The Abia State Government has reported a significant increase in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), recording approximately ₦15.5 billion between January and June 2024. Commissioner for Finance, Mike Akpara, shared this information during a news briefing at the Government House in Umuahia. He expressed satisfaction with the consistent monthly improvement in revenue figures.

Akpara detailed that the state’s IGR had shown a steady growth, with a notable year-to-date increase from around 59% to 62%. Specifically, from January to June 2024, the IGR totaled ₦15,499,482,456.70. Additionally, from July 1 to July 6, 2024, the state generated ₦17,010,976,942.34.

He highlighted the importance of monitoring monthly average revenue, which provides a clearer picture of income patterns. For example, between June 23 and June 29, 2024, the state generated an average revenue of ₦2.5 billion. From July 1 to July 6, the average revenue increased to ₦2.7 billion, illustrating the cyclical nature of IGR.

To further boost revenue, the government has set ambitious targets: an average monthly revenue generation of ₦4.3 billion and a total of ₦52.4 billion by the end of the year. These targets exceed the budgeted figures to encourage higher performance.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, mentioned that a multipurpose task force has been established to ensure effective tax collection, contributing to the expected consistent increase in revenue generation. The government remains optimistic about achieving and surpassing these targets, aiming to improve the state’s financial stability and development.

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) successfully prevented a 24-year-old man, Shuaibu Yusha’u, from committing suicide in Abuja on Monday. Yusha’u, from Baga Local Government Area of Borno State, had climbed a 120-meter mast at Katampe Hill, within the premises of Aso Radio and Television Services, and threatened to jump in protest against the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he claimed had plunged the country into economic chaos, causing hardship particularly among the poor and vulnerable.

In his attempted suicide note, Yusha’u expressed his demands to the Federal Government: reversing the fuel subsidy removal, declaring a state of emergency in states affected by terrorist attacks and rising insecurity (Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, and Borno), opening national borders to address food shortages, and tackling the issue of out-of-school children.

The acting Director-General of FEMD, Florence Wenegieme, responded to a distress call and arrived at the scene to persuade Yusha’u to abandon his suicide attempt. After about an hour of counselling, she successfully convinced him to climb down. Wenegieme advised citizens against taking their lives to draw government attention, suggesting there are better ways to approach the government with concerns.

She emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is addressing the issues of insecurity and food shortages, as well as providing palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. Wenegieme promised to arrange counselling services for Yusha’u and called for aggressive sensitization campaigns to discourage suicide and promote positive approaches to addressing grievances.

Other government agencies present at the scene included the FCT Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, Department of Reform Coordination, and Nigeria Police.

Residents of Rano town in Kano State are alarmed by the presence of armed hoodlums at the Emirate’s headquarters since Sunday. In a letter to the state Police Commissioner, it was revealed that these armed individuals were stationed at the Emir’s palace by unidentified persons, posing a potential threat to the safety of lives and property.

The letter, quoted by Punch, described the situation: “In the evening of Sunday, July 7, 2024, Rano town, the headquarters of our beloved Rano emirate, was invaded by armed hoodlums, believed to be sponsored by a yet-to-be-identified person(s), who camped at the Emir’s palaces (both the Main Place and historic Tsohon Gari Palace).”

It emphasized that the motives of these armed youths are unknown, and their presence violates the Commissioner of Police’s ban on non-state security actors providing security services in the state, issued on June 20, 2024.

The letter highlighted the peaceful nature of the Rano emirate, noting that its inhabitants are known for conducting their daily activities without causing disturbances. The emirate has enjoyed uninterrupted peace for years, as confirmed by security agencies. However, recent tensions arising from emirate disputes in Kano State have caused discontent among residents, who feel their opinions as stakeholders were not respected.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has clarified that the Samoa agreement does not require Nigeria to recognize LGBTQ or gay rights as a condition for a $150 billion loan or in any other context. NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) emphasized that the agreement respects the local laws and sovereignty of the involved nations, including Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023, and the Supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution.

The NBA reassured that it would advise the Federal Government against any agreements that might undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. The association supports the government’s public awareness campaigns and urges other stakeholders to participate in counteracting negative perceptions about the agreement. It also advised the public to verify the accuracy of information from newspapers and social media.

The Nigerian government has vowed to invalidate any LGBT clause in international agreements. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris stated that the government ensured none of the Samoa Agreement’s 103 Articles and Provisions violated Nigeria’s Constitution or laws. This situation highlights the tension between international cooperation and local cultural values in a globalized world.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the chief spokesman of the Obi-Datti campaign organization, addressed several key issues in a recent interview with Pulse Nigeria:

1. **Obi’s Association with the Obidient Community**:
– Peter Obi did not dissociate himself from the Obidient community. Instead, he emphasized that while the Labour Party attempted to establish an Obidient directorate, the Obidient movement itself is broader and stands for good governance, which Obi represents.

2. **Labour Party’s Internal Crisis**:
– Obi is focused on building a political party everyone can be proud of, despite the current crisis. He is not considering leaving the party but is working towards resolving internal challenges. Obi aims to broker peace within the party as a leader and father figure.

3. **Obi’s Candidacy and Allegations of Igbo Presidency Obsession**:
– Tanko refuted claims that Obi’s candidacy is driven by an obsession for an Igbo presidency. He highlighted that Obi’s emergence was due to his credibility and the support from various regions, including non-Igbo supporters.

