News
Jonathan Moves To Amend 2013 Budget …Allays Fears Of Diplomatic Row With US
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday requested the Senate to review some clauses in the 2013 Appropriation Act to ensure the ensure hitch free implementation of the budget.
However , the amendment being requested by Mr President is perceived as capable of springing up new issues between the Presidency and the lawmakers.
Mr President had observed that some clauses in the 2013 Appropriation Act are contradictory to the theory of seperation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature while some may delay the implementation of the budget , if left as it is.
Faulting the clauses, President Jonathan, in a letter to the National Assembly through the Senate President, David Mark and read at the plenary by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the day’s sitting, described the said clauses as injurious.
The letter entitled, “Submission of the 2013 Amendment Budget Proposal and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Amendment Budget Proposal” reads in parts:
“Furthermore, the 2013 Appropriation Act includes clauses which may be injurious to the spirit of separation of powers, and which could hamper the work of the executive arm of government, I therefore request that these should be reviewed.
“The relevant clauses are Clause 6(ii) states that, the Accountant-General of the Federation shall forward to the National Assembly full details of funds released to the government agencies immediately such funds are released”, while Clause 9 states that “all accounting officers of ministries, parastatals and departments of government who control heads of expenditures shall upon the coming into effect of this Act, furnish the National Assembly, on quarterly basis, with detailed information on the Internally Generated Revenue of the agency in any form whatsoever. Both clauses run counter to the established chain of reporting.
“Clause 7 states that, “the minister of finance shall ensure that funds appropriated under this Act are released to the appropriate agencies and or organs of government as and when due provided that no fun ds for any quarter of the fiscal year shall be deferred without prior waiver from the National Assembly.”
“This requires the minister of finance to seek a waiver from the National Assembly each time the Ministry of Finance cannot make full funds releases to MDAs when due. As you are aware, the nation experiences a shortfall in revenue once in a while and if the minister seeks a waiver on each occasion, the practice would tie down budget implementation, as this would involve the minister writing a formal letter to the National Assembly to be presented in plenary and sent to the relevant committees for discussion. These would create delays and constraints on the budget implementation.
“Clause 10 states, “all revenue, however, described including all fees received, fines, grants, budgetary provisions and all internally and externally generated revenue shall not be spent by the Securities and Exchange Commission for recurrent or capital purposes or for any other matters, nor liabilities thereon incurred except with Prior Appropriation and Approval by the National Assembly.
“Considering the fact that the budget of SEC does not form part of the core 2013 Federal Budget as presented to the National Assembly, I believe that this clause ought not to have been inserted in the 2013 Appropriation Act in the first place.
“Secondly, the import of the clause is tantamount to shutting down the business of the commission with potential negative impact on the capital market.”
President Jonathan had stressed that the clauses, if not amended, could derail the work of the Executive arm of government.
He also noted that the clause, which provides that SEC budgetary allocations and revenue shall not be spent by the Securities and Exchange Commission except with prior appropriation by the National Assembly will only cripple the commission.
While it is expected that Mr President ‘s request may not go easy with the lawmakers , it could be confirmed that those clauses were articulated by the lawmakers to ensure closer grip on the budget implementation procedures and that Securities and Exchange Commission be tamed for once.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has dismissed the prospect of a diplomatic wrangling with the United States and other western nations over a controversial state pardon granted ex-corruption convicts last week.
Foreign Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru, said on Monday that the amnesty granted by President Goodluck Jonathan will not strain bilateral relations between Nigeria and other countries, less than a day after America’s richest man, Bill Gates, pulled out from a planned anti-polio campaign in Nigeria.
The pardon of former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and former Managing Director of the defunct Bank of the North, Shettima Bulama, both jailed for huge fraud, has infuriated many Nigerians, and has drawn scathing criticisms from the US, which has warned of sanctions.
The US said it viewed the decision as a “setback in the fight against corruption”.
Federal Government rejected that assertion and immediately summoned the U.S Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy in Abuja, on Friday, in protest. The foreign ministry described the US remarks as “undue interference and meddlesomeness in the internal affairs of Nigeria’’.
The Federal Government on Monday played down the prospects of drawing severe consequences over its decision to free Messrs Alamieyeseigha and Bulama.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ashiru, gave the assurance while addressing newsmen on the sideline of the inauguration of newly-appointed Foreign Service Officers.
Ashiru said arising concern over the presidential decision, will be resolved, and denied the Jonathan administration was abdicating an already shaky anti-corruption campaign of his government.
“The misunderstanding would be resolved,’’ the minister said. “I can assure you that we will resolve the misunderstanding; the fight against corruption is ongoing and I believe we all have a part to play, the government and the people.’’
The minister had earlier charged the newly-appointed foreign affairs officers to have “a profound understanding and appreciation of Nigeria’s national interests’’ as they undertook tasks ahead of them.
He also urged the officers to promote and protect the interests of the country at all times.
He advised the officers to take advantage of the five-day induction course organized by the ministry, stressing that it would enable them to compete favourably globally.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo