Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

FAAC Distributes N2.225tn August Revenue to FG, States, and LGs — Up 11.2% from July

ABUJA | September 18, 2025 — The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has announced the distribution of N2.225 trillion in revenue to the Federal Government, states, and Local Government Councils for August 2025 — marking an 11.2% increase from July’s N2.001 trillion. This was disclosed in a statement released Wednesday by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, following the monthly FAAC meeting held in Abuja. According to the statement, the August revenue allocation includes: The PUNCH reports that this is the third consecutive month of increased allocations, a trend driven largely by higher VAT and other non-oil revenue sources. Revenue Breakdown From the N1.478 trillion statutory revenue: From the N672.903 billion VAT revenue: From the N32.338 billion EMTL: From the N41.284 billion Exchange Difference: Gross Revenue and Deductions Total gross revenue for August stood at N3.635 trillion, down from N3.757 trillion in July. Deductions for collection costs amounted to N124.839 billion, while N1.285 trillion was set aside for transfers, interventions, refunds, and savings. The report noted a decline in statutory gross revenue from N3.070 trillion in July to N2.838 trillion in August, a decrease of N231.913 billion. However, VAT collections rose to N722.619 billion, an increase of N34.679 billion from the previous month. While oil and gas royalties, VAT, and Common External Tariff (CET) levies recorded growth, revenues from Petroleum Profit Tax, Import Duty, Companies Income Tax, Excise Duty, and EMTL saw declines. Earlier this month, President Bola Tinubu announced that Nigeria had achieved its 2025 revenue target in August, attributing the milestone to increased earnings from the non-oil sector.

FIRS Confirms Death of Four Staff in Afriland Towers Fire Tragedy

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LAGOS | September 18, 2025 — The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is mourning the loss of four of its staff members who died in a devastating fire that broke out on Tuesday at Afriland Towers, located on Broad Street in Lagos. According to an official statement released by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, the victims were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager). The fire reportedly affected the sixth and seventh floors of the high-rise building, which houses the agency’s Medium Tax Audit Office and the Onikan Emerging Tax Office. “It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers,” the statement read. FIRS stated that its internal security and safety personnel promptly contacted the fire service upon detecting the fire, but by the time emergency responders arrived, thick smoke had already overwhelmed parts of the building. The agency expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that it has reached out to the families of the deceased, assuring them of full support during this difficult time. “We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is ongoing, we will also be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices nationwide — whether rented or owned,” the agency added. Investigations into the cause of the fire are currently underway.

Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

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By Kamal Yalwa – Wednesday, 17 September 2025 LONDON – Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court. The 32-year-old, who now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to alleged incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022, during his time as an Arsenal player. Partey appeared in court on Wednesday for a 14-minute hearing, speaking only to confirm his name, date of birth, and enter his not guilty pleas. His trial is scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026, and will be presided over by a High Court judge. Judge Christopher Hehir acknowledged the lengthy delay, citing a significant backlog in the Crown Court system. Partey remains on bail under existing conditions, including restrictions on contacting the alleged victims and requirements to report any permanent address changes or international travel. Partey was initially arrested in July 2022, though he was not publicly named at the time. He continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing, with his contract expiring on June 30, 2025. He was officially charged on July 4. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta previously stated the club was “100 per cent sure” all proper procedures were followed during the investigation. A club spokesperson confirmed that Partey was no longer under contract and declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings. His court appearance came just a day after he featured as a substitute in Villarreal’s Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur in London. Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 in a £45 million deal. He made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals, and has earned over 50 caps for Ghana, representing the national team at both the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Yamal to Miss Newcastle Clash as De Jong Returns for Barcelona

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By Kamal Yalwa – September 17, 2025 BARCELONA – Lamine Yamal will miss Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, with head coach Hansi Flick confirming the Spain international has not been included in the travelling squad. The 18-year-old winger is still recovering from a groin injury that ruled him out of Barcelona’s 6–0 LaLiga win over Valencia on Sunday. He will remain in Catalunya to continue his rehabilitation ahead of this weekend’s league fixture against Getafe. Barcelona, however, are boosted by the return of Frenkie de Jong, who has been declared fit after overcoming a groin problem sustained during international duty with the Netherlands. The Catalan giants will also be without Alejandro Balde and Gavi, who are both sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. Flick’s squad flew to England on Wednesday morning, as they prepare to face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who return to Champions League action at home.

