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Author: Val Kosi

  • Ogun Police: How Ex-AIG Odumosu’s Wife Was Kidnapped

    Ogun Police: How Ex-AIG Odumosu’s Wife Was Kidnapped

    The Ogun State Police Command has provided details of how gunmen kidnapped the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu from her residence in Arepo, Ogun State.

    Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola said the incident occurred in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area as the victim was returning home.

    According to Odutola, Mrs. Odumosu was approaching her residence when the assailants intercepted her Lexus Jeep. The gunmen then forcefully removed her from the vehicle and dragged her through a swampy area to an unknown location.

    “The divisional police officer has mobilized a team to comb the surrounding swampy bush area,” Odutola said, adding that local traditional rulers have been enlisted to assist in the search operation.

    “The Baale of Warewa and Maaba have been contacted to also deploy local security forces to the riverine area,” she stated.

  • Speaker Meranda Names Principal Officers, Pledges Greater Lagos

    Speaker Meranda Names Principal Officers, Pledges Greater Lagos

    The newly appointed Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has reaffirmed her commitment to working with other arms of government to achieve the vision of a “Greater Lagos.”

    Presiding over her first session as Speaker on Friday, Meranda announced the appointment of new principal officers to lead the House.

    Temitope Adedeji, representing Ifako/Ijaye Constituency 1, was named Majority Leader, while Richard Kasunmu of Ikeja Constituency 2 assumed the role of Deputy Majority Leader. David Setonji was appointed Chief Whip, and Ganiyu Sanni, representing Kosofe Constituency 1, became the Deputy Chief Whip.

    Meranda also unveiled the Selection Committee, which she will chair. The committee members include Deputy Speaker Fatai Mojeed (Ibeju Lekki Constituency 1), Majority Leader Temitope Adedeji, Chief Whip David Setonji, and Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency 2). Acting Clerk Taiwo Ottun will serve as the committee’s secretary.

    In her inaugural address, Meranda expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by her colleagues and reiterated her dedication to serving Lagosians.

    “I am truly grateful for the confidence you have placed in me, and I pledge to work tirelessly to uphold the virtues of transparency and good governance that this House stands for,” she said.

    She emphasized the shared responsibilities of lawmakers as representatives of the people.

    “Today, we are reminded of the shared responsibilities that rest on our shoulders as representatives of the good people of Lagos State. We are the guardians of this collective trust, and we must work to justify the faith they have placed in us.”

    Meranda pledged to foster collaboration with the Executive arm, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to ensure seamless governance.

    “The synergy between us and other arms of government is crucial for good governance and democratic development. To achieve this, we must commit to maintaining an open line of communication with the Executive, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. By doing so, we stand united to ensure that our vision aligns with that of the Executive for a better state,” she said.

    She called for unity within the Assembly, urging members to focus on delivering improved services to Lagosians while leaving past disagreements behind.

    “There is no division among us. We are united, and that is where we will draw our strength to take bold steps. Together, we will strive to create a more inclusive democracy where every citizen feels valued, respected, and empowered,” Meranda concluded.

  • Nigerian Governors Reject VAT Hike, Advocate for Equitable Distribution

    Nigerian Governors Reject VAT Hike, Advocate for Equitable Distribution

    The Nigerian Governors’ Forum has thrown its weight behind the ongoing tax reform efforts in the National Assembly but with a crucial caveat: no increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

    This stance, articulated in a communique issued following their recent meeting in Abuja, directly contradicts the federal government’s proposal to raise the VAT rate from 7.5% to 10%.

    “We cannot, in good conscience, support any measure that could further burden our citizens during these challenging economic times,” Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Chairman of the Forum, declared. “An increase in VAT would undoubtedly impact the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians and hinder economic growth.”

    The governors emphasized the need for economic stability and expressed concerns about the potential inflationary pressures of a VAT increase. They strongly advocated for the continued exemption of essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT, recognizing the critical role these sectors play in the lives of Nigerians.

    “We must prioritize the welfare of our people,” Governor AbdulRazaq stressed. “Exempting essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT is not merely a matter of social justice; it is crucial for ensuring food security and supporting our agricultural sector.”

    Furthermore, the governors proposed a revised VAT-sharing formula that they believe would ensure a more equitable distribution of resources across the country. This formula, they suggest, should allocate 50% of VAT revenue based on equality, 30% based on derivation, and 20% based on population.

