News
Cabinet Reshuffle: Party members unhappy over Tinubu’s refusal to sack Eko boys

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The recent cabinet reshuffle carried out by President Bola Tinubu had been condemned by some stalwarts of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), while lamenting that those who should have been shown the way out were left in the saddle.
Some party loyalists who spoke with Saturday Telegraph and who were visibly angry argued that Tinubu should have sacked some of his so-called ‘Lagos Boys’, whom they see as bench warmers and hangers on.
One of the party loyalists, who happened to be a state official in one of the South West states, explained that it would have been a good step, if the President had started the cabinet cleansing with his own boys.
“He is pampering his so-called Lagos boys with kid gloves. What exactly are the achievements of the managers of the economy? They have made the economy worse than they met it. Why is he keeping his cousin, Oyetola? Has Oyetola performed better than Tahir?
Another source, who, a few years ago, was an executive official in another South West state, argued that Tinubu is only using his personality to shield his own loyalists. The source even went further to say that some of the Lagos Boys are not card-carrying members of the party.
“If we want to be sincere, none of his boys are spectacular. Dele Alake has not shown any special indication that he is brilliantly performing. If you want to break it down, they are not even members of our party.
“If we want to be sincere, none of his boys are spectacular. Dele Alake has not shown any special indication that he is brilliantly performing. If you want to break it down, they are not even members of our party.
“Where did they register as members of the party? Let them show us their cards and their wards. The one in FCCPC, Tunji Bello, has not highlighted one important policy that could be applauded; yet, they are all left untouched while Uju and Tahir were booted out like sacrificial lambs.
Afenifere fumes
IN his opinion, the National Publicity of Afenifere, Gboyega Adejumo, said the notion that the President is pampering his Lagos Boys speaks for itself.
“Do I have to make an input? Does anyone have to make an input? In the actions and deeds of Mr. President, his Lagos Boys are the greatest beneficiaries of his government.
Let me make a caveat; If they are competent and have the capacity and they are dedicated and they have all it takes, naturally, I don’t have issues with that.
“I have a problem with not updating your knowledge but the problem is what have these people done since they left their workplaces? Mr. President needs to know what other capacity they have acquired and how they have even updated their knowledge base for them to fit into higher offices. This is my grouse.
“So far, nothing has convinced me that the people managing the economy who are those you call the Lagos Boys are the very best that can be thrown into the situation that we have found ourselves in. Sincerely, I am yet to be convinced that they can deliver the goods.
Nothing will change -Galadima
A chieftain of the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Engr. Buba Galadima also carpeted the exercise, saying the move will achieve nothing in terms of turning the fortunes of the country around if he wants to.
Speaking in a telephone chat with Saturday Telegraph yesterday, Galadima expressed no worries over the cabinet reshuffle.
He said: “Anyone working for the President is an employee of the President. Anybody working for the governor is an employee of the governor. In the same token, anybody working for the council chairman is an employee of the council chairman.
“I don’t bother myself with what has happened because, as far as I am concerned, what has happened will not change anything. What have these people been doing? If the president wants Nigeria to work, it will, but if he doesn’t want, no amount of white washing can make it look bright.
“I’m indifferent and every Nigerian should be indifferent. If the president likes, he can even go ahead to appoint his children into positions of government. That is his prerogative,” he said.
Falls short of expectations -APC ChieftainAnother chieftain of the APC also slammed Tinubu on his ministerial reshuffling, stating that it would have no impact. The Abuja based chieftain said Nigerians were expecting the reshuffling in the areas of economy, security and Petroleum which they are suffering from.
According to him, there is nothing negative to Nigerians in Women Affairs, Niger Delta Youth Development, etc that the President concentrated on.
“The President just took Nigerians on a wide goose chase journey in rejigging the cabinet, he didn’t touch economy and he didn’t touch Defence. These are the problems we have.
“There were no changes there. So, what was the essence of rejigging? The essence of the cabinet reshuffling was to help correct economic and security issues.
“So, what was the noise of rejigging the cabinet when the people handling the economy and security are still there? Is it regional planning and Niger Delta that are the problems of the government?
The problems of the government are economy and security. Finance, he didn’t touch; economic issues he didn’t touch. In the petroleum sector there is a problem. So who is he fooling and why did he go that route to say he was rejigging the cabinet.
President in order, says NWC member
However, a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that the party has no ill feeling over the cabinet reshuffle
According to the member who sought for anonymity, the appointments and reshuffling of the Ministers are the prerogative of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He however dismissed the belief that the Presidency was not working with the members of the APC NWC.
He said that they only heard of cabinet reshuffling in their meeting and nobody expressed ill-feeling over it in the meeting. The NWC member also dismissed the insinuation that the Presidency was not working in consonance with the party leadership and that there were members of NWC to be sacked.