Kane Double Sinks Chelsea as Bayern Start Champions League Campaign in Style

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By Kamal Yalwa: September 17, 2025 MUNICH – Bayern Munich kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 3-1 win over Chelsea at the Allianz Arena, thanks to a brace from Harry Kane and an own goal from Trevoh Chalobah. The result sees Bayern move into the top three of their group, while Chelsea slump to the bottom five across the wider group stage rankings after a disappointing start to their European campaign. The scoring began when a dangerous cross from Michael Olise led to an unfortunate own goal by Chalobah, giving Bayern the early advantage. Kane then doubled the lead with a composed finish before capitalising on a defensive error from Malo Gusto to add a third. Cole Palmer managed to pull one back for Chelsea just minutes after Bayern’s third, offering a brief glimmer of hope. The midfielder thought he had grabbed a second late on, but his goal was ruled out for offside by VAR, sealing Chelsea’s fate. This marks Chelsea’s second consecutive defeat in a Champions League opening match, following their 2022–23 loss to Dinamo Zagreb. Remarkably, it’s as many Matchday 1 defeats as they suffered in their previous 18 Champions League campaigns combined (W11 D5 L2). The loss raises early questions for the London side, who will need a swift response in their next group fixture to avoid falling further behind in an already competitive group. Live commentary from the Allianz Arena was provided by Noah Langford and Patrick Rowe, with reports from Gary Cotterill.

It’s Not Luck– Morrison Defends Liverpool’s Late-Win Mentality

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LONDON – Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison has dismissed suggestions that Liverpool’s repeated late victories this season are down to luck, instead attributing their success to determination and leadership on the pitch. “Everyone keeps saying Liverpool leave it late, but it can’t be lucky the number of times they’ve done it already this season,” Morrison said during post-match analysis. “They keep going; they’ve got that desire to push right until the end. They’ve got big players and big characters. Credit to Liverpool. They would’ve been disappointed had they not won – they were comfortable at 2-0 up.” The latest dramatic finish came courtesy of Virgil van Dijk, who scored a crucial late winner to seal the result. “We found a way again,” Van Dijk said in his post-match interview. “We were dangerous from our set-pieces. They were pretty aggressive. I’m happy I got the winner.” Liverpool’s late-game resilience has become a hallmark of their campaign, further fueling belief in their title credentials as the season progresses.

A Return to Normalcy: President Tinubu Lifts State of Emergency in Rivers State, Ushering in a New Chapter for Port Harcourt.

