Four persons were arraigned in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday for allegedly defaming Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

The defendants, Owolabi Kazeem , 47, Adebisi Muritala, 48, Mustapha AbdulRahman, 33, and Abdulsalam Abdullahi, 33, were charged on a three-count bordering on conspiracy, publishing defamatory matter through social media and disturbing public peace.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired to publish a defamatory matter on social media.

Mr Akinloye said that the defendants on October 25, at about 3:00 p.m at Ogbomoso, allegedly published defamatory matter through video on Facebook and other social media platforms.

He said the defendants allegedly published that Oba Olaoye was causing trouble and inciting religious hostility in Ogbomoso Town, which they knew to be false.

Mr Akinloye said the defendants allegedly published false news that Oba Olaoye was causing trouble by fighting Ogbomoso Muslims with intent to create fear and disturb the public peace.

He said the offences contravened Section 59 (1) (2), 375 and 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

O. F. A. Adeosun, who appeared for the defendants, asked for their bail in most liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N5 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Mr Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be blood relation of the defendants, while the second must have three-year tax clearance.

She, thereafter, adjourned the matter until March 10, 2025, for hearing.

The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced a change of management at all its centres in Nigeria.

The management change was made known via the Nigeria UK Embassy social media platform, X, on Tuesday.

“The supplier of our visa application centres in Nigeria is changing. During this transition, some customers may submit and collect their documents from different locations. You will be contacted via email if this affects you,” the statement said.

The transition in the management change across the country would subsequently result in a change in the locations where applicants would submit and collect documents.

Applicants are advised to check their emails regularly for updates to ensure a smooth process.

While the centres in Abuja and Lagos will remain operational, some applicants might need to use alternative locations, according to the high commission.

The statement urged applicants to schedule appointments before visiting these centres to ensure a seamless process.

The police in Zamfara have detained a 58-year-old Algerian national for alleged transborder arms trafficking.

Police commissioner Mohammed Dalijan announced this in Gusau on Tuesday.

He said that the police recovered 16 AK47 rifles during various raids within the last three weeks.

He said that the command also recovered one double barrel and one locally made pistol from a suspected arms manufacturer based in Jos, Plateau.

”The command, acting on intelligence, traced and arrested an arms manufacturer in Jos and tracked and arrested a regional arms trafficker from Algeria at the Illela border point. The suspected Algerian told the police he had been committing this crime for eight years.

”The suspect supplies arms and ammunition to bandits in all parts of the northwestern states. At the point of the arrest, four AK47s were recovered from him,” he said.

Mr Dalijan said the police also detained some suspects, including bandits and motorcycle suppliers.

“The police recovered live ammunition and N2.5 million cash, among others, from the suspects,” he said.

He said the police also detained some illegal gold miners and recovered several mining excavators.

The commissioner warned that the federal and state government bans on illegal mining were still in force.

The Federal Government has commended the Republic of Ghana for reconstructing and formally handing over a property belonging to the Nigeria High Commission in Accra.

According to a statement signed by the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ceremony took place on Wednesday.

The building, a block of four-bedroom flats, was demolished in 2020 by Ghanaian authorities, an act that was strongly condemned by FG.

Following high-level diplomatic engagements, the Government of Ghana pledged to rebuild the property, a promise that has now been fulfilled.

The keys to the newly reconstructed building were handed over by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mrs. Shirley Botchway.

Representing Nigeria at the event was the Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, Ambassador Chimezie Ogu, who received the property on behalf of FG.

According to the statement, Nigeria described the gesture as a commendable act that reflects Ghana’s commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties.

The ministry also noted that the reconstructed building symbolised the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the two West African nations.

The FG expressed appreciation for Ghana’s actions, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

“The handing over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, is seen as a commendable development and a symbol of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the ties between both countries.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs applauds the laudable gesture and affirms that the reconstructed building embodies the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the Republic of Nigeria and the sister Nation, Ghana,” the statement read in part.

