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The Abia State Government has announced significant cost savings of 220 million naira on its monthly wage bills as a result of an ongoing verification exercise in the state's civil service. Deaconess Njum Onyemenam, the Accountant General of the state, shared this information after a meeting with Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia on Monday.

The Accountant General highlighted that these substantial savings were achieved through the implementation of a unified payment system. The verification exercise, which is still in progress, aims to further identify areas where additional savings can be made.

According to the Accountant General, the ongoing verification process has already led to the removal of approximately 2,300 ghost names from the state's payrolls. By using the unified payment system, the government has been able to effectively weed out fraudulent entries. With the exercise still underway, the state anticipates uncovering more cases of payroll irregularities and making further savings.

Furthermore, the Accountant General confirmed that the state government has taken swift action to address outstanding financial commitments. Following Governor Otti's directive, the government recently cleared the arrears of April salaries left behind by the previous administration. Additionally, June pensions were disbursed to retirees, reflecting the government's commitment to meeting its financial obligations.

Addressing concerns related to the payment of June salaries for local government staff, the Accountant General explained that those who had not received their salaries due to their alleged failure to submit verified payment schedules will receive their overdue payments this week. The government is dedicated to ensuring that all employees receive their rightful compensation in a timely manner.

The ongoing verification exercise in Abia State demonstrates the government's commitment to financial transparency, accountability, and efficient resource management. By weeding out ghost workers and streamlining payment systems, the state is making significant strides towards reducing wastage and ensuring that public funds are used effectively for the benefit of the people.

President Bola Tinubu has concluded his participation in the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU), held in Kenya over the weekend. He has now returned to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. His flight landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4:20 p.m. on Monday.

Notable government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, warmly welcomed President Tinubu upon his arrival. Other dignitaries present to greet him were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinnma, and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

President Tinubu attended the AU meeting in his capacity as the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His journey to Kenya commenced on Saturday to engage in discussions with other African leaders.

One of the key topics addressed during the meeting in Nairobi was the reaffirmation of Africa's unity and strength, with a firm rejection of any new scramble for the continent's resources. President Tinubu emphasized the need for Africa to stand united and guard against any attempts to undermine its sovereignty and development.

Additionally, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force. This move aims to enhance the region's security and act as a deterrent against coups and acts of terrorism that threaten peace and stability in Africa.

President Tinubu's participation in the AU meeting highlights Nigeria's active engagement in regional and continental affairs. His return to Abuja signifies his dedication to furthering the interests of Nigeria and the entire West African region, fostering collaboration among nations, and promoting a united Africa.

During the 2023 World Public Relations Day Celebration held at Rivers State University, Paulinus Nsirim, the Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, emphasized the legal requirement for public relations officers to possess proper certification. Nsirim, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Information, highlighted that individuals working in the field without certification may face imprisonment once the institute's disciplinary committee begins its operations.

According to Nsirim, the decision to take action against uncertified public relations officers stems from recognizing the significant role that Public Relations plays in the growth and success of organizations and businesses. Speaking on the theme of this year's Public Relations Day, "Harnessing the Power of Public Relations," he expressed the aim of the event to raise awareness among the public and garner support for the adoption of Public Relations practices.

The Chairman underscored the importance of showcasing the true power of public relations, as many people do not fully comprehend its impact on organizations. Nsirim emphasized that public relations professionals are crucial for managing reputation, handling crises, managing brands, and nurturing stakeholder relationships. He asserted that any organization aspiring to thrive and achieve its objectives must engage the services of certified public relations experts.

Moreover, Nsirim emphasized the legal framework supporting the certification requirement. Referring to the Public Relations Decree 16 of 1990, he highlighted that practicing public relations without proper certification is a criminal offense. The decree outlines potential penalties for violation, including imprisonment not exceeding two years, a fine, or both. Thus, Nsirim cautioned that uncertified individuals involved in public relations in Rivers State may face legal consequences once the institute's ethics and disciplinary committee initiates its activities.

