IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Edo State Police Command has arrested Kelvin Izekor for allegedly killing his wife, Success Izekor, in the Upper Mission Extension area of Benin City on Saturday.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, police operatives intervened as an angry mob attempted to lynch the suspect. Upon arrival, officers found the victim’s lifeless body in a pool of blood with a head wound.

The police managed to calm the mob, rescue the suspect, and take him into custody for investigation. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed her dead.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, vowing to ensure that anyone found guilty will face legal consequences. 

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Meranda, may step down, potentially making way for David Setonji or Wale Rauf to assume the role.

This follows intervention efforts by key political figures, including former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the NNPC Limited Board.

Meranda made history as the first female Speaker on January 13, following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who was accused of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness. However, Obasa has challenged his removal in court, claiming due process was not followed.

Sources indicate that political stakeholders met with House members over the weekend, with another meeting expected soon. Speculation suggests that Meranda may return to her former role as Deputy Speaker, while either Setonji (Badagry 2) or Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—both from Lagos West—could be the next Speaker.

Setonji, the House Chief Whip, has been a lawmaker since 2015, while Rauf joined in 2019. The push for a Lagos West Speaker stems from a need for regional balance, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Meranda both hail from Lagos Central, leaving Lagos West without a top leadership position.

Despite this, 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda on February 17, supporting her continued leadership. However, the House has adjourned indefinitely, allowing room for further negotiations. 

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has enough Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, in storage to sufficiently meet the local needs of Nigeria, according to the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote.

Speaking at the weekend, Dangote disclosed that the oil refinery has “more than half a billion litres of petroleum and over 600 billion Naira worth of products in its tanks. Dangote said, “…as we speak right now we have more than half a billion litres. The Refinery is producing enough refined products, like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirements.

Speaking after a tour of the Refinery complex by a Zambia Government delegation, led by the country’s Minister of Energy, Mr. Makozo Chikote, Dangote stated that the refinery project, like other projects in the past, is not for Nigeria alone. “This refinery is not only for Nigeria; it is for Africa. We must sustain the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) deal. We are trying to see how we trade with other African countries.

The Zambian Minister of Energy said his takeaway from the Dangote Refinery working visit was that the President, Aliko Dangote, is truly focused on the bigger picture for Africa. Chikote, who led a delegation of energy experts to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to partner Zambia on energy solutions, expressed satisfaction and readiness to work with the African manufacturing giant.

After a tour of the Dangote complex at the Free Trade Zone, Ibeju Lekki, starting from the Single Point Mooring to the Dangote Jetty, the biggest fertiliser plant in Africa and the 650,000bpd largest single-train refinery in the world, the Minister enthused that the presentation by the Vice President, Oil and Gas of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, made their hearts “jump”. He stated that the presentation speaks to the challenges of his country, Zambia. 

The Chairman of the 10th House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has assured Nigerians of a constitution that truly reflects the aspirations and desires of the people. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day retreat for committee members in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, Kalu, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker of the House, expressed his gratitude to the committee members for their dedication to the review process. He urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering a meaningful constitutional reform.

“We are so proud of you,” Kalu stated. “On behalf of the Speaker, the House leadership, and the National Assembly, we recognize the enormous responsibility placed upon you as members of this committee. From the outset, we knew this task was challenging, but your commitment has given us confidence that we are on the right track.” Kalu emphasized the urgency of the exercise, noting that the committee is determined to complete a significant phase of the review before the upcoming election period. He praised the team spirit and dedication exhibited by members, stating that their collective effort will bring Nigeria closer to a constitutional framework that is truly representative of the people's aspirations.

“The journey towards achieving this goal has been marked by challenges, but our resilience and shared vision have kept us moving forward. We have heard the voices of the people, and we are committed to ensuring that their aspirations are reflected in the final document. This constitution will be one that truly embodies the will of Nigerians,” he added.

Kalu likened the committee’s role to that of architects shaping the future of Nigeria and urged members to continue working together beyond the retreat. “You are the architects of a greater Nigeria. You are the cooks in the kitchen baking a better future. Do not relent. Your hard work and dedication will yield rewards for all Nigerians,” he said. He also acknowledged that the process comes with its challenges but reassured members that their diligence is paving the way for significant national progress. “Please let this unity among us continue. Let us remain partners in progress to make this vision a reality. The Speaker and I are proud of you,” he concluded.