According to him, people should stop creating news where there is none. Asked how the NWC felt about the reshuffling of the Federal Executive and the alleged disappointment of the party leadership that the Ministers from Lagos State were not touched.
The NWC member said: “Let me tell you, that is the statement of some person’s imagination. In fact, there was no discussion in respect to ministerial appointment or rescheduling, except there are individuals that have their own opinions.
“There was no discussion on that. It is the prerogative of the President to determine whoever is going to work with him to achieve the economic and infrastructural developmental gains of democratic system that he is heading.
“So, we cannot decide for him. Individuals might have their ambitions including some of the NWC members or other party chieftains. Anybody generalizing it is just trying to state what was not discussed.
News
Nigerian Banks’ Customers To Pay N6 Per SMS Transaction Alert From Today

Bank customers in Nigeria will begin paying N6 for each SMS transaction alert starting Thursday, May 1, 2025, following an upward adjustment in telecommunications service rates recently approved by the federal government.
The new fee represents a 50 percent increase from the previous N4 charge per message and has been communicated by several commercial banks to their customers ahead of the implementation.
Guaranty Trust Bank Limited was among those that issued notices. In an email to customers titled “Increase in SMS Transaction Alert Fee,” the bank explained that the revision was necessitated by higher charges from telecommunications providers. “Dear Valued Customer, Please be informed that effective Thursday, May 1, 2025, the SMS transaction alert fee will increase from N4 to N6 per message. This adjustment is due to a recent increase in telecom rates as communicated by the telecommunication service providers,” the notice read.
The bank emphasized the importance of SMS alerts, stating they are essential tools for customers to monitor and maintain control over their account activities. It also noted that SMS alerts sent to international phone numbers would incur additional charges.
The increase in telecom rates and corresponding adjustment in SMS alert fees come amid broader concerns over rising costs of living and digital access in the country.
News
NJC slams three judges

National Judicial Commission, NJC has slammed three judges for gross misconduct.
The NJC spokesperson, Mrs. Kemi Babalola, said the decision was taken at its 108th meeting held in Abuja between April 29 and 30.
Part of the statement reads: “The council suspends Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang, Court of Appeal, Uyo division, for one year without pay, as the Investigation Committee found
His Lordship to have breached Rule 3 (5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“Hon. Justice Inyang was found to have abused his office by issuing inappropriate ex-parte orders for the sale of Hon. Udeme Esset’s petrol station and other businesses at interlocutory stage of the case.
“The act of judicial misconduct occurred while His Lordship presided over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, at the Federal High Court, Uyo judicial division, before his elevation to Court of Appeal.
“Furthermore, Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja division, has been placed on suspension for one year without pay. His Lordship was also placed on a watch-list for five years and barred from elevation for five years.
“The complaints against Hon. Justice Ekwo arose from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, wherein His Lordship delivered a ruling in a pending application without hearing the parties.
“His Lordship ignored an application to set aside the proceedings of the court conducted in the absence of the parties.
“Subsequently, His Lordship proceeded to deliver a ruling dismissing the charge against the defendants.
“Consequently, His Lordship was found to have violated Rule 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Council also suspended Hon. Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division for a period of one year without pay for judicial misconduct in breach of Rule 3 (1) and 5 of the 2016 Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“It also placed His Lordship on the watch-list for three years, within which period he is barred from elevation.
“Hon. Justice Baffa was found liable for act of judicial misconduct in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021, the Government of Zamfara State vs EFCC, wherein His Lordship granted an order restraining security agencies from carrying out their statutory duties, and disregarded the doctrine of stare decisis in adjudication of the case.
“The Council also issued a letter of caution to Hon. Justice A. O. Awogboro of Federal High Court, Lagos division in a petition filed by one Kasali Azeez Olagoke and S. Hamza in Suit No. FHC/CS/2021 between Chief Adesanya Musediku against the Assistant General of Police, Onikan, Zone 2.
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NJC sanctions three judges, probes 35 others
“The petition against Hon. Justice Othman A. Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was put in abeyance pending the outcome of the decision of the Court of Appeal arising from Suit No. FCT/HS/BW/2274/15.
“The petition against Hon. Justice C. N. Mbonu Nwenyi of the High Court of Anambra State by one Prof. Paul C. Obianaso was discountenanced after investigation revealed that there was no misconduct on the part of His Lordship.
“Another petition against Hon. Justice I. E. Ekwo in suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2015 was put in abeyance pending the outcome of appeal before the Court of Appeal.
“Council discountenanced a petition by Mrs Adaku Amadi against Hon. Justice R. B. Haastrup of the National Industrial Court, as the petitioner withdrew her complaints.
