Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Gov Otu Supports Muslim Community With ₦10 Million, 150 Bags of Rice for Festive Period

    Gov Otu Supports Muslim Community With ₦10 Million, 150 Bags of Rice for Festive Period

     

    The Chairman of the Cross River State Muslim Welfare and Pilgrims Board, Imam Kabeer Olowolayemo, has received a cash donation of ₦10 million and 150 bags of rice from the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, in support of Muslims across the state during the festive period.

    Imam Olowolayemo described the intervention as timely and thoughtful, noting that it would provide relief to many families and strengthen the spirit of sharing that defines the season. He expressed appreciation to the Governor for his consistent commitment to inclusive governance and social welfare.

    The Board Chairman also thanked the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, for facilitating the release of the funds and food items, commending his role in ensuring that the Governor’s goodwill reached the intended beneficiaries without delay.

    Using the occasion, Imam Olowolayemo called on Muslims across Cross River State to use the festive period to pray for peace, unity, and continued progress in the state. He urged the faithful to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and mutual respect, and to support efforts aimed at strengthening harmony among all communities.

    He reaffirmed the readiness of the Cross River State Muslim Welfare and Pilgrims Board to work with the state government in promoting the welfare of Muslims and contributing positively to the overall development of Cross River State.

  • The Dawn announces new exco following DHP’25

    The Dawn announces new exco following DHP’25

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The Dawn Ng, a Nigerian Muslim professional group and youth-focused organization, has announced the inauguration of its new executive leadership for the 2025–2027 tenure , following the successful conclusion of the Dawah Holiday Program 2025 (DHP’25) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Abdullah Mumuni, the new
    National Amir and Abdul-hamid Bello, Head of Media, in a press statement on Friday, said “The leadership transition, formally unveiled during the closing session of DHP’25, marks a strategic step in strengthening institutional governance, expanding da‘wah efforts, and advancing sustainable development across all operational districts of the organisation.”

    They added that “The newly appointed executives are entrusted with steering the affairs of The Dawn over the next two years, in line with its mission of faith-based development, youth engagement, and community impact.”

    The new Executive Council members and their portfolios are:

    Amir: Abdullah Mumuni

    Naibul Amir: Salahudeen Ogundipe

    Amirah: Monsuroh Odunlami

    Naibatul Amirah: A’isha Yusuf

    General Secretary / Head, Strategic Development & Partnerships:
    Sodiq Zakariyah

    Assistant General Secretary:
    Habeebah Busari

    Da‘wah Coordinators:

    I: Abdulsobur Aderemi
    II: Al-Ameen Mumuni

    MEDIA (Editorial, publicity, etc)
    Head: Abdul-hamid Bello

    Editor:A’isha Adesina

    FINANCE DEPARTMENT
    Head: Alli-Balogun Fathiatullah
    Deputy: Fatima Adeoti

    EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
    Ex-Officio I: Abdulhafeez Aboto
    Ex-Officio II: Habeebah Adelu

    DISTRICT COORDINATORS (Amirs and Amirah and their deputies)

    Abuja District
    Coordinator: Ahmad Olarewaju
    Deputy Coordinator: Farouq Lee
    Coordinator II: Arafat Sekoni

    Kwara District
    Coordinator: Habeebullah Abubakar
    Deputy Coordinator: Kamaldeen Aboto
    Coordinator II: Aminah Balogun
    Deputy Coordinator II: Hikmah Okunlola

    Lagos District
    Coordinator: Abdullateef Adekoya
    Deputy Coordinator: Muzamil Ligali
    Coordinator II: Aisha Adeoti
    Deputy Coordinator II: Zulfah Onifade

    Osun District
    Coordinator: Kamourdeen Muhammad
    Deputy Coordinator: Idris Awotunde
    Coordinator II: Aminat Usamat
    Deputy Coordinator II: Bello Rahmah

    Oyo District
    Coordinator: Yasir Buhari
    Deputy Coordinator: Muhammad Raji
    Coordinator II: Shukroh Asake Leke-Akindele
    Deputy Coordinator II: Hibatullah Tiamiyu

    The new National Amir and the Head of Media of the group in the press statement said “The Dawn extends sincere appreciation to the immediate past executives for their service and dedication, which laid a strong foundation for institutional growth. The newly inaugurated leadership is entrusted with advancing the organisation’s mission of principled leadership, impactful da‘wah, and community transformation.

