IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Legislative Council of Shira Local Government in Bauchi State has removed Chairman Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Beli and his Deputy, Hon. Usman Adamu, over allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of cooperation with the council.

Council Leader Wali Adamu, who is set to assume the chairman’s position, announced the decision at the Bauchi State Legislative Council while addressing journalists. He emphasized that the removal was necessary to uphold transparency and accountability in the governance of Shira Local Government and Bauchi State.

In an official statement, the council explained:

“A committee was appointed to investigate allegations of gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, dereliction of duty, and abuse of office against the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Shira Local Government. After reviewing the committee’s report, the council found both officials guilty of the charges. Consequently, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Beli and Hon. Usman Adamu have been removed from their positions with immediate effect.”

The statement further outlined the basis for their removal, citing financial irregularities, failure to fulfill their responsibilities, and breach of public trust.

With their removal, the council officially declared the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman vacant. 

Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his prompt compliance with the Supreme Court’s verdict on local government administration in the state.  

In a statement on Monday, Adeyanju praised the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, urging him to remain focused on the welfare of Rivers people despite political distractions.  

He lauded Fubara’s directive to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize fresh local government elections and his decision to place Heads of Local Government Administration in charge of the 23 LGAs as an interim measure. He also noted that the governor’s order for outgoing council chairmen to hand over by March 3, 2025, reaffirmed his dedication to constitutional governance.  

Adeyanju emphasized that Fubara’s leadership sends a strong message about prioritizing the people’s welfare, even amid political turbulence. He urged the governor to stay resolute in addressing governance challenges while resisting any pressure that may undermine the collective interest of Rivers residents.  

Despite his reservations about former Governor Nyesom Wike, Adeyanju advised Fubara to remain steadfast in his mission and assured him of public support. He expressed confidence that by 2027, the governor would emerge stronger and well-positioned to overcome any opposition, particularly from Wike.  

He concluded by describing Fubara’s leadership as a symbol of hope, affirming that history would judge him favorably for his courage and dedication to the people of Rivers State. 

President Bola Tinubu has granted provisional licences for the establishment of 11 new private universities across Nigeria.  

The approval was announced on Monday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, as disclosed in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication, Sunday Dare.  

Below is the list of the newly approved universities:  

1. New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State  

2. University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State  

3. Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja  

4. Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State  

5. Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State  

6. Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State  

7. Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State  

8. Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State  

9. Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State  

10. Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State  

11. Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State  

According to the statement, Tinubu remains committed to expanding educational opportunities and enhancing infrastructure to support learning in Nigeria. 

The Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Sim Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers. They made this known during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday with the motion moved by the deputy speaker Dumle Maol.

“That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in Suit no.: SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of Statutory Federal allocations to the Rivers State Government and halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” the lawmakers said in a resolution signed by the Speaker Martin Amaewhule. “That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.

In his remarks, Amaewhule condemned the Fubara’s directive to the heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the councils, saying it is illegal and against the Supreme Court’s decision. The lawmakers drew the governor’s attention to “the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended; the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2023 as well as the Judgement of the Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CV/343/2024 that prohibits the administration of Local Governments by HLGAs or any other persons other than democratically elected officials”. 

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has lauded the Nigerian Aquatic Federation for successfully hosting the maiden edition of the Swim to Future Championship, a competition designed for young swimmers aged 6-14.

Speaking at the event, which took place from February 28 to March 1 in Abuja, Olopade emphasized the need to groom young talents early, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sports development agenda under NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.

“This tournament aligns perfectly with the mandate given to us by the President,” Olopade stated. “Our goal is to engage young people at this stage, guide them into professional sports, and help them build careers from their natural talents.” The NSC DG further underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure and funding for grassroots swimming programs to ensure budding athletes receive the right training and exposure.

Taking this vision a step further, Olopade challenged the Nigerian Aquatic Federation to organize a national swimming competition within the next two months, aimed at scouting and nurturing young talents for international representation. “We don’t just talk we want to act,” he affirmed. “A national tournament will help us identify and develop young swimmers who have the potential to represent Nigeria on the global stage.”

The Swim to Future Championship marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s grassroots sports development, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and aspire to greater heights in competitive swimming. 

Mudashiru Obasa has returned as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following Mojisola Meranda’s resignation from the position on Monday.

Obasa, who was previously removed, made a dramatic comeback, with Meranda reverting to her former role as Deputy Speaker. This transition also coincided with the resignation of other key House leaders.

Meranda Presides Over Final Plenary as Speaker

Earlier in the day, both Meranda and Obasa arrived at the Assembly complex amid concerns of a potential standoff. However, after a crucial meeting involving Obasa, Meranda, Lagos State Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN), APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, and 38 lawmakers, Meranda presided over a plenary session that restored the previous leadership structure.

Ongoing Crisis in the Lagos Assembly

The Assembly has been embroiled in controversy since January 13, 2025, when 32 lawmakers ousted Obasa and former Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, electing Meranda as Speaker.

Sources indicate that pressure from the Presidency and other political actors played a role in Obasa’s reinstatement. Members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) were reportedly urged to persuade lawmakers to support Obasa’s return, following the disbandment of the Bisi Akande-led reconciliation committee.

Legal Battle Looms

Despite the political maneuvering, tensions remain high. If efforts to unify the Assembly fail, the Presidency and party leaders may allow the judiciary to determine the Speaker’s fate.

Obasa has already taken legal action against Meranda and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has adjourned the case until March 7, leaving the final resolution uncertain.