President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, paid a working visit to Anambra State during which time he commissioned some projects executed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Naija News reported that Governor Soludo commended the President for appointing people from the state into federal positions.

He also urged President Tinubu to address the marginalization of the South East region in some national projects.

Speaking, the President thanked the people of Anambra for welcoming him and conferring on him Omenife 1 of Awka.

He commended Governor Soludo for embarking on developmental projects that would boost the state’s economy.

Tinubu assured that he would address the challenges of the state and the region brought to his attention. He stressed that his administration was committed to addressing economic challenges facing the country.

The full text below:

“Anambra Kwenu! Anambra Kwenu!! Igbo Kwezuenu!!!

“About 30 months ago, I stood at this Venue as Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In less than two years since my assumption of office as your president, I am delighted to be back on a state visit and to commission some legacy projects by your state government. I come as a friend to the great people of Anambra and the Southeast. I salute your enterprise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress. Anambra has long stood as a beacon of commerce, intellect, and cultural strength — a pride not only to the Southeast but to Nigeria.

“My visit today bears a bold testament to parts of my speech during my campaign here. I recall vividly telling you then, “Charles Soludo, your son…is still my friend. I salute his vision. He is a brilliant man. He has the brain. He is a thinker. He knows the way. We will work together inclusively. When I become the president, Soludo will be one of those advisors who will bring prosperity back to you”. From what I have seen and heard, it is evident that a solid foundation is being laid, and Anambra is indeed on the rise. Charles Soludo has been my friend since 2003, and I can also confirm that we are working together for a better Anambra and Nigeria.

“I have just commissioned two landmark projects—the Solution Fun City and the Government House mini-city as part of the initial steps towards your audacious vision of Anambra as African-Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley (ADTS). Together with the massive infrastructural transformation and human capital development, these are bold statements of vision and what leadership can achieve in such a short time. A few years ago, Dubai was largely a desert. Today, it is a global hub because one man dared to dream. I remember when Soludo wanted to consolidate the Nigerian banks; many said it was impossible. It was done, and Nigeria became better for it. I also recall when we dared to tame the Atlantic Ocean, and many naysayers doubted it. But we made it happen. Anambra has huge potential, and with Soludo, we can all work together to fast-track the vision.

“Let me commend the Government of Anambra State for its proactive efforts in improving security. I wish to assure you that the Federal Government will continue to partner with the State and the Southeast to secure our people and their future.

“I have noted the state’s various challenges and your request for assistance and partnership. We will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity to Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians.

“As your president, I am pleased to assure you that the nation’s state is strong and getting stronger by the day under our Renewed Hope Agenda. We met near-insolvent public finance, a decades-old monster of unsustainable multiple subsidies, a chaotic and debilitating forex regime, etc. Like we tamed the Atlantic in Lagos, many of these monsters have been tackled: petroleum and forex subsidies have been tamed; macroeconomic stability has returned within predictable bounds; tax reforms are on the way, etc. These reforms are difficult, yes, but inevitable. Everyone had long recognised their imperatives. Courage and our collective action were required to confront them to lay a strong foundation for a more stable, prosperous and inclusive economy. Already, we are seeing renewed investor confidence, expanding opportunities, and targeted support for small businesses, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors where Anambra is already excelling. Agriculture is receiving massive attention, and the results are beginning to show.

“We have renegotiated and passed a new minimum wage into law as part of our effort to cushion the effect of these reforms on the working class. I am particularly happy that the Government of Anambra State has fully implemented the new minimum wage, and I understand that you are paying above the National minimum.

“We are working to build critical infrastructure — roads, rail, and power — and ensure that every corner of Nigeria, including Anambra, feels the impact of governance that works. The Presidential Power Initiative and the ongoing digital economy drive will open more doors for the resourceful people of this State.

“We continue to plead with Nigerians for their patience and understanding. We call on all patriots and progressives to rise and continue to work hard every day for the greatness of our dear country. We have no other country but Nigeria. We must make it great as the pride of the black race.

“Before I conclude, let me thank the government and the great people of Anambra State for your warm hospitality. In particular, I feel deeply honoured by the conferment of a Chieftaincy title by all the traditional rulers of Anambra State on behalf of the State. In 2005, the traditional ruler of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II), conferred on me the title of Omenife Awka. To have all the traditional rulers of Anambra confer another title on me today is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life. Thank you to the traditional rulers.

“Thank you, Ndi Anambra.

“Many of my friends are from Anambra state, and I have seen many of them today. Going forward, we are not just friends: I am now a bona fide son of the soil—one of you, your own son! Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my retirement home after service.

“It is well with Anambra State! It is well with Nigeria!! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Court affirms Commission’s power to investigate exploitation

Tunji Bello welcomes judgement

Thursday, May 8, 2025: The Abuja Federal High Court today struck out the suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited seeking to restrain the FCCPC from investigating its recent price increases for DStv and GOtv services, declaring it an abuse of court process.

The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, ruled that MultiChoice’s suit was duplicative and improper, given the existence of a similar matter involving the same parties pending before another court. 

Consequently, the Court struck out the application in its entirety.

