan Bello Mosque Kaduna after Jumuat prayer Insha Allah”….This was the sombre message that greeted me on my phone from Sadiq Kabir Dangogo, son of the legendary Mallam Kabir Dangogo, as I awoke for the Ramadan Sahur at 4:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025. For a moment, I was paralyzed by disbelief. I pinched myself to ensure it wasn’t a nightmare and sought further confirmation. The reality soon sank in: the man who had inspired countless African public relations professionals was no more.
Mallam Kabir Dangogo was not just a name in the field of public relations; he was an institution. His contributions to the profession were monumental, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of PR practitioners.
My first encounter with Mallam Dangogo was through his writings during my early years in PR. However, it was an unforgettable honor to share a podium with him when we were both recognized as PR Personalities of the Year by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Kano/Jigawa Chapter exactly 30 years ago. The event, held on August 5, 1995, at Daula Hotel in Kano, was graced by dignitaries such as the NIPR President, Alhaji Sabo Muhammad; former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Ali Saad Birnin Kudu; and my boss Alhaji Abu Gidado, then Minister of State for Finance, who was the Special Guest of Honour.
That moment marked the beginning of a mentorship and professional relationship that profoundly shaped my career. Mallam Dangogo’s towering presence in strategic communication opened doors to numerous opportunities and networks. His establishment of Timex Communications and Training School after his retirement further cemented his commitment to nurturing the next generation of PR professionals.
As a revered authority in financial public relations and reputation management, Mallam Dangogo’s expertise transcended borders. On February 21, 2019, we had the privilege of hosting him at the PRNigeria Centre in Abuja for a mentorship session with our interns, mostly Mass Communication students. Unbeknownst to him, we had orchestrated a surprise 70th birthday celebration in his honor.
At exactly 4:00 PM, as I led him into our conference room, the staff and interns erupted into a melodious rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The look of surprise on his face was priceless. The celebration deepened as calls began pouring in from top PR practitioners across the continent. The first was from the President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, followed by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Mukhtar Sirajo, and many others, all extending heartfelt wishes.
A Short Tribute to Mr. Kabir Dangogo by Asare Okae-Anti
A Legacy of Integrity:
Remembering a Forthright Mentor, Mallam Kabir Dangogo by Nkechi Alli-Balogun
In his remarks that day, Mallam Dangogo admitted that he had long forgotten his birthday, which he rarely commemorated. With a sense of nostalgia, he reflected on the golden days of public relations, when decorum, ethics, and professionalism were the guiding principles of the profession. He lamented the current state of PR in Nigeria, emphasizing that the profession was not merely about crafting grammatically impeccable press releases or delivering eloquent speeches at press conferences. He urged young practitioners to be hardworking, diligent, and steadfast in upholding the ethics of the profession.

Born on February 21, 1949, Mallam Kabir Dangogo was a scholar and a trailblazer. He earned academic degrees from Ohio University, Athens, in the United States in 1981, and the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom in 1987. Mallam Dangogo’s illustrious career began in journalism, where he worked at the New Nigerian newspaper and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He actually served as the Managing Editor of New Nigerian newspaper between 1988 and 1989, a Senior Lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic in the late 1980s, and the Press Adviser for the United States Information Service in 1990.
He later transitioned into public relations, serving as a Public Relations Officer at the Bank of the North Limited and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. He was the founding President of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB). He served as Secretary-General of the Federation of African Public Relations Associations (FAPRA later known as APRA) while also being the Chairman of the Nigeria Chapter of the International Public Relations Associations (IPRA) between 2002 and 2006, bringing pride to Nigeria on the continental and global stage.
After 32 years of distinguished service in various corporate organizations, Mallam Dangogo voluntarily retired from Union Bank on June 26, 2005, as the Assistant General Manager (AGM) of Corporate Affairs. He then established Timex Communications, a PR firm and communication training school that hosted global events in Nigeria.
His contributions to the profession were recognized globally. In 1981, he was elected a Fellow of the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) in New York. He became a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in 2000 and received the NIPR President’s Award for Excellence in Public Relations in 1996. He was also a Fellow of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and received the Lagos State Chapter of the NIPR Award for Excellence in Public Relations in 2005.
Mallam Kabir Dangogo was a multi-award-winning PR practitioner whose decades of distinguished practice left an indelible mark on the communications landscape and the banking industry. His remarkable journey is a testament to his exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
As we bid farewell to this doyen of public relations in Africa, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure. May his soul rest in peace.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “A Dozen Tips for Media Relations” and “Introduction to Financial Public Relations in Nigeria.” yashuaib@yashuaib.com

