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Group Expresses Worry Over FG’s Failure To Release Funds For 2024 Capital Budget
The National Coalition on Accountability and Probity in Governance (NCAPG) has expressed deep concern over the Federal Government’s failure to release funds for the 2024 capital budget.
This delay has resulted in significant economic challenges, including stalled projects, increased unemployment, and reduced consumer spending.
According to the NCAPG, the government’s inability to release capital to contractors has created a ripple effect across various sectors, leading to a decline in economic activity.
Speaking at a press conference, its national coordinator, Igwe Ude Umanta said many businesses, particularly those owed by the government for contracts executed, face severe financial difficulties, including defaulting on loans and laying off workers.
“While we recognise and commend the Federal Government’s efforts to implement policies and reforms aimed at revitalizing our economy, it is evident that much more needs to be done to achieve stability and sustainable growth,” Umanta said.
“Apparently, Nigeria’s economy is presently experiencing significant challenges, exacerbated by limited liquidity, and a lack of substantial capital releases to contractors on projects execution.
“It is very unfortunate that this worrisome reality has created a ripple effect across various sectors, leading to reduction in economic activity, largely contributing to stalled projects, and creating a surge in unemployment ratio.
“Realistically right now, Businesses, particularly those owed by the government for contracts executed, are facing dire straits. Many companies which are unable to recover payments are defaulting on loans, thereby leading to mounting debts, layoffs, and, in some cases, closures.
“Evidently, the Federal Government’s failure to make capital releases to contractors is at the heart of this economic stagnation. Capital projects are crucial drivers of economic activity, and the absence of funding for ongoing and new projects has led to significant setbacks, putting Capital release as missing catalyst which is very important to saddle the economy forward.
“Firstly, it is a pitiable realisation that contractors have been unable to complete critical infrastructure projects, from roads to healthcare facilities, which are vital to national development. Secondly, it is observed that the lack of liquidity in the economy has limited the purchasing power of citizens, further compounding the challenges of inflation and unemployment.
“It Is indeed acknowledged that the federal government is currently grappling with significant fiscal constraints. However, it is imperative for the FG to recognize that capital releases are not merely expenditures—they are investments that stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.”
The NCAPG urged the Federal Government to prioritise economic stability and transparency in governance.
The group emphasises that the government must take immediate action to address the nation’s challenges, including prioritizing capital releases to stimulate economic activity and create jobs.
Umanta added that the government should also introduce targeted interventions to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the economy.
Furthermore, the NCAPG recommends that the government develop a clear and transparent repayment plan for contractors and businesses owed by the government.
This will not only boost liquidity but also rebuild trust between the government and private sector players. Regular communication with citizens is also crucial, providing updates on the status of economic policies, reforms, and projects.
The NCAPG commended President Tinubu-led administration for its efforts to implement policies and reforms but emphasized the need for tangible results.
The group believes that the government can do better and that the challenges facing the nation require a renewed sense of urgency and purpose.
The NCAPG is also calling on the economic team to report periodic progress before the implementation of the 2025 budget.
A National Youth Service Corp member, Rofiat Lawal, who was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday has regained freedom after her family paid a ransom of N1.1m.
ELANZANEWS reports that Lawal was kidnapped while en route to Ibadan, Oyo State from Benin, Edo State to resume at her place of primary assignment.
The abductors were said to have demanded an N20m ransom which her family appealed that they could not afford.
Following back-and-forth negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly reduced the N20m ransom to N5m.
Giving an update on the incident, Lawal’s friend identified as Agbakwara, who was privy to the incident, disclosed on Saturday that Aminat has regained her freedom.
Sharing a video of the victim in a Facebook post, Agbakwara wrote, “In the early hours of Friday, the kidnappers pressured us, warning that if we failed to meet their demands, we should not expect her return.
“In desperation, I reached out to everyone I could, her colleagues in school, the Muslim association, her friends from her hometown, my fans, and her family.
“Through the collective efforts and generosity of so many, we were able to raise N1.1 million, which was sent at 4:20 pm on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers.
“The recipient, Isaac Ayo, claimed that his sister had also been kidnapped and assured us he would deliver the ransom alongside his own.”
He stated that Lawal was finally reunited with her family on Saturday morning.
“For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, at around 10 pm, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital.
“This morning, we got another call confirming that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, and tagged the necessary authorities. Your support made this possible,” he concluded.
Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has launched two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and infringement of her fundamental rights.
In her legal filings, Mrs Akpabio is seeking an astounding ₦250 billion in damages, alongside an additional ₦1 billion to cover legal costs.
The suits, presented to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, arise from sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against her husband, Godswill Akpabio, during an interview on Arise News last Friday.
In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs Akpabio contends that the statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on 20th February 2025, as well as during the televised interview, represent a “flagrant violation” of her fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Referencing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mrs Akpabio is pursuing several legal remedies, including: “A declaration that the Senator’s remarks breached her fundamental rights and subjected her and her children to emotional and psychological distress.
“A perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further inciteful, scandalous, and defamatory remarks against her.
“₦250 billion in damages for what she categorises as exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages incurred as a result of the senator’s statements.”
In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), the wife of the Senate President challenges the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that they have inflicted irreparable harm on her reputation and that of her family.
She argues that the claims, aired on national television, have “tarnished her family’s reputation and brought them into disrepute and opprobrium.”
“The Defendant’s assertion on national television that the Claimant’s husband, who serves as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, made sexual advances towards her without any substantiation has severely damaged the reputation of the Claimant and her entire family,” the suit states.
Mrs Akpabio is also seeking a court declaration affirming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements were indeed defamatory.
Her requests include: “A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions on national television—that the Claimant’s husband, the Senate President, made sexual advances towards her without evidence—have harmed her reputation and that of her family, resulting in disrepute and opprobrium.
“An order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal written retraction of her statements and to provide an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in two national newspapers.
“An order mandating Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages for the ramifications of her statements on the Akpabio family’s reputation.
“A perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.”
These lawsuits represent a notable escalation in legal proceedings following a contentious exchange between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio.
The dispute first gained prominence when Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a verbal altercation with the Senate President during a Senate session, which she subsequently escalated by levelling allegations of sexual harassment during a televised interview.
The allegations have ignited a nationwide debate, drawing significant attention and eliciting mixed responses from the public.
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Governor Uba Sani Extends Warm Ramadan Greetings, Calls for Unity and Reflection in Kaduna State
As the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH begins, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Muslim faithful in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and across the globe.
In his Ramadan message, Governor Sani emphasized the importance of reflection, empathy, and solidarity during this sacred period.
Governor Sani urged Muslims to embrace the noble values of Ramadan, including generosity, brotherhood, and cooperation. He called on citizens to share food, love, time, and respect with the less privileged in society, reinforcing the spirit of compassion that defines the holy month.
“This is the time to renew our relationship with Almighty Allah and seek His mercy for our state and country,” Governor Sani stated. He also encouraged citizens to pray fervently for the sustenance of peace and unity in Kaduna State, highlighting the strength of the state’s diversity.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating peace, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring sustainable growth and development in Kaduna State. “As a government, we shall continue to do all that is necessary to place Kaduna State irreversibly on the path to progress,” he said.
Governor Sani concluded his message with a prayer for the spirit of Ramadan to illuminate the hearts and souls of all citizens. “May this holy month bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to our state and nation. Ramadan Mubarak,” he added.