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Reps Debate 2025 Budget Estimates, Demand Better Allocation for Security, Agriculture

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has approved the 2025 budget proposal for a second reading, calling for better funding for security and agriculture.
During Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, lawmakers debated the N49.7 trillion budget presented by President Bola Tinubu.
The debate was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere to authorize withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Rep. Ihonvbere who called for support, emphasised that the budget addresses key national challenges, “This proposal focuses on issues affecting Nigerians. It deserves swift consideration and passage”.
The budget highlighted defence, infrastructure, and human capital development. Defence and security were allocated N4.91 trillion, infrastructure N4.06 trillion for key highways, while education and health sectors received N3.52 trillion and N2.48 trillion respectively. The budget projects N34.82 trillion in revenue, leaving a N13.39 trillion deficit to be financed through borrowing.
Key economic assumptions include reducing inflation from 34.6% to 15% and improving the naira exchange rate from N1,700/$ to N1,500/$. Oil production is targeted at 2.06 million barrels per day.
Lawmakers’ Contributions
Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, lawmaker representing Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency of Sokoto state, commended President Tinubu’s leadership but called for a review of budget estimates. He also criticized the allocation to the North-West Development Commission, questioning the criteria used.
“On paper, this budget looks robust, but in dollar terms, it falls short. The Finance Committee must address this,” he urged.
Rep Ismaila Dabo (Bauchi) emphasised the need for adequate funding for agriculture, citing rising food prices. He also urged the government to focus on revenue generation rather than excessive borrowing.
“Inflation on food is unbearable. Agriculture needs proper funding to ease the burden on Nigerians,” he said.
Rep Ahmad Jaha, representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok, Federal constituency of Borno state stressed the importance of security funding.
“Security is crucial to achieving other targets, including oil production. The N4.91 trillion allocated is inadequate,” he noted.
Rep Jeremiah Umaru from Nasarawa State,  questioned the allocation to the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), even as he cited the absence of a constituted board and argued that the allocation was premature.
Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi advocated increased funding for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).
“The allocation for the SEDC is insufficient for its take-off. More funding is needed,” he argued.
Concerns Over Projections
Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda criticized the economic targets, and said that they are unrealistic.
“Reducing inflation to 15% and improving the exchange rate to N1,500/$ are overly ambitious. These projections do not align with current realities,” he stated.
Call for Peace Initiatives
Rep Chike Okafor from Imo state, urged the Federal Government to explore non-violent solutions to security challenges, including the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“Releasing Kanu could aid peace efforts in the South-East,” he said.
The House adjourned plenary until January 14, 2025.

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Tinubu not your equal – Presidency replies Peter Obi’s ex-running mate, Datti

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The Presidency has said the former Labour Party, LP, presidential running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed is no match for President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare was reacting to Datti’s remark that he (Tinubu) would not run for the presidency in 2027.

The former LP running mate insisted that Tinubu’s time is up, adding that everything is there for the president and the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, to see that they lose in 2027.

Dismissing such remark, Dare likened Datti’s comment to the new year predictions of charlatan ‘prophets’ which never come through.

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In a statement he signed, Dare said the likes of Peter Obi and Datti would have been president left for the latter’s theories.

According to Dare, Datti has chosen to venture into an unfamiliar terrain.

The statement reads partly: “Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s “illogical logic” was all over the place in his recent interview with a television channel.

“Listening to Yusuf Datti Baba- Ahmed spurn his postulations about the political future of Nigeria and that of the incumbent President is like listening to the new year predictions of charlatan ‘prophets’ which never come through. Yusuf Baba Ahmed and his co-traveller Peter Obi are indeed a “double whammy“ in the Nigerian political space.

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“He chose to base his political calculations on President Bola Tinubu not winning a second term given his antecedents and because Nigerians will decide at the polls among other things. He conveniently avoided the substance of performance and capacity.

“Unfortunately, he chose to walk into a lane he was unfamiliar with and chose to confront a politician he is no match for.”

Similarly, the Presidency had also stressed that Tinubu will reveal his plans for a second term at the right time.

It said the APC 2027 presidential campaign billboards had no links to Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

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‘Conducting unfair election in 2027 will lead to Nigeria’s demise’ – Top Northern Politician Sends Warning To Tinubu

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Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that any attempt by the government in power to manipulate the 2027 general elections will be resisted.

He also said that should the polls or its results be tampered with, this would create dire consequences for the country.

Baba-Ahmed said this in a viral video seen by 9NEWS NIGERIA.

The former leader of the Northern Elders Forum who just resigned his position as a presidential aide said conducting a bad election might lead to Nigeria’s end.

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“Conducting a bad election in 2027 may lead to the end of Nigeria, I swear to God,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He further stated that elders from the Northern region would soon take a stand on the nation’s politics ahead of the 2027 election.

“There will be a time we will come out and say it’s okay, and it’s soon. This injustice is over. We know who we are,” he warned.

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Obi mourns says Pope Francis was truly an advocate of the poor

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The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has described Pope Francis as a Moral Compass in a Troubled world who had a deep concern for the Poor.

In a condolence message to the Universal Church, the Bishops, Priests, religious and faithful, Obi said the 88-year-old Pontiff left a lasting legacy in his reformative tenure.

Writing on his X handle on Monday, the LP standards bearer said, ‘I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.

“Throughout his life and pontificate – during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions – Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion. He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations.

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“As a member of the Scholas Occurrences Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, I deeply appreciate his belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment as vital instruments for building a more just and compassionate world.

“Pope Francis devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape with grace, clarity, and conviction. In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice.

“On behalf of myself, my family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in his teachings and example, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the universal Church. May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul and guide the Church he so lovingly shepherded.

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