The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has said the government policies to revitalize the economy have been yielding positive returns.

Naija News reports that Edun stated this on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

Edun, along with his team, visited the First Lady’s office to inform her about the forthcoming 32nd Annual General Meeting of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM Bank), which will be held between June 23rd and 27th this year.

Mrs. Tinubu expressed readiness in hosting the spouses of Heads of Governments of African and other Countries who would be attending the meeting, noting that it would be another opportunity to showcase the best of Nigeria.

“This is one of the ways that God has just been blessing us in this administration with the quality of the people that are running the affairs of the country.

“Therefore, I thank the Minister for approaching us with the forthcoming AGM meeting of the AFRIMEX Bank. Meanwhile, ours is very easy being the wife of Mr President, I am supposed to be the Chief Hostess and to ensure that we take care of things,” she said.

The Minister, in his remarks, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stabilising the nation’s economy with manufacturing and export becoming more competitive with others globally.

He emphasised Nigeria’s strong partnership with AFREXIM Bank and its commitment to fostering trade and economic growth for Africa and beyond.

“What we refer to was the competitiveness of the Nigerian economy, bold and courageous under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu over the last 20 months, the AFREXIM Bank has been reformed, it has been changed and it has been improved.

“We have a situation now where we have inflation stabilizing, food prices crashing down, petroleum prices coming down amongst other improvements in the economy.

“While we still have relatively high inflation, there is focus on helping people with their cost of living, and those reductions in major prices that affect the land, particularly encouraging and heartwarming for Mr President,” he stated.

Edun, who specifically talked about the reduction in inflation, added that this would be stabilised to the minimal level as time goes on with policies that would favour the indigenous manufacturers to be able to compete with others globally being put in place.

The 32nd AFREXIM Bank Annual General Meeting has as its theme, ‘Building the Future on Decades of Resilience’ and would be held in Abuja.

The immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the crises being faced by opposition parties like the PDP, LP, NNPP, amongst others, were being sponsored by “the government of the day.”

El-Rufai stated this during a visit to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) national headquarters on Tuesday, barely 72 hours after he resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP. 

Recalls that El-Rufai, who was one of the founding members of the ruling APC, resigned and joined the opposition party on Monday.

In a statement issued on Monday announcing his defection, El-Rufai said developments in the last two years confirmed that those who currently control and run the APC did not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation. 

The former governor said on Tuesday that even the act of going to courts, divisions, and factions across opposition parties were all contrived by the ruling party to destabilise the opposition.

“The crisis that is being faced in the Labour Party is contrived and funded by the government of the day.

“Everyone knows it. Jumping from one court to another is all designed to distract the party leadership from focusing on their functions.

“The same thing is happening in the PDP, even the NNPP has been targeted with distraction.

“There are people that have been resourced to go and cause problems in the NNPP. The last thing I read about NNPP was that one faction of the party has expelled Kwankwaso and the sitting governor.

“When you see things like that, you know it’s contrived crisis. Which party sacks a sitting governor? The only governor they have, you know it is contrived.

“I don’t have the details, I cannot mention names,” El-Rufai stated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tactically asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement the recent judgement by the Supreme Court on the political crisis in Rivers State.

Addressing political leaders from the South-South on Tuesday in Abuja, Tinubu emphasised the critical need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State to ensure lasting peace and prosperity.

During a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), President Tinubu, in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, reiterated that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony.

The President advised the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, by insisting that the judiciary’s interpretations of the Constitution be respected. 

“I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job. I must do it with all my heart, whatever it takes.

“I will make sure we achieve our promises and goals. Nigeria is a great country. To some cabinet members here, from outside looking in and inside looking out, we have been doing our best to give Nigeria a re-bounce, a reset and a recalibration of the economic fortune.

“Yes, Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg. I just wanted to let you know that I got your signal and your concern, particularly on Rivers State.

I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened.

“We reached an agreement, written agreement, and both parties signed.”

The President said stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising the Constitution.

“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as President without a rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations. Human beings can make errors. But once the court has spoken, that is it.

“Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability,” he added.

President Tinubu told the delegation that his priority remains community development, particularly projects and programmes that positively impact citizens.

“Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. I have given the situation enough time and enough consideration. We cannot fall back, and we will not. The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy. We worked together on it. They will not suffer. They must be protected,” President Tinubu said.

The President commended the leadership of the Niger Delta.

“I have seen what you have tolerated in the region. Community development is very close to my heart. The leader of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, is doing a great job and should be encouraged to do more.

“He is your son. We are all proud of him. Yes, there are lots of misadventurers around Nigeria on democracy. We will continue to work on preserving the integrity and character of our legislators.

“I sincerely thank you for bringing up those issues. And for doing what you are doing for the country. Nigeria is too big for anyone. And greater than anyone. It is so great. That greatness must come from us through our determination, perseverance and endurance to do all we can to improve it.” 

