Category: Nigeria

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DSS arraigns El-Rufai for intercepting Ribadu’s phone call

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of involvement in the bugging of the telephone line of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

He was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Thursday morning on a five-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026.

At the start of proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of the amendment, prompting the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, to strike out the earlier three-count charges and proceed with the new filing.

When the charges were read, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Counsel to the DSS then applied for three consecutive trial dates, but the defence objected, citing the need to confer with their client who has been in the custody of multiple security agencies.

The defence also moved to argue a pending bail application filed on February 17, alongside a further affidavit. Initially, Justice Abdulmalik declined to admit the additional affidavit, noting it was not in the court’s records and cautioning against what she described as “Nollywood theatrics” over the presence of cameramen in court.

Following a brief stand down, proceedings resumed with the further affidavit located, while the DSS informed the court it was not opposing the bail application.Attention then shifted to a fresh application by the prosecution seeking an order to conceal the identities of two witnesses expected to testify.

The DSS urged the court to bar the names of the witnesses from public records and allow the use of pseudonyms during trial, arguing their families could be vulnerable to attacks from individuals sympathetic to the defendant.

However, the defence opposed the request through a counter-application, written address, and further affidavit, insisting it is the constitutional right of an accused person to know his accusers.

The defence also argued there was no evidence suggesting the defendant posed any threat or had a following capable of endangering witnesses, warning that granting such anonymity could prejudice the case against him.

The defence further applied for an order compelling the prosecution to provide proof of evidence to enable adequate preparation for trial, a move the prosecution opposed, maintaining that the requested documents were outside the scope of materials already filed before the court.

In addition, the defence informed the court of a separate application seeking to quash the charges, a move challenged by the prosecution on the grounds that such an application cannot be entertained after a plea has been taken.
The prosecution urged the court to dismiss the application as lacking merit, while the defence responded on points of law.

The matter continues as the court considers the various applications before it.

The charges stem from allegations that El-Rufai accessed or benefited from intercepted communications involving Ribadu, a claim the former governor had publicly referenced months earlier.

TVC News had earlier reported that during a February interview on Arise Television, El-Rufai claimed: “He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order.

“Someone tapped his phone. The government listens to our calls all the time without a court order. Someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order.”

The case has been adjourned to allow the defence regularise its filings before the court proceeds with the bail hearing. (TVCNews)

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Fubara hosts Southern Traditional Rulers, preaches unity

Rivers State Governor , Siminlayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to peace and regional cooperation.

Governor Fubara disclosed this while playing host to traditional rulers from across the South at a high-level roundtable in Port Harcourt.

Addressing the gathering,he described the meeting as an honour and a significant step towards deepening unity among southern leaders.

He emphasised that Rivers State remains peaceful and open to initiatives that promote cohesion and development across the region.

The roundtable, convened under the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, focused on strengthening collaboration among traditional institutions and reinforcing their role in fostering stability and progress.

Participants were urged to sustain efforts at building southern unity through dialogue, mutual respect, and coordinated action.

The host also reiterated the importance of aligning regional aspirations with national development goals, pledging continued support for initiatives under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment among the traditional rulers to promote peace and drive collective progress across southern Nigeria. (TVCNews)

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Tinubu hails Nigeria’s 91.45% ICAO Aviation Safety Rating

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s latest 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), describing it as a major boost to the country’s global aviation credibility and investment outlook.

The ICAO, a United Nations specialised agency responsible for setting standards for international air navigation, evaluates member states through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) to determine compliance with global aviation safety requirements.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, April 23.

According to the audit team’s recent debriefing at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja, Nigeria recorded an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 91.45 per cent, its highest ever since the programme began in 1999.

The score places Nigeria significantly above the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent, a development authorities say strengthens confidence in the country’s airspace and aviation systems.

Reacting to the development, President Tinubu said the achievement reflects ongoing reforms in the aviation sector under his administration’s renewed focus on infrastructure and transportation as key drivers of economic growth.

Since assuming office, Tinubu had prioritised the development of a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry aimed at positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation hub aligned with international best practices.

The statement partly reads: “Upon the assumption of office, President Tinubu redefined the priority areas of his administration to include enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, and to establish the air transport sector as a major driver for economic prosperity by building a safe, secured and efficient aviation industry focused on making Nigeria a hub that meets international standards and best practices beyond even the African continent.

“To align with this priority area, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, outlined a five-point agenda to grow the Nigerian aviation value chain.”