How Ex President Buhari Moved From Daura To His Residence In Kaduna

Greenbarge Reporters

March 8, 2025

Immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari recently relocated to his known residence on Sultan Lane, GRA, Kaduna. This came almost two years after he exited the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on May 29, 2023. He had been in his country home in Daura, Katsina State until his movement to his old house in Kaduna.
Credible sources said his relocation to Daura was actually a stop gap measure after leaving office pending the completion of his Kaduna house.
It was learnt that the house was demolished and thereafter rebuilt by one of the leading construction companies in Nigeria.
When our correspondent visited the location of the house, there were heavily armed security operatives, making it difficult to go much close to the building.
He, however, managed to get a picture of the area, even as the newly built house could be seen from the distance.
The Kaduna house is where Buhari was known to reside prior to his swearing in as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015.
The house used to be a modest edifice said to have been built when he was serving as a senior officer in the army and years before he became head of state in 1983.
During those years, visitors to the house were often surprised at the modesty of the entire building, which stood on a vast compound, compared to what other former heads of state have as abodes.
The duplex stood in front of a lawn, which took most of the space on the plot accommodating the house.
For the eight years that Buhari held sway as president, sources said not much was done to upgrade the house as he spent his vacation mostly in his home town of Daura.
Careful about his modest lifestyle, the former president has always insisted that he did not use his office either as military head of state or president to enrich himself.
Close to the end of his second tenure in 2023, Buhari surprised many when he gave notice that on leaving office, he would be returning to Daura instead of Kaduna to stay away as far as possible from the seat of power in Abuja.
When he handed over to President Bola Tinubu, Buhari retired straight to Daura, where he lived for close to two years.
In an interview on NTA’s ‘Conversations With History’ aired in November 2023, Buhari had said: “People charter buses and come to see me from time to time. I thought I had stayed as far away from Abuja as possible, but they still come. I would have gone to Niger if the borders were opened.” ⁣
And at a recent event organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina, Buhari emphasised that he had just three houses, two in Kaduna; one, which he was occupying before he became president, and another, which he said he had put up for rent. The third one is his country home in Daura.
Sources said it was while he was in Daura that the Kaduna house was “reconstructed completely,” befitting his status as a former military head of state and later, president.
In a surprising twist to his earlier promise, Buhari relocated to Kaduna to a well redesigned and reconstructed edifice.
The surprise for many is the ease with which the edifice came out, given the acclaimed frugal nature of the former president and his preference for a near Spartan lifestyle.
Our correspondent, who visited the area, observed that the narrow street where the former president’s residence is located was largely deserted, with only a few vehicles parked in front of neighbouring houses.
Soldiers and policemen were seen stationed at the entrance gate, along with plain clothes security personnel believed to be undercover operatives maintaining vigilance.
It was also gathered that the first house on the left of the street belongs to the late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua and was guarded by soldiers.
Other notable figures residing in the area include a former minister of environment, Mahmoud Abubakar and a former Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.
There are indications, however, that the former president may have taken advantage of one of his privileges as a former president to have the house redesigned.
As a former president, Buhari is entitled to remunerations and other packages as recommended by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). They include free medical treatment for himself and members of his immediate family; 30 days of annual vacation within and outside Nigeria; a well-furnished and equipped office in any location of his choice; a well-furnished five-bedroom house to be provided in any location of his choice, all at the expense of the federal government.
It is believed that it is the last benefit the former president may have taken advantage of to work on and expand his Sultan Lane residence, which now wears a new look.
It is obvious, even from the outside, that there are more buildings now in the compound, unlike in the past where lawns took up vast spaces on the plot. The glistening creamy colour it now wears also stands it out from other property within the vicinity.
Credible sources told one of our correspondents that indeed, it is the federal government that reconstructed the house.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the Presidency on the development were not successful as Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, declined comment on the development.
However, a source within the Presidency told Weekend Trust that issues concerning the welfare of the past presidents were domiciled in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The source said: “I think issues that have to do with the welfare and emoluments of former presidents and their vice are domiciled in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“To my knowledge, I do not think that you would get what you want in the Presidency here. It is better if you check at the SGF’s office.”
Also, efforts to get comments from officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) were not successful as those contacted said they did not have any information on the matter.
However, top officials in other sectors of the government said it was the Presidential Villa that could answer such question, especially if that was captured in the severance package of former President Buhari or was based on request from the later.
In the 2023 budget, the federal government earmarked a total of N13.8 billion for the upkeep of former presidents, vice presidents, heads of state, chiefs of general staff, retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, as well as retired heads of government agencies and parastatals for the 2024 fiscal year.
The provisions for former presidents/heads of states and vice presidents/chiefs of general staff under the budget stood at a cost of N2.3 billion.
Since his early military days, Buhari was known to have lived in Kaduna, and his recent move is seen as a home coming of sorts.
A resident who refused to disclose his identity said the house was given a total overhaul.
Sources said Buhari performed his Juma’at prayer penultimate week at the Yahaya Road Juma’at Mosque, GRA, Kaduna amidst tight security.
He was seen at the mosque near his residence a few minutes before 1pm last Friday, escorted by security personnel.
It can be recalled that on February 27, the former president was accompanied to his Kaduna residence by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other high-profile dignitaries, including the Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, current and former deputy governors of Katsina State, a former Inspector-General of Police, former ministers and several personal aides.
Source: Weekend Trust.

