News
Reps Raises Alarm Over Poor Capital Budget Implementation
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the low implementation rate of the capital component of the 2024 budget.
Thr Chairman Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, during an interactive session with the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Shakirat Madein, on Wednesday, revealed that only 25 percent of the capital budget has been implemented.
The chairman who stated that the underperformance hinders economic growth and development, urged the AGF to expedite the submission of the 2022 Consolidated Financial Statement to the Auditor General in line with constitutional provisions.
Rep. Salam lamented Nigeria’s lag in timely audit report submissions compared to Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda, attributing this to delays in financial statement submissions by the Accountant General’s office.
Addressing revenue leakages, the committee called for stricter measures, including process automation and regular audits of Government-Owned Enterprises. It also instructed the Accountant General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior to resolve issues delaying the automation of revenue collections from foreign missions to enhance transparency.
Rep. Salam disclosed that the 2021 Auditor General’s Report, recently submitted to the National Assembly, would be prioritized once the 2024 Appropriation Bill is passed.
In her remarks, Dr. Madein attributed delays in the consolidated financial statement to inadequate data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but assured that efforts to resolve this are near completion. She pledged to conclude the process within two months.
The Accountant General also highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance public expenditure management, including a review of the Financial Regulations 2009, which is awaiting Federal Executive Council approval.
Bolaji Adedotun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji, a Nigerian gospel singer, is died.
His family confirmed the unfortunate news in an official statement on Saturday.
Reports indicated that Big Bolaji slumped and died at the age of 50 at an event last night during a concert.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as ‘Big B,’ a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness,” the statement read.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.”
They added, “We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.”
The family also noted that funeral arrangements would be communicated at a later date.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time.
“With gratitude,
“The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju,” the statement added.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider seeking re-election in 2027, claiming it would be politically unwise.
Speaking on News program, Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu should “throw in the towel” if he is truly the savvy politician many believe him to be. He argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost credibility, predicting their defeat in the next election.
Mocking Tinubu’s political maneuvers, Baba-Ahmed recounted how he backed various presidential candidates since 2007—culminating, in his words, in an “electoral heist” in 2023.
“If he’s that smart, it’s clear he’s going to lose in 2027,” he said, while suggesting that at least two candidates could defeat the president in the next poll.
He added that Tinubu, like former President Buhari, would fail to deliver on campaign promises. “Buhari didn’t develop Nigeria, didn’t provide security, didn’t fight corruption. Neither will Tinubu,” he asserted.
Baba-Ahmed expressed confidence that Nigerians will rise to reject bad leadership in 2027, uniting to bring genuine democracy to the country.
-
News13 hours agoN300m gift: NBA under heavy hammer as FCT minister, Wike alleges body is compromised
-
News9 hours agoCriminals in military uniform kill 12 at cockfight
-
News12 hours agoStop hunting in southern states, lawmaker begs Northerners
-
News12 hours agoUK launches updated English tests for visa, citizenship applicants
-
News8 hours agoINSECURITY: Armed herders attack reportedy leaves family of eight dead, nine others
-
News4 hours agoEASTER:Let’s use this period to pray for compassionate leaders -Obi
-
News8 hours agoCBEX: Ponzi scheme promoters face 10 years jail term, N20m fine
-
News3 hours agoRemain resolute in fight against drug scourge, Marwa charges NDLEA officers(Photos)