This strong stance underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to maintain professional standards within the field of public relations. By enforcing the certification requirement, the institute aims to safeguard the integrity of the profession and ensure that organizations benefit from the expertise of trained and qualified practitioners. As the committee prepares to take action, it serves as a reminder to individuals in the field to prioritize obtaining the necessary certification to practice public relations in Rivers State.

In a recent development, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider zoning its national chairmanship position to the South East region. Chidoka emphasized the importance of inclusive representation and believes that this move would contribute to the unity and well-being of the nation.

The resignation of the APC National Chairman and Secretary has created an opportunity for the party to reorganize its leadership. The former chairman, Adamu, tendered his resignation letter on Sunday night, leading to Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Deputy National Chairman (North), assuming the responsibility of overseeing the party's affairs.

Taking to his verified Twitter handle, Chidoka acknowledged that he is not a member of the APC and would typically refrain from commenting on its internal matters. However, he believes that the actions of the ruling party have significant implications for national unity and well-being. He stressed the importance of deliberate and inclusive policies in building the nation's unity.

Chidoka drew parallels from past instances where regions that did not vote for a party's candidate still saw individuals from their region occupying key positions. He highlighted that the Southwest did not vote for the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) when Chief Akinloye was its powerful chairman, nor did they vote for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) when President Obasanjo was nominated and elected as President of Nigeria.

The resignation of the APC Chairman presents an opportunity for the party to demonstrate its commitment to national inclusivity and depart from past practices of nepotism and insensitivity to national consensus. Chidoka recommended that the position of National Chairman be zoned to the Southeast as a significant step towards fostering unity and representation.

In addressing President Tinubu directly, Chidoka urged him to rise above petty politics and seize the moment to rejuvenate the idea of Nigeria. He expressed his belief that appointing a South East National Chairman for the APC would be a positive stride in the right direction, aligning with the principles of inclusivity and national rebirth.

It remains to be seen how the APC will respond to Chidoka's recommendations and whether they will take this opportunity to promote a more inclusive and representative leadership structure. The decision they make will not only impact the party but also have broader implications for the unity and diversity of the nation as a whole.

Renowned Nigerian singer, Johnny Drille, has recently clarified the nature of his relationship with up-and-coming actress, Tomi Ojo, asserting that their connection is purely platonic. Speculation about their romantic involvement arose when Ojo portrayed Drille's love interest in his 'Believe Me' music video.

However, during a recent interview with Hip TV, the talented artist, hailing from Edo State, maintained that he and Ojo are "just friends."

Drille's clarification comes in the wake of his revelation about his secret marriage to Rima Tahini, the Director A&R at Mavin Records.

Addressing the matter, Drille explained, "First and foremost, if you watched the 'Believe Me' music video, you would understand that there are two Ojos in the song. One is Wale Ojo, and the other one is Tomi Ojo. It was a sort of wordplay, but it worked well together."

When it comes to their relationship, he emphasized that Tomi Ojo is an incredible person and a pleasure to work with. He expressed his admiration for her contribution to the music video and concluded by affirming that this is the extent of their connection.

Johnny Drille's clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions and highlight the professional collaboration between himself and Tomi Ojo. It is important to recognize and appreciate the boundaries that exist within their working relationship.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took a significant step yesterday to bolster manufacturing and improve the ease of doing business by signing four executive orders (EOs). These EOs, aimed at stimulating economic activities and reducing hardship, entail the suspension of certain key taxes, according to presidential advisers.

The decision to implement the EOs was influenced by the international best practice of granting investors a 90-day window before introducing new taxes. This approach ensures a respectful and consultative process with stakeholders, as emphasized by officials. The Federal Government is committed to engaging in thorough consultations before implementing any tax increases.

During a briefing at Aso Villa, Abuja, Mr. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, along with other members of the Presidential Revenue Team, shed light on the details of the new EOs. The team included Mr. Zacc Adedeji, the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue; Ms. Doris Aniettie, a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Finance and other Related Matters, and Adenike Laoye from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

The primary objective of these executive orders is to ensure clarity and sufficient notice for tax adjustments, as outlined in the 2017 National Tax Policy. The first executive order, named The Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, 2023, defers the implementation of changes in the Act from May 23, 2023, to September 1, 2023. This modification aligns with the requirement of a minimum 90-day advance notice for tax changes.

