
News
‘This is not a Nightclub’, Akpabio cautions Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan


Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, told the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that the Senate chamber was not a night club, therefore, she must be recognised before speaking during plenary.
The Senators were debating a bill for an Act to establish National Road Transport Council, sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC Kwara South).
The bill titled, ‘National Road Transportation Council (Establishment) Bill, 2024’, was aimed at “regulating the road transport industry and the transport profession and other related matters in Nigeria.”
While many senators supported the bill, others including Senators Victor Umeh and Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), kicked against it.
Opponents of the bill argued that creating the Council would be a duplication of the functions of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Vehicles Inspection Office (VIO).
They argued that the bill shouldn’t be passed at a time the government was trying to implement the Oronsanye report by merging some of the agencies with similar functions.
When Akpabio subjected the bill to voice vote to determine its acceptance or rejection, many senators said ‘aye’ and many others said ‘nay.’ This happened twice.
Senator Natasha who earlier contributed and suggested that the issue of water transportation should also be looked into, to relieve the roads of serious burden stood up again without Akpabio’s permission.
The female Senator said, “Mr President, we don’t want the bill to be killed, we just want a bit of clarification. We don’t want the bill killed, but it should be slightly modified.”
But responding, Akpabio said, “Distinguished Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognised before you speak. We are not in a night club.” Senator Natasha responded saying, “Oh, pardon me.”
After that, the debate continued and the bill was eventually rejected by senators.
Daily Trust
News
JAMB: Igbos won’t accept resit exam, score all affected candidates 300 —Ohanaeze Ndigbo


Youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described as unacceptable the decision by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, to fix a fresh examination for those affected by what it called errors in the recently released results.
JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, had on Wednesday admitted that errors led to the low score of candidates in the five South-East states and Lagos State.
The Board then said arrangement had commenced to reschedule the exam for the affected candidates.
But, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the arrangement was totally unacceptable.
Okwu said it was a disservice for JAMB to subject the candidates to “another round of mental torture, stress and risk” for no fault of theirs.
“We want to state unequivocally that our people will not accept any fresh examination, having already been subjected to mental torture by JAMB.
“The candidates are not in the right frame of mind to undergo another examination, having been subjected to mental torture ever since the fake results were announced.
“Besides, who is going to bear the cost? The same parents who are facing severe financial challenges?
“What of the risk of moving to the examination locations, in a country ravaged by insecurity?” Okwu queried.
He declared that, “having said this, we demand that JAMB should allocate 300 score to all the South-East candidates affected by its own error not that of the candidates. Igbos are very brilliant people and could have made 300 and above.
“It was a deliberate design to punish the people of the South-East, clearly to deny them education opportunities.
“Should JAMB fail to heed to our request, we shall not hesitate to drag them to court, no form of crocodile tears by the Registrar will save the Board.”
News
JUST IN: Nigeria’s inflation rate drops to 23.7%


The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a slight decline in Nigeria’s headline inflation rate, which eased to 23.71 percent in April 2025 from 24.23 percent recorded in March.
The Bureau released the latest figures in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) update on Thursday.
According to the agency, the movement for April 2025 “headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 0.52% compared to the March 2025 Headline inflation rate”.
“On a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in April 2025 was 1.86%, which was 2.04% lower than the rate recorded in March 2025 (3.90%),” NBS said.
“This means that in April 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level is lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in March 2025.”
News
Anambra govt bans public almsgiving, street begging


The Anambra State Government has banned the distribution of food items and other gifts to street beggars in public spaces, particularly under the Aroma Bridge in Awka, the state capital, and other locations.
The state government also banned all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading beneath the bridges in Awka, insisting that the move became necessary to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which is the face of the state.
A statement released by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority, Ossy Onuko, on Thursday, stated that the directive is part of the state government’s efforts to sanitise the capital city and maintain public order.
Onuko said anyone found violating this new directive will be arrested and prosecuted.
He, however, cautioned content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups against distributing food, cash, or any form of alms to street children and beggars in public spaces, particularly.
While acknowledging that some of the “charitable acts” were for good intentions, he expressed concerns that they are inadvertently contributing to the continued loitering and congregation of destitute individuals in dangerous locations.
He said, “The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids.
“Although their intentions may be noble, they ultimately contribute to the degradation of the capital city and put the lives of these children at risk. These children are exposed to potential harm, such as being knocked down by vehicles, abused by unruly adults, or even recruited into criminal activities.
“Such actions are illegal and we hereby warn that any individual or group found engaging in them will be seen as promoting civil disorder and will face legal action.”
He also advised that all charitable activities be conducted through accredited institutions, such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations, where support can be provided in a more structured and secure manner.
Onuko further urged the general public to work with the state government to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which represents the face of Anambra State.
“Charitable acts should be channeled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered NGOs, where support can be professionally administered to those in need.
“Alternatively, donations can be made to private homes and spaces that do not create public nuisances,” he added.
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