Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • ADC’s display of ignorance on public budgeting, accounting procedure, worrisome – Group

    ADC’s display of ignorance on public budgeting, accounting procedure, worrisome – Group

     

    By Bassey Asuquo

    The Democratic Front (TDF) has said it was surprised at the display of ignorance by the leaders of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC)on public budgeting and accounting procedures.

    This according to it is despite the acclaimed experience of many of its leaders in public administration.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group noted that it was surprised by the party’s description of the rollover of 70% of the 2025 capital budget, as “fiscal confusion”.

    It said: “We note that the rollover of 70% of the 2025 capital budget by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the 2026 budget was clearly understood and well commended by both economic experts and MDAs of government, as a significant move that will eliminate abandoned projects in the country, and also promote continuity in federal government spending.

    “It is even more disappointing that the ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi not appreciate the damage which abandoned projects have done to infrastructural and economic development efforts in the country, despite being a former cabinet member.

    “We, on our part, commend the Tinubu administration for giving priority to the completion of all abandoned projects in the country, because of how it has encouraged corruption and other sharp practices that culminated in waste of public expenditure under successive governments.

    “The ADC should be truthful to Nigerians by acknowledging that other factors like fluctuations in revenue generation, shortfall in crude oil production output, and the challenges of meeting the benchmark for global crude oil prices (which are not within the grip of the government), could necessitate a rollover in an annual capital budget.

    “At this point, the leaders of opposition in Nigeria should realise that not everything is politics. Jumping into the public space with criticisms, without a proper understanding of the issues at stake, like they often do, portrays their political camps in a bad light, and confirms their desperation to control power, without adequate knowledge of governance.

    “Therefore, we disagree with the ADC National Publicity Secretary that the implementation of the national budget under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a cause for concern. Rather, it is our opinion that the President acted in good faith.

    “His decision to rollover 70% of the 2025 capital expenditure will allow for the completion of ongoing projects, and also instil fiscal discipline in budgetary planning and implementation by government.”

    It added that the ADC should be more concerned with how to redeem its image in a few months for the 2027 general elections.

    End

  • False claim against Tinubu: Court threatens to revoke Sowore’s bail

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, threatened to revoke the bail it granted Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, following his absence in court in the ongoing trial on alleged defamatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu.

    Justice Mohammed Umar, who issued the threat, also said he would issued an arrest warrant for his forceful production should he fail to attend court on the next adjourned date.

    Justice Umar gave the warning following an application by lawyer to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.

    Kehinde had observed that Sowore chose not to attend court despite evidence that he was served with hearing notice through his team of lawyers.

    Sowore, also a politician, is being prosecuted by the DSS for allegedly making false claim against the person of Present Bola Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

    When the case was called on Thursday, neither Sowore nor any of his team of lawyers was in court.

    Reacting to the development, Kehinde said that the business of the day was for the defence to conclude his cross examination of the first prosecution witness.

    The prosecuting lawyer said he confirmed from the court’s registry that hearing notice was served on the defendant through his lawyers, just as the prosecution was also served.

    The senior lawyer said there was no reason given by the defendant for his absent in court.

    He equally said that no reason was given by his lawyers, who are about 30 in number, why they were not in court.

    Citing the provision of Section 352(1)&(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, Kehinde prayed the court to among others, order the revocation of the bail granted the defendant and issue a bench warrant against him for his immediate production in court to face his trial.

    Ruling, Justice Umar, who confirmed that Sowore was duly served with hearing notice through his lawyers, however noted that the defendant had always attended court since the case began late last year.

    The judge also noted that past adjournments granted in the case had been at the instance of both the prosecution and the defence.

    He said the defendant should be given the benefit of the doubt since it was his first time of being absent in his trial.

    Justice Umar, however, said should Sowore fail to attend court on the next date, he would not hesitate to grant the prosecution’s request that the defendant’s bail be revoked and arrest warrant issued against him.

    The judge then adjourned the matter untill March 16 for continuation of trial.

    He also ordered that hearing notice be further issued on the defence.

  • Tambuwal, Abaribe, 7 other senators defect to ADC

    Tambuwal, Abaribe, 7 other senators defect to ADC

     

    By Naomi Sharang
    Abuja:   Nine senators across different political parties, on Thursday, defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The senators are Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto; Eyinnaya Abaribe, Abia; Binos Yaroe, Adamawa; Victor Umeh, Anambra; Tony Nwonye, Anambra; Lawal Usman, Kaduna; Ogoshi Onawo, Nasarawa State; Augustine Akobundu, Abia and Ireti Kingibe, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The letters of defection addressed to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio were read during plenary.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Open Defecation: Lagos State Govt. apprehends 5 

    Open Defecation: Lagos State Govt. apprehends 5 

     

    By Deborah Akpede

    Lagos:  The Lagos State Government, through its Anti-Open Defecation Squad, has apprehended five individuals on Thursday during an early morning enforcement operation at Ebute Ero and surrounding areas of Lagos Island.