    “The current VAT sharing formula is inherently unfair and does not adequately reflect the diverse needs of our states,” Governor AbdulRazaq argued. “Our proposed formula will ensure that all states, regardless of their size or economic output, receive a fair share of this critical revenue stream.”

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    Beyond the VAT increase issue, the governors also expressed their support for the continued funding of key institutions such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). They urged the National Assembly to ensure that these institutions continue to receive their share of development levies.

    The governor’s position now sets the stage for a potential showdown with the federal government over the direction of tax reform. While the federal government seeks to increase revenue through higher taxes, the governors prioritize economic stability and social welfare, arguing that a VAT increase %would be detrimental to both.

    This issue will undoubtedly be a key point of contention in the ongoing dialogue between the federal and state governments as they work to navigate the complex challenges of economic growth and fiscal sustainability.

    The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the Nigerian economy and the lives of millions of citizens.

  • ICYMI: Senate Projects ₦100 Trillion Budget for 2026 Amid Revenue Challenges

    ICYMI: Senate Projects ₦100 Trillion Budget for 2026 Amid Revenue Challenges

    The Nigerian Senate has projected a staggering N100 trillion aggregate expenditure for the 2026 fiscal year. This ambitious figure was revealed by Senator Solomon Ademola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, during a stakeholders’ interactive session on the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

    This revelation and projection towards the 2026 budget underscores the government’s ambitious plans for economic growth while acknowledging the significant hurdles in revenue generation.

    Ademola highlighted the ongoing efforts to free up government revenue currently held by organizations like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL).

    He emphasized, “A lot of revenue has been held hostage by no other person than organizations like the NNPCL who still believe that there are still some elements of subsidy that are being treated as an operational expense in their documents.”

    The Senator acknowledged the current challenges in meeting budgetary targets, stating, “We found out that we projected revenue of certain amounts and at the end of the day we can’t meet the target. To bridge the gap, we have to go and borrow. So it will add more to the deficit you are seeing.”

    However, Ademola expressed optimism about the future, stating, “By next year when we are gathered here, we will start having a budget of a minimum of about 100 trillion naira.”

    This projection, while ambitious, reflects the government’s determination to address critical infrastructure needs and stimulate economic growth.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the importance of making the 2025 budget a “living document” that prioritizes the welfare of Nigerians. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that every naira spent is invested wisely in the nation’s prosperity.

    “This is not an ordinary assembly, and this is not an ordinary moment,” Akpabio declared. “For we are not gathered here merely as legislators, public servants, or citizens, but as custodians of Nigeria’s destiny, stewards of its promise, and architects of its future.”

    The 2026 budget projection underscores the significant economic challenges facing Nigeria. While the government aims for ambitious growth, addressing revenue constraints and ensuring efficient resource allocation will be crucial to achieving these goals.

  • “I feel frustrated fixing Nigerian roads” Umahi Decries

    “I feel frustrated fixing Nigerian roads” Umahi Decries

    Minister of Works Senator David Umahi has declared the government’s N827 billion road budget for 2025 severely inadequate, painting a sobering picture of the nation’s infrastructure crisis.

    During Friday’s Senate Committee on Works 2025 budget defense session in Abuja, Umahi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a staggering 2,064 road projects valued at N13 trillion. This figure has since ballooned to an estimated N18 trillion due to escalating costs.

    “I’ve succeeded in most of my life’s engagements, but I feel frustrated fixing Nigerian roads with these meager allocations,” Umahi admitted, in an unusually candid moment for a federal minister.

    The funding shortfall presents a critical challenge for Nigeria’s economic development. Industry experts note that robust road infrastructure is fundamental to poverty reduction and economic growth, serving as arteries for commerce and job creation.

    “Roads are critical to economic growth and poverty reduction,” Umahi emphasized. “They create jobs and drive economic activities. However, fixing these roads cannot be achieved with yearly budget provisions alone.

    The Works Minister’s frustration reflects a broader crisis in infrastructure funding. According to the African Development Bank’s 2023 infrastructure report, Nigeria requires approximately $3 trillion in infrastructure investment over the next 30 years to bridge its infrastructure gap.@

    Senator Mpigi Barinaga, leading the Senate Committee on Works, praised Umahi’s efficient resource management while acknowledging the necessity for alternative funding mechanisms. The committee’s support signals a potential shift toward more innovative financing solutions.