President Tinubu thanked the delegation for acknowledging the efforts to stimulate the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth. 

“We cannot achieve Eldorado in one day. But we are on the path to it. We will succeed by the grace of God Almighty. We are resetting the economy, and it looks far better. We have funds for our children in college. Our medical colleges are also getting equipped,” he said. 

The President noted that the ongoing coastal road project will create new economic benefits for the Niger Delta and the country. 

“We are already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta States,” he stated. 

King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked the President for his commitment to South-South well-being and appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes. 

“Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support. I can say now that God bless Nigeria and your government,” he said. 

Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and co-chair of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, called for further intervention in the Rivers State crisis. 

Attah, who also chairs the reconciliation committee set up by PANDEF in Rivers State, said the political crises in Rivers State threaten national stability and deserve more attention. 

“Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation,” he added. 

He praised the President’s reforms, including power devolution and regional development recognition, and urged focus on infrastructure, seaports, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism in the South-South. 

The PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious figures, and youth and women groups.

Pandemonium broke out on Tuesday night in Lagos residents of Otedola Estate and road users around the vicinity scampered for safety when a gas-laden tanker exploded and resulted in a raging blaze outward of Otedola Bridge in the Omole area of Lagos.

It was gathered that the inferno started at about 8pm when the accident involving a gas tanker led to an explosion with motorists and other road users fleeing in different directions.

Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, disclosed and confirmed that the inferno was being curtailed as it has spread to properties along the road leading to the Otedola bridge.

According to her, “The 30 tonnes DAF Gas Truck with an unknown registration number is on its way navigating the Lagos-Ibadan expressway before an accident resulting in an ensuing explosion accompanied with fireballs in front of a Redeemed Church.”

Adeseye further said, “The resultant fire quickly spread to the church and adjoining bungalow building as well as four different brands of vehicles while it is being mitigated from causing further damage.”

Meanwhile, she added that while firefighting operations were ongoing, there has been no record of casualty, promising further updates to follow.

The chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State, Moses Peter Oricha, has urged the general public, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard a purported congress being organised by some individuals claiming to be members of the party later this week.

The alarm comes barely 24 hours after the former Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, joined the party. 

The SDP is being projected as the party of choice for the opposition coalition movement as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party have been weighed down by series of crisis.

Oricha, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noted that certain individuals, whom he described as ghost members, are planning to conduct a congress on behalf of SDP in Kogi State on March 12, 2025.

“It has just come to my notice that some ghost individuals claiming to be members of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Kogi State are planning to organise a state congress this Wednesday, 12th March 2025.

“This is not only laughable but criminal in a modern democratic setting. These individuals are not only faceless but are also being sponsored by their paymasters—not just for their selfish interests but also to cause chaos in our party, which we built from scratch.

“The general public should not take these individuals seriously with their caricature of a state congress, which cannot stand the test of time because nobody knows them in SDP Kogi State.

“I have written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, and copied the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Commissioner of Police, urging them to disregard and stop this purported illegal congress, which will never stand the test of time.

“I am the authentic chairman of SDP in Kogi State, and we will not allow intruders who are working hard to destroy our party, which we have built over the years. This congress, scheduled for Wednesday, is null and void and cannot stand,” he said.

Oricha recalled that the congress of the present executive under his leadership, held on April 9, 2022, remains valid under the SDP constitution.

Explaining further, he said: “Any plan to conduct an SDP congress in Kogi State cannot hold. We urge SDP supporters to disregard any such purported plan by this group of disgruntled elements who are enemies of our party.

“To me, these are all ghost individuals who are not members of the SDP. We urge INEC and security agencies to be on high alert. As far as the SDP is concerned, there is no congress taking place later this week or this year until April 2026, in accordance with our party’s constitution.”

Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, has dismissed claims that 25 lawmakers are planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress to an unnamed party.

According to Leadership, Olukayode described in a Tuesday statement that the report is “entirely false and without merit.”

“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false and without merit.

“During the recent leadership dispute within the Assembly, a similar report surfaced, suggesting that twenty-seven (27) members were preparing to leave the APC for the Labour Party.

“That claim was also unequivocally refuted, with members affirming their commitment to the party and confidence in resolving internal disagreements through established mechanisms,” he stated.

He emphasized that no APC lawmaker in the Assembly was contemplating defection, reiterating that as progressives, any challenges faced are resolved through democratic and lawful means.

Olukayode further assured that the APC leadership is actively addressing all internal concerns and outstanding issues will be resolved amicably.

He urged those spreading the rumours to desist from misleading the public, stressing that the Lagos Assembly remains focused on its legislative duties of enacting laws and motions that drive the state’s development.

