Politics
Senate Approves 2020-2022 MTEF,FSP …Raises FG’s Expenditure Estimates

The Senate yesterday, approved the 2020 to 2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper(FSP).
The approval, followed the adoption of a 16-point recommendations by the National Assembly Joint Committee Finance and National Planning which considered the MTEF and FSP documents.
Part of the recommendations approved by senate was to increase the Federal Government’s total expenditure estimates in the MTEF/FSP from N10.002 trillion to N10,729.4 trillion.
This amounts to an increase of additional N729 billion.
The joint committee had conducted a public hearing on the MTEF and FSP on October 2.
The committee had engaged revenue generating agencies in the country on the contents of the MTEF and FSP forwarded by President Muhammadu Buhari for consideration.
Following, debates by over 20 senators on the recommendations, senate adopted the 57dollars per barrel as crude oil benchmark price for the fiscal year 2020.
It also approved the retaining of N305 to one dollar to ensure economic stability.
It also adopted 2.18mbpd as daily crude oil production output in 2020.
It noted that the 2.18mbpd approved would be realised, given concerted effort by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and security agencies to combat oil theft and vandalism.
It also recommended an increase in the revenue target of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) from N942.6 billion to N1.5 trillion,given the performance of the NCS in the last nine months.
It further recommended that N557.4 billion from the revenue increment of NCS be used to reduce borrowing by N200 billion and increase capital expenditure.
This,it said would help decrease the size of the budget deficit from N1.7 trillion to N1.5trillion and also increase capital available to MDAs by N357 billion from N1.01trillion to N1.367 trillion.
It recommended the adoption of N1.5trillion as the amount for new borrowing,adding that the borrowing must be tied to critical projects to increase productivity.
It also recommended the earmarking of 1 per cent of the consolidated revenue to finance basic health care.
It recommended that proper investigation be carried out on the electronic collection of stamp duties domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN)to ensue accountability and increase revenue base.
It also recommended proper investigation on NNPC to ascertain the actual cost associated with the joint venture oil agreements.
It recommended for a call for an urgent review of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and other laws of the revenue generating agencies to align with current realities.
It further urged the national assembly to expedite action on the passage of the finance bill which would be brought along with the budget.
2020 budget by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Lawan said there was the need for the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to widen the tax net to generate more revenue for capital expenditure.
Lawan said there was the need for other revenue generating agencies to provide their revenue performances, noting that only that of the NCS was indicated in the recommendation.
He also called for the diversification of the economy from a mono economy via agriculture, solid minerals and tourism
Politics
Natasha’s Counsel Writes Senate Over Court Judgment
The legal counsel to the Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has faulted the National Assembly’s interpretation of a Federal High Court’s judgment which ordered her reinstatement to the Senate, insisting that the judgment was binding and must be complied with in full.
In a rejoinder dated July 14, and addressed to the Director of Litigation and Counselling, Legal Services Directorate of the National Assembly, Mr Charles Yoila, Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Mr Michael Numa (SAN), accused the Senate of misinterpreting the decision of the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of National Assembly & 3 Ors.
The lawyers responded to an earlier correspondence from the National Assembly dated the same day, in which the Senate purportedly treated the court’s judgment as advisory. They argued that the enrolled judgment was not suggestive, but declaratory and mandatory in nature.
“The preamble of the enrolled order begins with the words ‘it is hereby ordered’ and proceeds to enumerate 12 distinct and substantive orders,” the letter stated.
“Of particular relevance is Order 12 which directed that the Senate should recall the plaintiff. While the word ‘should’ is used, the context of the full judgment supports a binding construction”, it argued.
The legal team noted that the plaintiff had sought, among other reliefs, an order nullifying the recommendations and findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which had led to her suspension. They further referenced that the plaintiff’s application for a mandatory injunction was heard alongside the substantive matter and was incorporated into the composite judgment.
Referencing Order 4 of the enrolled judgment, Mr Numa maintained that the court had adjudged the suspension of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan as unconstitutional, excessive, and ultra vires.
He contended that, pursuant to Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate’s action was null and void to the extent of its inconsistency with constitutional provisions.
The letter made reference to Section 287(3) of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities and persons to give effect to the decisions of courts. It also invoked Section 318, which defines a court decision to include judgment, decree, order, conviction, sentence, or recommendation.
