News
NASS Passes N7.44trn 2017 Budget
The National Assembly, yesterday, passed the long awaited 2017 Appropriation Bill of N7.441trillion as the lawmakers increased the general budget figure by N3billion.
The National Assembly has also released a breakdown of its 2017 Budget of N125billion, with additional N10 billion to NASS’ 2016 Budget of N115billion.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in December, 2016 presented a budget of N7.289 trillion to the National Assembly but the lawmakers increased the figures to N7.441trillion, indicating about N143billion increase.
Details of the N143 billion increase in the budget figures shows that the National Assembly increased the budgetary allocation of the Amnesty programme (Niger Delta Development Commission) by N10billion while the lawmakers also hiked its own budget by N10billion.
The National Assembly also through the additional allocations in the budget initiated the commencement and completion of the second Abuja airport runway which was not initially in the budget at the cost N10billion, while it also enlarged the budget for road project construction across the country by N25billion.
The budget figures for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also received more funds as presented by the executive while the lawmakers in this budget initiated the renovation of the Abeokuta Airport construction of the Warri-Aladja railway line, among others.
Details of the budget indicates that out of the N7.441,175,486,758 trillion passed by the National Assembly, N2,177,866,775,867 trillion is for capital projects, while N434,412,950,249 billion is for statutory transfer.
Also, the sum of N1,841,345,727,206 trillion is for debt services, while N177,460,296,707 billion is for sinking fund, just as N2.987,550,033,436 is for recurrent (non debt) expenditure.
The statutory transfer is broken down in the budget by which N100 billion is allocated to the National Judicial Council (NJC), while N64,023,554,666 billion is allocated to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Similarly, N95,189,395,583 billion was allocated to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), while National Assembly allocated to itself the sum of N125 billion, even as the public complaint commission got N4 billion.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) got N45billion, the National Human Rights Commission got N1,2000,000,000 billion.
The lawmakers budgeted N1,488,002,436,547 trillion is for domestic debt services, while N175,882,993,952 is for foreign debt services, making a total of N1,663,885,430,499.
On the personnel aspect of the recurrent expenditure, the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation was allocated N 2,693,253,521 billion, while Ministry of Budget and National Planning was allocated N8,843,198,998 billion, and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was allocated N31,752,144,051 billion for personnel expenditure.
Also, the Ministry of Defence was allocated N330,543,309,223 billion, while the Federal Ministry of Education got an allocation of N398,686,819,418 billion, even as the Federal Ministry of Environment was allocated N16,108,983,841billion for personnel expenditure.
The Federal Ministry of Finance was allocated N9,521,555,393 billion, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was allocated N56,424,094,037billion, and the Federal Ministry of Health was allocated N252,854,396,662billion, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment got N10,797,165,779 billion for personnel expenditure.
Also, the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture was allocated N40,821,093,321billion, while Federal Ministry of Interior was allocated N472,597,817,561billion, and the Federal Ministry of Justice got N21,038,344,711billion, even as the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment got N8,626,186,611billion for personnel expenditure.
The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development got N10,385,055,182 billion, Federal Ministry of Niger Delta got N1,764,382,365 billion, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources got N63,222,101,051billion, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology got N27,785,074,208 billion, the Federal Ministry of Transportation got N14,810,103,581billion for personnel expenditure.
In the same vein, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources was allocated N7,301,176,944 billion, while the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs was allocated N1,466,534,201billion, and the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing got N32,821,929,055billion, and the
Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development got N89,316,015,167billion for personnel expenditure.
While the Fiscal Responsibility Commission was allocated N332,848,038billion, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) got N5,159,640,131billion, and the Infrastructure Concessionary and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) got N884,624,464billion, and the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology got N11,192,782,734billion, just as the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission was allocated N631,503,868 billion for personnel expenditure.
Also, the Office of the National Security Adviser got N76,281,025,653billion, while the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation was allocated N6,652,280,969billion, and the State House was allocated N22,947,666,215 and the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) got N51,933,366,906billion for personnel expenditure.
In the Capital Supplementation, a total Allocation of N310,037,229,460 billion was approved, of which the GIFMIS/IPPIS Capital budget is N5billion, while OSSAP- SDGs (Special Projects) got N9billion, and OSSAP-SDGs (Conditional Grants) is N10billion, just as OSSAP-SDGs (Social Safety Nets) is N15,902,000,000 billion, Capital Exigencies/Adjustment to Capital Cost N5billion.
The National Development Plans (Ministry of Budget and National Planning)N 1,000,000,000, Head of Service (Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board) 1,000,000,000, Zonal Intervention Projects N100,000,000,000, North-East Intervention Fund N45,000,000,000, Counterpart Funding Including Global Fund/Health 3,500,000,000.
Also, the Payment of Local Contractors’ Debts/Other Liabilities had N20,000,000,000, Galaxy Backbone had N4,000,000,000 Contingency (Capital) N10,000,000,000, Recapitalisation of Development Finance Institutions N15,000,000,000.
Subscriptions to Shares in International Organisations N28,635,229,460, SDG: Special Intervention Project N1 12,000,000,000, SDG: Special Intervention Project N2 8,000,000,000, Facilities and Technical Services N14,500,000,000.
Implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and Establishment of Delivery Unit at the Presidency hot N2,500,000,000, while the total Capital Supplementation is N310,037,229,460, and the Capital in FGN Special Intervention Programme is N150,000,000,000.
Just before the passage of the bill, the Lawmakers commended the committee and the entire red chamber for coming up with a detailed Appropriation Bill; the first of it’s kind since 1999.
Speaking earlier on the generality of the Budget, Senate Minority leader Godswill Akpabio commended the senate for doing a thorough job.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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