The President commended the ministry and aviation agencies for the milestone, noting that the improved rating would enhance investor confidence in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu urges the Ministry not to relent but to review and implement every recommendation that the ICAO auditors made during this mission to ensure that Nigeria not only maintains, but goes even further on the rating,” the statement concluded. (TVCNews)

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Fintiri visits 9 victims killed in suspected insurgent attack on Adamawa community

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has visited Mayo-Ladde community in Gaya District of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, where nine people were killed in a suspected Boko Haram attack.

The governor described the incident as unfortunate and commiserated with families of the victims, assuring residents of his administration’s resolve to restore peace and prevent further attacks.

The assault, which occurred on Tuesday, left a trail of destruction and forced residents to flee to neighbouring communities, including Uba Gaya, where many are currently taking refuge.

Security operatives, supported by local vigilante groups, were able to repel the attackers after a confrontation, forcing them to retreat.

Fintiri commended the military, police, and community-based security groups for their swift response, noting that their intervention helped contain the situation.

Community leaders, however, called for a stronger and sustained security presence to forestall recurring attacks in the area.

Relative calm has since been restored following the deployment of additional military personnel to the affected communities.

The governor was accompanied on the visit by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Auwal Tukur, and Chief of Staff, Edgar Amos, as part of efforts to reassure residents and reinforce confidence in the government’s response to insecurity. (TVCNews)

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Senate to probe fresh COVID-19 case in Cross River

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed a comprehensive investigation into reports of a fresh COVID-19 case in Cross River State.

Akpabio issued the directive at the close of Thursday’s plenary, mandating the Senate Committee on Health to urgently examine the situation.

The committee, chaired by Senator Ipalibo Banigo, is expected to investigate the reported case and present its findings at the next legislative sitting.

The move follows reports of an isolated COVID-19 case in Cross River State, raising concerns over surveillance, testing and response capacity.

Health authorities are said to be monitoring the situation closely, amid calls for heightened vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.

Lawmakers said the probe would assess the public health response, the preparedness of health institutions and measures needed to contain any potential spread. (TVCNews)

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Edun resigns from cabinet as Tinubu elevates Oyedele to Finance Minister

President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the Federal Executive Council, which led to the exit of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Ahmed Dangiwa.

According to a statement from the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, on Tuesday, the memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, indicated that two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Architect Ahmed Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.

Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. He has been directed to hand over to Mr Taiwo Oyedele, who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

Also, Mr Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before the close of business on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.”

Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

The President, Akume, noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.” (TVCNews)

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Tinubu commissions NRS building

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters in Abuja, declaring that no serious nation could attain lasting prosperity with a weak and fragmented revenue system.

Speaking at the official event, Tinubu said the commissioning went beyond the physical unveiling of the building, marking a pivotal step in the administration’s fiscal reforms aimed at restoring public trust and building an economy rooted in discipline and equity.

“No serious nation can achieve lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system. No government can demand trust from its citizens when taxation is opaque, inefficient or unjust,” Tinubu declared.

He said his administration had taken bold steps to overhaul the tax system, simplifying processes, eliminating distortions, and fostering a transparent, investment-friendly environment.

“That is why this administration took the bold decision to embark on far-reaching tax and fiscal reforms, reforms designed to simplify our system, eliminate distortions and create a fair, transparent and investment-friendly environment,” the president said.

Tinubu said the early outcomes of these reforms were already evident, including improved fiscal stability and stronger investor confidence.

“Our direction is clear: a revenue system that rewards enterprise, supports growth and ensures that every contribution to the national purse is matched by feasible value for people. The early results are encouraging, fantastic,” he said, thanking NRS Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji for his role.

He described the new headquarters as a symbol of professionalism and accountability. “The building is more than concrete and steel; it is a symbol of a new standard of professionalism, transparency, efficiency and service. It reflects our result that institutions must rise to meet the demand of reforms and the expectations of the Nigerian people,” Tinubu said.

The president urged the NRS to prioritise trust-building and fairness.

“We must thank Nigerian people for enduring and persevering, for their resilience to date and to the Nigerian Revenue Service, you must embody this new ethos. It must not only collect revenue, it must build trust, it must ensure fairness,” he said.

Tinubu reaffirmed his inaugural pledge as a covenant with Nigerians.
“On my inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we would move Nigeria from the dimness of uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope. I committed that, that we will confront structural weaknesses, restore fairness and build an economy anchored on discipline, equity and opportunity. Today, I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric. They were a covenant with the Nigerian people,” he said.

He concluded by commissioning the building, saying, “We are facing reform, we have chosen discipline, we have chosen progress, we have chosen development, prosperity and inclusiveness, and we will stay this course, steadfast and focused, until promise of Nigeria is matched by the performance of its institutions and the prosperity of its people. To the glory of God Almighty and to the benefit of Nigerians at home and abroad, I hereby declare this building and the God blessed public of Nigeria and the tax collector,” Tinubu said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his goodwill message, described the event as a testament to divine favour and visionary governance.