The second order, The Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, 2023, also pushes the commencement date of tax changes from March 27, 2023, to August 1, 2023, in accordance with the National Tax Policy.

Lastly, Mr. Alake announced that the President issued an Order to suspend the five percent excise tax on telecommunication services and the escalation of excise duties on locally manufactured products.

These executive orders demonstrate President Tinubu's commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for businesses, encouraging investment, and ensuring effective tax policies. The suspension of certain taxes will provide relief to businesses and foster economic growth in Nigeria.

In a brewing legal battle, Twitter has issued a strong warning to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, over its newly launched platform called Threads. Introduced as a text-based companion to Instagram, Threads bears similarities to other text-based social platforms, including Twitter itself.

The rivalry escalated when Mark Zuckerberg, the owner of Meta, proudly announced that Threads had amassed a staggering 30 million users on its very first day, putting it far ahead of its competitors in terms of user adoption.

However, the excitement surrounding Threads quickly soured as Alex Spiro, a Twitter attorney, sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, alleging the misuse of Twitter's "trade secrets and other intellectual property" in the creation of the Threads app. Forbes reports that Spiro's letter was swift in its demand for action, stating that Twitter intends to fiercely protect its intellectual property rights and urging Meta to immediately cease using any Twitter trade secrets or confidential information in relation to Threads.

The attorney emphasized that Twitter reserves all rights to seek appropriate remedies, including civil remedies and injunctive relief, to prevent further retention, disclosure, or use of its intellectual property by Meta without any additional notice.

Furthermore, Spiro accused Meta of hiring numerous former Twitter employees who had previously been privy to Twitter's trade secrets and other highly confidential information. This allegation raises concerns about the potential transfer of proprietary knowledge from Twitter to Meta during the development of the Threads app.

As the tension between these tech giants escalates, the dispute highlights the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and respecting trade secrets in the fiercely competitive social media landscape. The outcome of this potential lawsuit could have significant implications for both Twitter and Meta, shaping the future of their relationship and potentially impacting the development and features of the Threads platform.

The decision to reassess the staff audit comes after civil servants left the audit venue on Thursday, expressing dissatisfaction with the consultants engaged by the Adeleke administration to conduct the exercise. To address the grievances and ensure a seamless operation, Governor Adeleke convened a joint meeting with labor leaders and the auditing firm.

During the meeting, Governor Adeleke instructed the joint committee overseeing the audit exercise to address any contentious issues and devise acceptable procedures to ensure a smooth and trouble-free process. He expressed his disappointment at the inconvenience caused to public servants and directed the Head of Service to make necessary adjustments to prioritize the well-being and comfort of the workers.

Furthermore, Governor Adeleke mandated the joint committee to formulate a new timetable that considers the unique characteristics and diversity of each ministry and agency. Additionally, he proposed brainstorming sessions on the decentralization of the exercise, aiming to reduce the burden and logistical challenges associated with the centralization in the capital city.

The governor emphasized that the purpose of the audit is to plug leakages and enhance staff welfare. He reassured all stakeholders that his administration holds a strong partnership and fraternity with the labor movement, affirming that no anti-labor actions will be taken.

Governor Adeleke called upon all stakeholders to collaborate and make the necessary adjustments for the successful completion of the program. He highlighted his government's commitment to the well-being of laborers, workers, artisans, women, youth, and other key sectors of the population, emphasizing that the government will always act in their best interests.

Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State held a meeting with the newly inaugurated members of the 10th Ogun State House of Assembly on Tuesday. During the meeting, he emphasized his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy for all, regardless of political party affiliations, religion, or tribe.

Led by the re-elected Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, the members visited the Governor's Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun reminded them that the political campaign period was over and urged all elected officials to work together to serve the people.

