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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reiterated his government’s dedication to the well-being of retirees by initiating the third phase of pension disbursements, amounting to N5 billion. This raises the total funds distributed to retirees during his administration to N16 billion. In a statement from his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf highlighted that this program is part of continuous efforts to assist retirees who contributed many years of service to the state. The start of the third phase emphasizes the administration’s constant commitment to tackling unresolved pension debts and safeguarding the financial well-being of Kano’s elderly population. In previous phases, the governor designated N6 billion in the first phase for retirees below Grade Level 10, and another N5 billion in the second phase for those who dedicated 35 years of service to the state. Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s resolve to resolve all pending pension and gratuity payments for retirees in Kano. He guaranteed them that their benefits would be paid on time, emphasizing that the important contributions of retirees would be acknowledged. “Our administration is completely dedicated to tackling the issues that retirees encounter.” “We will keep focusing on their welfare and make sure that all outstanding benefits are resolved clearly and promptly,” the governor said. The third phase of my payments is a significant move in Governor Yusuf’s initiatives to rebuild confidence in the state’s pension system and improve the quality of life for retirees in Kano.

On Thursday, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya appointed five new Permanent Secretaries and encouraged them to maintain a firm position against corruption, indiscipline, incompetence, and waste. The appointees include Prof. Muazu Shehu Usman (Gombe LGA), Mohammed Bello Abubakar (Akko LGA), Mohammed Yusuf Kulani (Balanga LGA), Ahmed Saidu Guli (Dukku LGA), and Alhassan Ibrahim (Yamaltu Deba LGA) were addressed by Governor Yahaya after their swearing-in. He highlighted the government’s dedication to integrity and effective governance, stating, “Our administration will not tolerate corruption, indiscipline, incompetence, or waste.” He stated that your service to the state should embody the goodwill we have shown in our pursuit of outstanding governance and service delivery. The governor emphasized the essential role of permanent secretaries in the civil service, calling them the foundation of governance and the key to implementing policies. “Your new roles require nothing less than excellence.” “You play a crucial role in maintaining continuity and effectiveness in governance,” he stated. Governor Yahaya emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing the civil service for better performance. He finished by congratulating the appointees on their deserved roles.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has prohibited commercial banks in Nigeria from releasing or handling any funds and assets amounting to $225.8 million owed to Nduka Obaigbena from his accounts. Obaigbena is the chairman and editor-in-chief of THISDAY Media Group and Arise News Channel. This ruling comes after First Bank of Nigeria Limited and FBNQuest Trustees Limited filed a lawsuit, claiming that General Hydrocarbons Limited owes them $225,802,379.69 in unpaid debt from loans as of September 30, 2024. The court also prevented the release or handling of any funds and assets up to that amount belonging to Efe Damilola Obaigbena, Olabisi Eka Obaigbena, and General Hydrocarbons Limited, all of whom are directors and shareholders in the oil and gas company. First Bank of Nigeria Limited and FBNQuest Trustees Limited had approached the court on December 27, 2024, seeking orders related to the $225.8 million claim, which they assert is the outstanding debt on General Hydrocarbons’ account with First Bank as of September 30, 2024.

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose is still “standing strong.” Olayinka’s comments were in reply to statements made by Babafemi Ojudu, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, regarding his role in orchestrating Fayose’s ousting. Ojudu claimed that he orchestrated Fayose’s impeachment in 2006 with the assistance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He made these remarks during an appearance on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, which aired on Thursday morning. Ojudu explained that he identified and utilized a vulnerable group—former lawmakers in Ekiti State who were opposed to Fayose—to facilitate the impeachment. In response, Lere Olayinka challenged Ojudu to walk freely like Fayose and see if anyone would recognize him. Posting a photo of Fayose at a Lagos event on his X page, Olayinka wrote: “This is Ayo Fayose, Osokomole in Lagos today, still standing tall… Let Buoda Gani Femi Ojudu, who claims to have singlehandedly removed Fayose as governor in 2006, come and walk and receive the same acknowledgment.”

