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Reps to scrutinise N6.2tn supplementary budget – Spokesman

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The N6.2tn 2024 supplementary budget transmitted to the National Assembly on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu is targeted at critical infrastructure including education, healthcare, and the welfare of Nigerians among others, the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said.

Agbese, who stated this in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Friday, also pledged the readiness of the parliament to subject the supplementary budget to a thorough and rigorous review.

He said, “The 2024 supplementary budget, totalling ₦6.2tn, aims to fund critical infrastructure projects, education, healthcare access, and public welfare initiatives.

“The budget is divided into two main components: ₦3.2tn for renewed hope infrastructure projects and other critical infrastructure projects across the country, and ₦3tn to meet further recurrent expenditure requirements necessary for the proper operation of the Federal Government.

“We will scrutinise every bit of the budget proposal to ensure that ultimately each kobo is well utilized and that the budget is in the best interest of our constituents.

”Agbese, who represents Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State, assured that the legislative body will engage with stakeholders, conduct public hearings, and scrutinise the executive bill to ensure that it serves the best interests of Nigerians.

“We will not compromise on our commitment to transparency and accountability. We will take the time to get it right, and we are confident that the result will be a budget that benefits all Nigerians.

“We have a good working relationship with the Senate, and we are confident that we can work together to pass the supplementary budget promptly.

“We will work together to ensure that the budget is passed with the necessary scrutiny and oversight,” he added.

He assured that the House will not rush the process, but will take the time necessary to ensure that the supplementary budget is passed with the necessary scrutiny and legislative inputs.

The lawmaker acknowledged the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Bichi, for changing the dynamics in the country’s budgetary process, saying, “His commitment to transparency and accountability has been exemplary, and his leadership has ensured that the committee is working diligently to scrutinise the budget proposal.

“Bichi’s vast experience in budgetary matters has been invaluable to the committee, and his dedication to ensuring that the budget serves the best interests of Nigerians is commendable.

We appreciate his efforts and look forward to working with him to ensure a thorough and transparent review process.”

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Homicide: Killer husband on the run for alleged murder of wife

Ayobami Ayanwale was allegedly stabbed to death in front of her children by her husband.

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Tragedy struck at number 21 Olutayo Alao Street, River Valley Estate, mainland Lagos.

A mother of three simply identified as Ayobami Ayanwale was allegedly stabbed to death in front of her children by her husband.

Eye-witness neighbours who confirmed the incident said that her body has since been deposited at a mortuary after she was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital at Olowoora area of the community.

Following the incident, the alledged killer husband has fled, leaving the survived three children with the dead wife’s elder brother at Akute.

The case was reported to Adigboluja Police station Ojodu-Abiodun.

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Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day on January 15

The Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj Gen Samaila Uba, disclosed this emphasising that the redesignation was to reflect the dual dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.

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Previously known as ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day‘, the name has been officially changed to ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.’

The Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj Gen Samaila Uba, disclosed this emphasising that the redesignation was to reflect the dual dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.

“January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have paid the supreme price to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity as well as the lives and properties of its citizens.

He urged the media to adopt “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day” in all their future reportage.

“The AFN once again appreciates the media’s unwavering support in the fight against insecurity and looks forward to even stronger collaboration ahead, he said.

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Farouk Ahmed: Dangote Takes Petition Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss to EFCC

In the petition signed by Lead Counsel Dr. O.J. Onoja S.A.N, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Mr. Ahmed and prosecute him if found culpable.

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  • Aliko Dangote and Farouk Ahmed when the going was good.

The Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, through his legal representative, has filed a formal corruption petition against former Managing Director of the Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This move follows the withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.

In the petition signed by Lead Counsel Dr. O.J. Onoja S.A.N, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Mr. Ahmed and prosecute him if found culpable.

“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned along with sister agencies to prosecute financial crimes and corruption related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624)337.”

Onoja further urged the commission, under the leadership of Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, “…to investigate the complaint of Abuse of Office and Corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting”

The petition also stated that: “The commission’s firm resolve in handling this matter with dispatch is not only imperative and expedient but will also serve as a deterrent to other public officers out there with such corrupt proneness and tendencies”

The development reinforces Dangote’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

It will be recalled that on December 14, 2025, Dangote raised concerns about Mr. Ahmed’s financial dealings, alleging that the former regulator is living far beyond his legitimate means.

According to Dangote, four of Mr. Ahmed’s children attended elite secondary schools in Switzerland, incurring costs running into several millions of dollars—an expenditure that raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight in the downstream petroleum industry.

Dangote listed the schools attended by Mr. Ahmed’s children: Faisal Farouk (Montreux School), Farouk Jr. (Aiglon College), Ashraf Farouk (Institut Le Rosey), and Farhana Farouk (La Garenne International School), noting that each child spent six years in these institutions.

He estimated annual tuition, travel, and upkeep per child at $200,000, totaling approximately $5 million for their secondary education.

Additionally, Dangote alleged that Mr. Ahmed spent another $2 million on tertiary education for the four children, including $210,000 for Faisal’s 2025 Harvard MBA program.

“Nigerians deserve to know the source of these funds, especially when many parents in Mr. Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto struggle to pay as little as ₦10,000 in school fees,” Dangote stated.

The petition calls for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory institutions.

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