4. **Potential Northern Support and Regional Politics**:
– Tanko argued that regional politics and rotational positions stem from past leaders’ incompetence. He believes that if a leader, regardless of their region, performs well, they would gain broad support. He expressed confidence in Obi’s ability to bring positive change if elected.

5. **Peter Obi’s Next Move Amidst Labour Party Dispute**:
– While Tanko hopes for a resolution to the Labour Party’s internal issues, he stated that Obi’s priority is to work with various parties and stakeholders to salvage the country. Obi is open to collaboration with other political parties.

6. **Relationship with Julius Abure**:
– Obi maintains a cordial, father-son-like relationship with the Labour Party’s national leadership under Julius Abure. Tanko emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort within the party.

7. **Kenneth Okonkwo’s Statements**:
– Tanko acknowledged that individuals have the right to express their views. He assured that Obi takes such feedback constructively to improve and move forward as a team.

8. **Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention**:
– Tanko emphasized the importance of the rule of law in addressing the detention of Nnamdi Kanu. He called for adherence to legal processes to avoid anarchy.

9. **Lessons from the Election Tribunal**:
– Tanko highlighted the need for better organization within the Labour Party. He stressed the importance of following proper processes to establish legitimate leadership and strengthen the party’s foundation.

The political landscape in Rivers State remains tense as two factions of the State House of Assembly are set to hold parallel sessions today, July 8, 2024. This development exacerbates the existing uncertainty and highlights the urgency of the situation.

On Sunday night, the faction led by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, which supports Governor Siminalayi Fubara, issued a letter through the Clerk, Dr. G. M. Gillis-West, inviting Emmanuel Frank-Fubara for screening and confirmation as a member of the State Executive Council on Monday. This session is scheduled to take place in an improvised chamber at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, the faction led by Hon. Martin Amaewhule, aligned with the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, will also convene for a plenary session today at the State Assembly’s official quarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.

The Amaewhule-led lawmakers’ agenda remains unclear, but it marks their first sitting since the Court of Appeal affirmed them as legitimate members of the House. They may discuss critical issues, potentially including the ongoing police barricade of the state’s 23 local government councils, which has lasted over two weeks.

The backdrop to this crisis includes the bombing of the State House of Assembly Complex in October 2023, following an attempt by 27 lawmakers loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike to impeach Governor Fubara. Subsequently, pro-Wike lawmakers announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the political turmoil in the state.

Currently, the fate of the 27 lawmakers remains subject to ongoing litigation, further complicating the political landscape in Rivers State.

Alhaji Tahir Shehu, the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, praised Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for enhancing the party’s standing through his recognition as the best governor for infrastructural development. Speaking at a dinner in Yola honoring Governor Fintiri, Shehu highlighted that this was the second occasion Fintiri had received such recognition.

He noted that Governor Fintiri had previously been acknowledged by former President Muhammadu Buhari and now by President Bola Tinubu for his exceptional achievements in infrastructure development. Shehu expressed pride in Fintiri’s accomplishments, emphasizing that as the state party chairman, Fintiri’s efforts had made a significant impact.

Shehu assured Governor Fintiri of continued support to enable further development initiatives in Adamawa State and beyond. Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, Deputy Governor, conveyed congratulations on behalf of Adamawa women, commending Fintiri for his efforts in promoting women’s representation in upcoming council elections.

Dr. Auwal Tukur, Secretary to the State Government, also extended congratulations to Governor Fintiri, pledging ongoing support for the successful implementation of state policies and programs. In response, Governor Fintiri expressed gratitude to the people of Adamawa State for celebrating with him and vowed to continue striving to attract investors and drive further development.

He attributed the national recognition to the collective support and cooperation of the people, highlighting that his administration’s reforms and institution-strengthening efforts had facilitated significant investments totaling $125 million in the state.

Unidentified gunmen struck on Sunday night, targeting a patrol vehicle and resulting in the tragic deaths of three vigilance operatives and an innocent passerby at Umuaka Community in Njaba Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred near the local Afor Umuaka Market and Hilltop Primary School around 7:20 pm. A community leader, speaking anonymously, described the attack as a devastating ambush.

The source revealed that Umuaka Community and its neighboring areas have been enduring a siege from gunmen and suspected kidnappers who have been terrorizing the region recently. It was noted that criminal elements had recently established bases in Ezioha Community in Mbaitoli LGA, from where they launched attacks on local residents.

“The dismantling of terrorist camps in Orsu LGA and other parts of the state forced them to relocate to Ezioha Community,” the source explained. “Their unchecked activities have led to the abduction of at least 10 individuals over the past six weeks. Despite no ransom demands or recovered bodies, all of them remain missing. Last night’s incident was a continuation of their relentless attacks.”

Confirming the tragic incident in Owerri on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Imo State, ASP Henry Okoye, reported that three vigilance personnel and a female passerby, struck by a stray bullet, lost their lives during the ambush.

Okoye stated that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Aboki Danjuma, had deployed a Tactical Squad to track down and apprehend the culprits responsible for the heinous act.

“CP Aboki Danjuma expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident and assured that every effort will be made to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators,” the police spokesman emphasized. “He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased victims and prayed for the repose of their souls.”

He urged the public, especially residents of Njaba, to come forward with any pertinent information regarding the hoodlums, encouraging them to contact the nearest Police Station or utilize the command’s emergency hotlines at 08034773600 or 08098880197.