News
Oyebanji Seeks Better Collaboration with Benin-Owena River Basin Devt Authority
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) over its handling of development initiatives in the state, stressing that the state has not benefited from the authority despite numerous attempts to collaborate with it on some projects.
Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Monday during a meeting with the new management of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority led by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi in his office on Ado Ekiti, emphasized that the agency has not been fair to the state in it’s development drive.
Expressing his displeasure over what he described as lack of meaningful contribution from the authority to Ekiti development, the Governor emphasized that this had forced his administration to exclude the agency from its strategic development plan, stressing the need for a more effective and accountable approach moving forward.
Governor Oyebanji who Emphasized the importance of synergy between government agencies and stakeholders in driving sustainable development, urged the new leadership to ensure that their renewed commitment translates to meaningful actions and development in the state.
He also assured them that his administration would collaborate with the authority provided there is a visible shift in their operations and engagement.
“I need to refresh our memories about our experience with Benin-Owena, they have not been fair to us, we have gained nothing from them. We have crafted our development strategy without you in our plan because every attempt to collaborate with you has been frustrated.
We are investing massively in agriculture in the state and Benin-Owena has no contribution to it.
“However, I have read your speech, it shows that you want to do things differently but we have listened to beautiful speeches that didn’t translate to action, so for those project that are already in the budget concerning Ekiti State, whatever we can do to ensure that we fast track development, I am ready to do that”, the Governor asserted.
Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi, who commended the Governor for the remarkable progress in the state particularly in agriculture sector, said the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the new leadership to the Governor, assess on going collaboration with the state government as well as forge a strengthened pathway toward achieving the goal of the renewed hope agenda of President Boa Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of food security.
Unveiling the agency’s comprehensive development blue print aimed at boosting agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment in the state, the BORBDA CEO assured the Governor of a new dawn in the agency, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was intention and strategic with the appointment of right people into the board of the agency.
He listed various on-goin and proposed BORDA interventions across the state to include, flood contro projects in Ilupeju, Efon-Alaye, Ado-Ureje Road, Ikere-Ado/Osun Road as well as management of key dams in Apariko-Aisegba, Oye-Ayede, and Ado-Osin, among others.
Also present at the meeting were, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer and Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.
News
Malami: FHC adjourns bail ruling January 7
Their counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the EFCC had previously admitted them to administrative bail and should not oppose judicial bail.
• Former Attorney‑General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami in court .
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that former Attorney‑General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Asabe Bashir remain in prison until January 7, when their bail applications will be decided.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order after hearing arguments for and against bail in the ongoing trial.
The trio face a 16‑count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging concealment of illicit funds worth ₦1.014 billion and unlawful acquisition of assets valued at several billions of naira.
Malami and his co‑defendants pleaded not guilty.
Their counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the EFCC had previously admitted them to administrative bail and should not oppose judicial bail.
EFCC’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), countered, insisting the application lacked merit.
Justice Nwite explained that as a vacation judge with multiple rulings pending, he would deliver his decision on January 7.
In the meantime, Malami and his son remain at Kuje Correctional Centre, while Asabe Bashir is held at Suleja Correctional Centre.
SOT ADEDAYO ADEDEJI (SAN), Member of Malami’s Legal Team
News
NJC Disowns Viral Report on Alleged “Integrity Test” Failure by 34 Judicial Nominees
In a statement signed by Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq.Secretary, National Judicial Council, the Council states categorically that the report is inaccurate and unauthorized, and therefore does not reflect the true position of events as they transpired at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).
• Nigerian lawyers
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disowned a news report currently circulating on social and conventional media which alleged that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were consequently dropped from consideration for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq.Secretary, National Judicial Council, the Council states categorically that the report is inaccurate and unauthorized, and therefore does not reflect the true position of events as they transpired at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).
For the avoidance of doubt, the processes referenced in the report were conducted entirely at the FJSC level, and no decision or action has yet been taken by the National Judicial Council in respect of the candidates concerned.
The Council further clarifies that while a few candidates were indeed discontinued from the process at the FJSC level based on adverse findings arising from petitions received by the Commission, a number of others did not progress further simply because they failed to meet the required qualifying score to advance to the interview stage before the NJC.
Contrary to the impression conveyed by the media reports, the Council emphasizes that there is no stand-alone or newly introduced “integrity test” whose failure automatically disqualified candidates en masse, as widely suggested.
The judicial appointment process remains structured, merit-driven, and multi-layered, encompassing written examinations, performance benchmarks, background verification, petition review where applicable, and interviews conducted strictly in accordance with established guidelines.
The Council notes with concern that the publication of inaccurate and speculative details has the potential to mislead the public and unjustly impugn the reputation of candidates who participated in the selection process in good faith.
In view of the foregoing, the NJC has commenced internal investigations to ascertain the source of the unauthorized press statement and will take appropriate steps to protect the integrity and credibility of its processes.
The Council reassures Nigerians that it remains firmly committed to transparency, fairness, due process, and the highest standards of judicial integrity, and urges media practitioners to always seek clarification through authorized channels before publishing reports on sensitive institutional matters.
News
New Year Forgiveness: Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Others
Akpabio gave the directive touched by a sermon given by Father Donatus, Udoette, the Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Parish , Uyo, during the New Year Mass.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who alleged sexual harassment, and several individuals.
Akpabio gave the directive touched by a sermon given by Father Donatus, Udoette, the Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Parish , Uyo, during the New Year Mass.
Akpabio said ,“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In his homily the Priest said that the greatest thing that man needs is peace and admonished parishioners to live in peace with one another.
“You have to let go of the past, no matter what it was. All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on,” he said.
With the Thursday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begun.
Watch video below:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CwurUkDRX
Video Credit: ARISE NEWS TV
NNPP dissolves Kano executive
Malami: FHC adjourns bail ruling January 7
NJC Disowns Viral Report on Alleged “Integrity Test” Failure by 34 Judicial Nominees
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News2 days agoPolice arrests Kidnappers in “Love Nwantiti” with victims
-
News13 hours agoNew Year Forgiveness: Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Others
-
Business12 hours agoMAN woos CBN, MOF for manufacturing refinancing facility
-
Business2 days agoNECA faults ban on sachet alcohol
-
Crime2 days agoSuicide bomber confesses: I was paid N100,000 to bomb worshippers in Maiduguri
-
Politics2 days agoPeter Obi officially defects to ADC party
-
News3 days agoTinubu Insists New Tax Reforms Will Proceed on January 1, 2026, Despite Public Debate
-
News3 days agoGoogle’s new feature allows users to change their Gmail addresses without losing data