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After Meeting NGF Chairman, Akpabio Apologies To state Governors Over N30bn Claim

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The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has finally apologised to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State over his comment on the N30bn allowance allegedly given to them to cushion the effect of inflation in food prices.

This was coming after the Senate President held a meeting with the NGF Chairman and some of his counterparts in Abuja yesterday.

Akpabio had, at a plenary sitting last Tuesday, said an “unverified report” indicated that state governors received N30bn each from the Federation Account to cushion the effect of inflation and the high cost of food prices.

The statement has generated controversies in the public space, with some commentators asking governors to come clean about the money they did not collect.

However, on Monday, Akpabio in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, retracted the statement, saying the SP held the governors in high esteem.

The statement reads below:

“During the session, the President of the Senate commented on the payment of an unverified cumulative sum of about N30bn to the sub-national governments by the Federal Government for various interventions to ameliorate the food situation of our citizens at the sub-national governments.

“The unfortunate conjectures to take away the kernel in the material facts of FAAC payment are rather regretted. In considering the well-intended motive of urging state governments to collaborate with the Federal government of President Bola Tinubu to facilitate strategic interventions to mitigate the prevailing economic situation in the country remains the underpinning motivation in the comment.

“The President of the Senate is not oblivious to the fact that state governments are functional partners in all the efforts of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu and are also valuable stakeholders’ in the various legislative engagements of the legislature in creating the nexus between the legislature and the people.”

Eyiboh added that Akpabio has always demonstrated commitment to team building and shall not do less in the circumstance.

He, therefore, urged the sub-national governments not to be distracted by any misunderstanding of the context and true meaning of the statement.

He added, “The President of the Senate recognises and appreciates the current efforts of the governors at ameliorating the adverse effects of the current inclement socio-economic environment and therefore invites more hands on the plow to complement the renewed hope agenda.”

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UPDATE: Oke-Ero DPM and Legal Officer Regain Freedom

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Good news from Oke-Ero Local Government: the Director of Personnel Management (DPM), Alhaji Musibau Amuda, and the Legal Officer, Barrister Omoladun Elizabeth Arinde, have safely returned after a period of absence.

In a statement released on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. James Abiodun Fadipe — and obtained by Just Event Online TV — the Council expressed gratitude to Almighty God for their safe return in good health.

Hon. Fadipe described their return as “the Lord’s doing” and extended appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, and ALGON leadership for their support during the period.

The Council also thanked religious leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, political leaders, party members, the DPM and LGT forums, and all well-wishers for their prayers and encouragement.

Reaffirming commitment to peace and development, Hon. Fadipe prayed for continued divine protection and progress for Oke-Ero.

“We remain committed to building a stronger, united, and progressive Oke-Ero,” the statement concluded.

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2027: Rivers PDP NASS Caucus Pledges Support for President Tinubu

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Members of the Rivers State caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the National Assembly have formally declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The announcement was made in Port Harcourt on Saturday, through a statement read by Senator Barry Mpigi on behalf of the caucus. The statement was endorsed by all nine lawmakers — comprising two Senators and seven members of the House of Representatives.

The lawmakers cited the “visible successes” of the Tinubu administration as the reason for their endorsement.

Those who signed the statement include Senator Barry Mpigi, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, and Blessing Amadi.

In their declaration, the caucus urged individuals considering a presidential run in 2027 to shelve their ambitions.

“We, the National Assembly members from Rivers State — Senators and Representatives — express our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his trust and confidence in our leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, demonstrated through his appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement read.

“We are pleased with the President’s public commendation of the FCT Minister, whom he hailed as the ‘master of infrastructure’.”

The caucus emphasized that after thoroughly evaluating the President’s economic policies — formulated to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda — they were convinced of the administration’s clear progress.

They highlighted the challenges Tinubu inherited on May 29, 2023, including a bloated debt profile, inflation exacerbated by the printing of N22.7 trillion through Ways and Means financing between 2015 and 2023, and critical infrastructure deficits undermining food production.

The lawmakers asserted that President Tinubu’s policies offer the best path toward social and economic recovery. They pointed to declining inflation rates, reductions in Nigeria’s foreign debt, and optimistic growth projections endorsed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as evidence of the administration’s progress.

The caucus also praised President Tinubu for his “swift” intervention in resolving the political crisis in Rivers State, noting that it has set a foundation for enduring peace.

“As members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, we unequivocally affirm our total commitment to supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” the statement continued.

“As representatives closest to the people, we are set to embark on an even greater mobilisation drive than we did in 2023, to ensure President Tinubu’s return to office.”

The lawmakers concluded by calling on all Nigerians to rally behind the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as the surest path to the country’s prosperity. They also appealed to potential presidential aspirants to abandon their ambitions and unite behind President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Pope Francis Passes Away on Easter Monday at 88

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In a moment that has deeply moved Catholics and people around the world, Pope Francis [passed a✝️ay] on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His [transition] marks the end of a historic papacy defined by humility, reform, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His leadership was marked by compassion, interfaith dialogue, care for the environment, and efforts to build a more inclusive Church.

Easter Monday, a day symbolic of renewal and hope in the Christian tradition, now carries a deeper poignancy. Tributes have poured in from global figures and millions of faithful around the world.

As the Vatican begins preparations for days of reflection and the selection of a new leader, Pope Francis leaves a legacy as a spiritual guide, a voice for justice, and a symbol of peace.

May he rest in eternal light.

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