1. Tinubu Appoints Major General Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff, temporarily replacing Lt. General Lagbaja, who is undergoing medical treatment abroad. Oluyede, a coursemate of Lagbaja from the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course, previously led the Infantry Corps in Kaduna.
2. Senate Confirms Seven New Ministerial Nominees
The Nigerian Senate confirmed seven ministerial nominees proposed by President Tinubu, covering critical portfolios such as Foreign Affairs and Education. Notable appointees include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, and Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu.
3. Oshiomhole Advocates for Minimum Wage Above ₦70,000
Senator Adams Oshiomhole calls for employers to pay above the ₦70,000 minimum wage due to economic pressures. Speaking at a National Institute event, he urged both private and public sectors to meet or exceed this benchmark, particularly in high-cost areas like Abuja.
4. Rivers State Allocation Blocked Amid Assembly Leadership Dispute
The Federal High Court in Abuja has halted fund allocations to Rivers State, following a legal dispute within the House of Assembly. The ruling requires the Central Bank to suspend payments pending a resolution of the leadership conflict.
5. House of Reps to Investigate Airstrip Approval at Canaanland
A federal investigation has been ordered into the government’s approval for an airstrip at Bishop Oyedepo’s Canaanland, over concerns of potential misuse. Lawmakers cited worries that private airstrips could enable illegal trafficking and money laundering.
6. DHQ Denies Terrorist Takeover of Niger Training Camp
The Defence Headquarters dismissed claims that terrorists have seized control of its Niger State training facility. Although bandits are active nearby, military operations continue to secure the area.
7. Ndume Opposes VAT Hike, Calls to Protect the Poor
Senator Ali Ndume has spoken against proposed increases in VAT, arguing the plan would disproportionately affect low-income Nigerians. The federal government is advised to seek other revenue methods instead.
8. Alex Ikwechegh Pleads Not Guilty in Assault Case, Granted Bail
Lawmaker Alex Ikwechegh has been granted bail after pleading not guilty to charges of assault on a Bolt driver. The charges stem from an incident in Abuja’s Maitama area involving alleged threats and intimidation.
9. Jos Celebrates as Power Restored After 10-Day Outage
Residents of Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue are celebrating the restoration of power after a 10-day blackout. The outage had caused significant disruptions until the transmission line was restored on Wednesday evening.
10. Governor Fubara Unfazed by Court Order on State Funds
Governor Siminalayi Fubara downplayed the recent court restriction on state allocations, stating his administration’s operations remain unaffected. Fubara reiterated that contractor payments and council allocations will proceed as schedule.
News Editor