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PDP knocks Aiyedatiwa as lawmakers get N200m for phone calls

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The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State has criticised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the recently signed 2025 state budget, labelling it a “budget of looting” due to what it described as wasteful and dubious allocations.

Governor Aiyedatiwa signed the N698.6bn budget into law a week after its passage by the state House of Assembly.

The budget allocates N265.04bn for recurrent expenditure and N433.62bn for capital projects.

However, the PDP has questioned the transparency of the spending plan, singling out allocations it considers frivolous.

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These include N200m for lawmakers and N280m for the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly for “phone expenses.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, the opposition party described the allocations as outrageous and unnecessary.

“The Ondo State 2025 Appropriation Act, signed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is aptly a ‘Budget of Looting.’ Yet, the Governor branded it a ‘Budget of Recovery,’” Peretei said.

The PDP also queried the allocation of N11.5bn to the Ministry of Finance under the subhead of “security vote,” stating that such an amount is unjustifiable and raises serious concerns about accountability.

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“Not even budget experts can explain the rationale for a Ministry receiving a ‘security vote,’ which is distinct from what the Governor himself collects monthly under the same subhead,” the statement added.

Critical sectors such as education and healthcare, the party noted, were allocated N77.02 billion and N46.02 billion respectively, amounts it deemed inadequate for meaningful development.

The PDP further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate what it termed the “brazen looting” embedded in the budget.

But the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress dismissed the PDP’s allegations as baseless and a misrepresentation of facts.

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In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the APC argued that the budget was designed to foster economic growth and development in the state.

“The allocations are in line with the state’s development priorities. The PDP’s claims are nothing more than an attempt to discredit the administration out of bitterness for losing the last governorship election,” Otaloro said.

The controversy highlights a deepening rift between the ruling APC and the opposition PDP over the state’s fiscal policies, with questions raised about the prioritisation of funds amid widespread economic challenges.

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Insecurity: Criminals Cart Away NSA Ribadu’s Office Hilux During Juma’at Prayer In Abuja

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.

It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.

Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.

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According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.

Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.

The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.

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Governor Kefas Inaugurates Taraba State Investment International Summit Committee+Photos

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In a significant step towards enhancing investment opportunities in Taraba State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas on Saturday inaugurated the Committee for the International Investment Summit at the Executive Chamber of the Government House in Jalingo.

Senator Manu Haruna, former deputy governor of Taraba State and a serving Senator, a seasoned administrator who chairs Taraba State Mobilization and development Investment Committee expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his visionary leadership in organizing an international summit aimed at attracting investment to the state.

He highlighted the potential this initiative holds for fostering economic growth and development in Taraba State.

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumedu the Chairman of the Taraba State International Investment Summit Committee, emphasized that such summits are crucial for stimulating economic activities and creating opportunities..

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According to him, the summit will play a vital role in showcasing Taraba’s investment potential, thereby attracting both local and international investors.

The committee is expected to work diligently to prepare for the summit, ensuring that it positions Taraba State as a favorable destination for investment and economic collaboration.

Governor Kefas remains committed to promoting policies that support economic diversification and sustainable

development in the state.

This inauguration marks a positive development in Taraba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its economic landscape and improve the standard of living for its residents.

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OERAF Rounds Up Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete’s remembrance with Novelty Match

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By Kennedy Atevure

Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.

Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.

Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.

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The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.

The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.

Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.

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