    Umahi urged public support for President Tinubu’s borrowing initiatives, arguing that such investments would stimulate economic activities and address poverty.

    “Every naira invested in road infrastructure translates to improved living conditions for our citizens,” he stated.

    The session concluded with a unanimous agreement on exploring additional funding options, including public-private partnerships and infrastructure bonds, to address Nigeria’s mounting road infrastructure needs.

    For Nigeria’s 200 million citizens, the resolution of this funding crisis could mean the difference between continued infrastructure decay and a path toward sustainable economic growth.

  • TCN: No National Grid Collapse, Only Transmission Lines Tripped

    TCN: No National Grid Collapse, Only Transmission Lines Tripped

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has debunked reports claiming a national grid collapse, clarifying that the incident involved a tripping of transmission lines and affected only parts of the country.

    In a statement titled “Benin-Omotosho Line Tripping, Not System Collapse”, TCN explained that the disruption, which occurred at 1:41 p.m. on Friday, was misrepresented by some media outlets as a nationwide grid collapse.

    “TCN hereby states that the nation’s grid did not experience any collapse today, contrary to the widely-published misinformation in the media,” the statement read.

    The company explained that the incident began when the Oshogbo-Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line, which caused power supply disruptions in the Lagos axis.

    “At about 13:41 hours (1:41 p.m.), the Oshogbo-Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line. This consequently affected bulk supply to only the Lagos axis alone,” TCN noted.

    Providing additional details, the company stated that grid generation at the time of the tripping was 4,335.63MW. After the incident, total generation dropped to 2,573.23MW, highlighting that the grid itself remained operational.

    “The transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras. But these have all been restored except for the Benin-Omotosho 330KV line whose restoration is ongoing,” TCN added.

    The company emphasized the importance of accurate reporting to avoid public panic and misperceptions about the state of the nation’s power infrastructure.

    “As TCN continues to work hard to put in place a robust transmission grid in spite of prevailing challenges, it is imperative that we understand the negative impact of deliberately misinforming the public and the value of disseminating true and verifiable facts,” the statement concluded.

  • Emir Sanusi Appeals for Calm After Appeal Court Ruling in His Favor

    Emir Sanusi Appeals for Calm After Appeal Court Ruling in His Favor

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for calm and urged residents to resist any actions that could provoke unrest in the ancient city.

    The emir appealed in a viral video on Friday, following the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed his position in an ongoing legal dispute.

    Sanusi cautioned against attempts to instigate violence in Kano, noting that those who seek to disrupt the state’s peace will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

    “As you all know, the Appeal Court has confirmed today that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction over emirate issues. This judgment was expected, and those who initiated the case in court knew this all along,” he said.

    The monarch criticized individuals who influenced earlier judicial decisions and accused them of pursuing selfish interests aimed at destabilizing the state.

    “Even the judge who issued the initial order was aware of the limits of his jurisdiction. Those who influenced him to make that decision also knew the truth. However, for the past eight months, they have aimed to promote selfish interests and instigate unrest in this part of the country,” Sanusi said.

    Despite the provocations, he commended the people of Kano for maintaining peace.

    “Our greatest achievement is that the state has remained peaceful. There has been no violence or disorder. We call on everyone to continue maintaining peace and unity,” he said.

    The emir also emphasized the need for prayer and divine intervention in resolving the state’s challenges.

    “This battle is not ours but God’s. And God does not need anyone’s help. Let us keep praying for His guidance and intervention. May God protect us, and whoever seeks to ignite chaos in Kano, may that fire consume them instead,” he added.

    Sanusi appealed to residents not to engage in any retaliatory actions and to uphold the state’s long-standing reputation for peace and harmony.

    “To those who wish harm upon Kano or its peace, may they face the consequences of their wishes. They may attempt to provoke violence, but let us not respond to their actions. Let us not engage them in any way. Whoever questions God’s judgment will ultimately face the consequences of doing so,” he concluded.

     

  • Army Chief Approves Major Redeployment of Senior Officers [Full List]

    Army Chief Approves Major Redeployment of Senior Officers [Full List]

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has approved the redeployment of top officers in the Nigerian Army to enhance operational effectiveness and administrative efficiency.

    The development was announced on Saturday in Abuja by Major-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations.

    Nwachukwu described the redeployment as a strategic move to strengthen the army’s leadership structure in addressing emerging security challenges across the country.

