IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Court of Appeal in Enugu has affirmed the ruling of the Enugu State High Court, declaring the arrest and detention of Stephen Egwuatu by the State Security Services (SSS) as unlawful. Presided over by Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri, the court upheld the N5 million fine imposed on the SSS for violating Egwuatu’s fundamental rights.

Egwuatu, now 16, was arrested at age 12 on November 8, 2021, and released three days later. The High Court had ruled in July 2023 that his detention was illegal, prompting the SSS to appeal. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal as lacking merit and reaffirmed the penalty. 

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reduced its immigration backlog, improving visa processing efficiency. As of March 2025, the backlog has dropped to 821,200, a 7.95% decline from January’s 892,100, marking three consecutive months below one million.

IRCC processed 1,208,200 of the 2,029,400 total applications within standard timelines. However, delays persist, with Express Entry backlogs at 25%, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) at 36%, and visitor visa delays exceeding IRCC’s 50% target.

To address delays, IRCC has adopted automation, AI-driven analytics, and study permit caps. The Immigration Levels Plan 2025–27 maintains targets at 485,000 new residents in 2025 and 500,000 annually in 2026 and 2027. While processing improvements continue, early application remains crucial. 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony Elumelu, to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, convened by IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva. His appointment was disclosed in a statement on Friday.

The Advisory Council of the IMF comprises global business leaders, policymakers, and academics, dedicated to identifying and addressing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship. Its mandate is to recommend policies that enhance resource allocation, stimulate innovation, and catalyse sustainable private sector-led economic growth.

“Elumelu, Africa’s leading advocate of entrepreneurship and whose Foundation has funded, mentored and trained over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, champions entrepreneurship as the engine for the economic transformation of Africa. “A self-made entrepreneur, Elumelu’s embracing of entrepreneurship is fundamental to his concept of Africapitalism, his belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development, making long-term investments, that deliver social and economic value.

“Elumelu will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential is central to global economic policymaking. 

Other members of the Council include: Harberger Professor of Economics, University of Chicago, Professor Ufuk Akcigit; Saudi Ambassador to the United States, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud; Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of Salesforce, Mr. Marc Benioff; Executive Chair, Banco Santander, Ms. Ana Botín; Chairman, Tata Group, Mr. Natarajan Chandrasekaran; Chief Executive, Vodafone Group, Ms. Margherita Della Valle; Founder, Chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners, Mr. Robert Smith and Argentine Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Mr. Federico Sturzenegger. 

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola doesn't believe his squad deserves any of the £97m prize money their club will pocket by winning the Club World Cup this summer.

World governing body Fifa announced the rewards for doing well at the expanded 32-team event in the United States earlier this week. Europe's major clubs are expected to get the lion's share, with both City and Chelsea – who qualified by winning the Champions League in 2023 and 2020 respectively - in line to collect the biggest prize pot in club football by winning it.

City start their campaign against Moroccan side Wydad in Philadelphia on 18 June and have been drawn in a group that also contains Al Ain from Abu Dhabi, and Italian challengers Juventus.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain are among the other European heavyweights taking part. 

The Presidency has described as “baseless” claims by the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, that he was being targeted for investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A statement signed by Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday said Atiku’s claims are “false and reflecting a troubling patter of relying on social media gossip.”

On Thursday, Atiku claimed that the EFCC was probing him in connection with financial activities involving the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. In a statement on Friday, Onanuga described Atiku’s claims as baseless and misleading. The Presidency dismissed the allegations as Atiku’s “desperate attempt” to remain politically relevant through unfounded accusations and social media gossip.

“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to the unfounded allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claims to be the subject of an EFCC investigation regarding unsubstantiated financial dealings involving Lagos State. “These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance. It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku’s stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant.

The statement explained that President Tinubu does not have time for gossips, as he is busy addressing national challenges. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability. The President has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.

Atiku was advised to take leadership responsibilities and quit the desperate search for attention.

“Atiku’s allegations are infantile and a transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks. His repeated attempts to drag the Presidency and now the Lagos State Government into fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention amid his fading attempt to cobble a coalition. “Since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former Vice President has failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman. Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.

“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—qualities Nigeria urgently needs. “Lastly, the former Vice President should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law. “The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention.” 

By Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D

Governor Alex Otti's exceptional career as a banker and economist, combined with his outstanding performance as the governor of Abia State, sets him apart as a leader who embodies the perfect blend of conduct, character, and visionary leadership. His leadership style underscores the importance of integrity, discipline, and responsibility in achieving greatness.

A leader's conduct is a reflection of their character and values. Governor Otti's conduct as a public servant has been exemplary, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. His actions have consistently shown a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt, making him a role model in leadership and good governance.

The people of Abia State have witnessed Governor Otti's exemplary conduct firsthand, earning him their respect and trust. His leadership has been marked by humility and a willingness to serve, rather than being served. This approach has fostered unity and cooperation among the people, who are now working together towards a common goal.

Governor Otti's character has been shaped by his experiences as a banker and economist, instilling in him a strong sense of integrity, discipline, and responsibility. His passion for education and healthcare has driven his administration's allocation of 35% of the 2025 budget to these sectors, expected to revolutionize healthcare delivery and education in Abia and beyond.

Visionary leaders like Governor Otti have the ability to see beyond the present, envisioning a future full of possibilities and opportunities. His leadership style is characterized by a clear vision for Abia State's future, driven by his passion for economic development, education, and healthcare. This vision has inspired a new era of growth and development in the state.

Key areas where Governor Otti's vision has been evident include road infrastructure, with successful construction and reconstruction of several roads in Aba, including MCC by Old Express, Umuimo, and Udeagbam roads. The government has also rehabilitated and commissioned Cemetery Phase 1, Shallom, and Emelogu roads, all in Aba. Other notable projects include the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, handled by Julius Berger, which will resuscitate economic activities along the corridor. Other road projects include the reconstruction and expansion of the Ossah-Abia Tower/Okpara Square road, the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abariba-Ohafia Road, and the Ohanku road, as well as several other completed and ongoing projects across the 17 local government areas.

In the healthcare sector, Governor Otti's administration has renovated and retrofitted the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostics Centre, with the Eye Clinic now comparable to the best in the country. The government has also initiated a free medical services program, providing diagnostics, laboratory services, counseling, and drug supply to thousands of residents.

In education, the administration has invested in renovating schools across the 17 local government areas. The government plans to renovate about 300 public primary and secondary schools, upgrade infrastructure at the State College of Education, and retool three technical schools.

Governor Otti's leadership has also been marked by innovation and creativity, launching initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development. These initiatives have provided opportunities for young people to develop skills and start businesses, contributing to the state's economic growth.

The impact of Governor Otti's leadership extends beyond Abia State, serving as a model for other states and governments. His exceptional leadership qualities have set a new standard for public service, inspiring a new generation of leaders. As Governor Otti continues to lead Abia State towards a brighter future, his legacy as a leader of integrity, vision, and compassion will endure for generations to come.

Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.