Echoing Kalu’s sentiments, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the constitutional review process remains inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the country’s diverse interests. “The constitutional review process is a complex and delicate undertaking that requires expertise, wisdom, and thorough engagement with various stakeholders across ethnic, religious, and political lines,” Rotimi said. “Guided by our legislative agenda, we remain steadfast in delivering meaningful reforms under the capable leadership of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Nigerians can expect a comprehensive, well-considered, and impactful exercise that strengthens our democracy and fosters national development.”

The House Committee on Constitution Review continues its work to produce a revised legal framework that will enhance governance and address the evolving needs of the nation. 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has urged stakeholders to explore alternative funding sources for education in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to reduce over-reliance on government resources. Speaking at the 31st and 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Kaduna State on Saturday, Speaker Abbas highlighted Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and endowment funds as viable solutions to drive sustainable growth in the education sector. His remarks came as he was honored by ZEDA for his ‘service to humanity.’

“Diversifying funding streams is critical,” Abbas stated. “By establishing endowment funds or engaging in public private partnerships, we can reduce our reliance on government funding. Successful models in countries such as Denmark and Ireland have demonstrated that diversified funding can drive long-term, sustainable growth in the education sector.” He underscored that human capital development remains the cornerstone of national progress, citing global examples such as Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Denmark. These nations, he noted, achieved remarkable progress not through natural resources alone but through strategic investments in education, training, and innovation.

“Nigeria, blessed with vast natural resources, must equally prioritize the development of its people to realize its full potential,” he added.

Zaria’s Educational Heritage and New Initiatives

The Speaker praised Zaria’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional landscape, citing its educational legacy dating back to the 16th century. He highlighted Ahmadu Bello University and other institutions as pillars of learning that have significantly shaped the country’s academic and professional communities.

As part of efforts to enhance learning in Kaduna State and beyond, Speaker Abbas announced several new educational initiatives for his constituency. These include the establishment of a Federal College of Education, a College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies.

“Once fully established, these institutions promise to extend significant educational and socio-economic benefits to our community,” he stated.

Challenges in the Education Sector

While celebrating progress, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need to address pressing educational challenges, particularly in primary and secondary education.

“The foundation of any thriving educational system rests upon robust, accessible, and quality basic education. Issues such as out-of-school children, those with special needs, and the overall quality of education demand urgent attention,” he said.

Commending Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for constructing over 62 new secondary schools, he noted that the initiative had significantly reduced the number of out-of-school children and addressed critical infrastructure deficits.

The Role of Technology and Legislative Agenda

Speaker Abbas urged ZEDA to integrate technology into education, drawing inspiration from global models like the United Kingdom’s Education Development Trust and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research. He stressed that leveraging digital innovation could transform how educational outcomes are monitored, enhance teacher training, and expand access to learning resources.

“In the House of Representatives, our Legislative Agenda aligns with these priorities. We remain committed to advancing universal basic education, enhancing secondary and technical education, and integrating innovative reforms to address both current and future challenges,” he assured.

Recognition and Closing Remarks

The Grand Patron of ZEDA, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, LLD, lauded Speaker Abbas and other prominent figures for their contributions to the development of Zaria. He reiterated the importance of ZEDA in advancing education in the region and called for continued support from stakeholders.

As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of education funding, Speaker Abbas’s call for alternative sources such as PPPs and endowment funds could pave the way for a more sustainable and effective education system in the country. 

Osun State's recent local government elections have been met with commendation from Hon. Bamidele Salam, who lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke for his leadership and the peaceful conduct of the polls. In a statement issued shortly after the elections, Hon. Salam, who represents Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo federal constituency at the National Assembly, praised Governor Adeleke’s resilience and composure throughout the electoral process. He noted that the governor’s handling of challenges and provocations ensured a free and fair election.

“Governor Adeleke has proven to be a true man of peace, exemplifying the dedication to selfless service that the people of Osun State need,” Hon. Salam stated. “His leadership through this election process stands as a testament to his commitment to fostering unity and progress for all.” He further highlighted the significance of the voter turnout, describing it as a clear endorsement of Governor Adeleke’s administration over the past two years.

Hon. Salam, who also leads the Osun caucus in the House of Representatives, extended his appreciation to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) for its steadfastness and professionalism in organizing the elections despite the challenges encountered. He also commended the electorate for their peaceful and orderly participation, which contributed to the seamless execution of the polls.

As election results are finalized, the lawmaker urged victorious candidates to embrace a spirit of humility and inclusiveness, emphasizing the importance of governance centered on public welfare. “Victory in any election comes with great responsibility,” he noted. “I trust the winners will demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.”

With the new local government leaders set to assume office, Hon. Salam reiterated the need for collaborative efforts to enhance development and improve the quality of life for Osun residents.