    The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed this in a post shared on his X handle @tokunbo_wahab.

    Wahab said that the operation was carried out to curb open defecation and other environmental nuisances, adding that the squad targeted locations identified as hotspots for environmental violations within the area.

    “The enforcement team arrested five defaulters during the exercise.

    “The suspects were taken to the enforcement office at Sura-Simpson for further investigation,’’ he said.

    The commissioner said that the offenders would subsequently be transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) in Oshodi for prosecution in accordance with existing environmental laws in the state.

    He reiterated the state government’s commitment to maintaining environmental sanitation, and urged residents to comply with sanitation regulations to promote a cleaner and healthier environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • New tax reform will ease burden on low-income earners- FCT-IRS boss

    New tax reform will ease burden on low-income earners- FCT-IRS boss

     

     

    By Nana Musa

    Abuja:  The Acting Executive Chairman of the The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr Michael Ango, says the Nigeria’s new tax reform is designed to ease the burden on low-income earners.

    Ango said this at the BusinessDay Tax Reform Conference, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The conference is Themed ”Navigating the New Tax Regime: What It Means for Your Wallet”.

    He said that the new tax reform was designed to ensure fairness and equity in revenue collection.

    “The lowest income earners in the country will be relieved from taxation. We will try to relieve this people who earn within a certain threshold, while ensuring that those on higher income bands contribute their fair share.

    “Taxation is an invitation from government to partner with them in providing essential services.

    “If we all contribute, government can build schools, hospitals, roads, and provide security so citizens can go about their businesses without interference,” Ango said.

    He urged every Nigerian to understand the reform, visit government offices, and ask questions.

    “This is not about politics, it is about progress and building a system that works for everyone,” he added.

    The Chairman of the National Tax Implementation Committee, Mr Joseph Tegbe, in his remarks, said that the country’s new tax system was simple, fair and efficient.

    “Nigerians have nothing to fear in the new tax reforms and anyone who feels over-taxed can always file complaints which will be reviewed by appropriate tax authorities.

    “The goal of this reform is to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient for government, businesses and for all of us who live and work in the country,” he said.

    Earlier, the publisher of BusinessDay, Mr Frank Aigbogun, said the event was organised to bridge the gap between policy intent and everyday economic reality.

    Aigbogun whom was represented by the executive director, Mr John Osadolor, said it was also to take an in-depth look at the recent tax reforms introduced by the president.

    “These laws are designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax landscape, drive economic growth, increase revenue generation and enhance effective tax administration across all levels of government,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Prof, Uche Uwaleke, from Nasarawa State University Keffi, said that the reform would bring relief for households and support for small businesses.

    “For many households, the reform will provide significant relief by expanding exemptions for low-income earners and protecting pensions and healthcare contributions from additional tax burdens,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • MURIC HAILS FG FOR SUSPENDING FUEL IMPORTATION, CALLS FOR 100% CRUDE OIL SUPPLY TO LOCAL REFINERIES

    MURIC HAILS FG FOR SUSPENDING FUEL IMPORTATION, CALLS FOR 100% CRUDE OIL SUPPLY TO LOCAL REFINERIES

     

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    ‎The Federal Government (FG) yesterday suspended petrol imports into the country due to noticeable boost in local production.

    ‎‎Meanwhile an Islamic human rights ‎organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has commended FG for the suspension. The group also advocated for adequate supply of crude oil to local refineries in order to encourage self-sustainability in energy for Nigeria.

    ‎‎This was contained in a statement circulated to newsmen on Thursday, 12th March, 2026 by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

    ‎‎Full details of the press release:

    ‎‎The Federal Government (FG) yesterday suspended petrol imports into the country after noticeable boost in local production (https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/11/fg-suspends-petrol-imports-over-boost-in-local-production/).

    ‎‎”This is a commendable step. Local production has received additional oxygen with this new policy. It is forthright and nationalistic. But as we hail FG for widening the market for local refineries and blocking the likelihood of saturation through excessive and unnecessary inflow of petroleum products, we must at the same time remind government to enable full and effective operation in the local refineries by supplying them with 100% crude oil.

    ‎‎”It stands logic on its head if in spite of decades of suffering from fuel scarcity, a refinery like Dangote emerges but still it cannot get 100% crude oil supply.

    ‎‎”Reports of the supply of only 28% to 32% of the crude oil required by Dangote Refinery is not only disturbing but nauseating. This is where nationalistic proclivities should come in.

    ‎‎”We therefore urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue an executive order for the supply of 100% crude oil required by local refineries.‎

    ‎”Another commendable step taken by FG is the release of 100,000 CNG buses to alleviate the transportation challenges faced by Nigerians. However, this policy needs to be complemented by an executive order that 100% crude be supplied to local refineries especially at this critical time.

    ‎‎”We cannot expect a humongous refinery like Dangote which has to go to traders and middle men to buy more than 72% of the crude oil required by it to avoid factoring this unnecessary overhead into its price policy. FG has the capacity to make life easier for Nigerians by making 100% crude oil supply its cardinal policy. Nigerians will hail Mr. President if he could issue an executive order today to kick-start this policy.”