This Injustice Will Not Sustain, Natasha Thunders As Senate Suspends Her

Greenbarge Reporters

March 6, 2025

Embattled Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan, senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District, has dismissed her suspension from the Senate for six months.
Reacting to the suspension which was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Public Petitions and Privileges, Natasha thundered: “this Injustice will not sustain.”
She was refused to make any comments after the committee’s report was submitted for consideration at today’s plenary.
The committee’s seven points recommendation are as follows:
1. Suspension for 6 months
2. ⁠She must write a written apology before she resumes
3. ⁠She should be suspended from 6th March, 2025.
4. ⁠Her office should be locked for the duration of six months, and handover property
5. She must not come close to the National Assembly complex
6. Her salaries, allowances and security details should be suspended
7. ⁠She must be barred from presenting herself as a Senator for local and international media.

Senate Committee Wants Natasha Suspended For 6 Months… And To Apologize

Greenbarge Reporters

March 6, 2025

The Senate Committee on Ethic and Privileges recommended that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be suspended for six months amid her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The committee also recommended that Senator Natasha, who is representing Kogi Central, must apologise to the Senate for “disrespecting the Senate.”
The committee further recommended that her salary and security details be withdrawn for the period of the suspension.

The recommendation of the Committee came today, March 6, shortly after Senator Natasha resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President during plenary.
This time, she submitted the petition on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.
Following the presentation, Senate President Akpabio inquired whether there were any legal impediments to accepting the petition.
Senator Natasha responded that there were none. At 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate.
The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after legislative review.
This development follows a similar petition submitted by Senator Natasha the previous day, which sparked controversy.
The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), had raised a point of order, citing Senate Standing Order 40.
He argued that the matter could not be entertained or referred to the Ethics Committee, as it was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.
Monguno also contended that the petition could not be considered since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.
As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
This latest petition adds to the ongoing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.

FCT Minister, Wike, Goes Hunting For Foreign Investors In Italy

Greenbarge Reporters

March 6, 2025

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has landed in Milan, Italy, in search for foreign investors to grow the Nigerian Capital city.
A statement from Milan, Italy by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said that the minister would hold a series of official engagements with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana and other investors.
Wike, who arrived in Milan yesterday day was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.
“while in Milan, the FCT Minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.”
Lombardy is adjudged the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union (EU) and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The FCT Minister’s meeting with Attilio Fontana will center on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region.
“Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities.
“The FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu, accompanied the Minister on the trip.”