Recall that Multichoice had defied FCCPC’s invitation in February and proceeded to hike subscription rates barely eight months after similar increase. Instead, the cable service provider filed an application to restrain the Commission from asking questions as to the rationale behind its incessant price increase. 

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho went further to affirm key provisions of the FCCPA 2018 regarding price regulation and the scope of the Commission’s mandate.

The FCCPC’s legal team was led by Prof. Joseph Abugu (SAN), while Mr.  J. Onigbanjo (SAN) led the MultiChoice’s team.

The Court recognized that Section 88 of the FCCPA vests the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the authority to regulate the prices of goods and services when necessary. It also affirmed that the President may delegate this authority to any agency, particularly the FCCPC, for enforcement.

The Court further upheld that, under Section 17 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC is empowered to investigate exploitative pricing practices and to submit its findings, data, and recommendations to the President to inform decisions on price regulation.

Additionally, the Court confirmed that once the President declares specific goods or services as subject to price regulation, the FCCPC possesses full enforcement powers to implement such regulations.

In a swift reaction, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, described the ruling as an affirmation of the rule of law and a significant step towards curbing procedural tactics aimed at obstructing lawful regulatory oversight.

“It sends a clear message that regulatory agencies will not be hindered by procedural roadblocks when exercising their lawful mandate to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the marketplace,” he stated.

According to him, “Nigerian consumers can be assured that the Commission is fully committed to investigating and addressing exploitative pricing and other anti-consumer practices, in line with the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.”

Ondaje Ijagwu

Director, Corporate Affairs

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has suspended six prominent members of the party, including the party’s only elected governor, Alex Otti of Abia State. 

This decision was contained in a statement issued by the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, in Abuja, on Wednesday.  

He said, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a five-man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and any other party members over allegations of anti-party activities.

“The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today, May 7th, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

“Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect. 1. Dr Alex Otti; 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe; 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha; 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah; 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.”

“By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions, including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies, among others, are to take note.

The party also clarified that Nenadi Usman was not included in the suspension list because she is not a registered member of the Labour Party, but merely a supporter of its 2023 presidential candidate.

“We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party,” the statement added.

“She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, and her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its position on political independence, the Labour Party declared that it will not enter into any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition, and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger,” the statement added.

“Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition, those driving the agenda, lack the capacity, character and competence to midwife such a political arrangement. These are people who have failed to manage one political party; how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests? The Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a standalone party, and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”

The leadership of the 10th Senate has postponed the passage of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills to Wednesday for proper scrutiny and debate.

The four bills, Nigerian Tax Bill, Tax Administration Bill, Revenue Tax Board Bill, and Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill were forwarded by the President six months ago as part of efforts to reform the country’s fiscal policies and boost revenue generation.

The delay in the passage of the bills had raised concerns, especially after the House of Representatives approved them two weeks ago, putting pressure on the Red Chamber.

In a related development, the Senate leadership resolved to hold a two-day national security summit to brainstorm a solution to the rising wave of killings and other forms of insecurity in the country.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo south, at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday.

While on a working visit to France, bandits in a senseless campaign of violence killed innocent Nigerians in Plateau, Benue and Zamfara States, culminating in calls for President Bola Tinubu to cut short his vacation to return home to lead the fight against insecurity from the front.

Leading the debate, Ibrahim said the “high level” of global insecurity is driven by events in Russia and Ukraine and compounded by tensions between the global north and global south.

According to him, the issues have continuously worsened food insecurity and affected the attainment of the sustainable development goals.

The former Ondo governorship aspirant emphasised that the ongoing trade tariff war in America and the growing emphasis on balance of power in global affairs are gradually giving way to a new world order.

“This new order reflects in immigration policies, visa cancellations by new regimes, and countries raising funds by selling citizenship — all of which fuel economic conflict and undermine globalisation pursued over the last sixty years,” he said.

Continuing, Ibrahim said Nigeria must clarify its strategic engagement in international affairs, noting that the Senate has a role in advising the executive to maximise national interest

“The next world war may not even require the fanfare of militarism. The incredible growing economic war is gaining ground with destructive innovation in security globally

“There is a need for alternative language in military engagement as well as enhanced funding to advance the professional practices and respected tradition of the future military,” he stated.

He therefore called for an “empirical fact-finding national security summit” to help develop far-reaching solutions.

The senator representing Katsina South, Mohammed Dandutse, seconded the motion, saying the lack of intelligence sharing among security agencies was a major setback.

He said, “Nigeria is blessed, we have no other country except Nigeria. We have to face these criminals squarely. No country succeeds except with peace and security.

“The security agencies are given funding. So there is a need for the judicious spending of these resources.”

The senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe and the senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, however, disagreed with the move.

  Both lawmakers argued that a security summit may not be the solution

The senator representing Benue North-West, Titus Zam and the senate minority leader, Abba Moro,, countered their view by backing the motion.

At the end, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and the majority of senators voted in favour of the summit.

Akpabio, however, proposed that the summit should last for two days instead of the three days proposed by Ibrahim.

The senate subsequently resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to organise the two-day national security summit in Abuja

The event will include delegates from all levels of government, as well as traditional institutions.

The red chamber also urged the federal government to review and rejig the country’s security policies based on outcomes from the summit.