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Natasha Vows to Back NIDCOM in Achieving Its Goals

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Natasha Vows to Back NIDCOM in Achieving Its Goals

Natasha Akpoti, the recently appointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, has pledged that her committee will carry out its duty by assisting Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
When Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, led a delegation to meet with the Senator for a briefing session to give an outline of the Commission’s operations and difficulties, Natasha reportedly conveyed this information.
Natasha gave the Commission’s management assurance in a statement released Thursday in Abuja by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols (NIDCOM), that her committee will support NiDCOM in three important areas: providing better office space, ensuring that the welfare of Nigerians living overseas is taken care of, and properly funding its budget allocation.

Dabiri-Erewa also spoke, giving the Committee Chairman an update on the Commission’s operations since its founding, including its involvement with Nigerians overseas and their overall well-being.

The head of NIDCOM requested assistance in amending the Commission’s Act and locating a suitable Diaspora Plaza for the Commission’s headquarters.

While expressing gratitude to Sen. Victor Ume, the previous Chairman of the Committee, for his support and direction over the 19-month engagement with the Committee, Dabiri-Erewa also expressed satisfaction in working with the new Chairman.

Read Also: February FAAC Meeting Postponed

Additionally, she made use of the occasion to distribute copies of the National Diaspora Policy, publications of the Commission’s earlier initiatives, and the 2025 NIDCOM event schedule.

She went on to say, “NiDCOM is eager to collaborate closely with NGOs and the Senate Committee on Diaspora to advance the welfare of Nigerians worldwide.”

February FAAC Meeting Postponed

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February FAAC Meeting Postponed

A permanent postponement of the Federation Account Allocation Committee’s (FAAC) February 2025 meetings has been announced.
Ali Mohammed, the FAAC Secretary, announced this in a statement on Thursday.
The message expressed the sincere gratitude of the honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy for whatever inconvenience the postponement may have caused.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee sessions for February 2025 have been postponed, Mohammed said in a letter to FAAC members, “in accordance with our previous notice referenced F.12090/T/68 dated February 14, 2025 on the above subject.”

“In light of the aforementioned, I am to further inform you that a new date for the meeting will be communicated to you later, while the previously issued announcement will be reviewed accordingly,” the statement said.

At his official home in Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday.

According to information obtained, on Wednesday night, Akpabio’s motorcade was parked outside the building. Although journalists were not allowed entry, other cars were also observed pulling into the Villa, although it was impossible to identify the people inside.

Read Also: Senate Row: Akpabio’s Directive to Remove Natasha Akpoti Leaves Lawmakers in Uproar

The Senate convened the meeting just hours after U.S. Congressman Perry Scott claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had been providing funds to terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

In accordance with Order 41, Senator Mohammed Ndume of the Borno South Senatorial District issued an Order of Urgent National Security, which was followed by the Senate resolution.

If USAID is proved to have sponsored terrorism, Nigeria will not permit it to continue functioning in the nation, Akpabio said during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Senate Row: Akpabio’s Directive to Remove Natasha Akpoti Leaves Lawmakers in Uproar

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Senate Row: Akpabio’s Directive to Remove Natasha Akpoti Leaves Lawmakers in Uproar

When Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker from the Kogi Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, disrupted the plenary session by changing her seating arrangement without permission, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered her to leave the Senate. This is captured in a video that went viral online.
Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno, the Chief Whip, reportedly brought up a point of order over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “improper seating position” when the plenary was in session.
The Sergeant-at-Arms had to step in and try to escort Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the room when she burst into a boisterous altercation before Monguno could complete his testimony.

The female senator requested an explanation for the change of her seat without her consent, and the Senate President’s attempts to restore order in the midst of the chaos were greeted with opposition.

In the footage that surfaced online, several MPs tried to appease Natasha, but she disregarded them and gave an explanation for her behavior.
According to Akpabio, if it is proven that USAID is funding Boko Haram as claimed, the agency will no longer be permitted to work in Nigeria.

While discussing the claim that USAID is funding Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria, Akpabio made the statement during Wednesday’s plenary.

Read Also: Mohbad’s Best Friend, Prime Boy, Takes Legal Action Against Late Singer’s Mother

He underlined how crucial it is to look into the claim and take the proper response in light of confirmed information.

“If it is accurate to say that USAID has been providing financial support to Boko Haram in Nigeria, we have no business permitting them to operate offices there.

Accordingly, we must investigate the matter more thoroughly before we can make a decision and request compensation,” the Senate President stated.

Mohbad’s Best Friend, Prime Boy, Takes Legal Action Against Late Singer’s Mother

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Mohbad’s Best Friend, Prime Boy, Takes Legal Action Against Late Singer’s Mother

Due to alleged slander, fasting rising star Prime Boy, whose real name is Owodunni Ibrahim, has filed a lawsuit against Abosede Adeyemo, the mother of his late best buddy Mohbad.
According to reports, Prime Boy posted the court filing at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on his Instagram feed on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

On March 28, 2024, Prime Boy filed a lawsuit against Abosede for allegedly uttering defamatory and libellous comments about him in a video interview.

The February 12, 2025 paper claims that Abosede’s remarks, which were published in a number of news outlets, were intended to discredit him in the public’s eyes.

Additionally, Prime Boy asserted that Mohbad’s mother is responsible for ₦50 million in damages due to the malicious, false, libellous, and harmful remarks made about him.


Joseph Aloba, the late Mohbad’s father, has voiced concerns about the police officers looking into his son’s death in other stories.

According to reports, Mohbad’s father has persisted in fighting for justice for his late son, who went away over a year and five months ago.

Joseph stated in an interview with BBC Pidgin on Wednesday that the police requested that he disregard the demand for justice and bury his son.

Stressing that he has a right to know the facts of his son’s death, Mohbad’s father urged the authorities to take up the case.

Hisbah Bans Nightclubs in Katsina

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Hisbah Bans Nightclubs in Katsina

Citing Islamic principles and the need to uphold moral standards, the Katsina State chapter of Sharia Police, Hisbah, has banned all nightclub operations in the state.
This incident was revealed in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday by Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), the Hisbah Commander-General.
He underlined that nightclub owners must shut down their establishments to curb unethical behavior, protect social norms, and address security concerns in the state.

The board issued a warning that infractions would result in severe consequences. Security firms have been directed to make sure the directive is followed to the letter.
Usman declared, “We are dedicated to establishing a society that upholds moral principles and guaranteeing peace and security in Katsina State.”

He further stated that in order to guarantee the successful execution of the directive, the Board has spoken with relevant security organizations, such as the State’s Commissioner for Internal Security.

According to Usman, this action is consistent with Hisbah’s broader efforts to ensure that citizens continue to live their lives in conformity with moral and religious standards.

Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, the governor of Sokoto State, cautioned the state’s Hisbah Corps members against taking advantage of defenseless civilians just three months ago.

Members of the Hisbah Corps were reminded by Governor Aliyu that they must adhere to the laws that govern their operations and make sure they don’t violate any current laws in the country.

Aliyu reportedly made this statement at the inauguration of the Sokoto State Hisbah Corps, which had been reestablished to combat vices and social deterioration in the state.

He pledged to keep an eye on the Hisbah’s operations to guarantee that the rules governing its formation are strictly followed.

The Hisbah board is meant to support the traditional security services’ efforts to protect the lives and property of the state’s citizens, not to take their place.

Read Also: Army Chief Oluyede Issues Fresh Warning: ‘Bello Turji’s Days Are Numbered’

The Hisbah board has the legal ability to conduct arrests and then turn defendants over to the police so they can face charges in a Shari’a court.

Governor Aliyu declared, “We will keep an eye on the corps’ operations to make sure that the laws governing its formation are strictly followed.”

Army Chief Oluyede Issues Fresh Warning: ‘Bello Turji’s Days Are Numbered’

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Army Chief Oluyede Issues Fresh Warning: ‘Bello Turji’s Days Are Numbered’

The military will track down and kill infamous bandit leader Bello Turji, according to a new pledge made by Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff.
On Thursday, while on an operational visit to Zamfara State, the COAS announced the new commitment.

Bello Turji can continue to flee, but it will only be a matter of time until the army find him and kill him, Oluyede stated.
While briefing reporters at the Operation Fansan Yamma Headquarters in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, Oluyede reportedly made this statement.

As we speak, Bello Turji is evading capture, and we track him wherever he goes. “If he continues to run, he will eventually be taken out of the area,” the army chief stated.

Oluyede continued by revealing that the Nigerian Army had killed a number of bandit leaders in recent months, marking important advancements in the area.

The military’ morale is still good, he continued, as they continue to hunt down criminals and protect civilians’ lives and property.

“They are being pursued, and we plan to keep doing so. This also applies to the battle against the bandits. Prominent bandit leaders including Samaila, Boga, and Boderi have been slain by us in recent months. Those are all dead.

“To see how we can make the entire North-West very safe, we are still pursuing them,” Oluyede stated.

Although there are obstacles in their operations, the army chief acknowledged that the men will undoubtedly overcome them. By providing helpful information and advice, Oluyede also urged Nigerians to work with the army and other security forces.

Major General Oluyinka Soyele, the Theatre Commander, gave the army chief an operational briefing after he had already examined the quarter guard.

Authorities Arrest 33 Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger

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Authorities Arrest 33 Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger

33 people have been arrested by Niger State authorities on suspicion of participating in illicit mining operations that endanger the environment and public safety.
During a concerted enforcement effort, the arrests were made in the Paikoro Local Government’s Gbokuchi-Kotongba neighborhood.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the Forest Hunters Association worked together to carry out the operation, which was led by the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources.

The raid was headed by Yunusa Nahauni, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, who emphasized the government’s will to combat illegal mining.

According to reports, the arrested individuals had been illegally mining minerals from another company’s land for more than a decade.

People in the community were angry about the ongoing unlawful actions and how they affected local resources.

Even though the village chief and elders were aware of the ongoing mining operations, Nahauni chastised them for their passivity.

Read Also: Pro-Tinubu Group Lauds NUPRC Leadership, Komolafe for Driving PIA Reforms

He reaffirmed Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s order to stop all unapproved mining because of security concerns and issued a warning that those who disobey the order would be prosecuted.

He also emphasized that the government is committed to sanitizing the mining industry and asked locals to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and to report it to the appropriate authorities.

“We can’t afford to take it easy. “We will continue to take proactive steps to expose those hiding under the guise of mining while engaging in illegal activities. The state government has a clear vision to sanitize the mining sector,” Nahauni said.

He also expressed concern about the area’s undocumented foreign miners and questioned how they were able to enter the state without being identified.

He urged the Nigerian Immigration Service to strengthen security and look into potential access points.

Nahauni urged communities to work together in order to protect the state’s natural resources, reiterating the government’s commitment to combating unlawful mining.

Pro-Tinubu Group Lauds NUPRC Leadership, Komolafe for Driving PIA Reforms

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Pro-Tinubu Group Lauds NUPRC Leadership, Komolafe for Driving PIA Reforms

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has commended the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The group, consisting of loyalists of President Bola Tinubu, praised Komolafe’s tireless efforts in driving reforms in the petroleum industry, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to RHAN’s assessment report, the NUPRC has made significant strides in implementing the PIA, which has led to improved operational effectiveness, reduced misconduct, and increased revenue generation for the government.

The report highlighted the commission’s efforts in streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting a more investment-friendly environment.

Speaking at a press conference, the national secretary of the group, Dr. Opialu Fabian specifically praised Engr. Komolafe’s leadership style, which he says,has brought about a strong commitment to regulatory excellence, innovation, and transparency.

He noted that Komolafe’s initiatives, such as technology-driven regulation, review of crude oil handling agreements, and commitment to local content development, have helped to curb oil theft, promote gas utilization, and attract investment in deepwater exploration.

RHAN also commended Komolafe’s commitment to local content development, which has strengthened engagement with host communities.

According to Fabian, this has ensured that the benefits of oil production reach local populations, promoting socio-economic development and reducing conflicts.

Furthermore, the report acknowledged the challenges still facing the NUPRC, including oil theft, regulatory bottlenecks, and security threats.

However, RHAN expressed confidence that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Fabian added: “Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) was passed. It has contributed to the establishment of a well-organized regulatory environment with the goal of improving investment opportunities, efficiency, and transparency.