Expressing his appreciation, the governor commended the members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during the proclamation and inauguration of the assembly. He viewed their behavior as an indication that the state is home to individuals who know how to resolve differences amicably.

Governor Abiodun acknowledged Ogun State's position as the industrial capital of Nigeria, the preferred destination for investors, and a center for education and religion. He emphasized that the peaceful conduct of the assembly members would contribute to the positive image of the state.

The governor also praised those who contested elections and gracefully accepted their loss, ensuring that the proclamation and inauguration processes were peaceful and devoid of conflict.

Expressing his hopes for the 10th Assembly, Governor Abiodun urged them to build upon the foundation laid by their predecessors and focus on legislating issues that positively impact the people.

The governor made a promise to be the governor of all, maintaining an open-door policy regardless of party affiliations, religion, or tribe. He pledged to be fair, just, and equitable in his governance and to support the legislators in their legislative duties of passing laws and providing oversight for various sectors of the state.

Governor Abiodun called for the cooperation of the lawmakers, reminding them of the vision of his administration, which is to provide good governance and create an enabling environment for public-private partnerships that drive the state's economic growth and individual prosperity. He referred to the "Building Our Future Together" mantra encapsulated in ISEYA.

In response, Speaker Rt. Hon. Oluomo expressed gratitude on behalf of the members for the governor's continuous support to the House. He assured the governor of their commitment to work as a team and collaborate with the executive for the peace and development of the state.

The meeting was attended by all 26 members of the assembly, including the newly appointed Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Ayayi, who is the first woman to hold that position.

Tinubu arrives Paris for Global Summit

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Paris, France, on Tuesday evening for his first official trip outside of Nigeria since assuming office on May 29, 2023. His media team shared a video on Twitter showing the president disembarking from the presidential jet upon his arrival.

Tinubu's visit to the European country is in connection with his participation in the Global Financing Summit, which is being hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. The summit aims to bring together leaders from various countries to discuss and strategize solutions for global financing challenges.

Expressing his presence in Paris, Tinubu tweeted from his official Twitter handle, stating, "My team and I arrived in Paris, France where we'll be taking part in the Global Financing Pact Summit convened by President Emmanuel Macron."

The President's visit to France signifies his commitment to engaging with international partners and participating in global initiatives focused on financial cooperation and development. After the summit, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Saturday, June 24.

Stay tuned for updates on the President's activities and engagements during his visit to France and his involvement in the Global Financing Summit.

In a recent development at the Presidential Election Tribunal, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed that some of the documents requested by Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 election, do not exist. The tribunal, marked as CA/PEPC/03/2023, is currently hearing the challenge brought forward by Obi and the LP against the election of President Bola Tinubu, which took place on February 25.

During the court proceedings in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Lawrence Bayode, Deputy Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at INEC, testified that out of the five documents requested by Obi, two were non-existent, and one was still a work in progress. This revelation casts doubt on the credibility of the evidence being presented by Obi's legal team.

Among the witnesses called by Obi, Ms. Loretta Ogah, an ICT cloud engineer and a former Labour Party candidate for the House of Representatives in Cross River, also provided testimony. Ogah recounted her electoral defeat and shared that she took legal action against INEC due to the omission of her name from the electoral portal, which she claimed was a result of network failure.

Under cross-examination by Mr. Wole Olanipakun (SAN), counsel for Tinubu and Shettima, Ogah confirmed that she did not experience any glitches on the INEC portal on February 25. Additionally, she admitted that she was not familiar with INEC's password protocol, as she was not an employee of the organization.

Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), counsel for the All Progressives Congress (APC), also cross-examined Ogah, seeking further clarification. She reiterated that no technical issues occurred on the INEC portal on the election day.

The presiding judge, Justice Haruna Tsammani, adjourned the proceedings to Wednesday for further hearings on the matter.

This development raises concerns about the authenticity and reliability of the evidence presented by Mr. Peter Obi and his legal team. As the tribunal continues, the credibility of the requested documents and the implications for the overall case will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.

Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing legal battle as the Presidential Election Tribunal continues its proceedings.

Note: The information provided is based on the available news report from NAN.

In a recent statement by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Tony Akuneme, it was revealed that the Acting Comptroller General of the NIS, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, declared a state of emergency on passport issues during her visit to Lagos. The urgent need to address the challenges faced by Nigerians in obtaining passports was emphasized, and a comprehensive plan of action was announced to tackle these issues effectively.

The statement highlighted the significance of the events that took place during Adepoju's visit to Lagos, which emphasized the severity of the passport crisis. As part of her visit, she inaugurated a state-of-the-art Visa on Arrival Lounge at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria. Additionally, she made an unscheduled visit to the Alausa Passport office to personally assess the situation.

During her address, Adepoju stressed the importance of dismantling all artificial barriers that hinder the passport application process. She further emphasized the NIS top management's dedication to addressing institutional and technology-based challenges to ensure a more efficient and streamlined service delivery.

Recognizing the value of collaboration and community engagement, Adepoju initiated a grassroots sensitization campaign targeting traditional rulers. Starting with a visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, she sought the cooperation of traditional leaders in raising awareness about human trafficking and initiating joint efforts to combat this pressing issue.

The declaration of a state of emergency on passport issues signifies the NIS's renewed commitment to resolving the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking passports. It serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.

Adepoju had previously directed all Passport Control Officers, relevant units, and personnel within the NIS, including missions abroad, to work diligently towards eliminating hindrances that prevent Nigerians from promptly accessing passports. The NIS is leveraging technology and implementing robust administrative measures to enhance the passport application and issuance process.

Adepoju urges Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the NIS as it takes decisive steps to address the passport crisis. She assures the public that efforts are being made to ensure that every eligible Nigerian in need of a passport can obtain one in a timely manner.

Signed,

TONY AKUNEME

CIS MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

For: COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF IMMIGRATION

June 15th, 2023

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has recently made a statement suggesting that President Bola Tinubu plans to dismiss additional prominent Nigerians who hold positions in government agencies. Dokubo's remarks were prompted by the recent removal of Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Abdulrasheed Bawa as the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking to State House Correspondents after a meeting with Tinubu, Dokubo asserted that Tinubu would ensure the termination of more high-ranking officials. He emphasized that those who obstruct the progress of the country will not be tolerated by President Tinubu. Dokubo confidently stated that the President will take decisive action to remove individuals who stand in the way of Nigeria's advancement, thereby addressing issues such as oil theft.

Dokubo's comments reflect the sentiment that President Tinubu is committed to bringing about change and purging government agencies of individuals who hinder national progress. The dismissals of Emefiele and Bawa serve as examples of this resolve, according to Dokubo. The former militant leader implies that Tinubu's upcoming actions will further solidify his stance against those who impede Nigeria's development.

It is important to note that these statements from Asari Dokubo are his own opinions and should be treated as such. While the future actions of President Tinubu remain uncertain, the remarks made by Dokubo shed light on the expectations and speculations surrounding potential changes in the Nigerian government's leadership.

Hilda Baci, a renowned Nigerian chef, has refuted claims that she is charging a fee of twenty-five thousand Naira for people to witness her culinary expertise in Abuja. The chef took to her Instagram page to address the reports and deny any involvement in such activities.

Rumors had circulated that Hilda had organized a "meet and greet" session with her supporters in Abuja, during which attendees were allegedly required to pay the mentioned amount. However, the chef, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, clarified that she never made such a request nor intended to charge anyone for the opportunity.

In her Instagram post, Hilda directly addressed the issue and set the record straight. She stated, "Hi everyone. This is to inform everyone that I'm not doing any meet and greet in Abuja. I would also never ask anyone to pay for such."

Hilda Baci gained widespread recognition after accomplishing the remarkable feat of completing 100 hours of non-stop cooking, surpassing the previous Guinness World record set by Indian chef Lata Tondon.

Her clarification aims to dispel any confusion or misinformation regarding her alleged charging of fees for a meet and greet event. By addressing the issue directly on her social media platform, Hilda emphasizes her commitment to her fans and the values she upholds in her culinary career.

