Politics
FG have faulted claims by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) that President Bola Tinubu was implementing two versions of the 2024 budget.

Published
11 months agoon
By
Ekwutos Blog
The Presidency have faulted claims by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) that President Bola Tinubu was implementing two versions of the 2024 budget.
In a press statement issued by the special adviser information and strategy to the president, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the Presidency described Senator Ningi’s allegations as “completely untrue”.
He clarified that President Tinubu presented a N27.5 trillion budget proposal to the National Assembly in November 2023, not N25 trillion as claimed by Senator Ningi.
He further explained that the National Assembly, exercising its power of appropriation, increased the proposed budget to N28.7 trillion before passing it into law. President Tinubu then signed the revised version of the budget into law on January 1, 2024.
He said, “following the false claims made by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government is operating two versions of the 2024 budget, we consider it appropriate to inform Nigerians that there is no truth whatsoever in the allegation.
“Acting under the banner of Northern Senators’ Forum, Senator Ningi, falsely claimed in an interview he granted BBC Hausa Service, that the National Assembly debated and passed N25Trillion as 2024 budget and not the N28.7 Trillion that is being implemented by the Federal Government.
“To begin with, President Tinubu on November 29, 2023 presented a budget of N27.5 Trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly made up of N9.92 Trillion recurrent expenditure, Debt Service N8.25 Trillion and Capital Expenditure N8.7 Trillion.
“This was widely reported. He did not present a budget of N25 Trillion.
“Contrary to the strange view expressed by Senator Ningi, there was no way the Senate could have debated and passed a N25 Trillion budget that was not presented to the National Assembly.
“We don’t expect a ranking Senator not to pay due attention to details before making wild claims.
“It is also important to let Nigerians know that the budget that President Tinubu signed into law on January 1, 2024 as passed by the National Assembly was N28.7 Trillion.
“The National Assembly, in its wisdom, increased the amount proposed by the Executive by N1.2 Trillion.
“In the spirit of democracy which allows give and take, President Tinubu didn’t withhold his assent to the Appropriation Bill as passed by the National Assembly. We want to stress that if the budget figure was increased and made to be different from what the Executive proposed, it was the National Assembly that jacked it up in exercise of its power of appropriation.”
The Presidency also dismissed Senator Ningi’s claim that the budget was unfair to the Northern region, stating that funding is distributed equitably across the country.
He explained, “on the uncharitable claim that the 2024 budget was anti-North, we found such position as canvassed by Senator Ningi as too far-fetched and unbecoming of a leader of his status.
“President Tinubu is leading a government that is fair and equitable to every part and segment of Nigeria. In terms of funding, distribution of capital and priority projects, the 2024 Appropriation Act was not skewed against any section of the country.
“The North as an integral part of the country is well covered in all areas, from security to agriculture, healthcare to education, and other important infrastructure such as roads, rail, dams, power and irrigation projects to support all year-round agriculture.
“It is concerning that a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can employ such primordial antics to fuel divisive rhetoric at a time well-meaning Nigerians are joining hands with President Tinubu to raise the spirit of national cohesion, unity and inclusive politics.”
Onanuga commended several other Senators for publicly refuting Senator Ningi’s claims.
“We want to use this opportunity to commend Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity for setting the record straight.
“We also commend Senators Steve Sunday Karimi (Kogi), Titus Tartenger Zam (Benue) and Kaka Sheu (Borno) for their forthrightness and for coming out against the misrepresentation of facts by Senator Ningi,” he added.
He, therefore, emphasised President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law and adherence to the National Assembly-approved budget.
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Politics
APGA announces re-commencement of membership registration, revalidation

Published
7 hours agoon
February 17, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has announce the re-commencement of its membership registration and revalidation exercise.
A press release by National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Ejimofor Opara said the exercise which was flagged off on June 1, 2024 is aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and updating its membership records.
The release reads, “Old and new members are encouraged to participate in this exercise by visiting their respective wards to collect membership forms from their ward Chairman.
“Alternatively, they can register online. Note, however, that those who had registered earlier via the online platform do not need to register again.
“The membership registration and revalidation exercise will last for a period of 30 days, commencing from the date of this announcement.”
Politics
OSUN LG SAGA: POLICE CONDEMNS VIOLENCE, VOWS TO DEAL WITH PERPETRATORS. As IGP Orders Deployment of Additional Tactical Squads to Restore Normalcy in Osun

Published
7 hours agoon
February 17, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
PRESS RELEASE
OSUN LG SAGA: POLICE CONDEMNS VIOLENCE, VOWS TO DEAL WITH PERPETRATORS.
As IGP Orders Deployment of Additional Tactical Squads to Restore Normalcy in Osun
In response to the ongoing violence in Osun State, the Nigeria Police Force has condemned, in strong terms, the incidents that have disrupted peace and safety in the state, and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. These violent actions had disrupted the peace, leading to the destruction of property, and the unfortunate loss of innocent lives.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has taken decisive action by ordering the deployment of additional tactical squads to Osun State to bolster security and restore law and order.
The Police recognizes that violence undermines the democratic process and threatens the wellbeing of the citizens, and hereby affirms its commitment to identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators of these acts and caused them to face the full weight of the law.
The IGP issues a stern warning to those who threaten the peace and stability in Osun State, as the Force will not tolerate any act of lawlessness, hooliganism and anarchy in the state. The perpetrators of these criminal acts will be fished out and be caused to face the consequences of their unwarranted ill-fated acts. Citizens must remain calm as normalcy is being restored. Osun indigenes, leaders, and stakeholders are hereby urged to shun violence and go about their legitimate businesses. The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of all electoral disputes and political actors must respect and abide by its rulings, upholding the rule of law and democratic principles. Citizens are advised to go about their lawful business.
The Force reiterates its commitment to clamping down on any violent actors who bent on creating brouhaha and breakdown of law and order in any part of the country. The situation in Osun will be closely monitored, and measures will be enforced to ensure a safe environment for all residents.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCA,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
17TH FEBRUARY 2025
Politics
‘Stop bloodshed’ – Gov Adeleke issues directive over Osun LG violence

Published
8 hours agoon
February 17, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered an end to the bloodshed in the state.
Adeleke’s directive followed the breakout of deadly violence that erupted in local government secretariats across the state.
The governor confirmed that five members of the Peoples Democratic Party were killed during the crisis, while several others were injured.
On Monday, violence broke out when loyalists of the All Progressives Congress attempted to reinstate their local government chairmen, who were removed by a court ruling in 2022.
The opposition by PDP supporters led to chaos and a violent outbreak.
In the course of the violence, the reinstated chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Mr. Remi Abass, was killed.
Reacting via a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke accused the APC of trying to take over the local governments illegally.
He said: “PDP lost five members, with several others wounded.
“Two were killed in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government. Another two died in Ola Oluwa Local Government, and one was killed in Ikire. This bloodshed must stop.”
Adeleke directed residents and politicians to stay away from the local government secretariats as a way to prevent violence.
He added: “Governor Adeleke has directed all Osun residents to avoid the LG secretariats to prevent more violence and protect public property.
“Since the local government workers are on strike, security agencies will take full control of the secretariats.”

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