Headlines

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out two interlocutory motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the case challenging the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Hamman Barka, delivered the unanimous ruling on May 21, following the withdrawal of the motions by the appellant. The court also awarded N100,000 in costs against Akpabio.

The motions, dated March 3 and March 25, 2025, and marked CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025 respectively, sought to secure leave to appeal a ruling of the Federal High Court delivered on March 10, 2025, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

Akpabio, through his legal team, had asked the appellate court to grant him leave to appeal the Federal High Court’s decision on grounds of mixed law and fact. He also sought an extension of time to file the appeal and a stay of proceedings in the case pending the determination of the appeal.

Listed as respondents in the appeal were Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.

The motions were withdrawn after being deemed overtaken by events, prompting the appellate court to strike them out and award costs in favour of the respondents.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was conferred with the esteemed chieftaincy title of “Ugosimba 1 of Enugu” by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during a vibrant ceremony held in Enugu.

The honor recognizes her remarkable contributions to women’s empowerment, social development, and humanitarian efforts across Nigeria through her flagship Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

The conferment took place during Senator Tinubu’s two-day working visit to Enugu State, where she was warmly received by Governor Peter Mbah, prominent traditional leaders, women’s organizations, and community members.

The title, translating to “Jewel of Empowerment” in Igbo, was bestowed in acknowledgment of her dedication to uplifting the less privileged, supporting healthcare initiatives, and fostering national development.

The Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, led the conferment, praising Senator Tinubu’s love for Enugu and her impactful work. “We looked at the way you love Enugu State. We are thanking you for what you do for midwives, for nurses.

Personally, I am a nurse too. I appreciate your efforts in healing the sick, clothing the naked, and feeding the hungry. Only God can reward your good work,” Asadu stated. He also highlighted her three-term tenure as a senator and her recognition as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), noting her compassion beyond politics.

In her acceptance speech, an elated Senator Tinubu expressed deep gratitude, describing the title as a special honor not only for herself but also for her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and their entire family.

“This moment will remain special in my heart, and I will always remember your people for good. I love your state—it is calm and welcoming. Enugu State will be remembered for good,” she said, noting the inner peace she felt since arriving in the state on Monday.

The ceremony was a grand affair, attended by political figures, traditional rulers, and members of the public, showcasing the widespread appreciation for Senator Tinubu’s contributions.

Her Renewed Hope Initiative has been instrumental in providing agricultural inputs, such as wheelbarrows, seedlings, fertilizers, and livestock, to 400 women and young farmers across Enugu’s 17 local councils, further solidifying her commitment to grassroots development.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has stated that the proposed N1.48 trillion budget for 2025 makes provisions for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.

Ibas made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight to defend the budget proposal.

He explained that the draft budget aligns with the strategic objectives of the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027), and provides a framework to boost revenue generation, fast-track infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and foster inclusive economic growth across various sectors.

“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” he said.

Ibas, however, expressed concern over the refusal of some state officials to provide essential information needed for the preparation of the budget.

“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” he added.

Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has found himself at the center of criticism following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

The encounter, during which Onakoya presented a special edition gold-plated Adire chess set to the president, has sparked widespread criticism and polarized opinions across the country.

Onakoya, celebrated for his Guinness World Record-breaking 60-hour chess marathon and his efforts to empower underprivileged children through chess, met with Tinubu at the president’s Lagos residence on June 9.

The meeting was highlighted by Tinubu’s public praise of Onakoya’s work, with the president expressing support for expanding the Chess in Slums initiative nationwide.

However, the association with Tinubu, whose administration has faced scrutiny over economic challenges and poverty, has led to a backlash from some Nigerians.

Critics argue that Onakoya’s meeting with the president undermines the integrity of his grassroots movement. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with comments accusing him of aligning with a government they believe perpetuates the very slum conditions his organization seeks to address.

One sentiment suggests that Onakoya’s visit could be perceived as an endorsement of Tinubu’s leadership, diluting the moral clarity that has defined Chess in Slums.
Others have speculated that the meeting might be a strategic move by the administration to co-opt Onakoya’s influence for political gain.

Defenders of Onakoya, however, emphasize his track record of transparency and dedication to uplifting vulnerable children.

They view the meeting as a potential opportunity to secure governmental support for his cause, arguing that collaboration could amplify the reach of his initiative. Supporters point to his consistent focus on education and empowerment, urging critics to separate his humanitarian efforts from political affiliations.

The controversy reflects broader frustrations among Nigerians regarding leadership and social inequality. Onakoya’s rise from the slums of Ikorodu to global recognition has made him a symbol of hope, but his engagement with Tinubu has ignited raw anger over systemic failures.

As the debate intensifies, opinions remain sharply divided, with some lauding his strategic outreach while others see it as a betrayal of his roots.

Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has confirmed that the 2025 budget anticipates the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officeholders following the expiration of emergency rule in the state.

Ibas made the remarks during a budget defence session with the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the Rivers emergency rule on Wednesday.

He disclosed that the proposed N1.48 trillion fiscal plan was deliberately structured to accommodate officials expected to resume duties once constitutional governance is restored.

“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” he said.

Governor Fubara was suspended from office in March 2025 following prolonged political unrest and violent confrontations between factions loyal to Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike. The crisis, which had crippled governance led to President Bola Tinubu declaring an emergency rule in the South-South state. He suspended Governor Fubara and dissolved the State Executive Council. A proclamation was subsequently issued placing the state under emergency rule, with Vice Admiral Ibas appointed to oversee governance pending a resolution of the crisis.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Ibas also disclosed that the 2025 budget aims to regularise expenditures made prior to the emergency declaration. He, however, lamented that efforts to ensure a full accounting were hindered by a lack of cooperation from some state officials.

“Before the state of emergency declaration by His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” he said.

Ibas clarified that the budget was developed in line with Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Constitution and formally transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.

Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to stability and development in Rivers State, he noted that the budget reflects President Tinubu’s directive to maintain governance structures and support grassroots entrepreneurship.

“God willing, every River citizen with a great idea, carefully thought out, and well-planned will find the funding required to turn their dreams into successful ventures, irrespective of tribe, ethnic, or political divide,” Ibas added.