Headlines

Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has apologized to Nigerians for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) failure to deliver on its promises.

Fayemi made the admission during a Thursday evening appearance on Channels Television.

“We must apologize to the Nigerian people,” Fayemi said. “We have not succeeded in achieving everything we promised to the Nigerian people.”

He attributed the party’s inability to fulfil its promises to “structural impediments” rather than incompetence.

The party has faced criticism for failing to address corruption, insecurity, and economic issues, despite promising to do so during its 2015 campaign. They took over power from the People’s Democratic Party with a promise to bring significant change to the country. However, this has yet to be seen.

“Clearly, we haven’t done enough to make life abundant for the Nigerian people,” Fayemi added. “And for that, I clearly would not hesitate to apologize to the Nigerian people for that. We can do a lot more.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has closed its case before the Edo State governorship election tribunal without calling a witness.

INEC’s legal counsel formally moved to close the case, a motion accepted by the tribunal. The Commission will rely solely on cross-examinations and legal arguments presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s legal team.

The case stems from a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which challenged the election results, alleging widespread irregularities and vote manipulation by INEC.

Citing the 2022 Electoral Act, the PDP’s legal team focused primarily on documentary evidence rather than oral testimony. The petition relies on key provisions of the Act, including Section 137, which gives precedence to documentary evidence, and Section 73(2), which mandates the nullification of results in polling units where ballot paper and BVAS serial numbers were not pre-recorded.

The tribunal has admitted critical BVAS machines into evidence. PDP witnesses, including local government agents and an expert witness (PW12), have testified, alleging systemic manipulation during the collation of results.

With INEC closing its case, the tribunal will now proceed with further arguments and deliberations.

In a significant move, the House of Representatives has proposed the creation of 31 new states, aiming to address longstanding demands for increased representation and autonomy among various regions. This proposal, if enacted, would reshape the nation’s political landscape, potentially enhancing administrative efficiency and fostering regional development.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary on Thursday read a letter from the committee containing the proposed states.

If approved, this will increase the number of states in Nigeria to 67.

The proposed states are as follows:

1. Aba State: Carved out from the current Abia State, focusing on the commercial hub of Aba.
2. Adada State: To be created from the present Enugu State, emphasizing the Adada region.
3. Amana State: Proposed from parts of present-day Adamawa State.
4. Anioma State: To be formed from the current Delta State, focusing on the Anioma region.
5. Apa State: Carved out from the existing Benue State.
6. Bayajida State: Proposed from parts of the current Katsina State.
7. Etiti State: To be created from regions within the current South-East geopolitical zone.
8. Gurara State: Proposed from parts of the present Niger State.
9. Ijebu State: To be formed from the current Ogun State, focusing on the Ijebu region.
10. Kainji State: Carved out from areas around the Kainji region.
11. Katagum State: Proposed from parts of the existing Bauchi State.
12. Katsina-Ala State: To be created from regions within the current Benue State.
13. Kurmi State: Proposed from parts of the present Taraba State.
14. New Oyo State: To be formed from the current Oyo State, focusing on new administrative boundaries.
15. Njaba State: Carved out from areas within the current Imo State.
16. Nupe State: Proposed from regions inhabited by the Nupe people.
17. Ogoja State: To be created from parts of the present Cross River State.
18. Oil River State: Proposed from areas within the Niger Delta region.
19. Okun State: To be formed from regions within the current Kogi State.
20. Ose State: Carved out from parts of the existing Ondo State.
21. Savannah State: Proposed from regions within the current Borno State.
22. Sokoto State: To be created from parts of the present Sokoto State, focusing on new administrative boundaries.
23. Torogbene State: Proposed from areas within the Ijaw regions.
24. Warri State: To be formed from the current Delta State, focusing on the Warri region.
25. Yamaltu State: Carved out from parts of the existing Gombe State.
26. Zaria State: Proposed from regions within the current Kaduna State.
27. Zuru State: To be created from parts of the present Kebbi State.
28. Gongola State: Proposed from regions within the current Adamawa and Taraba States.
29. Mambilla State: To be formed from the Mambilla Plateau region.
30. Yewa State: Carved out from parts of the existing Ogun State.
31. Ijaw State: Proposed from regions predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw people

President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos. He said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.

The policy shift was conveyed during a high-level meeting between the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders, including the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). Discussions focused on the welfare of healthcare professionals and ongoing reforms in the sector.

Bature stated that the minister confirmed the approval of arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with secured funds set for disbursement soon. Additionally, Tinubu approved corrections to consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) following the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The government has also approved new tariffs for healthcare service providers, particularly benefiting members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), to enhance financial sustainability in the sector.

Prof. Pate expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of stakeholders and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare workers’ welfare. He emphasized that strengthening Nigeria’s health sector requires collective efforts.

The NMA has long advocated for extending the retirement age to address brain drain, facilitate knowledge transfer, and enhance healthcare delivery.

A trader identified as Ifeanyi was killed on Wednesday following a fight with another trader, Eze, over a selling space at Utako Market, Abuja.

The dispute, which began as an argument between the two underwear sellers, escalated into a physical altercation in the early hours of the morning. Witnesses said Ifeanyi slumped and died during the fight, causing panic in the market.

Eze has been arrested and is currently in custody at the Utako Police Division. A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the incident is being treated as a murder case and will be transferred to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command for further investigation.

The body of the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary.