IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, seeking the removal of 27 members of the State House of Assembly over their alleged defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Musa Uwani-Aba-Aji dismissed the case after Fubara, through his lead counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), withdrew the appeal, citing that events had overtaken the matter.

The Rivers State House of Assembly and its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), did not oppose the withdrawal request. Consequently, the Supreme Court struck out the suit and ordered Fubara to pay N4 million in costs to the Assembly and its Speaker.

Following the court’s decision, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ken Njemanze stated that the ruling had effectively cleared the path for the 27 lawmakers to fully resume their legislative functions.

The development means that actions taken by Governor Fubara in the absence of the 27 lawmakers, including the presentation of the 2024 and 2025 budgets to only three legislators, are now deemed invalid.

The Court of Appeal had earlier dismissed Fubara’s appeal on the same issue on October 10, 2024, while the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had nullified the passage of Rivers State’s N800 billion 2024 budget by four lawmakers loyal to the governor.

Justice Omotosho had ruled that the governor’s actions, including presenting the budget without the majority of the lawmakers, partially demolishing the Assembly complex, and withholding funds, were unlawful. He also ordered the immediate reinstatement of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Assembly and directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to deploy security operatives to the legislative complex.

The Supreme Court’s decision further reinforces the legal standing of the pro-Wike legislators, effectively settling the political dispute in the Rivers State Assembly. 

The total personnel costs for state governments in Nigeria surged from N2.036 trillion in 2024 to N3.87 trillion in the 2025 approved budget, reflecting an increase of 90.23% due to the new N70,000 minimum wage and a rise in political appointments.

Key Takeaways:

Budget vs. Actual Payment: In 2024, states allocated N2.8 trillion for salaries but only disbursed N2.036 trillion, leaving a shortfall of N764 billion.

Dependence on Federal Allocations: 27 out of 36 states now require federal funding to meet salary obligations, up from 24 states in 2024. Only 9 states can pay salaries independently.

Highest Payroll Increases: Niger (311.5%), Cross River (202%), and Taraba (162%) saw the most significant hikes.

Lagos had the highest personnel cost, increasing from N225.1bn to N401.1bn.

Other states like Rivers, Kano, and Oyo also saw substantial rises in their wage bills.

Labour Unions’ Ultimatum: The NLC has demanded full implementation of the minimum wage by December 1, 2024, but several states have yet to comply.

Criticism of Governance: Economists and analysts warn that the growing wage bill, bloated civil service, and political patronage strain state finances. Many states are urged to cut unnecessary expenditures, address ghost workers, and improve internally generated revenue (IGR).

Despite promises of cost-cutting by the federal and state governments, critics argue that excessive political appointments and unnecessary ministries continue to drain public funds, worsening economic struggles. 

The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has lifted its ban on gas cylinder use in student hostels, now permitting only 3kg cylinders for cooking.

Announcing the decision during an orientation ceremony for new students on Sunday, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Sa’id Umar, stated that the policy adjustment followed a review to align with practices in other institutions.

“We will only allow 3kg gas cylinders in the hostels. Any student caught using a larger cylinder will have it confiscated,” Prof. Umar cautioned.

He also revealed that the Student Affairs Division, in partnership with the Student Union Government (SUG), has established safety guidelines for gas cylinder use and hostel management.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State’s Federal Fire Service spokesperson, Umar Lawal, emphasized the risks of fire outbreaks, noting that 90 percent result from carelessness, negligence, and ignorance. He advised students to avoid overloading electrical appliances and to strictly follow safety protocols to prevent fire incidents. 

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has indefinitely postponed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The adjournment, announced on Monday, comes after Kanu maintained that Justice Nyako should not preside over his case due to her previous recusal.

Earlier, Kanu had been ordered to appear before the court on February 10, 2025. However, in January, he filed a petition against Justice Nyako with the National Judicial Council, accusing her of judicial misconduct.

Shortly after, the IPOB leader demanded that his case be transferred to the South-East if no other judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja was willing to handle it.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued the country’s first mobile number series to Vitel Wireless, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

In a statement, the NCC announced that the allocation of the 0712 mobile number series represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s telecom sector. The commission highlighted that the Nigerian MVNO market has traditionally been tightly regulated, with limited entry due to stringent licensing requirements. Vitel’s approval as a fully licensed MVNO, complete with its own number series, signals increased competition and innovation aimed at enhancing service accessibility.

Reacting to the development, Vitel Wireless Chairman and CEO, Kenneth Nwabueze, stated that acquiring the unique 0712 number series reflects the NCC’s confidence in the company’s vision and readiness to serve the Nigerian market.

"As part of its international expansion, Vitel has also been assigned its own international routing code by the NCC, ensuring seamless global connectivity and enabling high-quality telecommunications services," he added.

With all regulatory approvals secured, Vitel Wireless is set for a smooth market launch, promising innovative, affordable, and customer-centric services across Nigeria. The company aims to leverage advanced technology to provide tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. 

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced Faruk Umar to six months in prison for engaging in unauthorized foreign exchange transactions.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke delivered the judgment on Wednesday following Umar’s guilty plea to charges brought against him by the EFCC.

Umar was arrested on August 26, 2024, alongside others at the Eko Hotel area of Victoria Island, Lagos, based on credible intelligence regarding illegal Bureau De Change operations. He was later arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on a one-count charge of conducting forex transactions outside the official market.

Part of the charge reads: “That you, Faruk Umar, sometime in August 2024 at Eko Hotel Area, Victoria Island, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, engaged in a foreign exchange transaction outside the official forex market, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 11(1)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee Establishment Act, 1994, and punishable under Section 11(2) of the same Act.”

During the proceedings, EFCC prosecutor C.C. Okezie called investigating officer Hamisu Sanni, who testified that Umar admitted to buying and selling foreign currency without a Central Bank of Nigeria license.

"We conducted a forensic analysis of his phone, which revealed over 40 conversations related to forex transactions," Sanni told the court.

Following the submission of evidence, the prosecution urged the court to convict and sentence Umar.

Justice Aneke subsequently found him guilty, sentencing him to six months imprisonment with an option of a ₦50,000 fine payable to the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federation. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of Umar’s phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.