“Council equally considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which contained a total number of 43 petitions.
“Nine committees were empanelled for further investigation of 11petitions, while 29 petitions were dismissed for lacking in merit.
“Three petitions against Hon. Justice Abubakar Babashani of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory; Hon. Justice Isaac Essien of the National Industrial Court; and Hon. Justice A. O. Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory by Henry Chinweike Okoro; Ikemefuna Stephen Nwoye, Esq.; and Lassborn Chichebem Orjiugo, respectively, were put in abeyance pending the decisions of the Court of Appeal.
“Council also considered a petition by one Mahmud Aliyu against the appointment of three Judges to the High Court of Zamfara State.
“The petitioner complained that the exercise conducted in 2022 by the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission, which led to the emergence of shortlisted candidates, was not transparent and was characterized by nepotism, high-handedness and non-compliance with Rules 4, 5 and 6 of the NJC guidelines for the appointment of Judicial Officers 2014.
“That the nominees were unilaterally picked by the Chairman of the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in disregard of the NJC guidelines on merit-based assessment.”
“Council, however, deliberated on its committee’s findings on the petition and resolved that the petitioner was an interested party who had indicated interest but was not selected as a candidate.”
“Council noted that the petitioner’s allegations were unsubstantiated and substantially based on falsehood.
It, therefore, resolved that the “petitioner who was a candidate for judicial appointment and intentionally peddled falsehoods against another aspiring judicial officer will be barred from participation in any future exercise.
“In a petition to probe the recruitment exercise for the appointment of six Federal High Court Judges in 2021 by one Abdullahi Liman, the Council noted that the petition violated Section 11 (1) of the Judicial Discipline Regulations which stipulated that a complaint must be filed within six months of the occurrence of the event or matter complained of, whereas the petitioner filed his complaints on the 22nd day of January, 2025.
“It also resolved that a petition on the unconstitutional composition of Oyo State Judicial Service Commission written by Monday Adjeh has been overtaken by events.
“The Council also accepted the voluntary retirement of Hon. Justice Babatunde Ahmed Ademola Bakre and approved the notification of change of name of Hon. Justice I. A. Osayande to Hon. Justice I. A. Dika of the Edo State High Court.
“Council at the meeting, finally resolved that henceforth, the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to superior courts of records will be published for information and comments by the public.
“The primary objective of this initiative is to solicit comments from the public where there is objection to the integrity, reputation and/or competence of the candidates by opening the process to public participation and scrutiny.”
The NJC spokesperson, Mrs. Kemi Babalola, said the decision was taken at its 108th meeting held in Abuja between April 29 and 30.
Part of the statement reads: “The council suspends Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang, Court of Appeal, Uyo division, for one year without pay, as the Investigation Committee found
His Lordship to have breached Rule 3 (5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“Hon. Justice Inyang was found to have abused his office by issuing inappropriate ex-parte orders for the sale of Hon. Udeme Esset’s petrol station and other businesses at interlocutory stage of the case.
“The act of judicial misconduct occurred while His Lordship presided over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, at the Federal High Court, Uyo judicial division, before his elevation to Court of Appeal.
“Furthermore, Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja division, has been placed on suspension for one year without pay. His Lordship was also placed on a watch-list for five years and barred from elevation for five years.
“The complaints against Hon. Justice Ekwo arose from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, wherein His Lordship delivered a ruling in a pending application without hearing the parties.
“His Lordship ignored an application to set aside the proceedings of the court conducted in the absence of the parties.
“Subsequently, His Lordship proceeded to deliver a ruling dismissing the charge against the defendants.
“Consequently, His Lordship was found to have violated Rule 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Council also suspended Hon. Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division for a period of one year without pay for judicial misconduct in breach of Rule 3 (1) and 5 of the 2016 Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“It also placed His Lordship on the watch-list for three years, within which period he is barred from elevation.
“Hon. Justice Baffa was found liable for act of judicial misconduct in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021, the Government of Zamfara State vs EFCC, wherein His Lordship granted an order restraining security agencies from carrying out their statutory duties, and disregarded the doctrine of stare decisis in adjudication of the case.
“The Council also issued a letter of caution to Hon. Justice A. O. Awogboro of Federal High Court, Lagos division in a petition filed by one Kasali Azeez Olagoke and S. Hamza in Suit No. FHC/CS/2021 between Chief Adesanya Musediku against the Assistant General of Police, Onikan, Zone 2.
“The petition against Hon. Justice Othman A. Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was put in abeyance pending the outcome of the decision of the Court of Appeal arising from Suit No. FCT/HS/BW/2274/15.
