INSTANT NEWS

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has rejected the apology offered by his deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, regarding the ongoing political crisis in the state. In response to Aiyedatiwa's apology, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to the Governor, expressed the governor's refusal to accept the apology and insisted that his deputy must answer questions before the state House of Assembly.

Aiyedatiwa had blamed the ongoing crisis on desperate politicians in the state and stated that he remained loyal to the governor. He denied any involvement in sponsoring protests against Akeredolu. Aiyedatiwa also commended Akeredolu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their intervention in resolving the crisis.

However, Akeredolu's spokesperson disagreed with the deputy governor's statement that the governor had intervened in the crisis by persuading the House to embrace political solutions. He also refuted the denial of sponsorship of protests against the governor. Odebowale urged the deputy governor to address the allegations of misconduct brought against him by the House of Assembly. The political crisis in Ondo State remains a contentious issue that has raised concerns and cast a shadow on the state's political landscape.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its deep disappointment with the Supreme Court's verdict regarding the appeals filed by Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. The Supreme Court dismissed these appeals, stating that they lacked merit.

In a statement signed by the PDP's spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, the party conveyed its concerns about the Supreme Court's reasoning. The PDP believed that the judgment contradicted the express provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2022, and the guidelines and regulations set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 presidential election.

The party criticized the Supreme Court for what it perceived as a failure to uphold the law. The PDP emphasized that many Nigerians had expected the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional requirements for a presidential election in Nigeria, including the need to secure at least 25% of votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They also raised concerns about violations of electoral rules, manipulations of election results by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the condoning of issues related to forgery, falsehood, and perjury based on technicalities.

The PDP expressed its deep concerns about the overall impact of the Supreme Court's judgment, as it seemed to have shaken Nigerians' confidence in the judiciary, especially in the Supreme Court's role as the last hope for the common people.

Despite this disappointment, the PDP urged Nigerians not to be discouraged and to remain committed to the pursuit of a credible electoral system that genuinely reflects the will of the people.

In summary, the PDP's statement highlighted its dismay at the Supreme Court's judgment and its concern for the implications it holds for Nigeria's democracy. It also emphasized the importance of continuing the pursuit of transparent and credible elections.

Tonto Dikeh, a well-known Nollywood actress and a former candidate for the governorship in Rivers State, has ignited a new wave of controversy as she officially becomes a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The actress, who previously ran for the governorship election representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), solidified her transition to the APC through a statement posted on the party's official Twitter page. Her formal introduction to the party was carried out under the guidance of the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Tonto Dikeh's decision to switch political affiliations has generated mixed reactions online. Some have praised her for making this move, while others have criticized her, citing her past confrontations with the APC. This shift underscores the intricate nature of Nigerian politics, where political alliances can be fluid and dynamic.

Tonto Dikeh's political journey has taken unexpected turns, especially when she initially declared her intention to run for the position of governor in the Rivers State gubernatorial election. Her campaign encountered challenges, leading her to reconsider her political affiliation based on advice from political mentors.

While her move to the APC may raise eyebrows, it serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving and complex landscape of Nigerian politics, where loyalties can adapt to changing circumstances and strategic considerations.

The Federal Government is taking significant steps to maintain the January to December budget cycle, with a goal of passing and signing the 2024 budget before December 31, 2023. This development was disclosed by the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu, following a meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

During the briefing with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, several ministers were present, including Mohammed Idris from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Engr. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, Doris Uzoka-Anite representing the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Simon Lalong from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and Nkeiruka Onyejecha, the Minister of State for Labour.

One of the significant outcomes of this meeting was the approval of the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Papers (FSP). This approval aligns with the Fiscal Responsibility Act's requirement for the executive to present a medium-term economic outlook to the National Assembly ahead of budget presentations.

The Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu, presented some key assumptions made by the FEC regarding the 2024 budget. These assumptions included a reference price for crude oil at $73.96, an exchange rate of N700/$, oil production estimated at 1.78 million barrels per day, debt service amounting to N8.25 trillion, inflation at 21 percent, and a projected GDP growth rate of 3.76 percent.

The proposed 2024 budget was presented with an estimated aggregate expenditure of N26.01 trillion, encompassing statutory transfers of N1.3 trillion, non-debt recurrent expenditure amounting to N10.26 trillion, debt service projected at N8.25 trillion, and N7.78 trillion allocated for personnel and pension costs.

Minister Bagudu explained that the increase in debt service was attributed to the federal government's debt scrutiny at nine percent, resulting in a significant increment. Personnel costs also rose due to transfers as part of the agreement with labor.

Furthermore, the Federal Executive Council approved applications for financing from the World Bank and the International Development Association (IDA), which offers nearly zero-interest financing. The total financing from the World Bank amounted to $1.5 billion, and it was presented as support for Nigeria's efforts to restore balance in the economy and government finances.

In addition, the FEC approved an $80 million financing from the African Development Bank for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project (EKZ), aimed at empowering young people in technology and the knowledge economy sector.

Lastly, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, presented a memo addressing the scope of road infrastructure inherited from previous administrations, totaling 18,897 kilometers of roads and bridges. The FEC approved the continuation of these projects and directed a committee to strategize funding solutions. Additionally, the council encouraged using concrete for ongoing projects to mitigate inflation and variation.

Notably, the Federal Executive Council meetings have now been rescheduled to take place on Mondays, diverging from their previous Wednesday schedule.