The naira strengthened against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market for the first time this week. Data from FMDQ indicated that the naira increased by N0.47, reaching N1,541.23 per dollar on Thursday, up from N1,541.70 the day before. Additionally, the naira held steady at N1,660 per dollar on Thursday, the same rate as the previous day. This change comes as the CBN announced on Thursday that it would immediately suspend approvals for extending the repatriation of export proceeds. DAILY POST notes that the naira had been declining against the dollar for the past three days earlier this week.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, regarding the Expatriates Employment Levy (EEL). Both officials are required to appear in court on January 16 to explain why the introduction of the new expatriate tax system should not be halted. Justice Inyang Ekwo made this ruling on Thursday after a motion was filed by plaintiff’s counsel, Patrick Peter. The judge ordered that the minister and AGF be served with the motion within three days. The lawsuit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CD/22024/2024, was brought by the Incorporated Trustees of New Kosol Welfare Initiative, which is seeking a temporary injunction to prevent the implementation of the new tax regime until the motion is considered. The group’s Programme Implementation Coordinator, Raphael Ezeh, noted that the EEL policy was announced by the government on February 27, 2024. Ezeh explained that according to KPMG and other analysts, the government aims to require companies employing expatriates to pay $15,000 per year for director-level expatriates and $10,163 for non-director expatriates. Ezeh also mentioned proposed penalties for non-compliance, including imprisonment and fines for inaccurate reporting. He argued that the new tax system would significantly harm Nigeria’s economy and highlighted the need for collaboration between the executive and legislative branches on taxation issues, emphasizing that the executive alone cannot impose taxes under the 1999 Constitution. The case has been adjourned to January 16 for the defendants to present their defense. The Federal Ministry of Interior had previously suspended the EEL implementation in 2024 for further discussions with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and other stakeholders.

Sir Mike Okiro, the former Inspector General of Police, has stepped back from the competition for the role of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. According to DAILY POST, Okiro disclosed this during a press conference in Enugu on Thursday. His decision was based on a ruling from an Enugu State High Court that prohibits him from participating in the election. Below is the complete text of his press briefing. “My beloved brothers and sisters, I, Sir Mike Okiro CFR, candidate for President General in the upcoming Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election on January 10, 2025, speak to you today with determination. I have learned of the Enugu State High Court’s temporary order that unfortunately prevents me from participating in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow. This court order, based on claims about my non-indigene status, goes against established facts.” It is regrettable that the court did not reach out to me or consider my perspective before issuing that unpleasant order that I learned about through the media. The facts are (a) that I come from Egbema in Rivers State, as indicated by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also verified that I am a native of Rivers State. (c) I have authored several books that highlight my indigenous roots in Rivers State in the author’s section. An excellent illustration is my top-selling book, called “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy.” (d) Page 6 of my biography by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also indicates that I am a native of Rivers.

United States President-elect Donald Trump greeted his former Vice President, Mike Pence, with a handshake on Thursday during the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter in Washington. This marked the first public encounter between the two since leaving office in 2021. DAILY POST notes that their relationship has been tense since the last days of their administration. Trump and some of his associates were reportedly attempting to persuade Pence that he had the authority to reverse President Joe Biden’s election results. Nonetheless, Pence had a different opinion. Following that, Trump stated: “Mike Pence lacked the bravery to take the necessary actions to safeguard our Country and our Constitution, allowing States to verify a corrected set of facts instead of the false or misleading ones they were previously asked to certify.” The United States seeks the truth! In 2023, at the annual Gridiron dinner in Washington, Pence condemned Trump’s involvement in the Capitol attack on January 6, stating, “President Trump was wrong.” I didn’t have the authority to change the election results. His thoughtless words put my family and everyone at the Capitol in danger that day. “I believe history will hold Donald Trump responsible,” Pence stated. “Let there be no doubt, what occurred that day was shameful, and it undermines decency to depict it otherwise.” Trump selected JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate for the 2024 election.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has authorized the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development in the state. This information was shared in a statement by Mrs. Folashade Ayoade confirmed on Thursday evening that this decision is effective immediately. She stated that the goal of this move is to improve livestock management in the state, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

A midnight fire has claimed the lives of a 24-year-old woman named Jumai Sunday and her baby son, Nasir Rabiu, in Abuja. The victims were reportedly from the Eggon Local Government Area in Nasarawa State. The fire broke out in a house at the Kugbo Furniture Market within the Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. Eyewitnesses stated that the blaze started while the woman and her son were asleep on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. After firefighters managed to control the flames, neighbors and well-wishers found the charred bodies while organizing the area. Lakur Langyi, the police officer in charge of the Karu Division in Abuja, confirmed the incident to reporters, stating that his team received emergency calls at midnight and responded to the scene, where they found the mother and child deceased. He noted that the cause of the fire is still unknown and that the police have initiated an investigation. “Yes, there was a fire incident in Kugbo at a place called Bakassi,” he said. At midnight on Wednesday, my team received emergency calls and went to the location, where they found a woman named Jumai Sunday and her one-and-a-half-year-old son, both of whom had been burned to death,” he stated. The victims have since been interred at Kugbo Cemetery located off the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi Expressway.