To reinforce the legal position, the letter cited *Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd* (2025) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1994) 125 at 144–145, where the Supreme Court held that recommendations arising from adjudicated disputes may constitute binding judicial acts.
“The judgment in this case falls squarely within the definition of enforceable judicial determinations,” Mr Numa argued, urging the Legal Services Directorate to revisit the enrolled order and advise the Senate to comply accordingly.
He emphasised that compliance with the judgment was not optional or discretionary, but a constitutional obligation binding on the Senate under the principle of separation of powers and judicial supremacy.
In a final note, the legal team informed the National Assembly that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to resume her legislative duties on July 22, especially in light of the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the development as a moment of national transition.
The letter concluded with a caution that the embattled senator reserves the right to pursue all legal avenues to enforce her rights should the Senate continue to defy the judgment.
This development sets the tone for a potential legal showdown between the judiciary and the legislature over the enforcement of court orders, especially in politically sensitive matters involving elected representatives.
Politics
Alleged Money Laundering: Fayose Has No Case To Answer, Court Tells EFCC
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, of all charges bordering on alleged money laundering and theft amounting to N6.9 billion.
The court’s decision followed the judge’s ruling in favour of Mr Fayose’s no case submission, bringing to an end a long running legal battle.
It would be recalled that on May 20, 2025, Justice Aneke had reserved ruling on the no case submission after hearing arguments from Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), counsel to Mr Fayose (the 1st defendant); Olalekan Ojo (SAN), counsel to the 2nd defendant, Spotless Investment Limited; and Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mr Fayose and his company had been re-arraigned on an 11 count charge of money laundering and theft, offences the EFCC alleged took place during his tenure as governor and involved funds linked to the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki.
Adopting the no case submission dated July 16, 2025, Chief Agabi argued that the prosecution “failed to establish a prima facie case.”
He told the court, “With due respect, the predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water. Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct, and no co-conspirator was charged alongside the defendant.”
He further noted that Abiodun Agbele, allegedly involved in the offences, was not jointly tried, which he said weakened the prosecution’s case and urged the court to hold that Mr Fayose had no case to answer.
Counsel for the 2nd defendant, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), also adopted a no case submission dated March 21, 2025, pointing out that key evidence by prosecution witnesses had been discredited. He highlighted the testimony of the 13th prosecution witness, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who admitted there was no communication between Mr Fayose and the then NSA.
However, the EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the no case submissions. Adopting the commission’s counter affidavit and written address dated May 8, 2025, Jacobs argued that the defence failed to explain several suspicious transactions.
Mr Jacobs recalled evidence from EFCC investigator, Mr Abubakar Madaki, who told the court that Mr Fayose used associates to acquire multiple properties in Abuja, Lagos, and abroad—properties those associates later denied owning, but which Mr Fayose claimed in his statements.
“If the money was clean, why not buy the properties in his name?” Mr Jacobs asked.
Mr Jacobs also cited Sen. Obanikoro’s testimony that Mr Fayose requested funds in cash and introduced Mr Agbele to facilitate the handover, stressing that “the defendant has questions to answer.”
Delivering his verdict, Justice Aneke ruled that the EFCC failed to establish any prima facie case against Mr Fayose and could not provide concrete evidence linking him to the alleged crimes.
Politics
Bayelsa APC Hails Late Buhari As Change Agent In Nigerian Politics
The Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Doifie Buokoribo, noted that in a world where politics is often defined by elitism and standoffishness, the late Buhari stood out as a unique example of a statesman and influencer who was popular with the masses and respected by the elite.
The statement read’s in part: “He was a leader who embodied the values of courage, discipline, integrity, and compassion. Buhari’s commitment to duty and the nation was unwavering, both as a soldier and a politician. He led with a strong sense of responsibility, which prioritised the well-being of the people and the security of the nation.
“He brought to politics a strategic mindset that combined the discipline and nerve of a soldier and the diplomacy of a politician. He determinedly went for the presidency of his country, braving all odds, until victory came his way in 2015.
“It was a sweet victory, one that changed the course of politics in the country, being the first time that an incumbent president would lose to the opposition.
“Buhari contested for the presidency a consecutive four times, in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. He stayed the course until some day came in 2015, when he finally met his goal.”
According to the APC State Publicity Secretary, “Buhari’s quiet strength and unshakeable resolve endeared him to many across social classes. He was a friend of the poor and a rallying point for the elite.”
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