Convergence Of Ramadan And Lent: Lessons For Muslims And Christians, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

March 5, 2025

It is not a coincidence, in the sight of God, that Muslims and Christians started fasting at almost the same time this year, 2025. While Muslims began the 29 or 30-day (Ramadan Fasting) on March 1, Christians started their own today, March 5.
The liturgical year is the Church calendar that is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox Christians, and several other denominations. Today, which is Ash Wednesday, worshippers receive a cross-shaped mark on their foreheads made from ashes. These ashes are obtained by burning palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. It is marked by the use of palm fronds, which worshippers wave during processions or fashion into crosses to take home.
This tradition commemorates Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem when his followers laid palm branches before him, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Lenten season is a solemn period characterised by fasting, prayers, penance and almsgiving.
Lent is a 40-day journey of sacrifice, prayer, and charity, echoing the time Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness.
The 40-day duration mirrors the fasting periods of Jesus Christ before his public ministry, as well as those of prophets Elijah and Moses, who each fasted for 40 days at different times.
The Lenten season culminates in Easter, which falls on April 20 this year, the Sunday after Palm Sunday.
The mode of the Fasting between Muslims, as can be seen and as it’s clarified in the Holy Books are different but the thread that runs through them is the same: self-denial, self-discipline, fear of the Creator, spread of love, charity and compassion amongst others.
As a matter of fact, God sent different prophets as Messiahs to their people all in order to straighten good conduct of the people in His ways. One of such conducts is embedded in the Ramadan fasting and Lent: Service to humanity and the Creator Himself.
There are a lot of lessons which humanity in general and Nigerians in particular need to learn, especially from the prophets of the great two religions, and by extension, the coinciding of the two Holy religious observations.
Of course, religious scholars are in a better position to detail the significance of the religions as institutions towards communing with God, the benefits they are to the adherents and above all, the joy in the adherents forming a united front to create enabling environment to practice them, but it must be stressed from the beginning that the “clash” of the Fasting in the two religions deserves a special attention.
In fact, it should not be lost on discernible observers and analysts that the coincidence of Muslim Ramadan fasting and Christian Lent presents a unique opportunity for interfaith unity in Nigeria, a country with a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and religious traditions.
It is clear that both Ramadan and Lent emphasize themes of sacrifice, self-discipline, and reflection. This shared focus provides a common ground for dialogue and mutual understanding between Muslims and Christians, allowing adherents of both faiths to appreciate each other’s practices.
In both traditions, fasting involves empathizing with the less fortunate and developing a greater appreciation for blessings. This should naturally leads to collaborative efforts in community service, charity and social justice initiatives, where both Muslims and Christians work together to address poverty and other social issues.
The overlap of Ramadan and Lent should encourage interfaith discussions and events, and this is a viable time for places of worship to host interfaith gatherings to promote dialogue about the significance of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth in both religions.
Opportunities for communal eating to break the fast, known in Islam as iftar and shared Lenten meals should be platforms for fostering local community ties, aimed to creating a spirit of unity and cooperation among different religious groups.
Indeed, interfaith engagements during these periods should help mitigate misunderstandings and tensions that sometimes arise in multi-religious societies.
By highlighting similarities, communities should be able to focus on shared human values rather than differences.
Schools and educational institutions may seize the opportunity offered to incorporate discussions about Ramadan and Lent into their curricula, to encourage students to learn about and respect different faith traditions.
The overlap of the two great religious observations should be tailored to lead to cultural exchanges, where both communities share their unique practices, foods and traditions during these periods, enriching each other’s experiences.
It is also a good time for interfaith bodies to engage in activities during these significant periods for the purpose of providing spiritual enrichment for individuals, as they gain insights and perspectives from another faith tradition.
In Nigeria, interfaith dialogue during this overlapping religious period should contribute significantly to peace building and reconciliation efforts; this is in a nation that has, at one time or the other, been grappling with religious and ethnic tensions.

Yusuf Ozi-Usman, nipr, is Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine in Abuja, Nigeria.

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