Category: Local

At a public hearing on the 1999 Constitution Review held in Owerri for Imo and Abia states, Governors Hope Uzodimma and Alex Otti on Saturday presented differing views on the issue of state creation. Governor Uzodimma called for the creation of at least two additional states in the South-East, arguing that it would promote equity and justice for the Igbo people and address the region’s perceived marginalisation. He said the South-East, with only five states, remains underrepresented in critical national institutions compared to other zones with six or more states. “This imbalance has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity. Therefore, it’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South-East,” Uzodimma said. He specifically proposed the creation of Anim State, which he said has oil-producing potential and would be commercially viable. He also advocated the creation of additional local government areas for the zone. Uzodimma further urged constitutional amendments to grant indigeneship rights to anyone born or resident in a state for at least 10 years. On the presidency, Uzodimma called for a rotational arrangement among the six geopolitical zones rather than the current North-South divide. He also expressed support for state police, describing the current centralised policing structure as overstretched and disconnected from local realities. “As the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, I can confirm that we support the decentralisation of the police for greater responsiveness and effectiveness. The fear that governors will misuse such a force is unfounded and frankly outdated,” Uzodimma said. Governor Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, expressed reservations about creating new states, warning that it would overstretch Nigeria’s limited resources. He said proposals for 31 additional states would increase administrative costs and bloat an already oversized bureaucracy. “I respect the right of those who believe that the creation of new states would address concerns of marginalisation and exclusion of some ethnic and religious groups in the current structure. However, except we can magically find independent sources of financing, I do not share the optimism of those promoting the idea of adding new states to the current 36-state structure,” Otti said. He recommended an inclusive governance model within existing states to ensure equitable resource allocation and representation for all major clans and groups. Otti also stressed the need for economic reforms, job creation outside the civil service, and prioritising the welfare of ordinary citizens. On security, Otti supported the creation of state police, but called for clear standards on leadership, recruitment, accountability, and human rights. He also backed the creation of additional seats for women in national and state assemblies to enhance female participation in governance. Otti further urged caution on proposals to make local government councils a separate tier of government, warning against expanding an already overburdened bureaucracy. He supported making free and compulsory basic education a fundamental right of all citizens and called for strengthening internal processes within political parties to encourage active participation of women. “Our target should not be to create a perfect constitution, but build on the gains that have been made over the past 26 years since the present Constitution came into effect,” Otti said.

An Abuja High Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), labeling the case as frivolous and lacking in merit. The case, instituted by the Registered Trustees of Trust Field Empowerment Initiatives, sought to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to prosecute Komolafe within 30 days over alleged irregularities in the award of oil blocks and the fixing of signature bonuses. The NUPRC and the AGF were also listed as co-defendants. In a judgment delivered on Friday, July 18, 2025, Justice H. Muazu struck out the suit, citing Section 251(1)(a) and (n) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers exclusive jurisdiction on the Federal High Court to hear matters concerning federal revenue, oil, and natural resources. Defendants Awarded ₦9 Million Costs Legal teams representing the defendants — led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) for the AGF, Oladele Gbadeyan for Komolafe, and Chief Chiesonu Okpoko (SAN) for the NUPRC — argued that the case was an abuse of court process aimed at embarrassing the NUPRC boss. They had requested ₦100 million in damages. While the court declined the ₦100m claim, Justice Muazu awarded ₦3 million each to the three defendants, totaling ₦9 million, against the claimant. “The suit is frivolous and without merit,” the judge ruled, effectively ending what legal experts have described as a poorly grounded legal action.