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  • Oil Climbs $101

    Brent crude jumps nearly 20% despite International Energy Agency announcing release of 400 million barrels from reserves

    Kanyshai Butun

    ISTANBUL

    Oil prices climbed above $101 a barrel Thursday, despite the International Energy Agency (IEA) announcing a unanimous agreement among its 32 member countries to release 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves, Al Jazeera reported.

    Futures for Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped nearly 20% as the news failed to ease concerns over prolonged disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

    Brent was trading near $101 a barrel as of 0200GMT, up more than 38% from levels seen before the start of the Iran war.

    Member countries of the IEA agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from their strategic reserves, the largest coordinated release in history, to calm energy markets shaken by the war in the Middle East, the head of the energy watchdog announced Wednesday.

  • Police detain 5,895 suspects for various offences within one-year in Enugu

    Police detain 5,895 suspects for various offences within one-year in Enugu

    Police detain 5,895 suspects for various offences within one-year in Enugu

    No fewer than 5,895 suspects have been detained for various criminal offences and 168 victims of kidnapping rescued within one year in Enugu State.

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu in a press briefing on the achievements of the Police Command in Enugu State after he assumed office a year ago.

    Giwa said that 5,163 of the suspects detained in the period under review were detained for offences such as stealing, vandalism, human trafficking, fraud, and house-breaking.

    According to him, 148 suspects were detained for armed robbery; 129 suspects for kidnapping; 158 suspects for murder; and 48 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

    The commissioner said that 39 suspects were detained for rape or defilement and 210 suspects for cultism, illicit drug trafficking, and related crimes.

    He said, “On recoveries within the last one year of my stewardship; 105 firearms, including 22 AK-47 rifles and one G-3 automatic rifle were recovered.

    “665 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres were recovered; 118 stolen, snatched, or abandoned vehicles and large quantities of illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits were recovered.

    “The detentions and cases represent the successes the Command has achieved under my watch through proactive, intelligence-led policing and operational coordination”.

    The commissioner said that within the past one year, the command had  prosecuted 1,248 cases in the court, got 237 cases convicted and 368 cases still undergoing investigation.

    Giwa said that the command under his watch successful hosted some recent events, which included: the peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year across the state.

    “Successful celebration of 2026 Legal Week in January 2026; successful hosting of the South East Vision 2050 (SEV2050) Stakeholders Forum; and successful hosting of Zion Movement Outreach Crusade in February in Enugu.

    “The Annual General Conference of the
    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which attracted over 20,000 lawyers across Nigeria and lasted for one week, was held successfully in Enugu without
    any hitch in August 2025,” he said.

    The state police boss appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for the impressive and determined reforms he had already initiated within the Force.

    “I pray that Almighty God grants him the grace, strength, and wisdom required to actualise his excellent vision for the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

    The commissioner lauded Gov. Peter Mbah, sister security agencies, law-abiding citizens, and officers and men of the command for their unwavering support, resilience and commitment to a safe and secured Enugu State.

  • Bangladesh Seeks US Approval to Import Russia Fuel Oil

    Bangladesh Seeks US Approval to Import Russia Fuel Oil

     

    Request comes as global energy supplies tighten and prices remain volatile

    Faisal Mahmud

    DHAKA, Bangladesh

    Bangladesh has requested approval from the US to import fuel oil from Russia similar to temporary concessions granted to India amid tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global energy markets.

    The issue was discussed during a meeting Wednesday between Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen at the Planning Ministry in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

    Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Chowdhury said such a concession would significantly benefit the national economy during the current global energy crisis.

    The US has reportedly assured that the matter will be communicated to authorities in Washington for further consideration.

    The discussion between the two sides focused on uncertainties in the global energy market, particularly the supply of oil and gas.

    Chowdhury said the meeting also explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and the US in trade, investment and economic development.

    The global energy market has become unstable following escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The crisis intensified after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, which was followed by retaliatory actions by Tehran.

    As a result, fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important routes for oil transportation — have been disrupted. This has halted or reduced energy supplies from Persian Gulf countries, creating volatility in international energy markets.

    Meanwhile, sanctions imposed by the US on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 continue to affect global oil trade.

    Despite these restrictions, Washington recently allowed India temporary flexibility to purchase Russian oil that had been stranded at sea due to the sanctions.

    Bangladesh hopes to receive a similar exemption to help stabilize its energy supply and reduce pressure on its economy.

    During the meeting, the two sides also discussed enhancing institutional capacity within Bangladesh’s government agencies.

    Asked about the possibility of a bilateral trade agreement with the US, Chowdhury said there has been no specific decision yet. He added that the government is carefully considering how any such agreement could best serve Bangladesh’s national interests.

    He also said that the government is preparing contingency plans to address possible scenarios if the Middle East conflict continues for the short, medium or long term.