NEWS
JUST IN: Lagos Assembly Approves N3.37trn 2025 Budget, Passes LG Bill
The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a total budget of N3,366,815,224,144 for the 2025 fiscal year.
The approval, which was granted on Monday, followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Sa’ad Olumoh, during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
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The budget, themed the “Budget of Sustainability,” was earlier presented to the House on November 21, 2024, by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to the governor, the budget is designed as “a blueprint for continuity, resilience, and prosperity for residents.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu outlined that the 2025 budget has a total size of N3,005,935,198,401, with a revenue projection of N2.597 trillion and a deficit financing of N408.902 billion.
The deficit, he said, would be funded through external and internal loans, as well as bonds.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the budget focuses on five critical pillars: “Infrastructure Sustainability, conomic Diversification, nstitutional Reforms
Revenue Breakdown:
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): N1.970 trillion
Federal Transfers: N626.137 billion
The governor proposed N1.239 trillion for recurrent expenditure, comprising the following: “Total Overhead Cost: N722.586 billion, Overhead: N432.580 billion, Subventions: N139.728 billion, Dedicated Funds: N150.278 billion, Total Personnel Cost: N392 billion, Recurrent Debt Charges: N125.232 billion.
Capital Expenditure:
For capital projects, Sanwo-Olu proposed a total of N1.766 trillion, with N1.452 trillion allocated for capital development and N313.515 billion for loan repayments.
Sectoral Allocations
The sectoral breakdown of the budget includes:
Economic Affairs: N908.699 billion
Environment: N233.176 billion
Health: N204.005 billion
Education: N208.376 billion
Security, Safety, and Public Order: N124.073 billion
Social Protection: N47.077 billion
The budget dedicates 41% to recurrent expenditure and 59% to capital expenditure.
The House, after deliberations, approved a revised budget of N3.37 trillion, with N1.295 trillion for recurrent expenditure and N2.071 trillion for capital projects.
Speaker Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit the clean copy of the passed bill to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his assent.
Commending his colleagues for their efforts, Obasa said the budget would ensure Lagos remains on the path of growth and sustainability.
Local Government Consolidation Bill Passed
In a related development, the Assembly also passed a bill consolidating all existing laws on local government administration in Lagos State.
The bill incorporates recent constitutional amendments and directives from the National Assembly to enhance local governance.
Speaker Obasa described the passage as a step toward strengthening the effectiveness of local government administration in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to sign the budget and the local government law in the coming days.
NEWS
Provide Evidence Of Death Threats – Felix Morka Tells Peter Obi
Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has refuted allegations made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, claiming his comments incited threats against Obi and his family.
The controversy stems from a recent interview where Morka reacted to Obi’s New Year message. During the interview on Arise TV, Morka remarked, “Obi has crossed the line so many times,” and added, “whatever he has coming to him, he should manage it.”
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Following the remarks, Obi alleged that he began receiving messages threatening his life and those of his family members.
According to him, Morka’s statements on national television were the catalyst for these threats.
Appearing on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Morka denied the allegations, stating that his comments had been misinterpreted.
He explained that his remarks were in response to criticisms labeling Obi a “voodoo economist” and a “prophet of doom.”
“If Peter Obi was called a prophet of doom or a voodoo economist, he has it coming to him because he has crossed several lines of truth,” Morka said. “There’s nothing in my words to suggest a threat to his life.”
Morka maintained that his comments were about Obi allegedly spreading falsehoods, not an incitement to violence.
“Peter Obi speaks a lot of falsehood. My comment was about him being rightfully labeled for his conduct and not about endangering his life,” he added.
He further challenged Obi to provide evidence of the alleged threats, emphasizing the need for proof.
“He who alleges must prove. If Peter Obi says anyone threatened him, he must, beyond just saying, ‘I’ve been threatened.’ For a man in his standing, this is not a matter for TV conversations but for law enforcement to investigate,” Morka stated.
The APC chieftain urged Obi to engage the appropriate authorities rather than making public accusations without substantiation.
NEWS
Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Wife, Ibijoke At 58
The joy of attaining a milestone of 58 years on earth is rocking the home of the first family of Lagos State.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is bubbling and celebrating his wife’s birthday by recounting their journey together and showering praises on her.
He took to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday to declare the admirable qualities of the first lady.
“Ibijoke mi, you are my rock, a reliable and dependable force, a loving wife, and a nurturing mother,” he wrote.
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Gov Sanwo-Olu wrote, “Happy birthday to my incredible wife and partner, Ibijoke who turns 58 today.
“Ibijoke mi, you are my rock, a reliable and dependable force, a loving wife, and a nurturing mother. For decades, you have been a steadfast pillar in my life, and a trusted partner through thick and thin. You are a fundamental part of my journey, standing by my side as we navigate the complexities of public service together.
“I celebrate you today and always. You are kind-hearted, a wonderful companion, and an exceptional mother.
“I thank God for your life and appreciate every moment of support, sacrifice, and love you have poured into the growth and development of Lagos State and our family.
“Happy Birthday, my love!”
NEWS
Court Bars Mike Okiro From Contesting Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidency
A State High Court sitting in Enugu has issued an interim injunction barring the apex Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, from considering the candidacy of former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, for the office of President-General in its upcoming January 10, 2025, election.
The injunction was granted following a motion filed by Chimenu Amadi on behalf of the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State.
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Amadi argued that Okiro, being an indigene of Imo State, is ineligible for the position, which is reserved for candidates from Rivers State.
According to Amadi, “Only indigenes of Rivers State are eligible to aspire for the said position.”
The court further ruled that Okiro should be restrained from contesting for the presidency of the organization “on the grounds of ineligibility with particular reference to his state of origin,” pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.
In a separate ruling, the court issued an interim order permitting the Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu committee to conduct the election as scheduled while restraining certain chieftains from interfering.
Those restrained include Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Richard Ozubu, who have been accused of constituting a parallel body without lawful authority.
A motion filed by Aloy Ejimakor on the matter claimed that these individuals sought to undermine the constitutional process by making the election “an open and free-for-all affair,” thereby causing potential “discord, disharmony, lawlessness, and unrest.”
The court directed that the status quo be maintained and emphasized that the election must adhere to Article 11 of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s constitution, which stipulates that the presidency should rotate among Igbo states and Igbo-speaking people of Delta and Rivers States.
The election is set to fill the leadership vacuum left by the death of the late President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, whose tenure was cut short a few months ago.
Fidelis Ozichukwu has been acting as interim leader and is expected to oversee the group’s affairs until the election is concluded on January 10, 2025.