“The petition against Hon. Justice C. N. Mbonu Nwenyi of the High Court of Anambra State by one Prof. Paul C. Obianaso was discountenanced after investigation revealed that there was no misconduct on the part of His Lordship.
“Another petition against Hon. Justice I. E. Ekwo in suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2015 was put in abeyance pending the outcome of appeal before the Court of Appeal.
“Council discountenanced a petition by Mrs Adaku Amadi against Hon. Justice R. B. Haastrup of the National Industrial Court, as the petitioner withdrew her complaints.
“Council equally considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which contained a total number of 43 petitions.
“Nine committees were empanelled for further investigation of 11petitions, while 29 petitions were dismissed for lacking in merit.
“Three petitions against Hon. Justice Abubakar Babashani of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory; Hon. Justice Isaac Essien of the National Industrial Court; and Hon. Justice A. O. Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory by Henry Chinweike Okoro; Ikemefuna Stephen Nwoye, Esq.; and Lassborn Chichebem Orjiugo, respectively, were put in abeyance pending the decisions of the Court of Appeal.
“Council also considered a petition by one Mahmud Aliyu against the appointment of three Judges to the High Court of Zamfara State.
“The petitioner complained that the exercise conducted in 2022 by the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission, which led to the emergence of shortlisted candidates, was not transparent and was characterized by nepotism, high-handedness and non-compliance with Rules 4, 5 and 6 of the NJC guidelines for the appointment of Judicial Officers 2014.
“That the nominees were unilaterally picked by the Chairman of the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in disregard of the NJC guidelines on merit-based assessment.”
“Council, however, deliberated on its committee’s findings on the petition and resolved that the petitioner was an interested party who had indicated interest but was not selected as a candidate.”
“Council noted that the petitioner’s allegations were unsubstantiated and substantially based on falsehood.
It, therefore, resolved that the “petitioner who was a candidate for judicial appointment and intentionally peddled falsehoods against another aspiring judicial officer will be barred from participation in any future exercise.
“In a petition to probe the recruitment exercise for the appointment of six Federal High Court Judges in 2021 by one Abdullahi Liman, the Council noted that the petition violated Section 11 (1) of the Judicial Discipline Regulations which stipulated that a complaint must be filed within six months of the occurrence of the event or matter complained of, whereas the petitioner filed his complaints on the 22nd day of January, 2025.
“It also resolved that a petition on the unconstitutional composition of Oyo State Judicial Service Commission written by Monday Adjeh has been overtaken by events.
“The Council also accepted the voluntary retirement of Hon. Justice Babatunde Ahmed Ademola Bakre and approved the notification of change of name of Hon. Justice I. A. Osayande to Hon. Justice I. A. Dika of the Edo State High Court.
“Council at the meeting, finally resolved that henceforth, the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to superior courts of records will be published for information and comments by the public.
“The primary objective of this initiative is to solicit comments from the public where there is objection to the integrity, reputation and/or competence of the candidates by opening the process to public participation and scrutiny.”
News
Zed-Faith Foundation Donates Food, Medical Supplies to Orphanage, Elderly Homes in FCT

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to ease the impact of rising food prices and economic hardship, the Zed-Faith Foundation International has donated food items and medical supplies to Ark of Refuge Orphanage and Old People’s Home in Kado, Abuja.
The items were distributed over the weekend by representatives of the Foundation on behalf of its Founder and Chairman, Amb. Daniel Onyeka Newman, a UK-based Nigerian and Chief Executive Officer of SBI.
The Foundation’s Media Consultant, Amb. Victor Atewe, who led the delegation, said the donation was a personal initiative by the Chairman and not funded by government or external bodies.
“These items are intended to directly support the children and elderly, and we trust they will be used solely for that purpose,” Atewe said.
He added that the Foundation plans to continue its outreach efforts across the country, noting that the economic situation has made daily survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable groups.
The Foundation also used the occasion to urge the federal government to collaborate more with credible non-governmental organisations in supporting disadvantaged populations, especially as inflation and food insecurity worsen.
Speaking on behalf of the Country Representative, Mr. Chinnaya Dominic Chikwado, the Foundation’s Administrative Officer, Mr. Udodirim Okorie, called on well-meaning Nigerians to support charitable causes and contribute to alleviating the burden on those most affected by the country’s economic crisis.
Representatives of the Old People’s Home and Ark of Refuge Orphanage expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that such support helps bridge the gap in essential services for the elderly and children in their care.
“This donation will go a long way in meeting our daily needs.”
“We thank the Foundation for its continued support, especially during such challenging times.”
“Even the smallest gesture makes a big difference to those who have no one else to turn to.”
“We hope others are inspired to follow suit and remember those most in need.”
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