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Constitutional breach : Rivers Gov Fubara, Again Presents 2025 Budget To 4-Member House Of Assembly
The governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, has continued to progress in error as he presented the 2025 budget proposal to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led four -man Rivers House of Assembly.
Fubara presented the N1.1trillion appropriation bill to the house on Monday.
The four members led by the Speaker, Oko-Jumbo, had earlier read Governor Fubara’s letter requesting permission to present the appropriation bill on Monday, at their plenary.
This marks Fubara’s second budget presentation since assuming office.
Fubara had presented the 2024 state appropriation bill of N800 billion in 2023 to a four-man House of Assembly led by factional Speaker, Edison Ehie.
The presentation occurred while Rivers citizens and residents grappled with the news of the sudden demolition of parts of the state House of Assembly complex.
This followed the defection of 27 Assembly members, including then-Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amid legal battles and political intervention, including input from President Bola Tinubu, Ehie eventually resigned from the Assembly and was subsequently appointed the Chief of Staff to the Government House.
The crisis deepened as the three remaining members of the House after Ehie’s exit maintained their legitimacy, citing Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which they argued is self-executing in cases of defection without a crisis in the parent party.
The trio, consisting of Oko-Jumbo (Bonny Constituency as, Speaker), Adolphus Timothy (Opobo/Nkoro Constituency as Deputy Speaker), and Sokari Goodboy (Ahoada West as Leader of the House), assumed the Assembly’s leadership.
They have consistently carried out legislative functions, often in alignment with the Fubara-led administration.
Meanwhile, the 27 defected members have since reversed their decision and continue to attend functions as PDP members and hold sessions under Martin Amaewhule’s leadership, frequently opposing the government’s policies.
As part of the twist in Rivers State’s ongoing political and legislative crisis, both the Federal High Court and the Appeal Court nullified the N800billion 2024 Appropriation Bill of the state, halting its implementation.
News
Catholic Priest nabbed for shooting teenager to d3ath in church
A Catholic priest, Rev. Father Joseph Enyinaya, has been nabbed for allegedly shooting a young boy dead.
The young boy reportedly threw a banger in St. Columbus Catholic Church, Amaimo Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
Residents claimed the Catholic Priest brought out his revolver and shot the young boy who allegedly threw the banger inside the church.
The incident occurred on December 31, 2024, with the police confirming the arrest of the priest.
Imo police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said on Thursday in a chat with THE NATION that: “The priest has been arrested, and the body of the boy has been recovered and deposited at Atta Ikeduru Mortuary.”
Okoye added that a detailed investigation had been initiated to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident.
“The police investigation is expected to shed more light on the events leading up to the incident,” he said.
News
National Boundary Commission Reaffirms Commitment to its Mandate in a New Year Message
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surv. Adamu Adaji, has reaffirmed the Commission’s steadfast dedication to its mandate of fostering peaceful coexistence and promotion of trans-border cooperation across Nigeria’s internal and international borders.
This was conveyed in his New Year message to staff members, Border Communities and Nigerians at large.
The Director-General reflected on the progress made in the year 2024 and outlined a vision for 2025 rooted in enhanced collaboration, innovation, and service delivery.
“The National Boundary Commission’s core mandate is the definition and demarcation of Nigeria’s international and internal boundaries and the amicable resolution of disputes where they exist,” Adaji stated.
“This vital role underpins our collective efforts to safeguard national unity, strengthen intergovernmental relations, and promote socio-economic development.”
The year 2024 witnessed remarkable strides towards the achievement of these objectives, thanks to the support of the Federal Government and dedication of staff of the Commission as well as the cooperation of other stakeholders.
Adaji specifically urged the Commission’s workforce to redouble efforts in the new year, emphasizing that professionalism and commitment are key and the foundation of the envisaged successes.
“As we face new challenges and opportunities in 2025, I urge you to approach your duties with renewed determination and a steadfast belief in our shared vision,” he said.
Addressing the general public, Adaji gave the Commission’s assurance of continued partnership. “He stressed that the Commission understands the complexities of boundary management and will remain committed to fostering dialogue, mitigating conflicts, and ensuring transparency in all its processes”. He emphasized that “together, we will continue to work towards peaceful borders and enhanced security for all Nigerians”
“It is in this regard that the Commission will collaborate with the States to conduct induction trainings for key member of States and Local Government Boundary Committees early in the year”.
The Director-General highlighted ongoing projects, including efforts to resolve lingering boundary disputes, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and enhance public awareness of the Commission’s work. These initiatives, he noted, align with the NBC’s vision to build trust, deepen collaboration, and fulfill its promises to the Nigerian people.
He expressed gratitude to stakeholders and other partner agencies for the cooperation and contributions to the Commission’s mandate and reaffirmed the NBC’s resolve to deliver results while upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and accountability.
“As we step into 2025, we remain poised to deliver on our promises. Our commitment to fostering peace, unity, and sustainable development is stronger than ever. Together, we will build a legacy of progress and cooperation that future generations can be proud of,” Adaji concluded.
The New Year message ended with heartfelt wishes for peace, prosperity, and progress for all Nigerians in 2025. The renewed assurances, Adaji noted, underscore the Commission’s pivotal role in shaping a harmonious and unified future for the nation.
News
Explosion rocks Trump’s Las Vegas hotel on New Year’s Day
A Tesla Cybertruck filled with fuel canisters and firework mortars has exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, BBC reports.
It was gathered that the driver of the Cybertruck died during the incident while about seven persons were left injured.
Reports said that the truck was rented in Colorado and arrived in the city Wednesday morning, less than two hours before the unfortunate incident occurred.
The police stated that the vehicle, which was parked in front of the hotel near a glass entrance, started gushing out smoke, then exploded.
President Joe Biden in an address, said the White House was tracking the incident, stressing that the law enforcement was investigating whether there was a link to the attack in New Orleans.
It had reported that a vehicle on New Year’s Day ran into a large crowd in New Orleans, leaving at least ten persons dead while over 30 others were injured.
President Biden had while reacting to the New Orleans incident in a post on his official X handle, said the “FBI is taking the lead in investigation” describing the incident as an “act of terrorism”.
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