PUNCH Online reports that the Lagos State House of Assembly recently experienced significant leadership changes.

On January 13, 2025, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Mojisola Meranda was subsequently elected as the first female Speaker of the Assembly.

However, on March 3, 2025, Meranda resigned from her position, and Obasa was reinstated as Speaker.

These events have led to internal disagreements within the Assembly, prompting rumours of potential defections.

However, as stated by Olukayode, members have reaffirmed their commitment to the APC and are confident in resolving internal disagreements through established mechanisms.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised the alarm over the activities of 58 illegal Ponzi scheme operators defrauding Nigerians under the guise of investment opportunities.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the companies are neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria nor the Securities and Exchange Commission, making their operations illegal.

Oyewale noted that the commission has taken legal action against many of the entities, leading to the conviction of five, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting further judicial processes.

He added that other cases are still pending arraignment.

The statement read in part, “In line with its commitment to sanitising the financial space of the nation and providing the investing public with adequate and reliable information, the EFCC hereby alerts Nigerians to the operations of 58 companies posturing as investing entities but defrauding innocent citizens of their hard-earned money.”

According to Oyewale, some of the flagged companies include Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies, AQM Capital Limited, Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited, Brickwall Global Investment Limited, Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech and Green Eagles Agricbusiness Solution Limited among others.

The statement added, “Richfield Multiconcepts Limited, Forte Asset Management Limited, (Biss Networks Nigeria Limited, S Mobile Netzone Limited, Pristine Mobile Network), Letsfarm Integrated Services, Bara Finance & Investment Limited, Vicampro Farms Limited, Brooks Network Limited, Gas Station Supply Services Limited, Brass & Books Limited, (Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Limited,) and Crowdyvest Limited,

“Others are: Jadek Agro Connect Limited, Adeeva Capital Limited, Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated, Skapomah Global Limited, MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited, TRJ Company Limited, Farm4Me Agriculture Limited, Quintessential Investment Company, Adeprinz Global Enterprises, Rockstar Establishment Limited, SU.Global Investment, Citi Trust Funding PLC, Farm Buddy, Eatrich 369 Farms & Food, Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited, Farm Sponsors Limited, Cititrust Credit Limited, Farmfunded Agroservices Limited, Adamakin Investment & Works Limited.

“The rest include: Cititrust Holding PLC, Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited, Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited, Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited, Farm 360 & Agriculture Company, Requid Technologies Limited, West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited, NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins, XY Connect Investment Limited, River Branch Unique Investment Limited, Hallmark Capital Limited, CJC Markets Limited, Crowd One Investment, Farmkart Foods Limited, KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited, Holibiz Finance Limited, Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services, Servapps Nigeria Limited, Barrick Gold Mining Company and 360 Agric Partners Limited.”

Oyewale assured the public that the EFCC remained vigilant in monitoring and prosecuting fraudulent investment schemes, warning Nigerians to exercise caution before committing funds to any financial entity not duly registered with regulatory bodies.

“We urge the public to verify any investment opportunity with the CBN and SEC before engaging. The EFCC remains committed to safeguarding the public from predatory operators and ensuring a corruption-free economic environment,” the statement added.

He urged victims of fraudulent schemes to come forward with complaints and assured them that efforts were ongoing to recover funds where possible.

A former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Barrister John Nwobodo, has stated that it will not be politically proper for the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi  to deputise a northern candidate in 2027.

Nwobodo, a former governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Enugu State stated this in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP in Enugu.

He said instead of deputising a northern candidate in 2027, Obi should forget any presidential ambition.

Nwobodo insisted Obi has really created an impact in Nigeria’s political landscape, saying he does not think the former presidential candidate is a desperate politician who will run for political office at all cost.

“I do not think that it would make political sense for Obi to deputise a Northern candidate in 2027 instead of doing that he should  not run.

“Mr. Obi has really created an impact in the political landscape of Nigeria. I do not think that he is a desperate politician who would run for a political office at all cost” Nwobodo stated.

He, however, warned that it will take extraordinary measures to defeat the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the presidential election in 2027.

Nwobodo said the APC is well entrenched in terms of membership and spread coupled with high network Nigerians in its fold.

“Without pandering to the political sentiments or emotions, it would take extraordinary measures to defeat APC in 2027. I say so because the party is well entrenched in terms of membership and spread coupled with high networth Nigerians in its fold.

“The problem of leadership in Nigeria is not one of the party nomenclature but a deep-rooted problem of lack of patriotism and the negative mindset of most politicians who see politics as a tool for aggrandizement of power and money.

“But returning to the question, I think the only kind of opposition that can wrestle power from the APC is the opposition that would field new breed promoted by an amalgamation or coalition of political parties and a well mobilized citizens. Any political arrangement that favours the old politicians would hit the rock.’ he stated.