Politics
Gombe Governor Presents N320 Billion Budget Proposal for 2025
Gombe Governor Presents N320 Billion Budget Proposal for 2025
Earmarks 65% for Capital Projects, 35 % for Recurrent Expenditure
2025 Budget Prioritizes Education, Health, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Human Capital, Others
…House Assures Swift Passage
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has presented a Budget Proposal of Three Hundred and Twenty Billion, One Hundred and Ten Million Naira (N320,110,000,000.00) to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage into law.
The proposed budget, tagged “Budget of Resilience and Sustainability,” is aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development across the state.
Presenting the appropriation bill, the governor emphasized that the budget’s contents align with current local, national, and global economic realities.
The Governor explained that of the total budget, N111,087,215,000 has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, accounting for 34.70%, while N209,022,785,000 has been earmarked for capital expenditure, representing 65.30%.
Highlighting significant allocations to key sectors, the governor revealed that the economic sector receives the lion’s share with over N138 billion, followed by works, housing, and transport with over N85 billion, and the social sector with approximately N59 billion.
Furthermore, over N32 billion was allocated to health, education received more than N32 billion, higher education more than N15 billion, and water resources, environment, and forest resources more than N19 billion.
Recognizing the challenging economic climate, the Governor said his administration will implement fiscal reforms, reduce unnecessary spending, and mobilize private sector investment to maximize resource utilization and deliver impactful results.
He emphasized the importance of addressing malnutrition and improving child health, disclosing that significant funds have been allocated to nutrition programmes aimed at enhancing dietary diversity and reducing malnutrition rates among vulnerable populations.
“The 2025 budget aligns with the state’s ten-year development plan, DEVAGOM, which outlines a vision for a more resilient and prosperous Gombe State. By integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its policies and programmes, the government aims to achieve sustainable and inclusive development”.
Reflecting on the 2024 budget, Governor Inuwa noted that the government had achieved significant progress, including the construction of over 800 kilometers of roads, 1,600 classrooms, and building Integrated Tsangaya Model schools in all 11 Local Government Areas of the state.
“Additionally, the Dukku Campus of Gombe State University was completed, academic staff allowances were settled, and funding was provided for the take off of Lincoln University, Kumo Campus”.
In the health sector, the Governor highlighted the provision of primary healthcare facilities in all 114 wards, the upgrade of the State Specialist Hospital and General Hospitals in Kaltungo and Bajoga, and the construction of a new general hospital in Kumo and a 600-student capacity College of Nursing and Midwifery.
“The Go-Health Scheme has provided affordable healthcare coverage to approximately 300,000 residents, including 100,000 vulnerable individuals”, he outlined.
“The government has also made significant strides in agriculture, rehabilitation of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme, implemention of small town water supply schemes and construction of over 1,250 boreholes, particularly in rural areas.
“In addition to these achievements, the government has also cleared over N14 billion in inherited gratuity liabilities and remains up-to-date on pension payments. We also made provision for additional N4.27 billion in gratuity liabilities”.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya restated that his his government resolved to bridge the infrastructure deficit by executing the 3-arm zone project, which will provide modern facilities for the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches. “This ambitious project will leave a lasting legacy for future generations”, the governor declared.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Luggerewo, thanked the Governor for consistently prioritizing the needs of the people through his policies and programmes.
He acknowledged that the proposed 2025 budget aligns with the aspirations of the people of Gombe State, assuring the Governor of the timely and speedy passage of the appropriation bill to enable the government to continue its laudable projects across the state.
The Speaker expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the 2024 budget, highlighting achievements in health, education, urban development, road infrastructure, water reticulation, and other sectors.
He commended the Governor for the ambitious 3-arm zone project, which will provide a modern and efficient working environment for the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The Speaker praised the strong working relationship between the executive and legislative arms, which has facilitated the swift passage of bills and policies that directly benefit the people.
Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe
Politics
BREAKING: Professor Mahmood Yakubu Hands Over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as INEC Acting Chairman’s