    “The conclusion of DHP’25 marks the beginning of a renewed phase of unity, strategic clarity, and purposeful engagement across all districts.”

  • Osun:  Iwo Alfas Ask APC, ADC Teams; Tell us why we Should not Vote for Adeleke

    Osun:  Iwo Alfas Ask APC, ADC Teams; Tell us why we Should not Vote for Adeleke

     

     

    (Gov. Ademola Adeleke)

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The last two days have been dramatic for the campaign teams of Najeem Sallam of the ADC and Bola Oyebamiji of APC as top clerics frontally asked why they think Ademola Adeleke did not deserve a second term.

    Reports indicated that a few days ago, the Ambo team met some top clerics at Iwo, a town renowned for its deep Islamic history.

    Eye witnesses at the meeting reported that the clerics openly asked the Ikire team to list what the APC has done for Iwo to warrant a vote for her guber candidate.

    “One of the top Alfa stood up and asked: “ We love you. We truly have no problem with you. Our problem is that your party neglected Iwo when you were in office. You cannot point to anything you did for Iwo when you were in office.

    “ That Ede man should have punished Iwo for not voting for him in 2022. He did not do that. See what he has delivered for Iwo. Roads, health centers, water works rehabilitation-why should we not vote for him ?

    Another witness said an Alfa known for his closeness to the APC in the past rose from his seat and after reciting quranic verses said : A gbodo paro. Ademola Adeleke has done well for us at Iwo. I am sorry. Iwo has decided to vote Adeleke this time around”

    Reports indicated that efforts by an Iwo prominent figure to persuade the clerics failed as the Mallams asked him: “ what were you able to bring to Iwo when you served with them?. Mention any development you brought”

    The Ikire team reportedly left unceremoniously.

    A similar situation was reported to have repeated itself today at Iwo when the ADC team came visiting.

    Top source at the venue said Sallam led the team, requesting prayers for his gubernatorial ambition.

    A top cleric very popular at Iwo was reported to have stood up even before the visitors made their presentations and spoke at length about neglect of Iwo by previous governments.

    Speaking in Yoruba translated here, the cleric condemned the habit of politicians who called Iwo their second home but derived joy in abandoning the town after each election.

    “ When you were in government , mention what you did for us. You came and lied to us to secure our votes and turned your back soon after.

    “ Please tell us what the APC government delivered. Nothing. Only empty promises. Now you are here again, asking for our votes. How can we trust you when you have failed us in the past”

    A leading cleric who hosted the meeting however minced no words when he took the microphone.

    “ I welcome you to Iwo, ilu afa. Let me repeat what I said at a programme recently. Adeleke has done what Iwo has never witnessed since independence. He is bringing development on all fronts.

    “ Even the blind can see the good things Adeleke is doing for Iwo. During your time , you did nothing for us. We have a governor who is delivering for us.

    “ The governor did not punish Iwo for not voting for him in 2022. He rewards us with so many good things. So why should we not vote for him in 2026?

    “ The prayer you requested is a hard one. We cannot reward good for evil. We have no reason not to support Adeleke”, the cleric was quoted as saying.

    Sallam’s team promised to do something once elected, an assurance which the clerics called belated.

  • OSUN NULGE FAULTS ALGON FACTION OVER CLAIM TO COUNCILS,WARNS AGAINST BREAKDOWN OF ORDER

    OSUN NULGE FAULTS ALGON FACTION OVER CLAIM TO COUNCILS,WARNS AGAINST BREAKDOWN OF ORDER

     

     

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has rejected claims by a faction of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) led by Mr. Abiodun Idowu over continued occupation of local government secretariats in the state, warning that any breakdown of law and order should be held against the group.

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has rejected claims by a faction of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) led by Mr. Abiodun Idowu over continued occupation of local government secretariats in the state, warning that any breakdown of law and order should be held against the group.

