By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Again, three members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during plenary at the National Assembly today.

The defection was formally announced during plenary and has immediately altered the political composition of Katsina’s representation in the House.

Lawmakers who Defected: Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri – Representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency Hon. Aliyu Iliyasu Ruma – Representing Batsari/Safana/Danmusa Federal Constituency Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai – Representing Bakori/Danja Federal Constituency

Defection Confirmed in House Plenary The Speaker of the House of Representatives formally acknowledged the defection letters submitted by the lawmakers. The legislators cited internal crises within the PDP in their respective constituencies and the inability of the party to uphold democratic principles as key reasons for their decision. Hon. Salisu Majigiri, a former chairman of the PDP in Katsina State, was considered one of the strongest opposition figures in the region. His move to the APC is seen as a major win for the ruling party, particularly ahead of future political calculations in the North-West.

By Francesca Hangeior

Some academics and alumni have called for the urgent constitution of a new governing council for the University of Abuja.

They also asked the federal government to extend the tenure of the acting vice-chancellor of the University, Patricia Lar who has three months left in her appointment.

Although her mandate is for six months, they want it extended to allow for the completion of ongoing reforms.

The academics said this would enable her to continue the ‘rescue mission’ gains the university is experiencing under her leadership.

They said this in a joint statement signed by Godwin Okaneme of the department of philosophy, Iheanyichukwu Ukpabi of the department of policy and strategic studies, Abuja Leadership Centre, and Umoru Abdulrasheed Oseni of the faculty of education at the university.

The academics described her emergence as a “rescue mission” following the removal of Aisha Maikudi, the former VC, on February 6.

The statement said: “The University does not yet have a full-fledged Governing Council. We appeal to the Federal Government to expedite action on the appointment of a Governing Council for the University to enable the institution run effectively and efficiently without encumbrances.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal High Court in Abuja has quashed a suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, challenging the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) intervention in its recent subscription price hike.

Delivering judgement on Thursday, Justice James Omotoso ruled that the suit constituted an abuse of court process as similar proceedings were already pending elsewhere.

He stressed that the plaintiff should have pursued its arguments in that court, rendering the current filing procedurally inappropriate.

Justice Omotoso noted that while the FCCPC has investigative powers under its establishing Act, it lacks the authority to fix or suspend prices unless specifically delegated by the President through a gazetted instrument. No such delegation was presented to the court.

“The power to fix prices is exclusively that of the President. Any decision taken without such delegation is a nullity,” he stated.

He added that Nigeria operates a free market system, and service providers like MultiChoice retain the right to set their prices, with consumers free to accept or reject them.

The judge further ruled that FCCPC’s actions, including directing MultiChoice to suspend its price increase, breached the company’s right to fair hearing and appeared selectively targeted.

He dismissed the FCCPC’s claim that MultiChoice held a dominant market position, calling the argument untenable.

The use of services like those provided by the plaintiff is discretionary and not essential. Nigeria can do without it,” he added.

He warned that attempts to fix prices by regulatory bodies could scare off investors and harm the economy.

The court held that while the FCCPC may investigate market practices, it cannot impose price controls without proper legal backing.

MultiChoice had increased subscription rates by up to 25% on March 1, 2025, citing inflation and operational cost pressures.

The FCCPC opposed the move and threatened to sanction the firm.