Former Anambra Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife is Dead
Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Anambra State governor, has passed away at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
The Ezeife family, through Chief Rob Ezeife, announced the demise of the former governor, federal permanent secretary, political adviser, and presidential aspirant.
Details about the deceased and arrangements for the state burial will be announced later.
Kidnappings Surge in Lagos: Kidnappers return to Lagos, abduct two, demand N500m ransom
Spike in kidnapping cases in Lagos, particularly on the Mainland, targeting wealthy individuals.
Recent abductions include a car dealer in Ladipo Spare Parts Market, with kidnappers demanding N500m ransom.
Residents express concern over a noticeable increase in kidnapping incidents in the state.
Fuel Price Controversy: Reject W’Bank N750/litre proposal, NLC warns FG
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warns the government against World Bank’s proposal to increase petrol (Premium Motor Spirit) price to N750/litre. The World Bank suggests stopping petrol subsidy and raising the cost to N750/litre, claiming the current price is not cost-reflective. NLC describes World Bank as a predatory institution, predicting anarchy if petrol price is further increased.
Changes in Aviation Agencies: 50 directors sacked, EFCC grills NCAA chiefs
President Bola Tinubu fires heads of five aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Director-General. Subsequent to this, the Federal Government sacks all directors in aviation agencies, directing them to hand over immediately.
Rivers State House of Assembly Crisis
Two factions, one with 27 lawmakers defecting to APC and another supporting the State Government, held parallel sittings, passing bills amid the Assembly building’s demolition.
The APC criticized Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to four lawmakers, calling it unconstitutional.
Attorney General Prof. Zacchaeus Adango, SAN, resigned amid the crisis, citing personal principles, and three other commissioners also resigned.
The Amaewhule-led House passed bills, including the Financial Autonomy Bill, and condemned the Assembly’s demolition, vowing to write to international bodies about alleged attacks.
Response to Resignations and Budget Approval:
Commissioner for Justice Prof. Adango, Commissioner for Works Dr. George-Kelly Alabo, Commissioner for Social Welfare Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, and Commissioner for Special Duties Emeka Woke resigned.
Governor Fubara signed the N800.3 billion 2024 budget into law, emphasizing its focus on critical road projects, infrastructure, and development.
APC challenged the budget’s presentation to four lawmakers, asserting it violates constitutional provisions.
APC hailed Minister Nyesom Wike as Nigeria’s “Dean of Politics,” blaming Governor Fubara for political unrest in Rivers.
APC State Assembly Forum’s Appeal:
The APC State Assembly Forum (ASAF) urged President Tinubu to intervene and restore peace in the Rivers State House of Assembly, emphasizing the importance of peace for the President’s renewed hope agenda.
The situation in Nigeria involves fuel price concerns, political unrest in Rivers State, changes in aviation agencies, and a surge in kidnappings in Lagos.
