Politics
LP Lawmaker who supported N160Million SUV For Lawmakers, Says Nigeria Needs To Reduce Cost Of Governance
Mr Benedict Etanabene, a member of the Labour Party (LP) in the House of Representatives, has said there is a need for Nigeria to reduce the cost of governance to move the country forward.
The lawmaker said this when he appeared as a guest on a live programme aired by Arise News TV, stating that corruption and reckless spending of public funds by political officeholders are to be blamed for the country’s lack of growth.
He said, “I have said it severally and we all agreed that the way we are running the government is too expensive. We must adjust everywhere.
Let me give one clear example: governments shout every day that they are doing bunkering, who are those that do bunkering? The same big men in government in Abuja here. People sell crude more than what the Nigerian government is selling.
We are not even meeting our quota in OPEC. So if we cut down (governance) and corruption, we will gain a lot of money.”
Meanwhile, Benedict was among the lawmakers who lost their voices when the leadership of the 10th National Assembly bought luxurious SUVs valued at about N160 million each for over 460 lawmakers in 2023.
The purchase of these vehicles was a subject of public condemnation, yet none of the lawmakers publicly objected to it as the National Assembly went ahead with the extravagant spending.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project filed a lawsuit against the purchase of the vehicles by the lawmakers
The civil group filed the action on the heels of the statement by Senate President Mr Godswill Akpabio that the Clerk of the National Assembly had sent “holiday allowances” into the “various bank accounts of senators” while the current government had pushed about millions of Nigerians into abject poverty.
In suit numbered FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP seeks: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to review and reduce the N40 billion budgeted to buy 465 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.
An order restraining Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas from demanding or receiving the N40 billion to buy 465 SUVs and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials until an assessment of the socio-economic impact of the spending on the 137 million poor Nigerians is carried out in the public interest.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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