In a recent cautionary statement, socio-political activist Reno Omokri advised President Bola Tinubu against imprisoning the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, without providing him with an opportunity to defend himself against any allegations brought against him.

Omokri urged Tinubu not to repeat the same mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who arrested officials from the previous administration without granting them a chance to present their defense. Taking to Twitter, Omokri expressed his concern, stating, "Where is Godwin Emefiele? The Tinubu administration should not lock him up and begin to make public allegations against him. This is precisely what Buhari did to Jonathan administration officials as soon as he took over in 2015."

He further emphasized the need for due process and fairness, urging Tinubu to allow Emefiele the opportunity to address the rumors and innuendos surrounding him. Omokri acknowledged that while it is acceptable to question and even accuse Emefiele, it is crucial to provide him with a platform to defend himself against these allegations.

Omokri also raised important questions regarding Emefiele's whereabouts and the legal basis for his detention. He called on Nigerians to hear directly from Emefiele and insisted that, in the interest of upholding democracy, President Tinubu should refrain from adopting the draconian practices of his predecessor. Omokri drew parallels with the actions of former military ruler Sani Abacha, which led even Tinubu himself into exile in 1994.

This cautionary message serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness, justice, and the preservation of democratic values. It highlights the need to grant individuals the right to defend themselves and to uphold transparency in governance. Only by adhering to these principles can Nigeria continue on the path of progress and democracy.

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.

In a surprising turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has suspended Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), following an ongoing investigation initiated by the House of Representatives. The suspension has raised speculation about the motives behind the decision, and it has also led to allegations of terrorism financing against Emefiele. This blog post delves into the details surrounding the suspension and sheds light on the investigations that have led to this development.

Investigations by the House of Representatives:

The House of Representatives had launched a probe into the activities of the CBN under Emefiele's leadership. One of the investigations focused on the alleged missing 48 million barrels of Bonny Light crude, which prompted the summoning of Emefiele. The CBN governor was asked to provide details on the N32.5 billion payment made to two companies, Messrs GSCL Consulting and Bizplus, without proper records. Another investigation examined the alleged payment of $200 million to these firms for "consultancy services."

Suspension and DSS Probe:

President Tinubu suspended Emefiele from his position, citing the ongoing investigation and the planned reforms in the financial sector. The Deputy Governor in charge of Operations, Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, was directed to assume the role of acting Governor during the suspension period. Sources in Abuja revealed that Emefiele has been barred from leaving the capital and might face a probe by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged terrorism financing. The House of Representatives' inquisition into the CBN's activities under Emefiele had unveiled several issues, leading to the decision to suspend him pending further investigation.

Implications of the Suspension:

The suspension has raised questions about the legal framework surrounding Emefiele's removal from office. The CBN Act stipulates that the President cannot unilaterally remove a CBN Governor, requiring a two-thirds majority vote by the Senate. Due to these constraints, Emefiele was technically suspended rather than outright sacked. However, it appears unlikely that he will be recalled from suspension, given the circumstances. The DSS investigation into Emefiele's alleged terrorism financing has gained significance, and his restricted movement suggests further action may be taken against him.

Reactions and Reflections on Emefiele's Tenure:

Financial economist Uche Uwaleke commented on the suspension, emphasizing that it marks the end of a turbulent era. Uwaleke acknowledged Emefiele's implementation of significant policies, such as the Anchor Borrower Program and the eNaira, which helped stimulate the economy during periods of recession. While he credited Emefiele for ensuring financial sector stability and effective forex demand management, Uwaleke noted criticisms concerning the currency redesign exercise and the significant growth of CBN Ways and Means during Emefiele's tenure.

The suspension of Godwin Emefiele as the Central Bank Governor amid ongoing investigations has sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria. The decision by President Tinubu, triggered by the House of Representatives' probe, raises questions about the future of the CBN's leadership. As Emefiele faces allegations of terrorism financing, the possibility of a thorough investigation by the DSS looms. This turn of events highlights the need for accountability and transparency within the financial sector as Nigeria strives for economic stability and growth.