He celebrated the transformation of Nigeria’s revenue system under Tinubu in Lagos, from monthly collections of N4 billion to over N69 billion, attributing it to the president’s foresight.

“This is wonderful in the sight of God and this is wonderful in the sight of man. And of course, they say, whatever is done on earth, is also done in heaven. I’m very sure that this is the case. It’s also being celebrated in heaven,” Akpabio began.

He recalled his endorsement during the primaries, emphasising Tinubu’s unique vision.

“Your Excellency the President, when we were coming into office, during the primaries and the convention, I made a statement that We’re going to elect a candidate who has good sight and vision. And that sight and that vision enabled him to take the revenue service in legal sense from N4 billion a month in Lagos. So what we are having today is over N69 billion. And of course, I said can we do the same for Nigeria? If elected. Thank God, Nigerians believed me and elected you,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President highlighted state-level progress and Tinubu’s commitment to true federalism.

“Today, Mr President, you have sent me to commission many projects in states of the Federation. And one of those that we first commissioned was the lithium factory in Nasarawa State… Consistently you’ve shown that you do not only believe in democracy, but you believe in true federalism. That every money that goes into the Federation account, has a shine in our constitution,” he stated.

Akpabio celebrated NRS gains amid global oil disruptions and commended Tinubu’s personnel choices.

“Nigeria today even with the closure of the Hormuz Strait… we have not had 2, 3, 4, 5 kilometers of fuel line… You have a knack for picking good people… Dr Zacch, congratulations.”

Akpabio envisioned the NRS as a symbol of self-reliance. “Imagine this edifice, rising in the heart of our nation’s capital… No nation can endure if it depends only on what is given to it… The National Assembly must continue to stand firmly behind this president… Let us not say that you came to open a door that will work only through your administration, but you have opened a chapter that will bring total responsibility.”

Akpabio urged fiscal prudence on inherited debts.

“I get worried when I read that you have made numerous debts, including ways and means of worth N33 trillion… In the future of Nigeria, we cannot ignore others’ past mistakes.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in his goodwill message, said the NRS headquarters symbolised Nigeria’s commitment to institutional discipline.

“Institutions reveal themselves not only through laws or leadership but also through the systems they sustain over time. This building invites a different kind of reflection. It is not simply about scale or design. It is about whether Nigeria now possesses the institutional discipline to convert authority into consistent outcomes,” Abbas said.

He praised the Tinubu administration’s fiscal reforms for their courage and clarity.

“The fiscal reform programme initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu required not only technical clarity but political courage. It required a willingness to confront structural weaknesses that had accumulated over time and to make decisions whose benefits would not be immediate but whose necessity was clear,” the Speaker said.

Abbas highlighted the challenges of the old system and the impact of the 2025 Tax Reform Acts. (Sun)

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Tinubu signs ₦68.32trn 2026 budget, extends 2025 spending deadline

President Bola Tinubu has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, authorising an aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the current fiscal year.

He also signed a separate bill extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget from March 31 to June 30, 2026.

The budget allocates ₦4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and ₦15.8 trillion for debt service.

It further sets aside ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent expenditure and ₦32.2 trillion for capital expenditure through the Development Fund.

The presidency made the disclosure in a statement signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Friday.

The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which provides for an aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. He has also signed the bill extending the implementation period for the 2025 budget from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

“The N68.32 trillion budget for this year earmarks N4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and N15.8 trillion for debt service. It allocates N15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure and N32.2 trillion to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure.

“With capital expenditure accounting for about 50 per cent, the 2026 budget underscores the administration’s continued commitment to economic stability, national security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.

“The allocations reflect a strategic balance between statutory obligations, debt servicing, recurrent expenditure, and capital investments critical to driving productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians,” it added.

The 2026 Appropriation Act took effect on April 1, with the Federal Government commencing full implementation in line with what the presidency describes as the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which extends the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act by three months to June 30.

The presidency said the extension would ensure the full utilisation of appropriated funds, particularly for critical infrastructure projects at advanced stages of implementation.

“The extension will ensure the full and effective utilisation of appropriated funds, particularly for critical infrastructure and development projects that are at advanced stages of implementation across the country.

“It will enable Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to consolidate ongoing works, enhance project completion rates, and maximise value for public expenditure,” the statement read.

Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient utilisation of allocated resources, with strong emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.

He commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for what the presidency described as their “diligence, cooperation, and patriotism in expeditiously considering and passing the budget.”

“The President reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government in advancing national development objectives,” the statement noted.