    In a rejoinder issued on Tuesday and signed by the Osun NULGE President, Comrade Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, the union described as “spurious and illegal” allegations made by Mr. Idowu against NULGE following the union’s resumption notice to its members.

    Ogungbangbe said the union was alarmed by what it termed forceful and unlawful claims to leadership of the 30 local government councils by the Idowu-led ALGON, insisting that the purported tenure of the chairmen and councillors expired in October 2025.

    According to the NULGE president, the union deliberately stayed away from the councils since February 2025 in the interest of peace when the local government crisis began, expressing confidence that the impasse would be resolved through constitutional and legal means.

    He faulted ALGON’s reliance on a pending court case to justify continued occupation of council secretariats, arguing that the filing of a suit at the Federal High Court does not amount to legal authority to remain in office without an interim or substantive court order.

    “There is no interim injunction or court order empowering them to remain in the council secretariats,” Ogungbangbe said, adding that mere filing of a case does not guarantee victory or confer legitimacy.

    The union questioned the implication of ALGON’s position, asking whether the group intended to remain in office indefinitely if the court case drags on for years, a situation it described as unacceptable and contrary to the law.

    NULGE urged Mr. Idowu and his team to return to court for an expeditious determination of their suit, stressing that only a favourable court ruling could lawfully empower them to resume duties at the councils.

    The union also appealed to security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to caution the ALGON faction against actions capable of disrupting peace in the state, warning that any attempt to forcefully occupy local government secretariats could lead to unrest.

    Ogungbangbe reiterated NULGE’s directive for all local government workers in Osun State to resume work at their duty posts on Monday, January 5, 2026, while advising workers to remain calm and peaceful in the face of any provocation and to report incidents to law enforcement agencies.

    He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to protecting the interests of its members and maintaining peace and stability across Osun State.

  • Centre for Community Law Sues ECOWAS Over Appointment of Commissioner

    Centre for Community Law Sues ECOWAS Over Appointment of Commissioner

     

     

    *By Orimogunje Samuel

    The Registered Trustees of the Centre for Community Law (CCL), a Nigeria-based non-governmental organisation, have instituted a suit before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (CCJ) against key ECOWAS institutions over alleged violations of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and established appointment procedures.

    In Suit *No. ECW/CCJ/APP/66/25,* dated 29th December 2025, the Centre dragged the Council of Ministers, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, and the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice before the Court, challenging the process that led to the appointment and swearing-in of Dr Habibu Yaya Bappah as Commissioner for Internal Services at the ECOWAS Commission.

    According to the Applicants, the Respondents acted unlawfully and without due regard to the ECOWAS Revised Treaty in the handling of the appointment, particularly while a related matter was already pending before the ECOWAS Court.

    Through its counsel, Olufemi Ubose, Esq., the Centre is asking the Court to determine, among other issues, whether it was lawful for the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice to swear in Dr. Bappah at the instance of the Council of Ministers; whether such action was permissible given that the President of the Court is currently presiding over a case relating to the same office; and whether the appointment complied with the provisions of the Revised Treaty, especially considering that no fresh interview was conducted.

    The Applicants contend that Dr. Bappah emerged third in the earlier selection interview, behind Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, who came first, and Mrs Chizoba Mojekwu, who came second.

    Citing the report of the ECOWAS Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee on the Selection and Evaluation of Statutory Appointees, the Centre argues that due process requires that the next highest-ranked candidate be appointed, not the lowest-ranked among shortlisted candidates.

    The suit is also anchored on Suit *No. ECW/CCJ/APP/54/25 (Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma v. President of ECOWAS Commission),* which was filed to challenge Prof. Darma’s removal from office without a hearing.

    The Applicants expressed concern that the President of the ECOWAS Court, who is presiding over that matter, went ahead to swear in a successor, an action the Applicants describe as a breach of judicial integrity and a violation of the Court’s governing protocols.

    Among the reliefs sought, the Centre is asking the Court to declare the appointment and swearing-in of Dr Bappah unlawful; to hold that the President of the ECOWAS Court violated his oath of office; to rule that the appointment process breached ECOWAS rules on merit-based recruitment; and to order either the appointment of the second-ranked candidate or a fresh interview.

    The Applicants also seek guarantees of non-repetition and other consequential orders.