The House of Representatives has mandated electricity distribution companies to undertake a N500bn recapitalisation to enhance their financial stability and ensure they can efficiently meet their obligations to the Nigerian public.

This resolution followed the adoption on Wednesday of a motion titled “Need to Address the Activities of Distribution Companies in Nigeria,” sponsored by Ayokunle Isiaka, the member representing the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency of Ogun State.

In soliciting support for the motion, Isiaka highlighted that recent actions by DisCos have posed a significant threat to the nation’s economic stability and the welfare of Nigerians.

He expressed concern that despite Nigerians paying for electricity meter installations, distribution companies are still demanding additional payments for the replacement of these meters under controversial circumstances.

“The House notes that Nigerian consumers paid for electricity meter installation, but DisCos are demanding additional payments for the replacement of these meters under dubious pretences, undermining consumer trust and exacerbating financial burdens,” he said.

“The House is concerned that consumers are being coerced into paying for meters they have already financed, putting additional financial strain on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.”

The All Progressives Congress lawmaker also expressed concern over what he termed the ‘Sabotage of Economic Development’ by DisCos, where essential services are used against citizens, stifling growth and development.

He added that despite constant regulatory oversight and demands for accountability from the Committee on Power, DisCos have remained recalcitrant, operating with impunity and disregarding consumer rights.

Following the adoption of the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas urged DisCos to “undergo recapitalisation of no less than N500bn, and only those with the required financial capacity, which can provide maximum satisfaction to consumers, should be allowed to continue operating.”

The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Power to declare DisCos as non-state actors and take immediate measures to address their reckless actions, which threaten the nation’s economy.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committee on Power to investigate the activities of DisCos with the intent to hold them accountable and safeguard consumer rights.

The committee was also tasked with carrying out awareness campaigns on consumers’ rights and examining the implementation of strict regulations governing DisCos to ensure transparency and fairness in dealings with consumers.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday, announced the sack of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Ohieku Salami, due to actions “unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures.”

According to a statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, the decision followed a series of unprofessional actions by Salami, “including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.”

The statement noted that despite intervention by the education ministry and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Salami refused to comply, resorting to “abusive and threatening behaviour towards the ministry’s directors, including the Permanent Secretary.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, noted that such conduct undermines the ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardises the institution’s stability and governance.

“In line with this decision, the minister has requested the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process and accountability.”

A magnificent volley from Lautaro Martínez secured a 1-0 victory for world champions Argentina over Peru, while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.

Argentina remain top of the CONMEBOL standings, with qualification for the 2026 tournament seemingly a matter of time.

It was far from a vintage performance by Lionel Scaloni’s team, but a moment of brilliance from Inter Milan’s Martínez proved decisive at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.

Lionel Messi delivered a cross from the left, and Martínez leapt into the air, leaning back to unleash a thunderous left-footed volley past Pedro Gallese.

Argentina’s eighth win from 12 games leaves them on 25 points, five clear of second-placed Uruguay, who earned a valuable point against Brazil.

The five-time World Cup winners struggled in Salvador, falling behind in the 55th minute to a fine finish from Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.

However, Brazil equalised seven minutes later when a headed clearance fell to Gerson, who smashed home a perfectly struck volley.

Gabriel Martinelli came close to a winner, showing deft control before unleashing a volley that drew a brilliant save from Sergio Rochet.

The draw leaves Brazil in fifth place on 18 points, one point behind fourth-placed Colombia, who suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Ecuador in Barranquilla.

Mehmet Oz, a heart surgeon, television personality, and author, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator.

Mr Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, highlighting Mr Oz’s extensive experience in medicine and public communication as central to tackling what the U.S. president-elect described as America’s “healthcare crisis.”

In his statement, Mr Trump expressed strong confidence in Mr Oz’s abilities to reform the healthcare system.

“Dr Oz will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take on the illness industrial complex and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake,” said Mr Trump.

