NewsWall247Blog (2025)

13/07/2025

Press Release

Governor Otti Condoles With Federal Government on the Death of Former President Buhari

The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has received the sad news of the passing of the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR.

Governor Otti sends his condolences to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the federal government of Nigeria and the family of the deceased former president.

Finally, Governor Otti, on behalf of his family and the good people of Abia State enjoins the ex President's family and loved ones to bear his demise with fortitude, while praying that God grants his soul eternal repose.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
July 13, 2025.

13/07/2025

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Passes Away; VP Shettima to Accompany Remains from UK

President Bola Tinubu announced the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, who died in London at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time after a prolonged illness.

In response, President Tinubu has dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to the United Kingdom to accompany the late leader’s remains back to Nigeria. The President also extended his condolences to Buhari’s widow, Mrs. Aishat Buhari, in a personal conversation.

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, was elected twice and previously led the country as military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985.

As a mark of respect, President Tinubu has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the former leader.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon.

13/07/2025

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIRRAJIUUN.

The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.
May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.
Signed,
Garba Shehu.
13-07-25.

13/07/2025

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) declared that APC won all 20 local government chairmanship positions, all 37 LCDA chairmanship seats, and 375 councilor roles in the Lagos local government elections. PDP won one councilor position.

13/07/2025

Photo: Julius Abure paid a visit to Nyesom Wike today in Abuja

13/07/2025

Senate Awaits Court Judgment Details Before Reinstating Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian Senate has stated it cannot reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until it reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a recent court judgment related to her suspension, according to Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, emphasized that the Senate must study the court document before taking a position.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on March 6, following allegations of sexual harassment she leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension, recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, included the withdrawal of her salary, security details, and access to the National Assembly premises.

Challenging the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Binta Nyako recently ordered her reinstatement but also fined her N5 million for contempt. Adaramodu noted that the Senate applied for the CTC on Monday and will comply with the court’s ruling once the document is received and reviewed. “The Senate will sit and consider the contents of the CTC, and then we shall take a position,” he said.

Adaramodu expressed concern over public misconceptions about the Senate’s actions, accusing some Nigerians of portraying the National Assembly as lawless. He defended the Senate’s authority to enforce its rules, stating, “The Senate is constitutionally empowered to make rules that guide its activities. Without rules, the chamber would descend into chaos.” He cited the court’s acknowledgment of the Senate’s right to establish and enforce Standing Orders, which permit reprimanding senators who violate them.

The spokesperson clarified that the 180-day suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan refers to parliamentary days, not calendar days, as per Senate rules. He lamented ongoing misrepresentations of the case, suggesting that some expect the Senate to overlook rule violations. “If it is established that the Senate can reprimand an offending senator, it is at the discretion of the Senate to determine the suspension period,” Adaramodu added.

The Senate’s next steps hinge on the CTC’s contents, as the chamber balances compliance with the court order and adherence to its internal regulations.

13/07/2025

INEC ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF NATIONWIDE CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION (CVR)

13/07/2025

Buhari Lived Frugally, Ate Beans and Pap, Rejected N10m Food Budget – Garba Shehu

Former President Muhammadu Buhari maintained a modest lifestyle during his eight-year tenure, opting for simple meals like beans, pap, and akara while rejecting a proposed N10 million food budget, according to his former spokesman, Garba Shehu.

In his newly released book, *Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience*, Shehu revealed that Buhari, upon assuming office in 2015, was appalled by the N10 million budget proposed for his meals. “When they told him N10 million was needed, he screamed and demanded it be reduced. ‘Look at my table, what do I eat? How much does it cost?’” Shehu quoted Buhari as saying.

Shehu noted that the former president’s diet consisted of humble, healthy foods commonly associated with ordinary Nigerians, including tuwo (grain-based dough dishes), pap, akara (bean cake), beans, wheat, salads, poultry, and mutton. The revelation highlights Buhari’s frugality and preference for simplicity during his time in office, setting him apart from the lavish spending often associated with leadership.

13/07/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Air Peace Aircraft Veers Off Runway in Port Harcourt

Air Peace has confirmed that Flight P47190 from Lagos experienced a runway excursion after landing at Port Harcourt International Airport this morning.

13/07/2025

BREAKING: House of Representatives is considering a bill seeking to strip president of power to appoint INEC chairman

13/07/2025

NNPC Confirms Refineries’ Failure, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Probe

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has admitted that the nation’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna remain non-functional despite billions of dollars invested in their rehabilitation, prompting sharp criticism from opposition leaders and renewed calls for a criminal investigation into alleged corruption.

On Thursday, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, raised concerns about the refineries’ viability, stating that the approximately $18 billion spent on their turnaround maintenance may never yield results. Echoing this, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, revealed on Friday during an interview with Bloomberg in Vienna, Austria, that the company is considering selling the refineries due to their outdated infrastructure and failed rehabilitation efforts. “We’ve invested heavily without tangible outcomes,” Ojulari said, noting that a strategic review of NNPC’s refinery operations, expected to conclude by year-end, could lead to divestment. “Sale is not out of the question. All options are on the table,” he added.

Opposition leaders, responding on Saturday, lambasted President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the mismanagement of public assets and demanded a thorough probe into the funds allocated to the refineries’ rehabilitation. They accused both the current government and the preceding administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari of misleading Nigerians about the refineries’ operational status. “The government cannot move on without identifying and prosecuting those responsible for these massive losses,” one opposition leader stated, warning that selling the refineries without strict safeguards risks repeating the underperformance seen in the privatized power sector.

Ojulari, who succeeded Mele Kyari as NNPCL GCEO on April 2, 2025, acknowledged the challenges posed by obsolete infrastructure and underperforming technologies. “Some of those technologies have not worked as expected, and refining old, abandoned facilities is proving more complicated,” he said at the 9th OPEC International Seminar. His remarks contrast sharply with Kyari’s 2019 assurances that the refineries would be operational by May 2023.

The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the Tinubu administration’s handling of critical national assets, with opposition figures urging accountability and transparency as the NNPC considers its next steps.

13/07/2025

Abia, Enugu Governors Unite on State Police, Regional Security, and New State Creation

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah, have pledged to collaborate on critical regional issues, including the establishment of state police, enhanced security measures, and the creation of an additional state in the South-East. The agreement was reached during a closed-door meeting at Governor Otti’s residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA, Abia State.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Otti emphasized the need for state police, stating, “I’m completely in sync with my brother’s position. Our two states, along with others, have supported the creation of state police. I believe the Federal Government will act on this soon, as security is a local issue, just like politics.”

The governors also discussed the disparity in state allocations across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, with Otti advocating for an additional state in the South-East to address the region’s current five-state structure, compared to six or seven in other zones. “I’m in alignment for the creation of one additional state in the South-East,” he affirmed.

Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, Otti noted that Abia and Enugu share boundaries, making joint efforts crucial to prevent criminals from exploiting unsecured areas. “If Enugu successfully drives away criminals, they may end up here. This kind of cooperation is very important to ensure our people are secure across the South-East,” he said.

The meeting underscores a growing commitment among South-East leaders to address security and developmental challenges through unified action.

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