    The Centre warned that allowing the Respondents’ actions to stand would further erode public confidence in ECOWAS institutions and undermine the rule of law within the Community.

    The suit was filed by Olufemi Ubose, Esq., on behalf of the Centre for Community Law, an organisation committed to promoting and protecting the rights of ECOWAS citizens and upholding the rule of law within the Community.

  • Nigeria’s New Tax Law: The Way Forward

    Nigeria’s New Tax Law: The Way Forward

     

     

    In a Public Memorandum titled “Credibility, Crisis in the Nigerian Tax Reform Act and the Imperative of Constitutional Accountability,” Dr Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili writes:

    I write as a citizen and economic policy practitioner who strongly supports tax reforms that advance growth, equity, and fiscal sustainability provided they are grounded in constitutional process, transparency, and public legitimacy.

    The current handling of the Nigerian Tax Reform Act has unfortunately undermined these foundations.

    The reported gazetting of a version of the Act that materially diverges from the text duly passed by the National Assembly raises grave constitutional concerns. Under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), legislative authority resides exclusively in the National Assembly, and the integrity of the lawmaking process is fundamental to democratic governance and the rule of law.

    Any situation in which an inauthentic legislative text is published or treated as law- whether by error, negligence, or intent-demands immediate suspension of implementation and a transparent, independent inquiry.

    Of particular concern are reports that the gazetted version contains provisions that:

    •lack clear legislative origin;
    •expand administrative discretion while weakening taxpayer protections; and
    •raise serious federalism and legality questions.

    The public interest therefore requires that the Executive and Legislature immediately:

    1.Suspend implementation of any version of the Tax Reform Act currently in circulation;
    2.Rescind all actions taken on the basis of the wrong gazetted text;
    3.Institute an independent, transparent inquiry to establish how the divergence occurred; and
    4.Restart the legislative process openly, beginning again from the public hearing stage.

    A mere “re-gazetting” without investigation does not meet democratic standards of accountability. When a significant breakdown occurs in the constitutional chain of custody of a law, responsible governance requires a system check- review, investigation, evaluation, and full public disclosure.

    Nigerians deserve full clarity on whether this episode was the result of an innocent administrative error or a more serious act involving knowing substitution or alteration of legislative text. Where wrongdoing is established, appropriate administrative and criminal liability must follow.

    A tax system cannot command voluntary compliance without legitimacy. A democracy cannot deliver good governance without accountability.

    I therefore urge the Nigerian Government and National Assembly to act decisively, transparently, and in full fidelity to the Constitution.

    The proper and only thing that should commence on January 1, 2026 is an Inquiry Process that will inspire the confidence of Nigerians and reset the grounds for an expedited legislative process for a Tax Reform Act owned by the citizens because it passes the test of credibility and legitimacy.

    Please do right…

    A former World Bank Vice President and Ex-Nigerian Education and Solid Minerals Minister, Dr Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili is Founder, SPPG – School of Politics, Policy and Governance and Co-founder Transparency International, Nigeria

  • Niger Delta ex-agitator urges Nigerians to support armed forces to combat insecurity

    Niger Delta ex-agitator urges Nigerians to support armed forces to combat insecurity

     

     

    Niger Delta ex-agitator, Mr Endurance Amagbein, on Thursday, urged Nigerians to support the armed forces to root out all forms of insecurity in the country.

    Amagbein, the self-styled General, gave the charge in his new year message he made available to newsmen in Nigeria.

    The ex-militant, who also urged Nigerians to be security conscious, stressed the need for citizens to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu to enable it deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

    Amagbein equally pledged his support to the Tinubu-led federal government and prayed God to protect the lives of military men and women who are out there to serve their fatherland.

    He urged Nigerians to keep their hope alive and expect nothing but the best in the year 2026.

    The ex-agitator, who wished the government and Nigerians a fruitful year 2026, said there is no limit to what they can achieved if they believe it can be done.

    He sent special greetings to President Tinubu and members and leadership of the National Assembly for their wisdom in keeping the country together despite the daunting challenges facing the nation.

    He said the new year is another opportunity for the citizens and the leadership of the country to support one another and commit themselves to things that promote peace and unity.

