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NIGERIAN POLITICIAN DR. SAMI CHARLES URGES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO FOCUS ON LAWMAKING, CRITICIZES HANDLING OF RIVERS STATE CRISIS AND PRAISES TRUMP’S RETURN

CapitalTimesNews / 4 weeks

2 min read

A Nigerian businessman and politician, Dr. Sami Charles, has called on the National Assembly to prioritize its core mandate of lawmaking rather than engaging in non-relevant issues. Speaking recently, Charles expressed disappointment over the Senate’s decision to discuss allegations of sexual harassment involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as a waste of taxpayers’ money. He said, “The case in the Nigerian Senate is disturbing. The legislative body that should be concerned with making laws for the benefit of Nigerians now has to focus on sexual harassment issues.” On the political crisis in Rivers State, Charles strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, arguing that the president overstepped his constitutional authority. A former presidential aspirant under the Labour Party, Charles stated, “The president has the powers to declare a state of emergency, but he has no powers to remove an elected governor and his deputy along with elected assembly members.” He further noted that there was no visible threat to justify such actions, saying, “There had been emergency declarations in some states before, but the governors of the affected states were not removed.” Regarding global politics, Charles described the potential return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House as divine. He said, “Trump came in at a time the world was at war with itself, going through dilapidation in every aspect.” According to him, Trump remains the man of the moment, unafraid to speak his mind. Charles’ remarks highlight concerns over Nigeria’s legislative priorities, executive overreach, and his optimistic view of Trump’s leadership in a turbulent world.

AFRICAN COALITION FOR DEMOCRACY SLAMS TINUBU, NASS OVER EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS

CapitalTimesNews / 1 month

2 min read

The African Coalition for Democracy (ACD) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law. According to the group, the move, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to the democratic process. Dr Bathlomew Benjamin, who signed the statement, stated that the President’s action is a dangerous precedent that threatens the stability of Nigeria’s democratic system. “The suspension of Governor Fubara and other elected officials is a clear indication that the President and the National Assembly are more interested in consolidating power than in upholding democratic principles,” Benjamin said. The ACD criticized the National Assembly for rubber-stamping the President’s decision without due consideration, abandoning their constitutional responsibility to check the excesses of the Executive. “According to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the President can declare a state of emergency, but this must be done in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, which requires the approval of the National Assembly,” the statement said. The group demands that President Tinubu and the National Assembly respect the Constitution and the will of the people, upholding democratic principles and allowing the people of Rivers State to choose their own leaders. The ACD also calls on the international community to condemn this blatant disregard for democratic principles and to support the Nigerian people in their quest for democracy and good governance. “We demand that President Tinubu and the National Assembly respect the Constitution and the will of the people. We demand that they uphold democratic principles and allow the people of Rivers State to choose their own leaders. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust reposed in them by the Nigerian people,” the statement added. The ACD further called on the international community to place Nigeria on a watch list for democratic backsliding and to consider imposing targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for undermining Nigeria’s democracy. “We urge the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, and other international organizations to condemn President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and the National Assembly’s rubber-stamping of this decision,” the statement concluded.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR PATRIOTIC STAND ON RIVERS STATE EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION

CapitalTimesNews / 1 month

2 min read

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Assembly for its decisive and patriotic ratification of the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State. This move is seen as a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months. In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, noted that President Tinubu specifically commended the National Assembly’s leadership – Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers and members – for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations. Onanuga stated that the President acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation. “The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023,” President Tinubu remarked. “As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.” Bayo Onanuga stated that the President affirmed that the six-month emergency will empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties. President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria. “Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria – one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured,” President Tinubu said. Onanuga added that the President thanked all Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers State.

SARAKI CALLS FOR OPEN PROBE INTO AKPABIO’S ALLEGED MISCONDUCT

CapitalTimesNews / 2 months

2 min read

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called for an “open, transparent, and honest” investigation into the allegations of sexual advances made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Saraki emphasized the importance of conducting a fair and unbiased investigation to preserve the integrity of the Senate. In a statement, Saraki said, “The only way to avoid the perception of condoning misconduct is through an unbiased investigation that follows due process.” He also urged all parties involved to cooperate fully with the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee, ensuring that the investigation remains transparent and focused solely on uncovering the truth. Saraki warned that failure to address the allegations properly could damage the public perception of the institution, potentially casting it as one that tolerates sexual harassment and misconduct. He reiterated that any findings of wrongdoing should be appropriately addressed with corrective actions. Drawing from his own experience, Saraki recalled a previous incident during his time as Senate President when a false allegation was leveled against him. He supported a transparent investigation, which ultimately cleared him of wrongdoing and reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding its integrity. Saraki stressed that the same approach should be followed in the current dispute to maintain the Senate’s credibility. He made it clear that he was not suggesting guilt on either side but emphasized the need for a fair investigation to uphold the reputation and sanctity of the legislative body.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS HISTORIC N54.99 TRILLION BUDGET, ASSURES NIGERIANS OF IMPROVED ECONOMY

