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Senate moves to approve N1.48trn emergency budget for Rivers …As Bill Scales 2nd reading

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Senate in session in the chamber

 

By George Mgbeleke

Senate, on Wednesday at plenary commence further legislative step towards approving Ñ1.48trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, CRF for the 2025 fiscal year under an emergency governance structure in Rivers State.

Rivers state Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral

Specifically, the Red Chamber passed for second reading a piece of legislation, titled: “A Bill for an Act to Authorise the Issuance from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State” after presentation by the Senate Leader and chairman of the Adhoc Committee on Emergency Rule in the state, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central) during plenary.

The budget, according to Senator Bamidele was designed to ensure smooth government operation, promote inclusive growth and development with a focus on improving the standard of living for the people of the state.

The breakdown of the proposed spending plan is as follows;N120.8 billion is earmarked for debt servicing, N287.3 billion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N1.07 trillion for capital expenditure.

The budget, targeted to create 6,000 jobs, is prioritising investment in critical sectors, including health, education and agriculture.

Some highlights indicate N324billion for infrastructure; N166billion for health; N75.6billion for education; and N31.4billion for agriculture.

A further breakdown has N287.3billion for recurrent expenditure; N1.072trillion for capital expenditure; and N120.8billion for debt service.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, thereafter, referred the budget to the Ad-hoc Committee supervising Emergency Rule in Rivers State for additional legislative action and report back within two weeks.

The Committee had on Tuesday held it inaugural meeting and stated that the Sole Administrator, Ibas Ikok-Ete will defend the budget before the joint committee of the National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu had last week written the Senate and the House of Representatives, seeking the consideration and approval of N1.48 trillion Appropriation Bill for Rivers State, citing the ongoing state of emergency imposed in the oil-rich state since March 2025.

Tinubu, in the letter read at plenary by the Senate President, explained that when approved, the money will be used by the Emergency Rule Government of Rivers State to provide for education, agriculture, provision of free drugs, others.

According to him, the request follows the constitutional requirement for the National Assembly to assume legislative duties for any state under emergency rule where the State House of Assembly is suspended or non-functional.

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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

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Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, flanked by trainees at the end of leadership training and their masters displayed in exposures

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.

The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.

Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.

General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.

He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.

> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.

 

The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.

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Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

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Minister of Regional Development, EngrAbubakar Momoh (right) receiving a n award from Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode

 

Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

By Our Correspondent

Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.

Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.

He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.

He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.

According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.

The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.

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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials

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The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu,NUJ council chairmen and otticials and others omrade Abu Nmodu

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.

Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.

The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.

He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.

Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.

Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.

Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.

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