    He also congratulated the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; DSS Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, and other service chiefs for their selfless services and dedication to defending the sovereignty of Nigeria and for keeping the nation safe and peaceful.

    He prayed God Almighty to strengthen them to do more this year.

    Amagbein, fondly called Adaka Boro the Second, extended his warm wishes to the Commanding Officers of 5 Battalion Elele, Port Harcourt; the 16 Brigade, Yenagoa, and the Director of DSS in Bayelsa, including the Central Naval Command Headquarters, Yenagoa, and the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe for keeping peace and securing lives and property.

    He also sent his wishes to the government and good people of Bayelsa State led by Gov. Douye Diri, saying that his prayers are that the new year will be favourable to everyone.

    He used the opportunity to advice Nigerians to desist from everything which does not promote peace and unity.

    According to him, 2026 is a year for people to make conscious efforts towards making life easier, better and more meaningful to people.

  • Court fixes Jan. 7 for ruling on Malami, wife, son’s bail plea

    Court fixes Jan. 7 for ruling on Malami, wife, son’s bail plea

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, fixed Jan. 7 for a ruling on the bail applications filed by Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF); his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz and wife, Bashir Asabe.

    Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for the defence, Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the case.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, Hajia Bashir Asabe and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively in the money laundering case.

    The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.

    They allegedly committed the offences between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes the eight years Malami served as the AGF during the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    The commission alleged that Malami, his son, and Asabe conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

    Details later

  • Court admits Bauchi Finance commissioner to N500m bail with 2 sureties

    Court admits Bauchi Finance commissioner to N500m bail with 2 sureties

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, admitted Yakubu Adamu, Commissioner of Finance, Bauchi State, to a N500 million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, who ordered that the two sureties must be land owners within Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarimpa District of Abuja, said the property documents shall be verify by the court registry.

    He directed that the sureties must depose to affidavit of means.

    The judge said that the defendant and the sureties shall deposit their international passports with the court registrar and must not travel out of the country except with the leave of the court.

    He also held that they shall deposit two passport photographs with the court registrar.

    Justice Nwite, who ordered that Adamu should be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions, adjourned the matter until Jan. 20 for commencement of trial.

    The judge, in a ruling, held that the court was minded to exercise its discretionary power in favour of Adamu since the prosecution had no strong reason that the defendant would jump bail or interfere with the trial.

    Justice Nwite held that the power to grant bail must be exercised judicially and judiciously, hence, the need for the defendant to be admitted to bail.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025, named Adamu and a firm, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, as 1st and 2nd defendants in the money laundering case involving about N4.6 billion.

    The charge is dated and filed on Dec. 19 by EFCC’s lawyer, Samuel Chime of the Legal and Prosecution Department.

    In count one, Adamu, while acting as the Branch Manager of Polaris Bank Ltd, Bauchi, alongside Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu, Managing Director of Makayye Investment Resources Ltd (now at large) and Muntaka Mohammed Duguri (now at large), were alleged to have conspired to commit the offence, sometime between June 2023 to December 2023.

    They were alleged to have facilitated and agreed to the conversion, transfer, concealment and use of funds in the sum of about N4,650,000,000.00 (Four Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) availed by Polaris Bank under the guise of financing the supply of motorcycles to Bauchi State Governmeni through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises.

    “The motorcycles were not supplied, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(a) and punishable under Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” the count read in part.

    Count six accused Adamu, Aliyu and Duguri of retaining and causing the transfer of proceeds of an unlawful act to nominees and third parties, by causing parts of the funds connected with the Polaris Bank facility to be paid and circulated through third-party accounts sometime in 2023.

    It further alleged that the transfer included the one made through I.S. Makayye Investment Resources Ltd and the transfer of #165, 900,000.00 to Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd.

    The funds were said to formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act.

    The offence is contrary to Section 20(a) and punishable under Section 20 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts.

    The defendants were arraigned on Dec. 30, 2025, but pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge.

    The judge then ordered Adamu’s remand pending the ruling on his bail application which was argued same day.

    NAN reports that Adamu and three other co-defendants, who are Bauchi State’s workers, are also facing another criminal charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing to the tune of $9.7 million before Justice Nwite.