He also emphasised Mr Oz’s focus on disease prevention, fraud elimination, and ensuring that every healthcare dollar yields world-class results.

Dr Oz first rose to prominence as a pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon, earning acclaim for innovations in heart valve surgery.

His reputation as a medical expert expanded with appearances on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’, leading to his long-running syndicated ‘The Dr. Oz Show’.

Over the years, Mr Oz became a household name, advocating for health and wellness while addressing diverse medical topics for a general audience.

Mr Oz recently entered the political arena, running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania during the 2022 midterms.

Although unsuccessful, his candidacy demonstrated his willingness to engage in broader national issues.

The CMS administrator position is one of the most influential in the U.S. healthcare system, overseeing a budget of over $1 trillion annually.

His collaboration with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine sceptic and public health advocate, suggests a potentially unconventional approach to tackling chronic diseases and healthcare inefficiencies.

Mr Oz’s confirmation process is expected to draw significant attention, given his high-profile career and the sweeping healthcare reforms promised by Mr Trump’s administration.

If confirmed, Mr Oz will oversee a massive agency responsible for managing federal healthcare programmes that serve millions of Americans, including Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for low-income individuals.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as the U.S. next education secretary.

Ms McMahon, a leading advocate for school choice and parental rights, will play a pivotal role in shaping education policy under the Trump administration.

In a statement, Mr Trump praised Ms McMahon’s extensive leadership experience, highlighting her work as board chair at the America First Policy Institute, where she championed universal school choice in 12 states.

“Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every state in America and empower parents to make the best education decisions for their families,” he said.

Ms McMahon’s background in education includes serving for two years on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she helped oversee public education and technical high schools statewide.

She also served on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut for over 16 years.

Ms McMahon is best known for her tenure as the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a company she co-founded with her husband, Vince McMahon.

After stepping away from WWE, Ms McMahon transitioned into public service, leading the SBA from 2017 to 2019, where she focused on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Her political involvement has deepened over the years. As Chair of AFPI, she worked to promote education reform, particularly school choice, advocating for policies that give parents greater control over their children’s education.

She also serves as co-chair of the Trump-Vance Transition Team, reflecting her growing influence in Republican policy-making circles.

As education secretary, Ms McMahon is expected to advance policies that prioritise school choice and decentralise federal oversight of education, returning more control to state governments.

The head of the Osun State Park Management System, Wakeel Nurudeen, popularly known as Alowonle, was reportedly arrested on Monday night by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Osun State Police Command.

Alowonle was allegedly found in possession of police-issued arms and ammunition.

His arrest is also linked to the alleged killing of one Oyewale in 2022 and the assault of several residents in the state.

According to a reliable security source, he was apprehended at the Ring Road area of Osogbo while allegedly attempting to attack a resident who had filed a petition against him.

Reports indicate that Alowonle and his associates arrived at the scene in a Previa bus with registration number RBC 275XK.

However, a distress call alerted the police, leading to his arrest.

The source continued: “Police reinforced and he was rearrested at Susi area of Oke-Baale, Osogbo alongside eight others. They were taken to the Osun State Command.”

A police source disclosed that “during the arrest, a Barrett pistol and six rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one expended empty shell were recovered from Alowonle’s private Toyota Highlander unregistered jeep.”

“When he attempted escaping again, he was maimed by police shot.”

It was gathered that a Hummer bus with Reg No. AWK 480YD, Nissan Almera unregistered and Toyota Sienna with Reg no. GNN 595 XD were also reportedly recovered from him.

The source stated that he had been taken to a hospital for treatment.

The Osun Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola has not yet responded to news of the arrest as she did not pick up calls and text messages sent to her.

Marius Hoiby, the 27-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, was arrested on Monday in Oslo on multiple charges, including rape and abuse.

Police in the capital confirmed the arrest, with the charge relating to “sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons is unable to resist the act.”

