Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The ruling party and major opposition political groups have clashed over a massive twenty-seven billion naira allocation in the 2025  fiscal year budget for the entitlements of former presidents, vice presidents, and other retired high-ranking officials. While opposition parties criticized the expenditure as insensitive to the severe economic hardships facing ordinary citizens, arguing that the funds would be better spent on healthcare, food security, and social welfare, the governing party defended the allocation by noting that providing for former leaders is an established tradition meant to uphold the dignity of the state, while encouraging transparency and scrutiny through the legislative process.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, praised President Bola Tinubu for signing a bill that converts the Federal Polytechnic Kabo into the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, located in Kano State. This commendation was shared in a statement by Senator Barau Jibrin's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, shortly after the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, officially read President Bola Tinubu’s letters regarding the establishment of three new universities in Kano, Akwa Ibom, and Oyo states during a legislative sitting. Senator Barau Jibrin, who personally sponsored the conversion bill, emphasized that education is absolutely essential for societal progress. He stated that the upgrade demonstrates the president's strong commitment to expanding access to higher education and developing human capital. Furthermore, Senator Barau Jibrin explained that the change aligns with global standards, as the institution will train Nigeria's large youth population in modern fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity to boost national development and economic growth. The lawmaker concluded by congratulating the management, staff, students, and local community of the institution on achieving this historic milestone.

The Senate announced that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, along with key state officials, will defend the state’s 2025 budget before the Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State. This was revealed by the Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during the committee’s first meeting in Abuja. The committee was created by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. Other lawmakers present at the meeting included Senator Tahir Munguno, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, Senator Adamu Aliero, Senator Sani Musa, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, and Senator Oluranti Adebule. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele explained that both chambers of the National Assembly have agreed to hold a joint budget session for the proposal, which was submitted by President Bola Tinubu on behalf of the Sole Administrator. The budget defense will also involve the Accountant-General of Rivers State and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that the National Assembly is dedicated to maintaining financial transparency and ensuring that the people of Rivers State are not disadvantaged or shortchanged during this emergency period. He assured the public that democratic governance and the rule of law will remain functional, and that the committee has finalized its work plan to guarantee that governance does not suffer in the state.