In a significant leadership transition, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has formally handed over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as the Acting National Chairman. The handover ceremony took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Professor Yakubu, who has been at the helm of INEC since 2015, expressed gratitude to Nigerians, INEC staff, and development partners for their support during his tenure.
He noted that the Commission had recorded significant progress in electoral transparency, technology adoption, and institutional reforms. Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, in her acceptance speech, pledged to continue building on the foundation laid by Professor Yakubu, ensuring transparency, impartiality, and commitment to credible elections.
The transition comes as INEC prepares for several off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections. Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s experience and institutional knowledge are expected to ensure a seamless process. President Bola Tinubu is expected to nominate a substantive INEC Chairman in the coming weeks, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman has been marked by significant electoral reforms, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. He has overseen two general elections in 2019 and 2023, introducing innovations amid criticisms of technical glitches and electoral integrity issues.
Politics
Kenneth Okonkwo Elected to ADC National Working Committee

Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has been elected into the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as National Ex-Officio by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). This appointment is seen as a testament to his dedication and leadership skills.
Date: October 7, 2025
Position: National Ex-Officio, National Working Committee of ADC
Electing Body: National Executive Committee (NEC) of ADC
Kenneth Okonkwo is a renowned Nollywood actor, lawyer, and public affairs analyst.
He recently resigned from the Labour Party, citing internal crises and lack of effective leadership. Okonkwo was a key figure in the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign and has been an outspoken advocate for good governance and transparency in Nigeria.
Okonkwo’s appointment to the ADC National Working Committee is expected to strengthen the party’s national appeal and contribute to its mission of promoting good governance and people-oriented leadership.
The ADC has been positioning itself as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and Okonkwo’s is seen as a significant boost to the party’s leadership.
Politics
BREAKING: Tinubu Set To Announce Prof Amupitan, Dino Melaye’s Kinsman And Lawyer For 10 Years, As Next INEC Chairman

Ekwutosblog learned that to formalise the appointment, the President has scheduled a meeting of the Council of State for this Thursday.
Barring any last-minute changes, President Bola Tinubu is expected to nominate Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his 10-year tenure across two terms.
Ekwutosblog learned that to formalize the appointment, the President has scheduled a meeting of the Council of State for this Thursday. Amupitan is both a kinsman and longtime legal counsel for Senator Dino Melaye.
On September 26, 2025, Ekwutosblog exclusively reported that Amupitan had emerged as the likely candidate to succeed Yakubu as the INEC National Chairman.
Previously, Ekwutosblog exclusively reported that President Tinubu had directed Yakubu to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
Sources described the move as a response to what they termed Yakubu’s “last-minute betrayal” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government that appointed him.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reportedly met with President Tinubu shortly after the president returned from a 12-day working vacation, alleging that Yakubu’s efforts to register new political parties toward the end of his tenure had disrupted Tinubu’s preparations for a second term.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the governor also claimed that Yakubu was covertly supporting a candidate in the Imo State governorship election.
Following this briefing, Tinubu reportedly requested that Yakubu suspend all official duties and proceed on terminal leave.
Yakubu was first appointed INEC Chairman on October 21, 2015, by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, succeeding acting chairperson Amina Zakari. Following Senate confirmation on October 29, 2015, he was sworn in on November 9, 2015.
After completing his first term in November 2020, Yakubu was nominated for a second and final term by President Buhari, confirmed by the Senate, and sworn in on December 1, 2020.
“Tinubu is shopping for Prof. Yakubu’s replacement, and Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan is likely to be the next INEC Chairman,” a top government source told SaharaReporters in September.
Amupitan’s Profile
Amupitan is a legal scholar and administrator with over 34 years of academic and professional experience. A native of Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State, he is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and together they are blessed with four children.
Amupitan began his academic journey at the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer. He steadily rose through the academic ranks, becoming a Reader in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008.
Over the years, he has held several key administrative positions, including Head of Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and a member of the University’s Governing Council.
He has also served on the Governing Councils of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Council of Legal Education. Today, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
In December 2023, Professor Amupitan was inaugurated as the second Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), thereby affording him affiliation with the school.
According to records online, he obtained his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing the Barrister at Law program at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
He went on to earn a Master of Law degree in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Law in 2007, both from the University of Jos. In recognition of his achievements in the legal profession, he was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.
His areas of specialisation include the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law.
Amupitan has contributed to research, focusing on the legal frameworks for privatisation, reform of electoral laws, and reforms in petroleum and corporate governance laws.
He is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the National Association of Law Teachers.
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