“In addition to ensuring that regulatory oversight is reinforced to support sustainable growth in the upstream petroleum sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been crucial in advancing these reforms.

“However, with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe strategic foresight in increasing operational efficiency in NUPRC, it can be conclusively said that,  better than before, an atmosphere that is favorable to investment and economic expansion now exist.

“Despite putting policies like security enhancement, digitization, stakeholder engagement, and revenue optimization in place, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, host community concerns, and oil theft, though now at minimal, still remain issues that require continuous attention and strategic interventions.

“We are convinced that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to national economic development.”

Tension in Osun as APC LG Chairmen, Councillors Storm Secretariats

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Tension in Osun as APC LG Chairmen, Councillors Storm Secretariats

The chairman and council members chosen in Osun State’s October 15, 2022, local government elections have taken up residence in around 14 LGA secretariats throughout the state.
The political leaders assaulted their various local government secretariats on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at around 10 a.m., according to reports gathered.

These officials, as well as many members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), returned to work in the secretariats in Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, Obokun, and Ila, according to The PUNCH.

The local government secretariats in Ayedire, Boripe, Iwo, and Ejigbo have also welcomed them back.

The chairmen and council members of the 14 local government secretariats started their work at 10 a.m., according to a statement provided to journalists by Jamiu Olawumi, the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Education.

He said that there haven’t been any reports of violence as of yet.

Olawumi stated: “As of 10 am, we have 14. Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, Obokun, Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, and Ila are among them.

Boripe, Iwo, Ayedire, and Ejigbo. There was excellent security. The DSS, an armed civil defense squad, and members of the police tactical unit have all gathered around the secretariat. Although we applaud Governor Adeleke, it is insufficient.

“The thugs they brought here ought to be removed. They are in town. Moving around will allow you to view faces you haven’t seen here. They have to refrain from inciting those cults and militants to murder Osun citizens.

Read Also: Court Order: Enemona Anyebe Must Halt PDP Chairmanship Claims

The fact that the verdict is enforceable dawns on them. It is recommended that the governor try to meet with the President, the Chief of Staff to the President, or the IGP. In order to realize the goal of growing Osun during his current term, he ought to accomplish that much for us.

“Even though they are from different levels of government, our chairmen and council members are willing to collaborate with him.”

Court Order: Enemona Anyebe Must Halt PDP Chairmanship Claims

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Court Order: Enemona Anyebe Must Halt PDP Chairmanship Claims

Enemona Anyebe has been barred by a Kogi State High Court from claiming the role of chairman of the state’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
John Ojodale filed lawsuit number HC/Okp/8/2024 against the PDP and another party, and it was stated that Justice Yahaya Adamu of the State High Court in Lokoja rendered a decision in that case on Tuesday.
After concluding that Enemona Anyebe was unqualified to run, the judge ordered a new election to be held within 45 days to fill the chairmanship vacancy.
In his ruling, Justice Adamu stated that Anyebe’s alleged suspension from the PDP prevented him from attending the August 31, 2024, PDP Congress.

Read Also: Microsoft Pledges $1M for AI Training of One Million Nigerians

Hon. Muhammad Sani Gambo, the first runner-up at the Kogi State PDP Congress on August 31, 2024, responded to the court’s ruling by claiming to be the party’s genuine chairman.

Gambo argued that since the decision upheld Enemona Anyebe’s ineligibility to run for office rather than nullifying the election, he should be the main benefactor.

He did, however, object to the court’s order for a new election to be held within 45 days, claiming that this was contempt because it was not included in the initial summons.

The Federal High Court is considering our case. The part of the decision where the judge mandated a new election within 45 days will be appealed,” he stated.

“We were not even a party to the suit filed at the State High Court, and this was not included in the plaintiff’s original summons.”

He wasn’t a party to the litigation, which is one of the reasons he wasn’t named chairman, Gambo continued. He said that he had filed a petition to have his election victory recognized as authentic with the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

With a pledge that the Federal High Court would take the required steps and recognize him as the duly elected state PDP chairman, he asked his supporters and the state’s PDP members to be calm.

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