President Bola Tinubu has given his nod to the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers for various agencies and parastatals within the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. This significant announcement was made in a State House release on a Friday, issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.

The rationale behind these appointments is to align with President Tinubu's unwavering commitment to drive Nigeria's economic resurgence by focusing on expanding trade, especially through the facilitation of small, medium, and large-scale industries. Among the distinguished individuals selected for these key roles are: Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN (Corporate Affairs Commission); Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin (Industrial Training Fund); Kamar Bakrin (National Sugar Development Council); Olufemi Ogunyemi (Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority); Nonye Ayeni (Nigeria Export Promotion Council); Aisha Rimi (Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission); Bamanga Usman Jada (Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority); and Charles Odii (Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria).

In addition, the list of appointees includes Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke (Standards Organisation of Nigeria); Rabiu Olowo (Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria); Anthony Atuche, CFA (Nigeria Commodities Exchange); Veronica Safiya Ndanusa (Lagos International Trade Fair Complex); Lucia Shittu (Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board); and Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin (National Automotive Design and Development Council).

The statement emphasized that the President has high expectations for the new appointees. He anticipates that they will perform optimally in accordance with the newly established key performance indicators set by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. This signifies a clear direction toward enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies and parastatals, with the overarching goal of bolstering Nigeria's economic growth through trade expansion and industry facilitation at all levels.

The 2023 general election in Nigeria has caused a significant political upheaval, particularly in the North Central region, where a wave of change swept aside many political heavyweights. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was the most affected party in the region, as all of its incumbent senators, except Abba Moro from Benue South, lost their bids for re-election.

The North Central region, comprising six states - Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) - holds a considerable number of Senate seats, totaling 19 senators. Prior to the 2023 election, the Senate representation from the region was dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in some states, while the PDP held its ground in others.

The pre-2023 election Senate composition in the North Central region was as follows: Niger - APC (3); Kogi - APC (3); Plateau - APC (2), PDP (1); Kwara - APC (3); Nasarawa - APC (3); Benue - PDP (3); and FCT - PDP (1).

However, the political landscape in the North Central region underwent a significant transformation after the 2023 election. Apart from Abba Moro, all incumbent PDP senators lost their re-election bids. Consequently, the Senate representation from the region for the 10th Assembly stands as follows: Benue - PDP (1), APC (2); Kogi - APC (3); Nasarawa - SDP (2), PDP (1); Plateau - PDP (2), APC (1); FCT - Labour Party (1); Kwara - APC (3); Niger - APC (2), PDP (1).

With this new composition, the PDP finds itself in the minority within the North Central region's Senate representation for the 10th Assembly. The APC holds the majority with 11 senators, while the PDP has 5 senators. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has 2 senators, and the Labour Party has 1 senator.

Interestingly, since its formation in 1998, the North Central region has produced six out of the 14 PDP chairmen so far.

The diminished presence of the PDP in the North Central region's Senate representation raises questions about the party's future strategy and its ability to influence legislative decisions effectively in the region. To regain prominence in subsequent elections, it will be crucial for the party to regroup and rebuild its support base.

Edwin Onuh, a prominent member of the PDP from Benue State, expressed deep concern over the party's dwindling fortunes not only in the North Central region but across Nigeria as a whole. Onuh sees the outcome of the 2023 general election as a sign of the PDP's demise in the country. He emphasizes the urgent need for the party to regroup and strategize if it wishes to survive.

According to Onuh, the PDP is currently in a state of coma and requires immediate attention, similar to a patient in the political intensive care unit. He stresses the necessity of addressing the party's internal challenges before it succumbs to a final demise.

Another PDP member, Sunday Okechuku from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), echoes Onuh's sentiments and attributes the party's electoral losses in Abuja during the last election to what he refers to as the "Peter Obi - 'Obidients' tsunami" that swept across the country. Okechuku believes that the PDP needs to address its internal divisions and reevaluate its strategies to reverse its declining fortunes.

The PDP's position in the 10th Assembly in the North Central region will require strategic planning, effective leadership, and the ability to work across party lines to achieve positive outcomes for the region. It remains to be seen how the party will navigate these challenges and rebuild its political influence in the region in the coming years.

Mr. Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), has expressed his support for the removal of subsidy on fuel in Nigeria. He revealed that he had been advocating for this since his time as a member of the Economic Management Team during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

Obi believes that the major issue in Nigeria is the government's tendency to ask the masses to endure hardship and make sacrifices for a promising future, only to witness things worsening instead. According to him, subsidy removal is essential because it is essentially an organized crime that enables individuals to exploit the country's resources for personal gain.

Taking to his verified Twitter account, Obi emphasized that the claims of high fuel consumption by Nigerians were exaggerated and used as a cover-up for corruption. He firmly stated that the country's resources were being stolen, while the citizens were made to believe that they were consuming vast amounts of fuel.

Obi also pointed out that his manifesto clearly outlined his plans to remove subsidies. He envisioned a governance approach that involved the people, demonstrating through statistics and empirical evidence how much money could be saved and how those savings could be utilized to improve the lives of the suffering masses.

Obi highlighted the recurring problem in Nigeria, where the government urges the population to endure hardships and make sacrifices for a better future, only to witness the situation deteriorating further down the line. His stance on subsidy removal stems from his belief that it perpetuates organized crime and hinders the country's progress. He remains committed to governing alongside the people, providing transparent explanations of the potential savings and how they will be utilized to benefit the suffering masses.