IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture.

Sotinrin, former Group CEO of SAO Group, brings a wealth of experience in agribusiness and development finance. His track record includes leading major agricultural projects in Ondo State and raising over $750 million for infrastructure, including the $200 million Akure Water Supply Project.

He has also served as a Special Adviser in the FCT and worked with global institutions like the World Bank and AfDB.

The presidency says his appointment aligns with efforts to boost food security and rural development. 

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), has revealed that a fresh 2025 appropriation bill is being prepared to address pressing developmental needs.

Speaking during a meeting with the Rivers National Assembly caucus on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas said the proposed budget will prioritize improvements in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He also noted that the budget will emphasize job creation and the integration of technology across essential public sectors. The delegation was led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East. 

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has set up a committee to investigate the destruction of the Gwer West Local Government Secretariat, the Ter-Tyoshin palace, and several private properties in Naka town.

During a visit to the affected areas on Thursday, Alia condemned the violence—allegedly triggered by protests over repeated herdsmen attacks—and urged residents to support government efforts to restore peace.

He warned that anyone found colluding with external attackers would face the full weight of the law.

Ter-Tyoshin, Chief Daniel Abomtse, described the attack on his palace as a calculated sabotage, questioning the authenticity of the protest. He praised the governor’s visit and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, local government staff Christiana Gbagbul and Civil Protection Guard Commander Nyiuma Nicholas accused the military of complicity and called for their redeployment, urging that the police take over internal security in the area. 

....Describe It As Boost To Party Stability 

In a landmark decision that is set to reshape the internal politics of the Labour Party (LP), the Supreme Court today removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the party. The LP Caucus in the House of Representatives has hailed the judgment as a critical step toward restoring unity and order within the party.

Reacting to the verdict, the Caucus described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a "veritable tonic for the revitalization" of a party recently plagued by leadership crises. In a statement signed by the leader of the caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the lawmakers expressed gratitude to the apex court, saying the judgment offers the party "a new lease of life."

Court Declares Appeal Court Lacked Jurisdiction

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court unanimously held that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had no jurisdiction to affirm Abure as LP’s chairman, having previously determined that the underlying dispute revolved around party leadership issues.

"This ruling should serve as a wake-up call to leaders who assume god-like status in a democratic space where the people remain supreme," said Hon. Ogene.

A Turning Point for Labour Party

The lawmaker disclosed that the party now intends to move quickly to restore internal harmony. According to him, the National Caretaker Committee (NCC), led by former Minister of Finance, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, is expected to convene a comprehensive stakeholders meeting next week to chart a new course for the party.

He emphasized that the crisis could have been avoided if the former chairman had embraced dialogue and listened to calls for restraint. The caucus, he noted, had previously advised against hasty decisions, including a controversial national convention scheduled in March 2024.

Calls for Dialogue Ignored

"In March last year, we called for the postponement of the National Convention to allow for wider consultation amidst the ongoing leadership skirmishes," Ogene recalled. "But instead of embracing dialogue, the party leadership responded with insults, media attacks, and threats to deny us re-election tickets in 2027. Such behavior was not only undemocratic, but deeply disrespectful."

Members Lost to Uncertainty

Ogene lamented that the toxic internal environment led to the exit of at least six caucus members, who were uncertain about their future in the party due to leadership instability.

"All we’ve ever wanted was a peaceful, united, and progressive party," he said. "This ruling presents an opportunity to finally achieve that."

As Labour Party charts a new path forward, the House caucus remains optimistic that with inclusive leadership and renewed internal cohesion, the party can rebuild public trust and prepare for a strong showing in future elections. 

China announced on Friday it will impose an additional 34% tariff on all U.S. imports starting April 10, in response to new trade levies introduced by Washington.

The Finance Ministry confirmed the move, which will be applied on top of existing duties. In addition, China’s Commerce Ministry said it is placing export controls on seven rare earth elements, including gadolinium and yttrium—critical materials used in medical imaging and electronics.

Beijing also plans to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the U.S. tariffs.

The escalation follows President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 10% global tariff and an extra 34% duty specifically targeting Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to vow retaliatory measures to defend its trade interests. 

Gunmen on Thursday night hijacked a fully loaded Benue Links bus in Ikobi, Otukpo LGA of Benue State, killing the driver and abducting all passengers on board. A toddler was reportedly left behind.

Security agencies have been alerted and are tracking the kidnappers, though no official statement has been issued.

The president of Ochetoha K’Idoma youth wing, Mike Magaji, condemned the government's silence, calling the governor's recent visit to Otukpo “disappointing” and lacking in concrete action.

Police spokesperson Catherine Anene said she was yet to confirm the incident as of the time of reporting.