Fola Badmus2 days ago2 days ago08 mins

In a landmark decision that signals the end of a turbulent six-month period, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, effectively restoring full democratic governance to the oil-rich region and its bustling capital, Port Harcourt. Declared on March 18, 2025, amid escalating political tensions, insecurity, and a constitutional standoff, the emergency rule suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly. Today, as the mandate expires, the focus shifts to healing, unity, and progress—offering hope to a state long synonymous with both opportunity and unrest. The Crisis That Prompted Intervention Rivers State, home to Nigeria’s vital oil and gas heartland, had been spiraling into chaos. A bitter feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor-turned-rival, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, escalated into a full-blown political crisis. The State House of Assembly became a battleground, with defections, impeachments, and judicial interventions paralyzing governance. Insecurity surged, markets shuttered amid fears of violence, and public services ground to a halt. A devastating explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Ogoniland, suspected by some to be politically motivated, underscored the risks of further instability. President Tinubu, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, declared the emergency to avert “anarchy” and restore order. He suspended the elected officials for six months and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator, tasking him with stabilizing the state. The move drew sharp criticism—opposition figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar decried it as “political manipulation,” while the Nigerian Bar Association argued it overstepped constitutional bounds by effectively removing elected leaders. Yet, the National Assembly approved the declaration, paving the way for interim governance. Achievements Under Emergency Rule: From Chaos to Calm Under Ibas’s stewardship, Rivers State saw tangible progress. The administrator prioritized security, leading to improved inter-agency cooperation and a sharp drop in politically motivated violence. Markets in Port Harcourt reopened without fear, civil servants received salaries on time, and public projects resumed—breaking the “paralysis” that had gripped the state. A key milestone was the conduct of peaceful local government elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), culminating in the swearing-in of new officials across the 23 local councils. Ibas hailed these polls as “credible” and declared Tinubu’s mandate “sufficiently achieved,” emphasizing restored peace and democratic institutions.The Rivers Peace Congress echoed this sentiment, crediting Tinubu’s intervention with saving the state from descent into disorder. “Rivers people can now go to sleep with both eyes closed,” the group stated, highlighting normalized daily life in Port Harcourt and beyond. Even as the rule ended, Ibas described it as a “necessity” born of “insecurity, political impasse, and breakdown of trust,” underscoring how it rebuilt confidence in governance. Lifting the Emergency: A Call for Unity and Reflection. With the six months concluding today, President Tinubu’s administration has allowed the suspensions to lapse, reinstating Governor Fubara and the assembly members. The Rivers Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, issued a poignant appeal for collaboration between Fubara and the lawmakers, urging them to “work together without distractions” for the state’s peace and progress. They commended the patience of Rivers residents and praised Tinubu’s “proactive action” in averting disaster, while lauding FCT Minister Wike’s role in the cabinet as a “cherished leader.”In a public lecture at Government House, Port Harcourt, titled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends,” Ibas reflected on the transition, calling it a “covenant renewal” with the people. Guest lecturer Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, urged sober reflection, positioning the period as a cautionary tale for other states on the perils of instability. Implications for Port Harcourt and Beyond Port Harcourt, the epicenter of Rivers’ economic and political life, stands to benefit immensely. As Africa’s “Garden City,” it has weathered oil spills, militancy, and now political strife—but this lift offers a fresh start. Enhanced security could boost investment in the Port Harcourt Refinery (recently restarted under Tinubu’s watch) and the broader Niger Delta economy. For residents, it means resumed normalcy: vibrant markets, reliable services, and a government focused on development rather than division.Yet challenges linger. The PDP has labeled the emergency an attempt at “state capture,” and ethnic tensions could resurface if unity falters. Civil society groups stress the need for inclusive dialogue to prevent relapse. Final Thoughts: Stability as the Foundation for Prosperity President Tinubu’s decision to lift the state of emergency is more than procedural—it’s a testament to decisive leadership that prioritized peace over partisanship. As Rivers State transitions back to elected rule, the onus is on leaders like Fubara to honor the progress made under extraordinary circumstances. For Port Harcourt, this marks not just the end of a dark chapter, but the dawn of one where oil wealth translates to widespread prosperity. What lessons can other Nigerian states draw from Rivers’ experience? Share your views in the comments—let’s discuss how to keep the momentum going.

Breaking: Tinubu Lifts Emergency Rule in Rivers, Reinstates Gov Fubara

Fola Badmus2 days ago2 days ago19 mins

By Bunmi Ogunyale Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the State of Emergency rule on Rivers State. The President made this declaration in a statement made available in Abuja on Wednesday. His words; “My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State. “I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. “The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. “The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs. That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. “My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State. “It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency. The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025. “I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now. “I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. “Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. “Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation. “As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders. “I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it. “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025. “I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times. “I thank you all.” Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.