    The shake-up involves Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Commanders, Commandants of Army Training institutions, Brigade Commanders, and other key appointments.

    Key Appointments and Redeployments

    Among the notable changes, senior officers appointed as Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters include:

    • Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu: Redeployed from National Defence College to the Department of Army Administration as Chief of Administration (Army).
    • Maj.-Gen. GU Chibuisi: Moved from Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs.
    • Maj.-Gen. AS Ndalolo: Redeployed from NARC to the Department of Army Training as Chief of Training (Army).
    • Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai: Appointed Chief of Transformation and Innovation, transferred from the Department of Army Training.
    • Maj.-Gen. JH Abdussalam: From Headquarters 6 Division to the Department of Special Services and Programmes as Chief of Special Services and Programmes.
    • Maj.-Gen. EI Okoro: Redeployed to the Department of Military Secretary as Military Secretary (Army).

    For General Officers Commanding (GOCs):

    • Maj.-Gen. OT Olatoye: Assigned to 82 Division/Joint Task Force (JTF) South-East Operation UDO KA.
    • Maj.-Gen. EF Oyinlola: Posted to Headquarters 3 Division as GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH).
    • Maj.-Gen. AGL Haruna: Confirmed as GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 JTF North-East Operation HADIN KAI.
    • Maj.-Gen. IA Ajose: Appointed GOC 8 Division/Commander Sector 2 JTF North-West Operation FANSAN YANMA.

    Other significant redeployments include:

    • Maj.-Gen. GO Adeshina: From Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals to Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) as Director General.
    • Maj.-Gen. GM Mutkut: Assigned as Force Commander, Headquarters Multi-National Joint Task Force N’Djamena.
    • Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye: Moved to Defence Headquarters as Director of Media Operations.
    • Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa: Posted to Nigerian Army Armour Corps as its Commander.
  • TCN: No National Grid Collapse, Only Transmission Lines Tripped

    TCN: No National Grid Collapse, Only Transmission Lines Tripped

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has debunked reports claiming a national grid collapse, clarifying that the incident involved a tripping of transmission lines and affected only parts of the country.

    In a statement titled “Benin-Omotosho Line Tripping, Not System Collapse”, TCN explained that the disruption, which occurred at 1:41 p.m. on Friday, was misrepresented by some media outlets as a nationwide grid collapse.

    “TCN hereby states that the nation’s grid did not experience any collapse today, contrary to the widely published misinformation in the media,” the statement read.

    The company explained that the incident began when the Oshogbo-Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line, which caused power supply disruptions in the Lagos axis.

    “At about 13:41 hours (1:41 p.m.), the Oshogbo-Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line. This consequently affected bulk supply to only the Lagos axis alone,” TCN noted.

    Providing additional details, the company stated that grid generation at the time of the tripping was 4,335.63MW. After the incident, total generation dropped to 2,573.23MW, highlighting that the grid itself remained operational.

    “The transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras. But these have all been restored except for the Benin-Omotosho 330KV line whose restoration is ongoing,” TCN added.

    The company emphasized the importance of accurate reporting to avoid public panic and misperceptions about the state of the nation’s power infrastructure.

    “As TCN continues to work hard to put in place a robust transmission grid despite prevailing challenges, we must understand the negative impact of deliberately misinforming the public and the value of disseminating true and verifiable facts,” the statement concluded.

     

  • Tinubu Attempted to Mediate Lagos Assembly Crisis Before Obasa’s Impeachment, Says APC Chieftain

    Tinubu Attempted to Mediate Lagos Assembly Crisis Before Obasa’s Impeachment, Says APC Chieftain

    Fouad Oki, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made efforts to resolve the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly before Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached.

    On Monday, lawmakers impeached Obasa over allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety. He was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

    Speaking on Channels Television, Oki said Tinubu intervened during the Christmas holiday after the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) brought the matter to his attention. However, Obasa’s alleged unwillingness to cooperate led to his removal.

    “Before the president came home, this issue had been lingering. In the wisdom of members of the GAC, the president’s attention was called,” Oki said.

    “The president, as father and leader, called a meeting wherein he tried to make sense of the observations raised by elders of the party. Unfortunately, the president saw himself as a recalcitrant Obasa. I think that is what broke the camel’s back.”

    Oki described Obasa’s impeachment as the result of longstanding tensions within the assembly and the former speaker’s failure to heed the advice of party elders.