Alongside this charge, Hoiby faces additional accusations of “abuse in close relationships,” breaching a restraining order, and driving without a valid driver’s licence, NBC News reports.

The charges stem from an ongoing inquiry into alleged abuse involving four women.

The Royal Palace has declined to comment on the matter, referring all inquiries to law enforcement and Hoiby’s defence team.

His attorney, Oyvind Bratlien, confirmed that his client denies the rape accusation but is cooperating with authorities.

The arrest followed a series of troubling incidents involving Hoiby.

In August, he was involved in a violent altercation in Oslo’s Frogner district, where he admitted to bodily harm and property damage. He also pleaded guilty to issuing a death threat in a separate case.

Hoiby’s arrest came after a violent incident earlier this year in which he apologised for his actions, attributing them to a combination of alcohol and drug use during an argument.

He also acknowledged mental health struggles, pledging to seek treatment.

While not officially part of the Norwegian royal family, Hoiby has been a public figure in the royal circle since his mother’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001.

He has attended royal events and lived on royal property with his family.

Despite past media appearances, including a feature in Vogue and roles in Norwegian television, Hoiby’s recent controversies have overshadowed his public persona.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Hoiby’s legal future will depend on the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Nigeria has solidified its position as a leading source of international students in the United States, ranking seventh globally and first in Africa, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.

The US Embassy disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

For the 2023/2024 academic year, 20,029 Nigerian students enrolled in US colleges and universities, marking a 13.5 per cent increase from the previous year.

The report, released during International Education Week, revealed that US institutions now host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students, the highest in history.

Nigerian students represent a significant share of this population, known for their academic excellence and commitment to higher education.

More than 55 per cent of Nigerian students in the US are pursuing graduate-level studies, enriching the academic and cultural environment of American universities.

“The report reveals that US colleges and universities host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students this year, marking an all-time high for international enrolment.

“This milestone aligns with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, the leading benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States.

“Notably, Nigeria, with 20,029 students, reinforces its position as the top sending country from Africa and the seventh largest globally,” the statement said.

The steady growth in Nigerian student enrolment reflects the high demand for US education and the strong ties between the two nations.

These connections are further strengthened by educational exchanges, which promote mutual understanding and global collaboration, the statement added.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the fastest-growing region for international education, with a 13 per cent increase in student mobility this year, following an 18 per cent rise in 2022/2023.

“Sub-Saharan Africa’s student mobility grew by 13 per cent in 2023/24, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing region for the second year, following an 18 per cent increase in 2022/23.

“The influx of Nigerian students is a testament to the robust educational ties between the US and Nigeria,” it added.

The Open Doors Report, published by the Institute of International Education in collaboration with the US Department of State, serves as a benchmark for global educational exchange.

It was unveiled as part of International Education Week, an initiative aimed at fostering cross-cultural learning and inspiring future leaders to pursue studies in the United States.

A Nigerian Catholic sister, Francisca Ngozi Uti, has been announced as the 2024 Opus Prize laureate with a prize award of $1 million.

Ms Uti was recognised for her humanitarian work as the founder and executive director of the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention in Abuja during the award ceremony at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit university in Silicon Valley.

The Opus Prize is a prestigious award that recognises unsung heroes worldwide and acknowledges their selfless efforts to address pressing social needs.

“Did I ever imagine being nominated as the laureate? Honestly, no. Words seem inadequate to capture the depth of my joy,” said Ms Uti. “My heart overflows with gratitude.”

She added, “I never dreamed that the work my team and I have been doing in these remote communities would gain recognition not only within our state but beyond our nation’s borders, crossing the Atlantic and reaching as far as the United States of America.”

The Opus Prize award, which totals $1.2 million, was distributed among three honorees, with Ms Uti receiving $1 million and the two other finalists (Father Zachariah Presutti of Thrive for Life Prison Project and Bianca and Cătalin Albu of Jesuit Refugee Service-Romania) each receiving $100,000.

