News
Speakership race: Doguwa Abandons G7, Steps Down For Abbas

The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ado Doguwa, and five other aspirants have stepped down from the Speaker and Deputy Speakership race.
The aspirants announced their withdrawal at a meeting of members-elect under the auspices of the ‘10th Joint Task’ in Abuja on Wednesday night.
The speakership aspirants, Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano), Abdulraheem Olaoye (APC-Ogun), Makki Yalleman (APC-Jigawa) stepped down for Tajudeen Abbas (APC-Kaduna)
Also, the deputy speakership aspirants, Abiola Makinde (APC-Ondo), Francis Waive (APC-Delta), and Julius Ihonberev (APC-Edo) stepped down for Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia)
The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) had earlier endorsed Abbas and Kalu for the office of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.
The endorsement was further strengthened by the Minority Party Forum, a group of about 70 members-elect, who announced their support for the duo.
Speaking on behalf of the speakership aspirants, Doguwa said they had come to join the Abbas/Kalu campaign, adding that they will support the party’s choice.
He said: “I want to say on behalf of these great men around me here, that we have individually and collectively decided to surrender our bid to become Speaker this time around.
“We have resolved to support our great party and the man they have chosen to be Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.”
Speaking on behalf of the deputy speaker aspirants, Ihonberev said the three of them wanted to be Deputy Speaker, believing that it will be zoned in their favour but it turned out differently.
The lawmaker said: “As loyal party persons, we decided to align with those that have been identified by the party
“The integration, capacity, and ability to carry people along, transparency and the energy to mobilise ideas that would change Nigeria for the better.
“We want to say we are absolutely, undilutedly in support of the ticket as announced by the party that Tajudeen Abbas will be our next Speaker and Benjamin Kalu will be the next Deputy Speaker.
“We want to assure you that we are prepared to do all it takes to ensure the success of this project.”
However, the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, the Chairman Committee on Appropriation, Muktar Betara, the Chairman Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli, Mariam Onouha, and Yusuf Gagdi are still in the race.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, on May 9, zoned the Senate Presidency of the 10th National Assembly to the South-South and the Speakership of the House of Representatives to the North-West.
News
BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.
The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.
Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.
Details later…
International
UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.
A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.
It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.
Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.
Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.
“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.
From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.
“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:
“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.
We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.
“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
News
BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.
ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.
Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.
The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.

Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.
In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.
On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.
The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.
Watch video below:
Video source: ChannelsTV
-
Business3 days ago
MAN Raises Concerns About Astronomical Charges Imposed By Financial Reporting Council on Private Companies
-
News2 days ago
JUST IN: FG extends civil service recruitment deadline to March 17
-
News2 days ago
Natasha’s beauty a problem to her, says ex-works minister, Ogunlewe
-
News2 days ago
JUST IN: Fire guts building at Geometric Power premises, Aba Power Plant
-
News2 days ago
JUST IN: El-Rufai resigns from APC, joins SDP
-
News2 days ago
JUST IN: Kogi Gov’t Mourns As Ex-Deputy Gov Adaba Dies at 79
-
Health2 days ago
BREAKING: Lassa fever: UK visitor tests positive as death toll hits 98 in 2 months
-
News3 days ago
SGF Akume, Where’re our Appointments Letters, Please?