Tinubu also assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to deepen fiscal reforms and boost revenue generation.

“He further assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to deepen fiscal reforms, enhance revenue generation, and prioritise investments that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen social protection mechanisms,” the statement read.

The budget, titled “The Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” was originally presented to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19, 2025, at a proposed sum of ₦58.47 trillion.

It passed second reading in the House of Representatives on January 29, 2026, before going through further legislative scrutiny and emerging at ₦68.32 trillion at the point of assent.

During the second reading debate in January, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere had urged lawmakers to support the proposal, pointing to a projected 3.98 per cent economic growth rate for 2026, a projected drop in inflation to 14.45 per cent, improved revenues, and foreign direct investment growth.

He also cited a stabilisation of the naira at around ₦1,400 to the dollar and a rise in Nigeria’s external reserves to a seven-year high of approximately $47 billion.

When Tinubu presented the bill to lawmakers in December, he described it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s reform journey, acknowledging the pressures the process had placed on households and businesses while insisting the sacrifices were necessary.

“The path of reform is seldom smooth, but it is the surest route to lasting stability and shared prosperity,” he told the joint session. (Punch)

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MKO Abiola’s family congratulates Yayi on emergence as APC flagbearer

The family of late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) Abiola has congratulated Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, on his emergence as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for the 2027 governorship election.

The family also commended the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and other leaders of the party for their roles in ensuring a peaceful and united consensus process that led to the emergence of the candidate.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the Head of the MKO Abiola family and first son of the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Olamilekan Abiola, described Yayi’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that it reflects his leadership capacity, political experience, and commitment to public service.

According to him “We sincerely congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi on his emergence as the APC flagbearer in Ogun State. This milestone is well-deserved and a clear reflection of his dedication, experience, and service to the people.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Abiola Family Youth Wing, Saheed Abiola, described the development as a positive step for the state, saying that Yayi’s emergence reflects the trust reposed in him by party stakeholders.

“We congratulate Senator Yayi on this important milestone. His emergence shows the confidence the party and its leaders have in his ability to lead and deliver,” he said.

He added that the family remains optimistic that the development would further strengthen democracy and promote inclusive governance in Ogun State. (Guardian)

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Ogun APC adopts Yayi as Consensus Governorship Candidate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun State, Monday, adopted the senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, popularly called Yayi, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The decision to field the lawmaker as the party’s governorship flag bearer was announced at the state strategic caucus meeting presided over by the state chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi and held at the party secretariat, Abeokuta.

The meeting had in attendance Gov Dapo Abiodun, former governors; Chief Olusegun Osoba, Sen Ibikunle Amosun as well as Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

Others at the meeting included Sen Iyabo Obasanjo, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka representing Imeko/Yewa North federal constituency and also a governorship aspirant, Senator Solomon Adeola and other serving and past members of both the state and National Assembly among others.

Abiodun reportedly announced Adeola as the party consensus governorship candidate and urged other governorship aspirants to rally round the senator and allow the party interest to supercede any other interest.

The announcement of the senator as the party’s governorship consensus candidate drew wild jubilation among party members as they began shouting Yayi ni jo, Yayi ni jare

In his acceptance speech, Adeola thanked the party members for giving him the opportunity to be the ruling party’s candidate pledging not to let the party down

He said, “Now is all the sacrifices that my brothers have put together to ensure this day come to pass I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear states and Ogun West by extension I know the vision for this state I know how passionate and how central this state is to the federal republic of Nigeria

” As far as maintaining our status aside being the most fastest growing economy in Nigeria all effort that have been put in place to ensure that we reposition this state and takes our pride of place in the community of states in this country is well recognized

“Your excellency my dear leaders that are here I want to assure sir I will not let you down I promise to keep the flag flying I promise to retain and maintain the unity peace and progress that has taken place in Ogun state for the last three years and beyond I can assure you I will not derail

“I will not derail the ship I’m about to take over I will make sure that it does not derail and by the special grace of God I will do my best, my utmost best to keep every member of our great party together to keep all the state together and to ensure that irrespective of our political alignment, we are one big irrevisable family

“Going forward from today your excellency and all the leaders of the party I want to assure you that a new Ogun state is born and everything that need to be done to keep us together, to keep us as one in the indivisible entity so that we can take Ogun state to the promise land and to the next level we all desire”

While welcoming the party leaders to the meeting, the party chairman, Yemi Sanusi said that the meeting was called to preserve the unity of the party both before, during and after the primaries.

He underscored the need for the party to have rancour primaries hence the need for the strategic caucus meeting to carry everyone along and ensure that the party is not divided ahead of the 2027 election. (ThisDay)