The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has strongly condemned the demolition of Karsana 2 community by a developer identified as Oceanic Properties and Equilibrium Concept. During a visit to the site on Saturday morning, Maikalangu expressed anger over the destruction, vowing to seek compensation for the affected residents. He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to intervene, while also urging the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to assist in resettling displaced residents. Maikalangu said, “This is an indigenous community that has existed here for years, even before the creation of the FCT. Overnight, without any notice or compensation, they came and demolished our houses. These people are now homeless. We will not take this injustice lightly; we are heading to court, and the developer must pay for this damage.” He added that the demolition took place while most residents were away, warning that such actions could trigger insecurity. “We are indigenous people of the FCT, and we will defend our rights,” he stated. The AMAC chairman emphasized the need for proper relocation and compensation, noting that the developer’s actions were unfair and unacceptable. “We are taking this case to the Honourable Minister of the FCT and to court because our people cannot continue to suffer like this,” he declared. Speaking on behalf of the community, Dikko Jezhi, the Youth Secretary of Karsana, described the demolition as sudden and unjust. “We were at work when we got calls that our houses were being demolished by armed men. This is our ancestral land, and we have nowhere else to go,” he lamented. Jezhi warned that the continuous displacement of indigenous people could lead to unrest, calling on authorities to provide immediate alternatives and compensation. He said numerous houses, churches, and even the community chief’s palace were destroyed.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government and the leadership of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) to immediately resolve the ongoing crisis affecting dental students’ graduation and induction quota at the institution. In a statement released on Saturday, Obi expressed concern over reports of delays and disruptions in the academic progression of dental students at UNICAL. He noted that while the university’s Vice Chancellor has promised to address the situation, “no student should suffer due to what I consider a failure of leadership.” Obi recalled a similar challenge he faced as governor when the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria shut down the medical school at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University for lacking a teaching hospital. At the time, students were at risk of graduating with unrelated degrees despite years of medical training. “I refused to let those innocent students become victims,” Obi said. “I committed to building a functional teaching hospital within two years, and despite skepticism, I completed and commissioned what is now the Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka in less than 18 months.” He stressed that education, particularly in critical sectors like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), is too vital to be jeopardized by bureaucratic lapses or inadequate infrastructure. Obi called on the Federal Government to urgently provide financial and institutional support to UNICAL, enabling the university leadership to resolve the matter swiftly. “Our children must not continue to lose their future in Nigeria,” Obi warned. “At this critical time in our nation, we cannot afford to neglect education and healthcare, while wasting resources on areas that bring no tangible value. A New Nigeria is Possible.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) injected $4.1 billion into the foreign exchange (FX) market during the first half of 2025, tripling last year’s figure of $1.3 billion, in a bid to stabilise the naira and ease liquidity pressures. The figure, disclosed in CSL Stockbrokers’ H2 2025 Outlook Report, represents a 215% increase year-on-year. Analysts, however, warn that the sustainability of this intervention remains uncertain amid weak oil revenues, limited foreign portfolio inflows, and external financing risks. Nigeria’s gross external reserves fell by $3.67 billion in the same period—from $40.88bn in January to $37.21bn by June—reflecting the cost of these interventions. In contrast, the first half of 2024 saw reserves rise by $1.17bn. Despite this drawdown, the naira showed relative stability. Opening the year at ₦1,535/$, it appreciated slightly to ₦1,530/$ by the end of June, buoyed by the injections. At one point in April, the exchange rate hit ₦1,630/$ amid global trade tensions, prompting the CBN to step up dollar supply. CSL cautioned that without a significant boost in FX inflows from oil exports, remittances, or foreign investment, maintaining this level of intervention may become challenging. Oil export earnings are projected to fall by 20% year-on-year to $36.4bn in 2025. Economists argue that Nigeria’s managed float system still requires active CBN support to prevent volatility. “In the absence of intervention, we would have seen much sharper naira depreciation,” said Adewale Abimbola, a Lagos-based economist. Analysts forecast that the naira could trade within ₦1,500–₦1,600/$ in H2 2025, provided CBN sustains its defence and FX inflows improve. CSL also projects a possible interest rate cut of 100–150 basis points in Q4, as inflation moderates to 22.9% from 31.4% in 2024, though such a move could dampen investor appetite for naira assets. Nigeria’s real GDP growth has been revised to 3.7% for 2025, with fiscal deficit expected to widen to 5.8% of GDP, compared to the official forecast of 3.9%, due to revenue shortfalls. Meanwhile, the naira extended gains on Monday, closing at ₦1,518/$, its strongest level since March 2025, supported by CBN sales and improved FX liquidity.

KATSINA, July 16, 2025 – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar drew massive attention at the burial of late President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina on Tuesday, raising fresh debates about the political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who attended the high-profile funeral alongside key political heavyweights including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains, was greeted by a large crowd chanting “Sai Atiku.” The strong display of support has intensified speculation that Atiku is consolidating influence within the ADC ahead of 2027, with many political analysts questioning the chances of Labour Party’s Peter Obi in securing a viable platform for his presidential ambition. Observers note that if Atiku secures the ADC ticket, Obi’s path to the presidency could become significantly more challenging. Some political commentators suggest that Obi should consider negotiating for the vice-presidential slot on a joint ticket with Atiku, rather than risk political isolation. “In Nigerian politics, coalitions and strategic alliances often determine success,” one analyst noted, drawing parallels with Goodluck Jonathan, who rose to the presidency after accepting the VP role under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007. Analysts argue that for Obi, accepting a vice-presidential slot could keep him relevant on the national stage and position him for future leadership opportunities. The unfolding developments indicate that 2027 will likely be dominated by power blocs, mergers, and survival politics, as major contenders begin to align forces across regional and party lines.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the burial process of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing it as a landmark step toward restoring the dignity of the Yoruba traditional institution. Oba Akanbi lauded the decision to bury Oba Adetona according to Islamic rites without subjecting his remains to traditional practices such as mutilation, which he likened to “acts done by butchers.” The Awujale, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was laid to rest on Monday in accordance with Islamic customs. Soldiers were deployed during the burial to prevent traditionalists from disrupting the process after Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, affirmed that the late monarch had clearly expressed his burial wishes. In a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo commended the Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for ensuring the monarch’s wishes were honored. He described their stance as a “victory for the Yoruba race.” “The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the Attorney General is commendable and a blessing to restore the glory of Yoruba stools. Any town willing that its king be butchered after death should rather appoint an herbalist or Ogboni as their ruler,” Oba Akanbi said. He stressed that Oba Adetona had set a new standard for how Yoruba monarchs should be buried, emphasizing that traditional rulers should be treated with dignity even in death. “Honour doesn’t die with the king. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond, not butchered like an animal,” the Oluwo stated. Oba Akanbi further advocated that the burial of monarchs should follow the instructions left by the king before death or his family’s decision afterward, condemning the forceful seizure of royal corpses by secret societies. The Iwo monarch reaffirmed his stance against idol worship and traditional cult practices, noting that he had liberated the Oluwo stool from such influences since ascending the throne a decade ago.