The CWSI is a centre that focuses on addressing issues of marginalisation, oppression and violence against women and girls in all forms, especially by culture and poverty, while also advocating for policies to combat gender-based violence.

The organisation has significantly impacted Nigeria, helping over one million beneficiaries through more than 100 projects.

The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates (NYFPA) has knocked social media activist, Reno Omokri for his recent comments about Nigerian clerics, particularly Pastor Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.

Omokri recently referred to Pastor Enenche as a “Yahoo girl on the altar,” sparking outrage among members of the Christian community.

His comment came after the Pastor harped on the essence of paying tithes.

However, the NYFPA described Omokri’s remarks as “inflammatory, baseless, and deeply irresponsible,” adding that they were unbecoming of someone who presents himself as a political activist and public commentator.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Samuel Geofrey, the group said, “Reno Omokri’s statements are an affront to millions of Nigerians who revere their faith and spiritual leaders.

“His choice of words reflects a profound lack of respect for Christianity and the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding in a civilized society.”

The NYFPA further criticized Omokri’s controversial public record, pointing to alleged inconsistencies in his career, personal life, and political affiliations.

It accused him of using divisive rhetoric to maintain relevance, often at the expense of unity and constructive discourse.

NYFPA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting truth, justice, and peace, urging Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and focus on building a society rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

“Omokri’s statements represent not only an attack on Pastor Becky Enenche but also an affront to the millions of Nigerians who hold their faith and spiritual leaders in high esteem.

“His choice of words betrays a profound lack of respect, not only for Christianity but for the principles of dialogue and mutual respect that underpin a civilized society.

“It is unfortunate that Omokri, who portrays himself as a moral and political compass, has a history marred by inconsistency, self-serving motives, and a penchant for stirring unnecessary controversies,” the statement said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has dismissed two of its staff members over allegations of corruption.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this during the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.

Olukoyede, who stated that the two officials were dismissed two weeks ago, said besides dismissal, erring workers would also be prosecuted henceforth.

“So many other reforms are going on, the issue of our staff and all of that.

“Just two weeks ago, I caused the dismissal of two staff members. You can’t be fighting corruption and your hands are dirty. He who comes to equity, your hands must also be clean.

“And I say I will not only be dismissing them, I will also be prosecuting them because that is what we prosecute others for.

“So you will see that; we are preparing the case files of some of the people we have dismissed,” he stated.

The EFCC boss said he was once subjected to investigation for two years as EFCC secretary, adding that integrity was needed to survive, even as legal practitioners.

He said he had given a standing directive that no prosecution should be more than a 15-count charge.

The Osun State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that the recently amended law establishing the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, grants the corps prosecutorial powers.

This clarification follows what the Assembly describes as a deliberate misinterpretation of the amended law by certain groups.

In a statement issued by Olamide Tiamiyu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, on Monday, the Osun State Assembly noted that Section 4(1)(k) of the amended law explicitly mandates the Amotekun Corps to forward case files to the office of the Attorney-General upon completing investigations.

The Assembly stressed that this provision aligns with Sections 174 and 211 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which assign prosecutorial powers exclusively to the federal and state attorneys-general.

The Assembly noted that the Amotekun Corps was created as a response to escalating security challenges that have overwhelmed the police force, not as a political tool.

While urging critics and stakeholders to refrain from politicising security matters, it cautioned that such actions undermine the corps’ effectiveness and public trust.

According to the statement: “The law was passed with the aim of strengthening crime deterrence and ensuring justice for the people of Osun State. Politicising the operations of Amotekun is not only unhelpful but also dangerous.

“The Assembly further advised individuals and groups with questions or concerns about the law to seek clarification from the appropriate channels instead of spreading false narratives.”

Amotekun, described as a “child of necessity,” was established to address gaps in the security architecture and protect the lives and property of Osun residents.

The Assembly reiterated its commitment to ensuring the corps operates efficiently and free from undue hindrance.