CapitalTimesNews / 2 months
0
3 min read

President Bola Tinubu has signed the 2025 Budget of Restoration into law, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic recovery, stability, and growth. The N54.99 trillion budget is based on projected revenues and aims to secure the nation’s future, rebuild prosperity, and ensure that every Nigerian shares in the dividends of governance. The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that President Tinubu thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their collaboration in giving the appropriation bill speedy attention and passage. “We have no dust on our faces or tears in our eyes. We walked together as brothers and sisters. Though the initial outlook was turbulent, we can now see signs of progress,” President Tinubu stated. President Tinubu noted that the uncertainty over the economy was gradually clearing as the reforms took shape, delivering a national GDP growth of 3.86% in the last quarter of 2024, the fastest in three years. He highlighted several key achievements, including increased revenue, reduced deficit, and restored investor confidence. The President emphasized that the budget prioritizes National Security, Infrastructure and energy, Human Capital Development, healthcare, education, and skills development. He also assured that the increased allocation for agriculture and food security will boost local food production and ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry. Onanuga stated that President Tinubu urged the legislators to extend the same support for implementing the budget, emphasizing that every government agency would be held accountable for prudent spending and value-for-money initiatives. “To ensure smooth budget implementation, we will work with the National Assembly to redefine corrigenda within the Appropriations Act,” President Tinubu added. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, assured President Tinubu of the full support of the National Assembly in implementing the budget. Akpabio noted that the President inherited a “foaming economy” that needed urgent economic measures to recover. The Senate President affirmed that President Tinubu’s experience from Lagos and versatility in managing men and resources enabled the economy’s ongoing reforms and turnaround. Onanuga stated that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the passing of the budget had been a collaborative effort based on consultation, negotiation, and analysis. “The National Assembly has all along been partners in progress with you, Mr President,” Edun added. Bayo Onanuga concluded by stating that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to economic recovery, stability, and growth, and that the 2025 Budget of Restoration is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLAINS ABOUT POOR RELEASE OF FUNDS TO MDAs

Nicolas Adekeye / 4 months

2 min read

The National Assembly has expressed concerns over the poor release of funds to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the implementation of capital projects in the 2024 budget. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Adeola Olamilekan, and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Abubakar Bichi, made the complaint during a meeting with the economic team of the federal government. Senator Olamilekan, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, emphasized the importance of capital releases to MDAs, stating that they are “the major drivers of economic activities within the nation.” He added that “non-release of funds for capital projects is a major issue in the performance of the 2024 Budget so far” and urged the government to release funds to prevent abandoned projects and ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president. Lawmakers also pointed out that the 2024 budget is still ongoing, and the implementation of the capital component has been extended to June 30, 2025. They urged the federal government economic team to ensure adequate release of funds for MDAs before the expiration of the 2024 budget. In response, the federal government economic team led by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, confirmed that the government has outstanding capital releases to the MDAs and assured that the issue will be addressed. The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, also stated that the recurrent expenditure in the 2025 budget shows the government’s commitment to fighting insecurity and stimulating agricultural production and economic activities.

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NIGERIAN POLITICIAN DR. SAMI CHARLES URGES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO FOCUS ON LAWMAKING, CRITICIZES HANDLING OF RIVERS STATE CRISIS AND PRAISES TRUMP’S RETURN

AFRICAN COALITION FOR DEMOCRACY SLAMS TINUBU, NASS OVER EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS

PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR PATRIOTIC STAND ON RIVERS STATE EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION

SARAKI CALLS FOR OPEN PROBE INTO AKPABIO’S ALLEGED MISCONDUCT

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS HISTORIC N54.99 TRILLION BUDGET, ASSURES NIGERIANS OF IMPROVED ECONOMY

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLAINS ABOUT POOR RELEASE OF FUNDS TO MDAs

MILWAUKEE JUDGE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY HELPING.

NUC TO INTRODUCE 12 NEW COURSES.

HOUSE COMMITTEE MEETS WITH RIVERS STATE.

SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO LEADS NIGERIA’S DELEGATION.

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