Ally McCoist, the former Scotland and Rangers football legend, has expressed his opinion on West Ham United captain Declan Rice's potential move to a new club. McCoist believes that if Rice is considering his options, he would be better off joining Arsenal instead of Manchester United during this summer transfer window.

Rice has expressed his desire to leave West Ham United, and several top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, have been linked with him in recent weeks. However, McCoist offered his perspective on Rice's situation during a discussion on talkSPORT.

In McCoist's view, if he were in Rice's shoes, he would prefer a move to Arsenal over Manchester United. He highlighted Manchester United's recent performances and their overall standing in comparison to their rivals, particularly Manchester City. McCoist stated that while Manchester United has won the League Cup this season, they seem to be lagging behind Manchester City by four or five players.

On the other hand, McCoist believes that although Arsenal is still behind Manchester City, they have the potential to narrow the gap more quickly. He sees Arsenal as a club with the potential to make strides toward challenging the dominance of Manchester City in the future.

McCoist's perspective offers an interesting take on Declan Rice's potential move. While both Arsenal and Manchester United are historically significant clubs, McCoist believes that Arsenal may be better positioned to make progress and bridge the gap to Manchester City in the near future. However, the final decision rests with Rice, and it remains to be seen which club he will ultimately choose to further his career.

Tonto Dikeh, the popular Nollywood actress who has transitioned into politics, recently shared an interesting revelation about her upbringing. She disclosed that she had considered becoming a cleric during her formative years. Dikeh emphasized that she had a strong connection to the church, having served as a cell leader and a worker within the church community.

Taking to her Instagram page, the talented actress shared her thoughts on her upbringing and personal values. Dikeh expressed her deep-rooted respect for decency and her uneasiness when it comes to revealing clothing. She wrote, "I grew up in church... I was a Cell leader. I was Dept. Assistant. I almost became a pastor. I still have 70% village mentality.. I'm so uncomfortable with revealing clothing..."

This revelation provides a glimpse into Dikeh's spiritual journey and the influence her religious background had on her upbringing. Despite her successful career in the entertainment industry, she remains grounded in her values and maintains a sense of modesty. Dikeh's openness about her village mentality suggests that she carries with her a strong connection to her cultural roots.

As Tonto Dikeh continues to navigate her career in both the entertainment and political spheres, her background in the church and her commitment to decency serve as guiding principles that shape her choices and perspectives. Her transparency about her past aspirations and personal values adds depth to her public persona and sheds light on the multifaceted nature of her identity.

Seun Kuti, the acclaimed afrobeat musician who recently found himself in prison after assaulting a police officer, has described the incident as a "misdemeanor charge." Speaking during an Instagram live session with his fans, Kuti expressed his frustration at the criticism he received on social media, comparing it to the lenient treatment of other Nigerian celebrities facing more serious felony charges.

Kuti argued that while he acknowledges the gravity of his actions, he believes that certain celebrities with felony charges receive unwavering support and defense from their fans online. He pointed out that despite the difference in charges, his misdemeanor charge resulted in intense scrutiny, while others facing felony charges are celebrated on social media.

In his own words, Kuti stated, "I know at least three celebrities in Nigeria who have felony charges. Mine is a misdemeanor charge. Whether they talk as if heaven is falling and thunder is crashing, my charge is still a misdemeanor. If we are going to be just, assaulting a police officer is a misdemeanor. That is the charge I have. But felony charges—fraud, assault, rape—you people come online, and you fight for these people with felony charges. Real criminals."

Despite the backlash, Kuti expressed remorse and hinted at his desire to make amends. He revealed that in the future, he plans to rent the National Stadium for one week to apologize to Nigerians for any wrongs he may have committed against them.

Seun Kuti's recent release from the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) at Panti, Yaba, Lagos, comes after spending eight days in detention following his assault on a police officer, which was captured in a viral video.

As the afrobeat musician reflects on his actions and the public's response, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape his future and whether his sincere desire to make reparations will resonate with his fans and the Nigerian public.