The Assembly urged the public to disregard misinformation and trust in its efforts to safeguard the state’s security interests.

The organised Labour in Cross River says they will not guarantee industrial harmony starting Wednesday if the government fails to concretise plans to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage.

The labour unions made their stand known after staging a walkout at a scheduled meeting with the Joint Public Service Negotiating and Implementation Committee on the new wage on Monday in Calabar.

The committee, chaired by the State Head of Service, Innocent Eteng, also has representatives of the various labour unions, including the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

TUC chair in Cross River Monday Ogbodum said the government appeared not committed to the implementation of the new wage.

Mr Ogbodum noted that labour’s position had earlier forced the government to set up the committee.

“From the look of things, this same committee seems not ready for anything. We have heard from the grapevine that the government is not looking at commencing implementation until January 2025,” he said.

The TUC state chairman said that the labour unions received a directive from their national leadership that implementing the new wage begins in October.

“Our worry is that the Cross River governor was a member of this committee that gave birth to the new wage. He was the South-South representative in that committee, and he is the one lagging behind while other states have already made pronouncements on this new wage for the workers,” he said.

Mr Ogbodum disclosed that the governor had promised the workers that he would implement whatever was agreed upon.

Also speaking, the chairman of NLC in Cross River, Gregory Olayi, said that labour staged a walkout because the government representative in the committee appeared not serious.

He said that aside from the fact that the government had not put anything on the table, the government representative seemed not to be acting on the governor’s mandate.

“We had on Thursday given them (the government) a seven-day ultimatum, which expires Monday at midnight. We will be meeting with all the organs, and whatever decision is taken, we will all see to it after the meeting on Tuesday,” said Mr Olayi.

On Monday, the Edo House of Assembly approved the Revised Supplementary Budget of N485.6 billion for 2024.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, on November 13, in a letter, requested the parliament to consider and pass the Revised Supplementary Budget for the continuous development of Edo.

The motion to dissolve the parliament into a committee of supply to consider the budget was moved by the majority leader of the parliament, Charity Aiguobaruehian and seconded by the minority leader, Eric Okaka.

At the committee of supply, the parliament considered and passed the budget estimates.

The Revised Supplementary Bill of N485.6 billion had N283.1 billion as capital expenditure, while the recurrent expenditure was N202.5 billion.

After the budget passage, the speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, directed the house clerk, Yahaya Omogbai, to give the bill its third reading and forward clean copies to the governor for his assent.

Meanwhile, the House screened and cleared Cyril Adams Oshiomole as commissioner for health-designate.

The police command in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the crisis between the Ibeno and Esit Eket local government areas of the state.

ASP Timfon John, the command`s spokesperson, said in an interview with journalists in Eket on Monday that the attack was carried out by suspected hoodlums from neighbouring communities at midnight on Saturday.

She said the Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, had visited the area with the State Security Service (SSS) director for an on-the-spot assessment.

Ms John said the places attacked were farms, schools, homes, clinics, and public utilities worth millions of naira.

She said the state police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was currently investigating the matter on the directive of the commissioner of police.

Ms John said no casualty had been recorded since the incident started.

The paramount ruler of Ibeno, Owong Effiong Achianga, attributed the crisis in Ibeno communities to the enormous natural resource deposits in the area.

He said Ibeno is blessed with oil and gas, which the entire Akwa Ibom benefits from, adding that his people would not tolerate further aggression from their neighbours.

“I have appealed to Ibeno youths to remain calm. I am appealing to elders, council chairmen of our neighbouring council areas, to call their youths to order,” he said.

He appealed to the state government to intervene and bring peace to the destroyed community and others earlier torched by the hoodlums.

“The government should replace the damaged property and help the displaced people recover from the shock of the atrocities,” he said.

He called on the police to deploy security personnel to Ibeno to protect lives and property, adding that the hoodlums must be apprehended to face the full wrath of the law.